The Butz Family of Companies (BFC), consisting of Alexander Building Construction Co.–Harrisburg/State College, Alvin H. Butz, Inc.–Lehigh Valley, Shoemaker Construction Co.–Philadelphia/Delaware Valley, is proud to announce a new department focused on advancing the use of innovative solutions on projects. Lean techniques and technology are crucial parts of our construction management approach. BFC introduces innovative practices early in its CM process because of proven value they bring to owners. This department will be managed by Steve Lee, Enterprise Director of Strategic Initiatives, and will be comprised of a team of construction industry leaders.
Lucas Manos was recently hired as Director of Technology and Innovation. His entire career has been focused on innovation and technology in the industry. He has held roles ranging from cost and estimating to 3D coordination and technology advancement. He’s always focusing on innovation. Most recently, Lucas worked on Summit Arena in SD and was part of the team that completed the $1.0B+ Chase Center Arena in Rapid City, CA.
Manos has contributed to multiple events and case studies including Autodesk Excellence Awards, Trimble X7 Laser Scanning Study, and COVID Operation Innovation. He graduated from Penn State University in 2014 with a B.A.E. degree and studied virtual design, Construction Management option, and is currently pursuing his M.B.A focusing on engineering and innovation. Manos worked in our State College office from 2011 to 2013. In his new role, he will use technology to improve project delivery by seeking value-added solutions to problems and collaboration.
Emily Lowe was recently promoted to Enterprise Lean Champion. In her previous role as Project Engineer, she applied Conditions of Satisfaction, Target Value Delivery, design-assist, onboarding, The Last Planner^® System, huddles, dashboards, and other Lean practices to meet schedule and budget goals. Lowe was a speaker at Lean Congress Institute’s Annual Congress in 2019 and 2020. In her role, she will use Lean methodologies to create better client experiences. Lowe has an associate’s degree in Communications and is working on a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership.  She is also a member of NAWIC, local chapter SCPA #386, and the South Central PA MidAtlantic Lean Community of Practice under LCI.
Paul McLaughlin was recently promoted to Manager of Continuous Improvement. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Management from Drexel University in 2012 and is currently pursuing an M.B.A. He is a member of Construction Management Association of America and General Building Contractors Association Leadership Council. McLaughlin was an active duty officer in the United States Marine Corps from 2012 to 2019 and is currently in the Marine Corps Reserves. In his role, he will create programs to improve how we deliver projects.
Virtual Design & Construction Modeler, Steve Kneski, also joins the new department. He has a B.S. Degree in Media Arts/Animation from the Art Institute of Philadelphia and worked for Butz for the past seven years.
The department will support BFC’s in-house Innovation Communities of Practice that implement new standards and tools. In 2020, cluster groups comprised of employee representatives from Lean and Technology subcommittees addressed topics such as Conditions of Satisfaction, daily reporting, drones, design-assist, AR, and dashboards.
Lee, Manos, Lowe, McLaughlin, and Kneski will provide leadership to individual project teams so that all employees can apply new value-adding tools and techniques. They will serve as resources for the entire enterprise, while providing enhanced services to our clients and construction industry partners alike.
ABOUT THE BUTZ FAMILY OF COMPANIES: The Butz Family of Companies, consisting of Alexander Building Construction Co., Alvin H. Butz, Inc., and Shoemaker Construction Co., provides exceptional, comprehensive construction management services in PA, NJ, NY and northern DE. The firm possesses significant experience in the construction of healthcare facilities, colleges/universities, office buildings, manufacturing facilities, sports and entertainment venues, retail, and government buildings.