KAI is pleased to announce the expansion of its KAI Build Group with the addition of Preconstruction Manager Travis Pruett, Project Superintendent Jon Stemme and Senior Estimator Neehall Philogene at its St. Louis headquarters.
“The New Year has brought with it a surge in construction project opportunities for KAI Build,” said Brian Arnold, President of KAI Build. “As our workload continues to grow, so does our need for qualified and engaging leaders to manage those projects and drive our mission for operational excellence. We welcome the addition of Travis Pruett, Jon Stemme and Neehall Philogene to our growing team.”
Travis Pruett, Preconstruction Manager
As Preconstruction Manager, Pruett works with the preconstruction team to ensure project priorities are being assigned and performed to achieve the best possible plan to secure work for the company. He also communicates and transitions awarded projects from preconstruction to the project management and operations process.
Pruett has 18 years of commercial construction experience. Prior to KAI, he worked as an Estimator/Project Manager for Poettker Construction in Breese, Illinois and as a Project Manager for Foresight Services in Highland, Illinois.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. He enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons and hunting, fishing and boating outside of work.
Jon Stemme, Project Superintendent
As Project Superintendent, Stemme will coordinate and inspect the work of various subcontractors and field personnel on projects. He will also monitor the quality and workmanship of the construction operations, safety, schedule compliance and profitability.
Stemme has over 31 years of Project Superintendent experience. Prior to KAI, he was a Superintendent for Tarlton Corporation in St. Louis, as well as a Project Superintendent for Poettker Construction Company of Breese, Illinois and Contegra Construction Company of Edwardsville, Illinois.
He has an associate degree in Business from St. Louis Community College and is a Journeyman through the St. Louis Carpenter’s Union. He is certified in Advanced Blueprint Reading, OSHA 30 Hour Training, OSHA First Aid and CPR, Forklift and Manlift Training, Scaffold User Training and Carpenters International Leadership Training.
Neehall Philogene, Senior Estimator
As Senior Estimator, Philogene is responsible for conceptual, schematic, and design development and final cost estimates on projects.
Philogene has more than 16 years of estimating experience in the construction industry. Prior to KAI, he was an Estimator/Project Engineer for BSI Constructors of St. Louis and an Estimator for Blanton Construction of Saint Peters, Missouri.
He has an associate degree in Building and Civil Engineering from Dominica State College and earned a Master of Business Administration and two Bachelor of Science degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. He is also a Land Disturbance Approved Special Inspector in St. Louis County.
Philogene has three daughters and enjoys running and playing soccer during his spare time.