Building the nation’s first graduate school dedicated solely to the study of freshwater was not an easy undertaking, but Shannon Metoxen, Senior Project Manager at JP Cullen, was excited to take on the challenge. “Shannon has a clear vision and the means necessary to bring complex projects to a successful completion,” Kurt Young Binter, Facilities Architect for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee commented.
Shannon was particularly interested in the UW-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences project because of the large amount of utilities and systems it has, matching up well with his expertise. Shannon considers this project to be one of his proudest achievements over his 17 years in the construction industry. “Anytime I can be involved in a project that will help the community, I feel a great sense of accomplishment knowing that I helped in that process,” said Shannon.
The 100,000 sf, $36 million project began in Fall of 2012 and completed in August of 2014. The building is a marine, freshwater and atmospheric research facility with state-of-the-art labs for researchers and students, classrooms and quarantine facilities for aquatic organisms from the Great Lakes. The project posed many unique challenges, one being the installation of the one of a kind TAKTL panel system that completes the front façade of the building. “This is the first time they have been used in Wisconsin, so everything was new,” Metoxen said. “We also had to attach the panels to a variety of materials: metal panels, glazed materials, precast concrete. It was a challenge to figure out how the different parts would work together.
“Working with Shannon for the last 18 months on the School of Freshwater Sciences projects has been a pleasure, “ Bob Barr, Principal at Continuum Architects + Planners, SC said. “I have been impressed not only by his efficiency and diligence in moving the project forward, but also by his technical expertise and ability to solve complex construction issues. Shannon is very easy to work with, pleasant, smart and always willing to work with the client and design team to assure a positive resolution to any issues that arise.”
Shannon Metoxen began his career in construction as a site engineer with JP Cullen in their newly established Milwaukee office in 1998. Shannon quickly moved up the ranks at the company, holding roles as an estimator and project manager. Shannon now manages projects upwards of $40 million in value in the healthcare, education, industrial and commercial markets.
Shannon’s experience extends beyond just managing construction projects, he is also an active participant in procuring work for JP Cullen. Well over half of the construction projects he manages are projects that he has procured himself either through the trust he has established with existing clients, of which 70% are repeat clients, or the added value that he brings to new clients in the beginning stages of building relationships. Bryan Ruud, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services for Hamilton School District , recently stated, “I have worked with Shannon for over four years on multiple projects and have found him to be professional, reliable and very responsible to the district’s needs. He is straight-forward and thorough, which has created a trusting, productive working relationship.”
Shannon has also served on the Strategic Planning Committee for JP Cullen’s Milwaukee Division for the last seven years, as well as the Corporate Strategic Planning Committee for four consecutive years. Shannon utilizes this experience to create a strategic plan for every project he undertakes. This process has ensured the projects are managed properly, verifies all team members understand the project goals, and anticipates challenges before they occur so that they can be addressed prior to work in the field.
In addition to developing young construction professionals, Shannon also frequently sits on panels to mentor small and/or disadvantaged companies within the construction industry. Shannon has been a part of The Daily Reporter and the Emerging Construction Business Incubator’s “Know Your Customer” and “Mentoring Series” at Milwaukee’s War Memorial Center. Shannon’s passion has always been to help grow the future leaders of the industry one step at a time. He is consistently pushing those individuals to get involved early, ask questions, and not be afraid to stumble.
As a member of the American Society for Healthcare Engineering and a recipient of a Healthcare Construction Certification, Shannon has most recently become a Certified Healthcare Constructor from the American Hospital Association and attended the Associated General Contractor’s Advanced Management Program in Dallas, Texas.
When Shannon is not coaching football and baseball, growing future leaders, and managing multi-million dollar projects, he finds time to hunt, sometimes fish, and most importantly spend time with his wife LeighAnn and their three boys, Bo (18), Takoda (15), and Cal (9).
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