1928 – Work Begins
Founder, Edward P. Berghammer (1898-1981) begins projects in 1928 after returning from constructing buildings for Henry Ford.
About Us
Rooted in Experience, Driven by Excellence
Berghammer Construction has established a reputation as a general contractor with The Right People, The Right Size, and The Right Expertise for a wide range of commercial building projects.
Delivering the ultimate
construction experience.
About Berghammer
We have the resources and capacity to handle any project, regardless of size or complexity. Our structure enables us to offer the sophisticated capabilities of a large firm while maintaining the agility and client-focused approach of a smaller organization.
The Berghammer Way
Dedicated Attention
Our owners and project team stay consistently and actively involved in every phase of construction from start to finish.
Transparency
Communication is the key to a successful relationship, and that’s our goal – transparency throughout the construction process.
Process
Our process leaves no stone unturned in the details, costs, and planning to create the best foundation for success.
Our Values
Our values are more than words; they shape every relationship, decision, and outcome. They reflect who we are and how we work, guiding us to build with purpose, lead with character, and deliver with excellence to bring out the best in ourselves and others.
Integrity
We do what is right.
Accountable
We do what we say.
Service
We focus on the greater good.
Proactive
We anticipate, analyze, and act.
COllaborative
We do great things together.
Experience is Our Foundation
With a team nearly 100 strong, Berghammer brings together seasoned construction professionals—many with degrees in civil/structural engineering, architecture, and construction administration. Every project team is thoughtfully assembled to match the needs of the job. Unique to Berghammer, our ownership team is actively involved in day-to-day operations, offering clients direct access to decades of leadership experience and personal accountability at every phase of the project.
Our History
Since 1929, we have provided full-service construction management, general contracting, and design/build services throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. Our experience in a diverse range of industries ensures that we can meet the unique needs of our clients, from initial concept through project completion.
1928
1928 – Milwaukee Gun Club (Lakeshore)
Founder, Edward P. Berghammer (1898-1981) begins projects in 1928 after returning from constructing buildings for Henry Ford.
1929
1929 – West Allis Paradise Theatre
The West Allis Paradise Theater was opened in 1929 near the end of the era of grand movie house construction.
1947
1947 – Gebhard-Berghammer Offices
New office opened at 5420 W State Street, Milwaukee.
1955
1955 – Central YMCA
Located at 915 W. Wisconsin Avenue, the 18-story Central Branch YMCA in Milwaukee was designed by Grassold & Johnson and completed in 1954. Marquette University began leasing space in the mid-1970s and then purchased it in 1993. Today it is known as Straz Tower.
1957
1957 – Cutting-edge Concrete: St. Edmund’s Church Elm Grove
The St. Edmund Episcopal Church included one of the first hyperbolic paraboloid roofs in the United States. The futuristic roof was made of poured concrete and extended 45 feet beyond the altar. The building was well-received by the national architecture press and religious leaders of the time.
1961
1961 – Marquette University Biology Building
The Wehr Life Sciences Building is home to Marquette’s Department of Biological Sciences. The five-story building has several classrooms, laboratories, faculty offices and a small auditorium. Wehr Life Sciences was completed in 1962.
1988
1988 – Leif Nesheim and Don Nord Purchase the Berghammer Name
At the close of 1987, Ed Berghammer, Jr., owner and son of the company’s founder, retired and sold the “Berghammer Construction” trade name (no material assets) to Leif Nesheim and Don Nord, who were looking to start their own business.
1995
1995 – Berghammer HQ Moved to Butler, WI
The company quickly outgrew the State Street location and in 1995 constructed a new 15,000 square foot corporate headquarters facility in Butler, Wisconsin.
1999
1999 – Jim Parks Hired as Executive VP
Jim Parks hired as Executive Vice President of Marketing and Business Development. Leif Nesheim said, “The addition of Parks marks the transition of Berghammer into a more professionally managed organization.”
2001
2001 – Don Nord Retires
2004
2004 – Executive Team Expanded
In 2004, Berghammer built a new executive management team which included (standing, from left) Glenn Gohlke, Craig Resigner, Jim Parks and (seated, from left) Leif Nesheim and George Minnich.
2011
2011 – Felician Village Manitowoc
This senior community campus re-positioning project including the demolition of 225,000 SF of existing buildings, and new construction of four buildings totaling 125,000 SF.
2013
2013 – Aurora St. Luke’s Knisely Tower Façade Replacement
A winner of “The Daily Reporter Top Projects of 2013” — Re-cladding, façade replacement and renovations of the Knisely tower at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
2017
2017 – Jim Parks Named President
Jim had been serving for 17 years as Executive Vice President, which prepared him for this eventual promotion.
2017
2017 – New Ownership Group Announced
The new ownership group included:
James F. Parks, President
Kevin White, Executive Vice President
Martin Chapa, V.P. Medical Construction
Matt Iwanski, Senior Project Manager
Chris Rosene, Chief Financial Officer
2017
2017 – Synergy At The District
Construction started at Synergy at The District, an upscale, 450,000 sf, 270-unit residential/mixed-use project next to the Mayfair Collection in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.
2018
2018 – The Full Berghammer Team
2022
2022 – Tiffany May – Sixth Principal on Ownership Team
2025
2025 – Current Berghammer Ownership Group
The current ownership group includes:
James F. Parks, Principal
Kevin White, President
Matt Iwanski, Sr. Vice President
Tiffany May, Vice President, Preconstruction
Martin Chapa, Vice President, Healthcare Construction
Chris Rosene, Chief Financial Officer
In the Community
We’re proud to play an active role in making our communities stronger. Our strong commitment to members and organizations in the surrounding area is matched only by our commitment to our clients. Together, we’re helping to build a brighter future for all, and this mission drives everything we do.
Join Our Amazing Team
Working at Berghammer is more than just a job, it’s a career that has lasting impact. Throughout our long and storied history, the trust we put into valuabe employees has allowed for growth and earned us a reputation of respect in the industry. Become part of a team with a strong foundation in success and a bright future ahead.