Our Leadership
Today’s leadership includes David Vogel, Chairman of the Board and his son, Peter Vogel, President and CEO. David Vogel brought the company forward from the 1960’s to where it is today with a clear set of values about how to treat not only customers, but employees and subcontractors as well. He has shared with and passed along his beliefs in taking the long-term view, to understand what true stewardship is, and what good corporate citizenship is in each decision made. David has taught those working with him that you need to pick your head up and look down the road, not just look at work from quarter to quarter, project by project.
“You can't drive down many streets in Madison where there aren't buildings built by the Vogels, whether it's my father, grandfather or great-grandfather's generation,” said Peter Vogel.
Peter C. Vogel – President and CEO
With 27 years of experience in the construction business, Pete Vogel represents the fourth generation of Vogel family members committed to providing quality construction services. As President of Vogel Bros. Building Co., Pete oversees all of Vogel Bros.’ operations. Pete previously held positions as Laborer, Drafter, Operations Manager, Project Manager and as Vice President, and now oversees all Vogel Bros. operations at both the Madison, Wisconsin and Lakeland, Florida offices.
In addition to his work at Vogel Bros., Pete is on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin, and is a past member of Gov. Jim Doyle’s Conservation and Energy Efficiency Work Group. He also contributes to the Madison community with M.A.T.C. Tools for Tomorrow, and Race for the Cure.
Pete holds a M.S. in Real Estate Appraisal and Investment Analysis, and a B.S. in Construction Administration, both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
David L. Vogel - Chairman of the Board
David Vogel remains an active contributor to Vogel Bros. Building company following his tenure as President of the company. David first joined the family business in 1958 learning the trades work though he had a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He also completed the Harvard Business School –Owner/President Management Program Units I, II, and III.
Today, he is a valued resource of industry knowledge and experience that he shares with our staff.
David is a highly respected member of the Madison business community, serving on several boards of directors and charitable organizations, including the Board of Directors of WPS. He is founder of the School Supplies for Kids program, which provides school supplies to needy children throughout Dane County every school year.
Marge J. Schappe – Secretary and Risk Manager
Marge Schappe is the Corporate Secretary and Risk Manager of Vogel Bros. Building Co. She concentrates her efforts in risk management for the company working in the contractual and legal side of construction focusing on contract administration, identifying risks and evaluating coverages for procurement of the Company’s insurance.
She started her career at Vogel Bros. in an administrative position and now holds the Corporate Secretary position in the company. She has been with the company continuously for 34 years.
Marge was involved for many years with DECA (formerly Distributive Education Clubs of America, now known as an Association for Marketing Students) on a local, state and national level as a mentor and judge. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenter’s Pension and Health Funds serving as Chairman of the Audit Committee and also on the Board of Trustees for the Operative Plasterer’s Local #204 Pension and Supplemental Funds.
Ron Ballweg – Treasurer and CFO
Ron Ballweg is the Treasurer of Vogel Bros. Building Co. Ron brings more than 32 years of hands-on experience in the construction industry, and is marking his 25th anniversary with Vogel Bros Building Co. He is an experienced member of Senior Level Management who is responsible for motivating and managing all levels of employees. His primary focus includes the supervision of administrative operations and accounting / finance personnel while providing quality assurance, and upholding the integrity of financial information and systems of all aspects of financial reporting, human resources and payroll, taxes, and cash and banking management.
As Treasurer, Ron is responsible for corporate financial management, strategic and tactical planning and execution, budget planning, development and control, financial forecasting and planning, financial modeling, risk analysis, policy formation, IT strategies and solutions, and corporate tax planning.
Ron is an active member of organizations such as the Waunakee Area Education Foundation, the Waunakee Rotary, Construction Financial Management Association and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He holds a B.B.A. in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Ross A. Rehfeldt, LEED® AP – Vice President of Operations
Ross Rehfeldt has 28 years of experience in the construction industry having held positions as Estimator, Assistant Project Manager, Project Manager and Project Executive. Ross joined Vogel Bros. in 1990, and was named Vice President in 1999. Ross’ responsibilities include coordinating all of Vogel Bros. Wisconsin resources, including budgeting, estimating and procurement, as well as contract administration, project management, and field resources. Ross will work closely with the design team to identify issues and conflicts, and develop solutions to present to your team so informed, knowledgeable decisions can be made in a timely manner.
Ross reviews all Vogel Bros. projects progress on a weekly basis with the project managers and superintendents to make certain that all resources are properly allocated. As a LEED® Accredited Professional, Ross will ensure that sustainable issues and project goals are incorporated in all project planning, and that an integrated team approach is implemented to meet those goals.
Ross has a B.S. Construction Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
John G. Julian – Vice President of Operations – Florida
John has more than 36 years of project management experience, starting his career as a Project Engineer/Field Engineer. He has managed projects from the Northeast to the Southeast with extensive experience in industrial and institutional construction. John has a thorough understanding of the various trades and procedures necessary for completion of a project from site work through final closeout.
John holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Hartford State Technical College and an A.S. in Machine Design from Porters School of Engineering Design. He is a member of the Associated General Contractors of Greater Florida, the American Water Works Association, the Lakeland, Florida Economic and Development Council and the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce.
Peter J. Szotkowski, PE, LEED® AP – Director of Business Development – Wisconsin
Pete excels in the management of teams that design and construct facilities for a wide-range of project types including corporate offices, product development and production facilities, and research and development programs. Pete's primary focus at Vogel Bros. is strategic planning, business development, and project team development.
Pete began his career as a structural engineer, and brings more than 27 years of experience in the architectural, engineering design, and construction industries to Vogel Bros. With a broad background in project management, value engineering, and constructability issues, Pete oversees new business initiatives.
Pete has been involved in the development, design, and construction of sustainable projects for a wide variety of clients. His experience is especially valuable to customers during the visioning and goal setting process. His understanding of the LEED process helps owners and project teams evaluate and develop a successful strategy to achieve their sustainable goals.
Pete holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.