Hall of Fame
MAY

Power Construction

From Rural Electrification to Urban Innovation: A Legacy of Adaptability
Hall of Fame
MAY

Power Construction

Power Construction's story began in 1926 with Jerome Goldstein's vision of bringing electricity to rural America. Adapting to changing needs, the company transitioned to building homes and schools in the following decades.  

Under Al Gorman's leadership from the 1960s to the 1980s, Power Construction established a reputation for exceptional service and the construction of healthcare, education, and hospitality projects. The 1990s ushered in a new era with Tom Settles, a former Power carpenter, becoming president.  This move solidified the company's commitment to promoting from within.  

Under Jeff Karp's leadership in the 2000s, Power navigated a recession while securing record-breaking contracts, including the Lurie Children's Hospital and Rush University Medical Center projects.

A Culture of Hands-on Leadership

Power Construction has cemented its position as a dominant force in Chicago's construction landscape. The Real Deal’s 2023 report indicated that the company secured over half of the project volume amongst the top five contractors in the city, with a staggering $1 billion worth of work last year. This impressive achievement marks a significant climb from their second-place ranking the previous year.

Leading this charge is Jeff Geier, the company's President & CEO.  

Jeff's career journey began with a baptism by fire; his first project involved managing a massive 200-acre intermodal facility and rail yard for the Santa Fe Railroad in California.  Despite his initial lack of railroad expertise, Jeff's dedication and hands-on approach transformed him into a railroad history buff by the project's successful completion three years later.

Jeff's philosophy emphasizes active listening and constant engagement. He encourages new team members to immerse themselves in the job site environment and develop a habit of daily project walkthroughs.  This approach is likely a contributing factor to Power Construction's remarkable success.

Beyond work, Jeff enjoys Chicago's vibrant restaurant scene, the stunning lakefront, and the city's rich architectural tapestry. While he acknowledges the city's challenging winters, he jokingly remarks that these might be a blessing in disguise, preventing everyone from wanting to live in this amazing city.

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Hall of Fame
HALL OF FAME SPOTLIGHT  |
MAY
2024

From Rural Electrification to Urban Innovation: A Legacy of Adaptability

By
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Power Construction's story began in 1926 with Jerome Goldstein's vision of bringing electricity to rural America. Adapting to changing needs, the company transitioned to building homes and schools in the following decades.  

Under Al Gorman's leadership from the 1960s to the 1980s, Power Construction established a reputation for exceptional service and the construction of healthcare, education, and hospitality projects. The 1990s ushered in a new era with Tom Settles, a former Power carpenter, becoming president.  This move solidified the company's commitment to promoting from within.  

Under Jeff Karp's leadership in the 2000s, Power navigated a recession while securing record-breaking contracts, including the Lurie Children's Hospital and Rush University Medical Center projects.

A Culture of Hands-on Leadership

Power Construction has cemented its position as a dominant force in Chicago's construction landscape. The Real Deal’s 2023 report indicated that the company secured over half of the project volume amongst the top five contractors in the city, with a staggering $1 billion worth of work last year. This impressive achievement marks a significant climb from their second-place ranking the previous year.

Leading this charge is Jeff Geier, the company's President & CEO.  

Jeff's career journey began with a baptism by fire; his first project involved managing a massive 200-acre intermodal facility and rail yard for the Santa Fe Railroad in California.  Despite his initial lack of railroad expertise, Jeff's dedication and hands-on approach transformed him into a railroad history buff by the project's successful completion three years later.

Jeff's philosophy emphasizes active listening and constant engagement. He encourages new team members to immerse themselves in the job site environment and develop a habit of daily project walkthroughs.  This approach is likely a contributing factor to Power Construction's remarkable success.

Beyond work, Jeff enjoys Chicago's vibrant restaurant scene, the stunning lakefront, and the city's rich architectural tapestry. While he acknowledges the city's challenging winters, he jokingly remarks that these might be a blessing in disguise, preventing everyone from wanting to live in this amazing city.

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