St. Louis Construction News and Real Estate (CNR)

People, News, Companies | 04/05/2011

Transition Begins at Holland Construction

Mike Marchal has been appointed president of the Holland Construction Services, a position held for the last 25 years by founder Bruce Holland.

Holland will now fill the role of chief executive officer. In addition to his previously held position of executive vice president, Dave Birk will take on additional responsibilities as chief operating officer.
"Bruce isn't going anywhere," Birk said. "We simply wanted to put the pieces in place and ease the transition in preparation for a time when he would like to slow down."

Marchal's proficiency lies in construction and employee management; Birk is the process and procedures man, concentrating on overall operations, organization and risk aversion; and Holland provides direction while concentrating on his strong suit in business development through relationship building - all strengths needed for effective management.

"Bruce has opened up many opportunities for us. Being appointed president of this company is a true honor," Marchal said. "The reputation and integrity of Bruce, Dave and the entire team we have built here at HCS is impeccable, and I'm proud to be a part of it."

Holland said he's happy to pass on added responsibilities to Marchal and Birk.

"They're both outstanding workers and people, who have the knowledge and abilities to fulfill their new roles, while maintaining the company's culture and excellent reputation that it's known for," he added.
Holland has been involved in construction basically all of his life. He worked at Bauer Brothers Construction Co. for 20 years, becoming vice president of operations before opening Holland Construction Services Inc. in 1986. He has served more than 20 years on the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois. Among other organizations, he is a member of the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association executive board, where he leads the Mississippi River Bridge committee, a founding member of the Regional Business Council and chair of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville University Park board in addition to numerous for profit and nonprofit boards.

Birk joined Holland Construction in 1988 as a project engineer, overseeing pre-construction activities on such high-profile projects as the YMCA Sports Complex in Edwardsville and several significant school projects. He moved through the ranks, becoming executive vice president in 2005. He too previously worked at Bauer Brothers Construction Co. Birk is a member of the Southern Illinois Builders Association education committee and the executive board of the Lewis and Clark Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and a mentor for the Regional Business Council Higher Education Collaboration Network.

Marchal came to Holland as project manager in 1997. He holds a construction management degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-accredited professional. In 2002, he was promoted to director of construction operations, and in 2008, vice president of construction operations. He has provided management on such notable projects as Holy Trinity Church in Fairview Heights, the Memorial Hospital medical office building No. 2 in Belleville, Rent One Ballpark in Marion and Grizzlies Stadium in Sauget. He is a Southwestern Illinois College career mentor, involved in the Regional Business Council Higher Education Collaboration Network, serves as executive board vice chairman for Big Brother/Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois and was nominated as Big Brother of The Year in 2010. Marchal also assists in coaching youth baseball and softball teams; and this year, leads the United Way drive as vice chairman of the campaign committee.