Grand Rapids, Mich.--Mechanical contractor and fabricator Andy J. Egan Co. (Egan) has promoted four employees to a newly created Preconstruction Department within the company: Ben Whitely, Preconstruction Manager; Paul Steenwyk, Chief Estimator; Mike Brander, Preconstruction Services; and Mishell Swarts, Document Control. The team has a combined 94 years of experience in mechanical contracting and construction.
Previously, Egan project managers also worked as estimators. The company’s steady growth over the last decade led to the decision to create a department dedicated to preconstruction services and estimating. “Our new Preconstruction Team will provide more budgeting and planning support for current and future customers,” says Andy Jasper, Egan’s President. “Their effort on the front-end will ensure that projects are consistent and successful from initial concepts to final construction.”
Ben Whitely, Preconstruction Manager
Previously a project manager for the company’s large construction department, Ben Whitely joined Egan in 2009 as an Assistant Project Manager. Since that time, he’s been responsible for managing projects with the most extensive contractual requirements in addition to many power-industry projects such as Holland Energy Park, Coldwater Peaking Plant and Consumers Energy Ray Station. Ben is a graduate of Ferris State University’s Construction Management program.
Paul Steenwyk, Chief Estimator
Long-time Egan employee Paul Steenwyk joins the Preconstruction Department as Chief Estimator. Paul worked in the field as a Plumber/Pipefitter for 16 years, before moving into an office role in 1997. He’s worked as a project manager and estimator for Egan’s largest projects, including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, JW Marriott Hotel, Meijer Heart Center, VanAndel Institute, DeVos Place and the Michigan Department of Corrections Energy Systems Upgrade in Ionia.
Mike Brander, Preconstruction Services
Since 1996, Mike Brander’s career at Egan has spanned a variety of roles that include plumbing, pipefitting, welding, estimating, foreman/superintendent, project management and more. Prior the formal creation of a Preconstruction Department, Mike managed preconstruction services for major Egan projects that included GVSU’s Health and Sciences Building, Mercy Hospital Muskegon and Spectrum Health Ludington.
Mishell Swarts, Document Control
Mishell Swarts joined Egan in 2016, following a 10-year career in the energy and power industry. She brings her experience in internal document control for project owners such as Consumers Energy and Black & Veatch to her new position as Documental Control for Egan’s Preconstruction Department. Mishell’s work as both an internal and external liaison make her ideal to coordinate among Egan’s internal CAD, Fabrication and Construction Divisions for successful project turnover.
Customers can reach the Preconstruction Team through the dedicated email address, estimating@andyegan.com.