Johnes Named President, Helmkamp Landmark

A landmark has been reached in the 74-year history of Helmkamp Construction Co., Inc. with the appointment of Rob Johnes as president. Johnes, 37, is the first president of Helmkamp who is not a member of the family of company founder Gilbert Helmkamp.

Brad Farrell, grandson of the founder, who served as president of Helmkamp from 1994 through 2011, will assume the role of CEO. "In addition to Rob's appointment being a first for our company, a personal milestone for me coincides with this change: This year is my 25th year with Helmkamp. Rob is the logical choice to provide continuity and to take Helmkamp to the next level as I transition out over the next 8-10 years."

Rob Johnes joined Helmkamp in 1997 after completing his Bachelor of Science degree in construction engineering from SIU-E. He has worked with clients as diverse as Ameren, Washington University, Gateway Regional Medical Center, and ConocoPhillips. Johnes has coordinated technology improvements at Helmkamp including the integration of total robotic station, project management, accounting, and customer relationship systems. He has also directed the training/continuing education for Helmkamp's project management team.

Johnes lives in Alton with his wife Karin and five-year-old twins, Caroline and Raymond.

Helmkamp is a relationship-based general contractor working exclusively for private, professional, repeat buyers of construction, primarily in the industrial, power, healthcare, higher education, and telecommunication industries. Helmkamp provides self-performed general contracting services, including civil, millwright, concrete, carpentry, structural steel, and pile driving.

Helmkamp employs 150 people and has projected 2012 volume of $38 million.

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