advertisement

From laborer to president, Jeff Krusinski in line to lead construction company

Jeffrey J. Krusinski started as a laborer in 1994 at his family's Krusinski Construction Co., a general contracting and construction management firm based in Oak Brook.

He now is president, after working his way up the ladder over the years. Teamwork and competitiveness are key, and he likely learned some of that from playing hockey.

"I grew up playing hockey and started at about 8 years old," said Krusinski, 42.

Over the years, he continued to play hockey for fun, including with various teams such as the Final Final, at Johnny's Icehouse in Chicago. He plays right or left-winger.

"It's the same core group of guys and we've been playing for years. There's a lot of camaraderie," he said.

It's a competitive, and sometimes, tough game that keeps his skills on edge. It also can be rough, where fights break out.

"That's just once in a while, but it's all in good fun," he said.

Born and raised in Lincolnshire, Jeff said he has taken a nontraditional path, going to night classes at College of Lake County. He fell short of getting his associate degree, but continues his education with conferences, webinars and other programs to keep up with the competitive and changing construction industry.

"I never want to stop learning," Jeff said.

Jeff is now in line to one day lead the family construction company as it continues to expand with projects nationwide, including in New York, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky and elsewhere.

He oversees business development and marketing, operations and the financial components of the business. He also continues to learn from his mentors, Joe Krusinski, his father and chairman and Jerry Krusinski, his uncle and CEO.

"As Jeff continues the legacy of our reputable firm, our entire team remains focused on solving complex problems, providing creative solutions and understanding our clients' needs," said his father, Joe Krusinski.

<h3 class="briefHead">FastTracks</h3>

• Maria Banks was promoted to president and CEO of AMLI Management Co., which provides property management and leasing services to the AMLI portfolio of luxury apartment communities nationwide, including in Naperville, St. Charles, Woodridge, Deerfield, Evanston and Chicago.

• Nikki Ashmore of Harwood Heights was appointed to marketing coordinator at Des Plaines Office Equipment, based in Elk Grove Village.

•John Law and Adam Law, broker/owners of Re/Max Geneva Realty of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and Rob Schaid, broker/owner of Re/Max Plaza have decided to merge their offices. The Re/Max locations include its McHenry headquarters and offices in Wauconda, Woodstock and Richmond, Illinois. The Wisconsin office will be renamed Re/Max Plaza.

• Sara Furlan, design director at Lake Bluff-based Mariani Landscape, said the residential landscape company was recognized by the Chicago-Midwest Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art as the 2016 Acanthus Award winner for Landscape Design for the second year in a row. The Acanthus Awards acknowledge and promote excellence in design.

• Owner Cathleen Stoelting has opened Ten Friends Blow Dry & Style House in Naperville Crossings, 2720 Showplace Drive, in Naperville. Other locations are downtown Hinsdale, Deer Park Town Center and The Glen Town Center in Glenview.

• Consumer electronics executive Jerry K. Pearlman of Wilmette has been inducted into the Consumer Technology Hall of Fame. Pearlman is the former CEO and retired Chairman of Zenith Electronics, headquartered in Glenview until 2000 and now in Lincolnshire.

• Danielle Brown is the new vice president and chief information officer at Lake Forest-based Brunswick Corp. She succeeds Michael Schulz, who is retiring from Brunswick.

• Ellen Carnahan has joined the board of directors at Arlington Heights-based Paylocity. Carnahan is principal of Machrie Enterprises, where she has served since 2008 as an adviser to venture capital funds and invests in private companies and venture funds.

• There's more to business than just the bottom line. We want to tell you about the people who make business work. Send news about people in business to akukec@dailyherald.com. Follow Anna Marie Kukec on LinkedIn and Facebook and as AMKukec on Twitter.

Cancer survivor designs the beauty of parks, life

'Sweet Baby' Raymond would rather help inner city kids

Pharma's new exec takes flight for quick transportation

Arlington Heights woman finds niche leading major hotel

Joseph R. Krusinski, left, Jeffrey J. Krusinski and Jerry R. Krusinski stand in front of Krusinski Construction Co. in Oak Brook. Joe is the father of Jeff; Joe and Jerry are brothers.
Maria Banks
Nikki Ashmore
Adam Law, left, and John Law and Rob Schaid, broker/owner of RE/MAX Plaza. COURTESY OF RE/MAX
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.