Employee Spotlights

Western Specialty Contractors proudly announces the hiring of Andrew Hallett as the new Roofing Service Manager at its Charlotte, NC branch.

Known as the ‘Roof Whisperer,’ Hallett is an expert in the art of leak detection and roof repair, having previously worked six years in the commercial roofing industry for Baker Roofing Company and Tecta America Commercial Roofing.

Hallett will utilize his extensive background in commercial roofing and knowledge of roof components to lead Western’s roofing team in assisting customers with all their roofing needs, from routine maintenance to major repairs.

“Roof leaks are often difficult to track down, especially over a large footprint, and can become a nuisance to the building owner and property manager if not addressed early. Over time, leaks can cause damage to interior finishes and promote unhealthy environments for the building’s tenants,” said Hallett. “One of the most frustrating situations for a building owner or manager is dealing with leaks from a brand-new roof install. This is where my expertise comes into play to identify leaks and resolve complex roofing issues to protect the owner’s investment.”

Hallett recommends that a building’s maintenance staff check for debris on the roof at least once a month or after a trade has been working on the roof or after severe weather. Debris on a roof can clog drains, scuppers and downspouts and lead to ponding water that can quickly seep into an open seam or split wall flashing.

Several types of damage-causing debris can be found on rooftops. Poor clean-up by workers who have performed work on a roof and left behind trash and debris, such as caulk tubes or rags, can cause significant problems if not cleaned up. High winds can blow debris around, causing damage to the roof and to people and property below if it blows off.

Other debris found on roofs that should be regularly removed include leaves, tree limbs and twigs, goose droppings, fireworks and even bullet shells.

“Regular roof housekeeping is crucial to maintain the roof’s integrity and adhere to manufacturer warranties, which often require routine maintenance. Failure to keep the roof clear of debris and trash can potentially void these warranties, leading to costly repairs that could have been avoided,” said Hallett.

Western offers a FREE, downloadable Roofing Visual Guide to survey for damage

About Western Specialty Contractors

Family-owned and operated for more than 100 years, Western Specialty Contractors is the nation’s largest specialty contractor in masonry and concrete restoration, waterproofing, and specialty roofing. Western offers a nationwide network of expertise that building owners, engineers, architects, and property managers can count on to develop cost-effective, corrective measures that can add years of useful life to a variety of structures, including industrial, commercial, healthcare, historic, educational and government buildings, parking structures, and sports stadiums. Western is headquartered in St. Louis, MO, with 30 branch offices nationwide and employs more than 1,200 salaried and hourly professionals who offer the best, time-tested techniques and innovative technology. For more information about Western Specialty Contractors, visit https://westernspecialtycontractors.com.

Western Specialty Contractors proudly announces the hiring of Sarah Alt and Sarah Yost as Regional Business Development Managers.

In their new roles, Alt and Yost will be responsible for supporting sales staff and developing business for their respective territories. Alt will support Western’s branches in Washington, D.C. and New York; and Yost will support branches in Charlotte, NC; Atlanta, GA; and Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Alt has more than 20 years of commercial real estate experience, having previously held Director and Managing Director positions for leading global commercial real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield.

She has a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Development and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Ohio State University, plus a Master of Business Administration from Capital University in Columbus, OH.

Yost is a licensed realtor in North/South Carolina with a proficiency in plumbing, mechanical and emergency management, plus over a decade of experience in leading projects and driving business decisions with budgets and forecasting. Prior to Western, she worked as a real estate agent with Keller Williams Connected and as Director of Corporate Facilities for Old Republic Home Protection.

She has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education from Misericordia University in Dallas, PA.

About Western Specialty Contractors

Family-owned and operated for more than 100 years, Western Specialty Contractors is the nation’s largest specialty contractor in masonry and concrete restoration, waterproofing, and specialty roofing. Western offers a nationwide network of expertise that building owners, engineers, architects, and property managers can count on to develop cost-effective, corrective measures that can add years of useful life to a variety of structures, including industrial, commercial, healthcare, historic, educational and government buildings, parking structures, and sports stadiums. Western is headquartered in St. Louis, MO, with 30 branch offices nationwide and employs more than 1,200 salaried and hourly professionals who offer the best, time-tested techniques and innovative technology. For more information about Western Specialty Contractors, visit https://westernspecialtycontractors.com.

Western Specialty Contractors announces the promotion of Stephen Cordova to Manager of its San Antonio, TX Branch.

As Branch Manager, Cordova oversees sales, daily operations and field personnel at the branch and develops new projects within the branch’s territory. Founded in 2000, the San Antonio branch offers the following services: building cleaning, concrete and facade restoration, epoxy and chemical grout injection, expansion joint systems, exterior wall coatings, parking and plaza deck restoration and waterproofing.

Cordova joined Western’s San Antonio Branch as a Sales/Project Manager in 2018, where he held the position for nearly four years before being promoted to Assistant Branch Manager in July 2022. Before Western, he worked for 2.5 years as a Construction Manager for Meritage Homes.

