It’s not every day that you hear about an architect leading a construction firm, but Paul Martzke is not your typical architect, according to his staff. He began his career at Immel Construction in 2008 as a project manager and influenced a change in business methods that earned opportunities with several large regional landmarks in the Midwest. He transitioned into his current role as president in 2020.
“Paul was instrumental in recognizing that a cultural shift was needed for the company to continue to be a leader within the construction industry,” said his colleagues.
Immel Construction is an industry leader in providing construction services of the highest quality, consistently delivered to customers throughout the Midwest. The firm is a 100 percent employee-owned construction services company providing general construction, project management, estimating and skilled craftsmen to meet the needs of the commercial, healthcare, industrial and institutional markets.
The decision to create an Employee Stock Ownership Plan has improved the company’s organizational performance, allowing staff to have direct influence in the company’s success and has resulted in greater customer satisfaction, said the staff. “Paul’s philosophy of ‘our people are our greatest asset’ was fundamental in becoming employee owned and has led to better recruiting, retaining and rewarding efforts,” they said. “This same philosophy helped Paul play a vital role in making Immel more than just a place to work but a company that allows its employees to thrive.”
As a result, the firm will have record sales in 2023, has continued to operate injury free and are honored each year by the safety and insurance industry for its efforts in maintaining a safe work environment for employees, subcontractors and clients. The company continues to be award winning with recognition by the Greater Green Bay Chamber of Commerce with the “Next Generation Best Place to Work” Award.
“Paul believes that Immel Construction’s greatest strength comes from the talented and committed individuals who make up the team,” said his colleagues. “He has been an advocate for a healthy work-life balance, continued education and professional development and encourages having fun while doing it.”
With more than 30 years of experience as a leader in both the construction and architecture industries, Martzke said he believes in leading by example. “I want to push myself and my colleagues to do better and to beat the goal,” he said. “I believe in honesty in the things we think, say and do and I want people to know I will follow through and expect them to do the same.”
For continuing to follow through and transform the industry, Martzke has been named a titan.
