Ronco Gives is hosting a shoe drive to benefit Soles4Souls who turn new or gently used shoes into opportunities.
Ronco Gives, the philanthropic program at Ronco Construction, a leading Midwest construction company, is hosting a shoe drive to collect new or gently used shoes for Soles4Souls.
“We were introduced to Soles4Souls a few years ago and are excited to kick off our first shoe drive to support their efforts,” explains Ashley Nelsen, the Ronco Gives committee chair. “In 2021, Ronco Gives hosted a food drive. And with the support of local businesses and our employees, we filled a semi-trailer with food. We’re hoping we can do the same with shoes.”
Soles4Souls turns the donated shoes into opportunities, by keeping them from going to waste. They put them to good use by providing relief, creating jobs and empowering people to break the cycle of poverty. The shoe drive runs now until November 30, 2023. Anyone interested in donating gently worn or new shoes can drop them off at a Ronco office. The offices are located at 1717 N 74th Street, Omaha, NE 68114 or 1816 Walnut Street, Kansas City, MO 64108. For more information on the shoe drive, email RoncoGives@ronco-construction.com or call 402-397-9109.
About Soles4Souls
Soles4Souls turns shoes and clothing into educational and economic opportunities. Our programs, 4Opportunity, 4Relief, and 4EveryKid, aim to make a positive difference on the planet and in people’s economic, educational, physical, and psychosocial well-being. Since 2006, more than 83 million pairs of shoes and pieces of clothing have helped create opportunities for people across 129 countries. Soles4Souls is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, with Regional Donation Centers and warehouse locations around the world. Visit soles4souls.org for more information.
A tenant improvement project for OneWorld Community Health Centers expands healthcare services in Omaha.
You’ve probably seen hundreds of buildings that looked so outdated and worn-down you couldn’t imagine anyone wanting to step inside. That’s exactly what an old building on Park Avenue in Omaha, Neb. looked like before OneWorld Community Health Centers saw it and its potential. And thanks to a team of skilled professionals, the dilapidated building transformed into a new and inviting OneWorld location that makes a real impact in the lives of residents.
Ronco’s Scope of Work
Tenant improvement (TI) projects are an essential part of commercial real estate. They involve renovating or remodeling a commercial space to meet the specific needs of a tenant. TI projects can range from minor updates, like new paint and carpet, to major renovations that completely transform a space.
Our scope of work for the 9,500 SF location involved new water service, HVAC units, updated fire sprinkler and structural improvements, which gave new life into the old structure. The interior of the building needed completely stripped from floor to ceiling. Open workspaces and multiple offices, intimate meeting rooms, a 634 SF training center and storage now make up the space. And medical staff and patient comfort were top of mind throughout the design and construction phases. The exterior now features an aluminum storefront system to maximize the natural light throughout the entire space.
A New Modern Space
As with any project involving an older building, there’s bound to be challenges. Despite those, the building became a bright and modern, designed with the neighboring community in mind. The location makes it easier for patients to access the care they need. The layout of the space is easy to navigate, with facilities designed to be welcoming and comfortable.
“Ronco has been involved with the Park Avenue project from the very beginning. This is our fifth project together and I look forward to the next one,” said Joel Dougherty, Chief Operating Officer with OneWorld Community Health Centers. “The highest praise I can give a company is that I trust them because they do what they say they’re going to do. That has certainly been the case with this project as well as previous ones. When we move into an area, one of the things we want to do is establish a home base that feels permanent and projects our commitment to the community. This project does just that and is a great home base for our health education and outreach efforts.”
Jason Jacobson and Micah Walje join Ronco Construction’s Kansas City operations.
Ronco Construction, a leading Midwest construction company, has hired Jason Jacobson and Micah Walje for the Kansas City, Mo. operations. Jacobson serves as the regional director and Walje as the project development manager.
“For nearly 50 years, Ronco Construction has played an integral part in building Omaha into what it is today. And we’re excited to expand our services with a dedicated Kansas City team,” said Zak Olsen, Ronco’s president. “Jason and Micah are a great addition to the Ronco team. I’m confident with their leadership and commitment to our philosophy of ‘building excellence through teamwork,’ we can deliver unmatched value to the Kansas City market.
Jacobson brings more than 30 years of construction experience to his role as regional director. Previously with Russell Merit in Overland Park, Kan. Jacobson has extensive experience managing construction operations, business expansion, project management and developing strategic business relationships. In his new role, Jacobson is responsible for the management of the Kansas City office, specifically business development, operations, financial performance, preconstruction and recruiting.
Previously with PACT Construction Services in Lee’s Summit, Mo., Walje has more than 20 years of construction experience. He brings expertise in managing projects, leading business development efforts, and ensuring customer satisfaction through superior service and communication. In his role as project development manager, Walje is focusing on business development, assisting preconstruction and project management.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to lead the efforts for Ronco’s growth and operations in the Kansas City area,” explained Jacobson. “Ronco’s approach to business and its internal culture makes it a truly a special organization and I’m looking forward to what’s in store for the future.”
Ronco opened its Kansas City office, located in the Crossroads Arts District, in December 2020. We have previously completed one project, the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Kansas City North / Gladstone in Gladstone, Mo.
Women in Construction (WIC) Week, March 5-11, 2023, recognizes the roles and contributions of women in the construction industry. The 2023 theme — Many Paths, One Mission — focuses on the different journeys women have taken. And while different, each works toward one goal: strengthening and amplifying the success of women in this industry.
At Ronco Construction, we’re building a diverse workforce with 7% of our workforce as female in both office and field-based roles. We sat down with each one to gain their perspective on WIC Week and the industry itself.
Here’s what they said.
