Meet The Team
Ken Thieneman
President & CEO
Baseball Fanatic
As President and Owner of Thieneman Construction, Inc., I understand how the water and wastewater industry can be changed through innovative technology that is truly sustainable and environmentally friendly. My passion is based solely on the ability to provide clean water for a healthy environment and community. The increasing demand for clean water will be the single greatest challenge of mankind in the next century.
I have over 30 years of experience in the water and wastewater industry, and I have performed the majority of every job associated with the construction of a treatment plant, including all field and office responsibilities. This gives me the empathy to form a connection to our customers and their engineers, our company, and especially to our employees. When I graduated from Purdue University in 1987, I began my career working for Clearwater Constructors in Texas. During my three year tenure, I worked on a $50M waste water plant, a 10-story federal courthouse building, and a federal printing press project. My career in environmental construction continued for over ten years with Bowen Engineering where I became the vice-president of operations. My pursuits directed me to start Thieneman Construction in 1999 to be a self-performing environmental contractor that provides value engineering services. Thieneman Construction self-performs the site work, concrete construction, mechanical systems, and process equipment. Our relationships with the engineers, owners, subcontractors, and vendors have been the key to our success in this industry. Our relationships are built through trust, hard work, and integrity. I promote a company-wide dedication to self-performance and nurturing our in-house technical capabilities. Our employee ownership culture instills the commitment necessary for our professional development. I believe one’s persistence provides them power to shape the future, which is why our motto is “Excellence is the Standard”.
I am rewarded on a daily basis by the complexity of our projects and the accomplishments of our work force. It is an honor to lead Thieneman Construction as a closely-held company committed to solving the environmental challenges of today. I look forward to the future of the water and wastewater industry and how we will contribute to treating and providing fresh water for our communities throughout the world.
- Bachelor of Science, Construction
- Engineering Management, Purdue University
- AGC STP Training Courses
- Construction Project Management Courses
- Senior Executive Education Course
- Dale Carnegie Leadership Course
- Outward Bound Professional Development
- Indiana Concrete Council Awards
- Concrete Achievement Awards, 1991/1992
- AON NATIONAL Build America Award 1999
- Municipal Design/Build Category
- IRMCA Concrete Achievement Award 2002 Cedar Lake Project
Rob Lawyer
Chief Financial Officer
Expert Fisherman
My recent experience includes 24 years of Controller/CFO experience working for two different contractors (a general contractor and an excavating firm) here in the Midwest. As CFO of Thieneman Construction, I am responsible for providing the overall direction for the financial operations, its related entities, joint ventures and construction projects including treasury, accounting and risk management functions. To accomplish this I collaborate with other inspiring team members and seek out fresh ideas and processes that continually improve the quality of our risk management program and financial operations.
My experience began at an early age in a family construction business which led to an operating engineer position at Fort Benjamin Harrison’s Golf Course where I learned to operate and appreciate equipment.
I am a frequent speaker and author for the Construction Financial Management Association on financial and risk management topics for the construction industry.
My wife Krista and I have three sons, Steve, Evan and Luke; plus we have a pet terrier named Lucy. In my spare time I enjoy fishing, biking, trap & skeet and playing drums in a local jazz/blues band.
- B.S. degree in Accounting, Kelly School of Business, Indiana University
- Certified Construction-Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP)
- Indiana Subcontractors Association – Past GC Council Member
- AGC of Indiana – Past Associate/Affiliate Council Member
- WAFER Homeless Ministry –Treasurer
- Rotarian
- CPA
Jeff Chinn
Vice President of Business Development
Master BBQ Chef
Jeff Chinn is an experienced leader with 30 years in the construction industry. Chinn has demonstrated a strong business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit capable of leading growth and profitability initiatives. . Jeff joined Thieneman Construction in 2018 as Vice President of Operations, Indianapolis where he is responsible for overall activities and development of the Operations teams for the Indianapolis area. Recently, he has acquired responsibilities for safety and market branding for the company.
