The Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute has named Amy Trygestad as vice president, Technical Services. She will serve as the primary representative overseeing the development, review, and dissemination of technical knowledge for the precast, prestressed concrete industry. Trygestad was most recently vice president of Engineering at the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute, where she also had also served as director of Codes and Standards. Previously, she was president and principal engineer at Chase Engineering LLC in New Prague, Minn. and Portland Cement Association regional engineering manager. Trygestad has Master and Bachelor of Civil Engineering degrees from the University of Minnesota.
The Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute has promoted Dr. David Fanella, Ph.D., P.E. to vice president of Engineering, responsible for overseeing all engineering team technical initiatives. He began his career with CRSI in 2016 facilitating the development and output of technical information, as well directing and aiding technical department and related member committees. He has authored numerous publications on reinforced concrete design, including the recent CRSI publications Design Guide on the ACI 318 Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Seismic Design Guide for Steel Reinforced Concrete Buildings. Dr. Fanella is an American Concrete Institute Alfred E. Lindau Award recipient; member of ACI and American Society of Civil Engineers committees; and Fellow of ACI, ASCE and the Structural Engineers Institute.
“David’s technical expertise and prolific authoring capabilities have elevated the Institute’s design aids and publications,” says CRSI Chairman Brad Cottrell. “I am certain his experience in a myriad of design roles will serve CRSI well.”
Massachusetts-based Dodge Construction Network, a portfolio company of Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. and STG Partners, LLC, has announced significant business milestones including executive changes and the successful closing of a financing transaction. Dodge raised $100 million of new capital and extended debt maturities, further bolstering its liquidity position and financial flexibility.
Dodge also announced the appointment of a new chief executive officer, Andrew Somosi, succeeding Daniel McCarthy. Somosi was most recently head of the Americas at Gerson Lehrman Group, and previously held leadership roles at Nielsen, Lattice Engines and LexisNexis after beginning his career at McKinsey & Co. In addition, Johann Dudley has joined Dodge as chief product officer, arriving after tours with (pre-Omnicom) Flywheel Digital and Nielsen.
“I am excited to join Dodge to help drive its next chapter of growth and impressed by the breadth and scale of our lead generation, marketing, analytics and consulting solutions, which empower companies to grow their businesses in the multi-trillion dollar U.S. commercial construction industry,” says Somosi. “This transaction strengthens our financial position and provides ample flexibility to pursue growth and innovation. The continued support of Clearlake and STG highlight their confidence in Dodge’s opportunities and potential.”
“This new capital and the strengthening of the leadership team represent important milestones on Dodge’s journey,” note Clearlake Principal Ben Kruger and STG Managing Director Adam Hendricks. “We look forward to supporting Andrew and the Dodge team in their quest to serve the commercial construction industry and power customers’ growth.”
Virginia-based Groundworks, North America’s leading and fastest growing foundation and water management solutions company, has acquired Yellowstone Structural Systems in Bozeman, Mont.—the 12th such transaction closed in the past year. The deal brings a charter Montana location and continues the company’s recent expansion into the Western U.S.
“Montana is an exciting, growing market with unique soil conditions, and Groundworks understands the importance of providing homeowners in the region with reputable
foundation services,” says Founder and CEO Matt Malone. “We extend our industry-leading solutions and world class customer service into Montana and Wyoming. The experts at Yellowstone Structural Systems will make a perfect addition to Groundworks.”
For nearly 15 years, he adds, Yellowstone Structural Systems has delivered high-quality solutions to Montana homeowners and businesses for all their foundation, basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation and structural repair needs, while providing commercial customers geo-technical solutions.
Denver-based Sam the Concrete Man, North America’s leading franchise in residential or commercial flatwork, has entered a strategic partnership with Eagle Merchant Partners, an Atlanta private equity firm recognized for its franchise investment focus. The partnership will fuel growth of a Sam the Concrete Man franchise model—combining internal marketing, contact center, and dedicated operations teams—that has seen establishment of 80-plus locations since 2019. The partners aim to double the number of Sam the Concrete Man locations within the next year and continue steady expansion thereafter. Eagle Merchant resources will spur enhanced training and support for franchise owners, ensuring they have the tools to build successful businesses and provide world-class customer service.
“This collaboration will allow us to take Sam The Concrete Man to new heights [and] bring more value to our customers with an expanded service footprint and tailored offerings in local communities,” says CEO Todd Stewart, who will retain his title and oversee new initiatives to enhance systems and processes. “Our corporate and franchise development teams are fully prepared to support franchise owners as we enter this next phase of growth.” With over $1 billion in investments across consumer and commercial service businesses, he adds, Eagle Merchant brings deep expertise in helping franchise-based companies reach their full potential for growth and innovation.