Quest Ventures

Howard is a natural born leader. His experience and expertise in the construction business lend to an environment where the Team always receives clear direction. With over 25 years of experience, Howard oversees and coordinates all aspects of Quest focusing mainly on business and strategic plans to grow revenue and profitability while improving the strength of the overall business.

…on the other hand…he can be cranky at times, but recognizes this as a fault. Howard is open to being on the receiving end of practical jokes and pranks because he is fully aware that the good natured fun improves the laugh lines on his face. You’d better watch it though! Play a prank on Howard and revenge will find its way to you in due time…probably when you least expect it.

Karl displays a visible passion for the construction business, which he has been involved with for over 25 years. His keen eye for the details is contagious to the entire Team and ultimately pays off in the end…no matter what type of project is at hand. As well as leading Team Quest, Karl’s main focus is to implement business and strategic plans to grow revenue and profitability and manage corporate administrative functions for Quest.

…but little did you know…Karl’s the sly, silent type…ever playing the innocent bystander. You may think you’ll never catch him in the act of anything unruly, but that’s just because he’s smart enough to not have any witnesses…and he has really nice hair.

Working with John is a unique experience. You’ll rarely come across a person with his undying energy and ability to solve problems. John’s forte is envisioning the whole picture in order to determine the best, most efficient steps to take, ensuring a quality product in the end. With over 25 years in the construction industry, his experience supervising crews and resources, detailed work plans, accurate cost estimates and technical expertise provide an immeasurable asset to Quest.

…and furthermore…John has perfected a diverse list of “John-isms” long enough to make your head spin. John is perhaps more famous for his catch phrases that become Team mantras, than he is for being the head of the Dune Dogs Racing Team…

If Howard and Karl are leading the Team and John is cracking the whip…then who takes care of the money? We have Layne Birling to thank for that. As Chief Financial Officer, Layne oversees and coordinates all Quest’s finances. Additionally, he is responsible for Quest’s benefit programs and risk management. Layne has over 18 years experience in finance and accounting in the construction industry.

…sounds a little dull, doesn’t it? On the contrary! Layne has received many honorary alternate titles from the Team… “Chief Oompa-Loompa”, “Mini-me” (obviously) and “GQ Man of the Year” (also obviously). Quest’s Accounting and Administrative Team worship the ground he walks on and will willingly excuse him when Mr. Wonka calls and needs him back at the Chocolate Factory!

Daniel joined our Team in December, 2008 bringing with him over 30 years of vast experience in water, wastewater, transportation, industrial and commercial construction projects. Throughout his career, he has succeeded in many positions including estimator, project engineer, project manager and executive management. Daniel possesses a unique set of skills that enhance the business development, work procurement and overall strategic business efforts. In his time with Quest, he has demonstrated his expertise to the Team and become a “go-to” resource for each department. His extensive knowledge of the industry and view of the “whole picture” contributes to our growth and to the acquisition of challenging projects that exemplify Quest’s expertise.

…Dan reports that he is a scratch golfer who has played many of the country’s toughest courses. Yet he has never golfed with any other member of the Quest Team, is never seen with his clubs in his car and no green fees have appeared on his expense report. As far as we can tell, Dan goes to these country clubs, buys polo shirts and wears them daily as part of the ruse that he can break par at Augusta.

Kalli’s 15 years of experience began in the materials industry, where she developed industry relationships, office administration and management skills, sales, marketing and public relations skills. With knowledge of a variety of aspects within the construction industry, Kalli has proven her diversity with Quest by participating in all aspects of office administration. In conjunction with that, her primary focus is heading up Quest’s Work Procurement efforts. Kalli is responsible for preparing and submitting Quest’s Statements of Qualifications for Job Order Contracting and Construction Manager at Risk Projects, as well as assisting with the entire Procurement Process.

…you might think Kalli looks professional and innocent, but we beg to differ. If there is a prank or trick taking place, you can bet Kalli is somehow involved…and, if you are not involved with the prank, she will nicely, gently persuade you to join in the fun. After all…we are a Team! If one goes down, we all go down!

Nick can boast that he is one of the longest running Quest Team members. He has played a large role in the growth of Quest and has assisted in developing the Project Leader Position, which combines the responsibilities of a Project Manager and a Project Superintendent into one effective and efficient role. With over 13 years of experience in the construction industry, Nick is a vital part of Quest. He is an example of hard work and dedication, and has a proven ability to manage multiple projects providing Quest’s clients with conceptual estimates, technical expertise, constructability reviews, cost/benefit analysis, value engineering and cost proposals.