Ashley N. | Accounting and Strategic Initiatives Manager
In accounting, numbers are numbers and the job itself doesn’t really change. But in the construction industry, accounting processes connect to a project that’s literally built before my eyes. And even though I’m not physically building the structure, I get to be a part of the team, and can say, “I helped on that project.” In my position, I get to see both sides of the business and get the big picture view of how everything connects. For me personally, the construction industry has made me – a self-proclaimed introvert – come out of my shell and embrace my inner assertive self. I love the casualness of the culture, and I also love we’re all working toward the same goals – safety, strengthening our people and building up our communities.
Becky H. | Director of Strategic Partnerships
While I have experience on the creative and design side of construction, in my new role, I’m able to experience all phases of a project – from initial concept and preconstruction, through to the design and build phases. It’s amazing the number of individuals and roles involved to bring projects to fruition and be successful. No one person makes a project successful. But rather everyone who touches the project is vital to its outcome. The construction process is complex, so having established relationships and partnerships is crucial. This truly is an industry where, “teamwork makes the dream work.” And I’m excited to be a role model and empower the younger female generation. You don’t have to swing a hammer to make a name for yourself. There are many opportunities for females that are overlooked. This industry wasn’t in my “career plan” so I want to inspire women to be confident and let their strengths create opportunities.
Kaylee T. | Project Engineer
When people ask me what I do, the response is always the same. “That’s so cool.” And it totally is. I get to feel like a bada$$. When I drive around town, I get to say, “I built that,” and know I’m making a lasting impact in my community. As another plus, there’s job security because there’s always going to be a need to build something. And, because it’s a male-dominated field, there are plenty of scholarships available. To anyone considering entering the construction field with your eyes wide open. Be humble and curious — always be asking questions. People want to teach the next generation so use that to your advantage. Know that you might feel out of your element at first, but that’s ok. As a young 20-year-old, it might be hard to make small talk with the older generation, but find the common ground and build on that. There are endless opportunities for women in construction, so do it. Be the bada$$ and build cool stuff.
Kerrie A. | Senior Accountant
I never wanted to do anything other than teaching. My degree is in elementary education, and after college I started out in the field. But plans change and I’m so fortunate this path landed in my lap because I enjoy working with numbers. The theme this year (Many Paths, One Mission) rings true because so many people don’t think an accounting department is a crucial part of building a structure. It’s all field work, right? But the fact is, someone paid for or needs to be paid for everything that goes into a project. While the field is building the structure, the accounting team is on the other side making sure the numbers are right.
Steph O. | Communication Manager
People in the construction industry are some of the smartest and hardest working individuals I’ve had the privilege to work with. And I love that I get to tell their story. Our staff — from preconstruction to the field — take complex, challenging projects and make them a reality. They’re literally building our future from the ground up, preserving our history or breathing new life into existing spaces. And they do it all with the same level of creativity, tenacity, and heart. It’s amazing to see what they make happen day in, day out. Marketing and communication tactics are similar across industries. It’s the right message, to the right people, at the right time. But it’s the story and the people that can make your job go from work to passion. And this industry has good stories to tell and amazing people to know.
Women in construction are making significant strides and leaving their mark on the industry, just like the five women at Ronco. From sales and relationship building, to marketing and communications, to employee relations and accounting, there are endless opportunities. On top of the obvious ones like project management, project engineers, jobsite superintendents and trades workers. Organizations like the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and awareness initiatives like WIC Week supply resources, networking opportunities, and mentorship programs so women can continue to make an impact and succeed in this field. By celebrating Women in Construction Week, we can recognize the achievements and contributions of every woman who blazed the trail and encourage more women to consider careers in this exciting and rewarding industry.
Ronco accepted it’s third consecutive National AGC Safety Award for 2021.
Ronco Construction accepted it’s third consecutive National AGC Safety Award for 2021 from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) Nebraska Building Chapter at the Fall Social and Awards Dinner. The event was held Thursday, November 17, 2022, in Lincoln, Neb.
“This award is great way to end the year and is true reflection of our team effort to achieve this level of safety,” explains Mike Langford, Ronco’s Chief Operations Officer. “Our safety program is more than just a program — it’s our culture. Our policies are lived each day through consistent, proactive safety audits, site inspections, hazard identification, and regular interactions. It’s simple and everyone knows it — if you see something, say something.”
Ronco has been awarded 18 National AGC Safety Awards throughout our 46-year history. Our safety program consists of six key elements: empower and motivate; formal policies; comfort reporting issues; regular effective communication; frequent safety training; support for behavior-based safety.
The National AGC Safety Awards (NASA) program has been an ongoing effort to offer AGC members an opportunity to evaluate their safety record. NASA compares an AGC member’s safety record with other AGC members according to the member size and construction type. AGC contract members must have participated in the National AGC Safety Awards Program for three consecutive years to be eligible for an award.
About AGC Nebraska Building Chapter
The AGC Nebraska Building Chapter is a leading association for the commercial construction industry. The Building Chapter represents 125+ of Nebraska’s top ranked firms that operate locally, regionally and nationally. Membership is limited to those firms that demonstrate the highest skill, integrity, and responsibility within the business community.
Ronco Construction’s Potain MDT 289 highlighted in the November 2022 issue of Crane Hot Line magazine.
Crane Hot Line magazine featured our newest crane, the Potain MDT 289, which is the first of its kind in North America. It has a maximum freestanding height of 223.1′, a maximum lifting capacity of 13.2 USt, maximum radius of 230′ and a maximum jib-tip capacity of 3.1 USt at 230′. The MDT 289 is right-sized for the types of projects we do — it’s the right combination of size, capacity, performance and flexibility. And it’s already on it’s first job — the Hampton Inn at UNMC. The crane was erected in July 2022 and will remain onsite until March 2023. This crane is another example of how we can offer our customers a broader range of solutions.