Prior to joining Thieneman, Jeff was Vice President of Engineering and Business Services with Gaylor Electric where he provided Leadership of Engineering, Fabrication, Marketing and Estimating services for northern US. Additionally, he enacted process improvements resulting in increased throughput and reliability of engineering and fabrication services in support of the core construction business resulting in 300% growth. While at Bowen Engineering, Jeff was an integral member of corporate leadership team responsible for governance of an engineering-procurement-construction company specializing in power generation and water treatment. He managed the installation of Lean Construction production improvement system for self-performing craft work. After graduating from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Building Construction Management, Jeff began his career at JF Ahern Company as a Project Manager where he managed the self-perform mechanical construction projects as both a sub-contractor and prime contractor holder.
Jeff and his wife Debbie live in Cicero Indiana where they raised three beautiful daughters. When not spending time with family, Jeff enjoys participating in Chili and BBQ competitions throughout Indiana and surrounding areas. Jeff also enjoys being Board and Committee members of several business and non-profit organizations.
- B.S Building Construction Management, Purdue University 1989
- Harvard University Business School, Professional Certification
- Design Build Institute of America, Board Member
- Indiana Subcontractor Association, Board Member
- Coalition for Construction Safety, Committee Member
- Knights of Columbus, Charitable Organization
Bryan Egli
Vice President of Operations
Weekend Golfer
I had the honor of being a 2000 graduate of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology with a degree in Civil Engineering. Since graduating from Rose-Hulman, I have had the pleasure of being involved in almost every aspect of water/wastewater, industrial, transportation and site development construction projects, from my early days as a consulting engineer to my current position as Vice President of Operations. During my career, I have been associated with construction projects of various size and magnitude; from time and material maintenance contracts to new complete water/wastewater systems for municipalities, ranging in contract amounts from a few hundred dollars to over $30 million. My specific role at Thieneman Construction while very complex in nature can be simply described as being responsible for all aspects of ensuring the overall success of projects not only for Thieneman Construction but also for our clients and vendors. From a day to day perspective I oversee all facets of management for our business including: budgeting and financial, site management, construction management, project controls, safety, customer service, cultural development, monitoring and improving efficiency/productivity, and overall planning and organization.
Having played athletics most of my life, I am well aware that one does not succeed without the hard work and dedication of others. We are blessed at Thieneman Construction to have one of the hardest working, talented groups of individuals in the industry and together we strive every day to exceed the clients expectations in the areas of cost, schedule, quality and safety.
Outside the office, when not spending time with my family (wife – Ginny, daughters – Grace, Emme, Evelyn and son – Graeme), I enjoy roaming the world looking for that next great golf shot that only true “hackers” like me can truly appreciate.
- Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
- Safety Trained Supervisor, Council on Certification of Health, Environmental and Safety Technologies
- Certified Construction Stormwater Manager, INDOT
- Certified Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Manager, Louisville MSD
- American Society of Civil Engineers
Sheri Woodward
Director of Human Resources
Pickleball Enthusiast and Football Fan
I am grateful for the people that have supported me in achieving my dreams and aspirations. This makes me want to help others see the unique possibilities that belong only to them.
In the 2000’s I switched from a corporate career with experience in supervision, customer service, training, program and product management to a career in Human Resources.
I achieved an HR certification from DePaul University, completed green belt training, and obtained PHR and SHRM-SCP HR certifications.
My HR experience includes all facets of HR delivery. More importantly, my expertise is in bringing structure to processes and uplifting companies and the people that work for them.
Member, Indianapolis Women Leaders
Former Member, Professional Women’s Club of Chicago [PWCC]
Purdue Construction Advisory Council member
Volunteer, Humane Society for Hamilton County
Krav Maga Enthusiast
Military Supporter and Military History student
Fast Cars enthusiast
Animal Advocate
Canine Behaviorist in Training
Fun Fact: During a Junior Chamber trip abroad, I had the opportunity to adopt a puppy from Barcelona, Spain that had no future. Within 3 days, customs paperwork and quarantine regulations were navigated and we were both on a flight back to the US, where ‘Bart’ thrived.
I enjoy spending time with friends and family, and finding that next, great challenge.
- Masters, Organizational Development
- Bachelors, Organizational Behavior
- SHRM-SCP
- Chicago Junior Chamber Legacy Member and former Chairman, President,
Executive VP, VP Community Development, and Director of Communications.