…Nick’s story doesn’t end there. With an IQ of 180, as determined by an educated guess, it is anticipated the world will sing Nick’s praises for years to come.

When Scott joined Team Quest in 2006, his focus was to develop Quest’s business in the Southern Arizona Market, beginning by overseeing Quest’s Job Order Contract with Pima County at the Roger Road Wastewater Treatment Plant. His 21 years of experience has assisted with building a strong relationship with Pima County and securing additional projects on site at the Roger Road Wastewater Treatment Plant. Scott recognizes the importance of executing quality projects, providing reliability and trust and bringing multiple projects on line within budget and on time.

…and amazingly, he is always smiling. Scott’s jovial personality is uplifting under any stress. Some might also find it impressive that he can look like the exact same person with or without his glasses…and some might not…

Jed has over 21 years of hands on experience in construction with roles ranging from Project Superintendent to President of his own firm. Jed joined the Team as a Project Leader in May 2006, when there was a need for project diversity and added strength in leadership. Jed is the “concrete master” of Quest and has received numerous compliments for excellence in workmanship, as well as excellence in Field Team Leadership.

…now this is serious…clearly, Jed needs his Venti Triple Shot Cappuccino…RIGHT NOW! RIGHT THIS MINUTE!…or else.

With a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Civil Engineering, Jeremy has become an integral Team member of Quest. Jeremy has demonstrated his natural leadership ability, strong work ethic and multi-tasking capabilities with his immediate involvement in several of Quest’s Job Order Contracts. He manages many of the water and sewer rehabilitation projects for the City of Phoenix and the City of Peoria and takes complete ownership of his responsibilities. Above and beyond his routine tasks, Jeremy regularly searches for new business opportunities that will continue to help the Quest grow and improve — showing true dedication as a Team member.

Needless to say…“Jeremy is a Big Deal”, or so says his favorite shirt. He is an avid outdoorsman who has many great stories of his adventures in the Montana Wilderness (ask him about the 500 lb grizzly bear…we dare ya!). While the members of Team Quest have all endured Jeremy’s extreme hunting and fishing “tall tales”, what really impresses us is that in the matter of 24 hours, Jeremy can go from clean shaven and professional, to looking (and smelling) like fuzzy-wuzzy bear…must take a special set of skills to accomplish that!

Brian has been a member of Team Quest since 2006, and in that time has become one of the most diverse Project Leaders of our Team. Brian regularly demonstrates he is able to manage any project or task he is asked to do, always going above and beyond the call of duty. He has the ability to construct and manage multiple ongoing projects and produces a final product that exceeds Client’s expectations. Brian has completed projects ranging from building / tenant improvements to manhole rehabilitation, reservoir rehabilitation, electrical systems, mechanical systems and the fabrication and assembly of steel structures.

Perhaps Brian’s “claim to fame” is in all actuality…his luscious mane of curls…you’ll often find Brian, a.k.a Curly-fry, in his office admiring himself in his handheld mirror. When it comes to having fabulously curly hair with more volume than a White Snake concert, Brian is the man.

Since joining the Team at the beginning of 2007, Greg has provided numerous pre-construction and design services including alternate options / value engineering for upgrades to the Roger Road Wastewater Treatment Plant located in Tucson, AZ as well as for various projects in the Phoenix Metro area. These efforts have resulted in substantial reduced costs and increased savings for our Clients. Greg’s analytical nature is valuable not just with project execution, but with providing assistance on bids / estimates, directing the equipment department and developing strategic business planning opportunities.

But what can we say about Greg that can possibly do his personality justice? Probably not much…though we do appreciate his lack of respect for “scratch golfers” and his nonexistent fear of his superiors…we also appreciate that Greg’s mind works in such enigmatic and occasionally eccentric fashion that the only way to begin to understand is to experience it personally…like experiencing a wolf in sheep’s clothing… “shock and awe”.

Coley has over 12 years of construction experience, both in the field and office environments. He has developed knowledge and hands on training in all facets of construction including concrete, earthwork and large and small diameter sewer and water pipelines. Coley’s work ethic and detail oriented approach contributes to the Team’s competitive edge, whether it’s applied to bidding work or seeking value added opportunities for our Clients.

Measuring 6'6", Coley’s stature may intimidate some Quest Team Members, but we all know the real reason he was hired in the first place. Who else was going to take down those hard to reach boxes, wipe down the top of the refrigerator, wash the windows, replace the air filters, change the light bulbs AND clean the cobwebs from the high corners in John’s office?