PASSING THE TORCH
As of January 1, 2019, Jim Fowler and Sue Christopherson (Fowler) transitioned into the next phase of their careers by selling Fowler & Hammer, Inc. While under their 34 years of leadership, Fowler & Hammer, Inc. experienced tremendous growth while becoming an established leader among commercial general contractors serving the tri-state area.
Robert “Bob” Fowler, P.E., a civil engineering graduate of Marquette University, founded Fowler & Hammer, Inc. on January 22, 1963. His simple formula for success paired quality construction with competitive pricing in order to guarantee customer satisfaction and build long-lasting relationships.
After Bob’s passing in 1984, Jim and Sue continued the Fowler family tradition of providing the absolute best in workmanship and materials at a competitive price. Over the past three decades, their commitment to utilizing a corporate philosophy based on “The Golden Rule”, produced a professional workforce that takes pride in their craft and the quality of their work. The majority of the success Fowler & Hammer has enjoyed can be attributed back to their basic philosophy of treating employees and customers how they would want to be treated. Their dedication to Fowler & Hammer, its employees, and our community has provided the building blocks for future company success.
Although Jim and Sue have scaled back their roles in day-to-day operations, they will both remain employees of Fowler & Hammer, Inc. Jim has taken on the role of Senior Estimator and Sue will remain in the accounting department as an Accounting Specialist.
LESSONS LEARNED FROM SUE/JIM
IN 30+ YEARS WITH FHI
• We have always strived to make Fowler & Hammer, Inc. a place where our employees look forward to coming to work.
• Experience has shown that the best workforce duplicates the circle of life – age/experience coupled with youth/eagerness.
• If we take care of the company, it will take care of us.
• Our field personnel are our best salespeople.
• Be active in our community-what a great place to live.
• Take care of your customers. Give them the service you would expect.
• Good tools and good equipment are a great investment!
THE FUTURE OF FOWLER & HAMMER, INC.
Dave Mydy, President/CEO and Eric Lehmann, Vice President/COO have successfully transitioned into their new roles as owners of Fowler & Hammer, Inc. Dave and Eric have more than 20 years of combined experience with FHI and are dedicated to upholding the same family values our customers have grown accustomed to over the past 56 years.
Over the past few years, they have prepared for this transition by increasing their roles in strategic issues and day-to-day company management. Fowler & Hammer, Inc. is in great hands and they are both excited to lead our team through the next phase of our company’s history.
DAVE MYDY, PRESIDENT/CEO
Dave has been around FHI since he was able to carry a shovel and sweep a broom. He represents the 3rd generation of the Fowler family to lead our company. After working at FHI through high school he spent 4 years in the U.S. Navy including a tour of duty in the 1st Gulf War. Upon his return he completed a B.S. in Construction Management from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in addition to an Associate Degree in Wood Technics from Western Technical College. Dave spent several years working elsewhere in the construction industry as a Project Manager before rejoining the family business in 2010.
In total, Dave has 19 years of industry experience and is a member of the American Institute of Steel Constructors, American Concrete Institute, and the AGC Construction Career Academy Advisory Committee in addition to holding a seat on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity.
ERIC LEHMANN, VICE PRESIDENT PRESIDENT/COO
As a life-long Westby, Wisconsin resident, Eric started his career at Fowler & Hammer, Inc. as an intern from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. He completed three internships with FHI while earning a B.S. in Construction Management and a Business Management Minor. Eric’s enthusiasm and dedication to the construction process has been evident from the very beginning.
Eric currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Wisconsin and is a member of the Laborer’s Joint Apprenticeship Committee.
He also recently served as Project Manager for the largest project in company history (University of Wisconsin-La Crosse – Prairie Springs Science Center). Eric will utilize more than 12 years of industry experience to function as Chief Operations Officer for Fowler & Hammer, Inc.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
For more than 56 years, customer satisfaction has been our number one priority at Fowler & Hammer, Inc. We are excited and grateful for your support as we continue the values and traditions this company was founded upon. We look forward to providing you with high-quality construction services for years to come.
– Dave Mydy & Eric Lehmann
Grant Soper - October 30, 2019 at 8:36 pm
Congrats to all! It’s good to see that Fowler will keep good management. Very happy for both Sue and Jim. Say hi to everyone for me.
Grant Soper