RILEY CONSTRUCTION - Key Persons
Ben started with Riley Construction in 2000 as a Project Engineer and served in multiple operations and management roles before his appointment as President in 2022. Ben is a former Daily Reporter Project Manager of the Year, and a longtime board member and past president of the Wisconsin AGC. He holds a B.S. in architectural engineering, with an emphasis in structural engineering, from the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE).
Ben was born and raised in Pewaukee, WI, where he still lives today. "I always had a curiosity of how things went together, which lead me to attend MSOE," Ben said. "That curiosity continues to burn within me every day at Riley. The definition of construction management is figuring out how a building goes together before you build it for real. Our InSTEP® process allows me to be part of a planning system that is transparent and visual. In addition to our operations, Riley's people keep my fire burning. Each new intern or project engineer reignite that fire with their curiosity; each client through their excitement to build something; and each tradesperson through their artistic craftsmanship."
Ben is married to his college love, Erin. They have four boys and a chocolate lab named Chip. When he's not working, Ben enjoys outdoor activities like hunting and fishing, and spending time with his boys coaching and playing baseball, basketball, soccer, fishing, kayaking, or just playing a board game at home.
Fun Fact? "Every time I smell or taste cinnamon, I think back to a night in college where I drank enough ‘After Shock' [liqueur] that I thought it was a good idea to chip the crystals out of the bottle and eat them too."
Charles N. "Chuck" Riley began his career in the construction industry working as a masonry and concrete apprentice. After 20 years in the field, Chuck founded Riley Construction in 1965 in the basement of his home in Kenosha, Wisconsin. After 55 years, our second-generation continues to keep Chuck's legacy thriving through our dedication to quality craftsmanship and personalized service one can only get from a trusted and experienced family like ours.
Job Titles:
- Project Executive
- Riley in 2008 As a Project Manager
A 20+ year industry veteran, Chris joined Riley in 2008 as a Project Manager. He holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Minnesota. As well as being a LEED-Accredited Professional, Chris is certified in healthcare construction and infection control through WHEA (Wisconsin Healthcare Engineering Association).
Since childhood, Chris had a curiosity for how things worked or were built, so engineering and construction was an immediate draw. "The construction industry plays the humble role of rendering all other services possible, whether it be by building the new neighborhood hospital, advanced laboratory, improved school or more efficient manufacturing facility," said Chris. "The tangible imprint left on the communities we're fortunate to serve - and the opportunities and services that we make possible through our understanding of the built environment - is what makes construction rewarding."
Chris was born and raised in Racine, WI, where he resides today with his wife Karin and his two children, Jackson and Emmaleigh. He and his family enjoy exploring the vast natural resources in southeastern Wisconsin, and their free time is often spent in the woods or near the water. Chris stays active by coaching his kids' athletics and finding his way onto a court, field, or race event "as long as my body will allow!"
Fun Fact? I keep a small memento from every construction project that I've participated in - something that tells a story (good or bad!), reminds me of a lesson learned, or captures the energy and experience of working with the team on that project.
Job Titles:
- Quality Control Manager
- Riley in 2015 As a Project Manager
Craig joined Riley in 2015 as a Project Manager. After delivering successful projects for major healthcare, commercial, and industrial customers, he became the company's first dedicated Quality Control Manager in 2019. Craig holds a B.S. in construction management from UW-Platteville and Masters Certificate from UW-Madison.
Craig grew up in Marinette, WI and his first "jobsites" were building camps with friends in the Northwoods. He was introduced to engineering and technology by his father, an Industrial Engineer.
"I always enjoyed building and assembling as well as drawing, and kept notebooks of buildings and planned cities," Craig said. "As a teenager I became involved with SkillsUSA, specifically team engineering challenges. I liked working as a team to solve complex engineering problems. I was excited to pursue construction management in college, as it brought together many of my interests."
Craig is the proud father of two boys. "They've taught me patience, empathy, and resourcefulness, which have made me a better person and professional," he said. Outside of work, Craig enjoys traveling, playing golf, following all the local sports teams, coaching youth sports, and "having the greenest lawn on the block!"
Fun Fact? "I was trained in piano for 10 years."
Erin has been with Riley through her entire career, beginning as an intern in 2001. She climbed the ranks steadily, successfully leading some of Riley's largest and most complex projects, until achieving her current role of Chief Operating Officer in 2022. Erin holds a B.S. in civil engineering from the University of Minnesota.
Born and raised in Racine, WI, Erin showed a penchant for construction and engineering from a young age. "I was always good at math and science, and was told over and over that engineering would be a great field for me," she said. "I started down the path of civil engineering and later added the construction management focus." After over 20 years with Riley, Erin is happy with her decision. "I enjoy the collaboration, seeing a building take shape, and being a part of a team that sets out to achieve a common goal."