“Stephen’s humble leadership style and impressive work ethic will be vital for the growth and success of the branch. I look forward to working with Stephen and watching him succeed in his new role; it is well deserved,” said Western Region 2 Manager Patrick Sheeran.

About Western Specialty Contractors

Family-owned and operated for more than 100 years, Western Specialty Contractors is the nation’s largest specialty contractor in masonry and concrete restoration, waterproofing, and specialty roofing. Western offers a nationwide network of expertise that building owners, engineers, architects, and property managers can count on to develop cost-effective, corrective measures that can add years of useful life to a variety of structures, including industrial, commercial, healthcare, historic, educational and government buildings, parking structures, and sports stadiums. Western is headquartered in St. Louis, MO, with 30 branch offices nationwide and employs more than 1,200 salaried and hourly professionals who offer the best, time-tested techniques and innovative technology. For more information about Western Specialty Contractors, visit https://westernspecialtycontractors.com.

Western Specialty Contractors announces the promotion of Matthew Ziesemer to Manager of its Chicago, IL, branch. Ziesemer has been the Assistant Branch Manager for the past three years.

As Branch Manager, Ziesemer is responsible for managing sales, daily operations and field personnel at the branch, plus developing new projects within the branch’s territory. Founded in 1915, the Chicago Branch provides expertise in all phases of building envelope restoration, including concrete, masonry and waterproofing.

Ziesemer is an experienced construction project manager with a proven track record of completing complex projects on time and within budget. A determined problem solver, he has extensive knowledge of parking garage restoration and waterproofing, focusing on providing excellent customer service.

Ziesemer joined Western Specialty Contractors’ Chicago Branch as a Sales/Project Manager in 2016, where he held the position for five years before being promoted to Assistant Branch Manager in March 2021.

Before Western, he worked for five years as a Sales Representative & Estimator/Project Coordinator for Cosco Kovacs Construction in Chicago. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Western Illinois University.

About Western Specialty Contractors

Family-owned and operated for more than 100 years, Western Specialty Contractors is the nation’s largest specialty contractor in masonry and concrete restoration, waterproofing, and specialty roofing. Western offers a nationwide network of expertise that building owners, engineers, architects, and property managers can count on to develop cost-effective, corrective measures that can add years of useful life to a variety of structures, including industrial, commercial, healthcare, historic, educational and government buildings, parking structures, and sports stadiums. Western is headquartered in St. Louis, MO, with 30 branch offices nationwide and employs more than 1,200 salaried and hourly professionals who offer the best, time-tested techniques and innovative technology. For more information about Western Specialty Contractors, visit https://westernspecialtycontractors.com.

Western Specialty Contractors announces the promotion of David Grandbois to Manager of its Minneapolis, MN Branch. Grandbois has been the Assistant Branch Manager for the past four years.

As Branch Manager, Grandbois is responsible for managing sales, daily operations and field personnel at the branch, plus developing new projects within the branch’s territory. The Minneapolis Branch opened in 1960 and specializes in waterproofing and concrete and façade restoration. In 2019, the Minneapolis office expanded with the acquisition of a Duluth, MN-based restoration contractor and opened a satellite office there. Along with Minnesota, the branch also provides services to North and South Dakota, Wisconsin and Northern Iowa.

Grandbois joined Western Specialty Contractors’ Minneapolis Branch as a Project Manager in 2015, where he held the position for nearly five years before being promoted to Assistant Branch Manager in February 2020. His construction career started in 2013 as a Civil Construction Management Engineer for Kiewit in Omaha, NE, before accepting a Project Manager position with Hans Hagen Homes in Fridley, MN.

David Grandbois has a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Minnesota State University, Moorhead. He is also a certified Concrete Surface Repair Technician – Tiers 1 and 2 through the International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI) and an Associate Constructor through the American Institute of Constructors. He has also achieved OSHA 30 certified training.

Grandbois has been a member of the ICRI chapter since 2015, having previously served on the chapter’s Education Committee, then as its Vice President, and its President in 2019. In 2024, he was elected to serve on the ICRI National Board of Directors as a Board-Member-at-Large for a three-year term.

About Western Specialty Contractors

Family-owned and operated for more than 100 years, Western Specialty Contractors is the nation’s largest specialty contractor in masonry and concrete restoration, waterproofing, and specialty roofing. Western offers a nationwide network of expertise that building owners, engineers, architects, and property managers can count on to develop cost-effective, corrective measures that can add years of useful life to a variety of structures, including industrial, commercial, healthcare, historic, educational and government buildings, parking structures, and sports stadiums. Western is headquartered in St. Louis, MO, with 30 branch offices nationwide and employs more than 1,200 salaried and hourly professionals who offer the best, time-tested techniques and innovative technology. For more information about Western Specialty Contractors, visit https://westernspecialtycontractors.com.