Erin and her husband Ryan built a house in Pleasant Prairie, WI, not far from Riley's headquarters, where they live with their three children: Kaitlyn, Max, and Mason. Most of her free time is spent on athletic endeavors, either her own or her family's. "I have always been a swimmer and runner but recently added yoga to the mix," she said. "I work during the week and am ‘swim mom' and ‘hockey mom' over the weekend. Kaitlyn followed in my footsteps and is a competitive swimmer and the boys followed in Ryan's and both play hockey. We are a boating family too, so sports hit pause for the summer so we can enjoy time on the lake."
Fun Fact? "I have a passion for endurance sports and have competed in 10 marathons. One of them was to help ‘Marathon Man' achieve a world record of running more than 200 marathons in 16 months across all 7 continents."
Franz started as an Intern in the summer of 2010 and came on full-time after he graduated from UW-Platteville in 2011. He has managed projects across multiple markets, but is particularly active in the healthcare sector. He was promoted to Project Executive in 2022.
Franz literally has construction in his DNA. His grandfather immigrated from Germany and served as a union mason his entire life. Growing up, Franz helped his grandfather on job sites as well as his father, who specialized in residential finished concrete. Franz spent his high school summers working for a plumbing contractor.
"I love seeing a finished product, especially the reactions of the people who will work in it and use the new space," Franz said. "Knowing so much of your adult life is spent at work, it's rewarding to provide people an incredible space that they enjoy."
Franz is married to his college sweetheart, and they have two children, a dog, and a cat. He's an avid outdoorsman and a Level II certified ski instructor.
Fun Fact? "I'm an absolutely terrible singer, but love singing in the car!"
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Preconstruction
Job Titles:
- Construction Technology Manager
A 20+ year industry veteran, Kevin joined Riley in 2017 and has since brought the company's construction technology to a world-class level. He earned his B.S. in construction management from the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). Kevin holds multiple industry certifications through groups such as WHEA (Wisconsin Healthcare Engineering Association) and Revit.
While his family was not involved in the construction industry, Kevin surmises that his interest in building probably began with his first Lego set. His passion for buildings, architecture, and construction eventually led to his pursuit of a career on the design side of the industry. "I chose construction because the industry is always changing, and every day brings something new," Kevin said. "I enjoy new challenges, new opportunities, and the overall sense of pride in being part of Riley's great projects and seeing them develop from concept into a landmark."
Kevin, his wife, and their four children (and 3 cats) enjoying living in the Lake Country area of Wisconsin. He stays busy with the kids' activities (soccer, baseball, softball, football, and basketball), and keeps up on his guitar-playing skills as much as possible. His family has been involved with Milwaukee Irish Fest for over 25 years, coordinating a couple of festival areas through planning and during the festival weekend. Kevin is also involved in STEM education groups. "I enjoy sharing the opportunities that being in construction can provide our next generation," he explained.
Fun Fact? "I'm still an avid Lego fan. I've passed that fandom to my kids just so I could justify getting more sets as an adult."
Job Titles:
- MLIS Safety & Risk Manager
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Riley in 2009 As a Division Accountant
Vince joined Riley in 2009 as a Division Accountant and was promoted to Controller four years later. He was named CFO in 2022. Vince earned both his B.S. and MBA from UW-Parkside. He is a past winner of a Future Five Young Professionals Award from Y-Link, a business networking group in the Kenosha area, for which he now serves as Vice President.
Vince was born and raised in Kenosha, and actually grew up across the street from Dave Riley! Numbers are in his blood - his father was an accountant who worked for the Kenosha News for most of his career. Though he's proven to be a fantastic CFO for Riley, Vince freely admits construction is not his forté. "Honestly, my claim to fame is changing out two toilets without flooding the house," he said. "My first exposure to the industry and Riley was when my parents' house was struck by a tornado in the dead of winter, and the Riley team made the repairs. It was a sad day, but a cool story looking back at it."
Vince and his wife Amanda met in college as undergraduate accounting students. They have a son, Vinny, and a daughter, Brooke. Amanda's family are longtime franchisees for Culver's restaurants. "The butter burgers are a nice perk," Vince admits.
Vince is a huge sports fan, whether it be playing (he grew up playing baseball and basketball), watching (Cubs, Packers, Bucks, and Badgers), or cheering on his children (they're trying everything, from baseball to tennis and swimming).
Fun Fact? "I'm a huge movie fan. Action or comedy are my favorites. I love series like Marvel, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, James Bond, and Mission Impossible. And I'll admit it… my favorite action hero growing up was Sylvester Stallone.