Detroit, Mich. – John Rakolta III (JR) was named president of Detroit-headquartered construction company Walbridge, this morning, taking the helm of the privately-held firm on the eve of the company’s 105th anniversary.
“JR has a proven ability to deliver high levels of sustained results and we are excited about the Walbridge future,” CEO Mike Haller said. “JR is the right person, at the right time, to lead us into this new era.”
JR will continue his role as chief administrative officer of the company.
Throughout JR’s tenure, he has played a major role in the company’s market diversity, growth and financial performance by leading the expansion into the hyperscale data center market and brownfield redevelopment projects. JR led the organization’s expansion into West Michigan and the revitalization of Florida operations. In addition, JR is advancing his father, John Rakolta Jr.’s lifelong commitment of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion by championing distinct initiatives within Walbridge and the community.
As the first family member to serve as president of Walbridge in nearly three decades, JR is proud of his third-generation status. The achievements at Walbridge, led by grandfather, John Rakolta Sr., and father, John Rakolta Jr., “motivate him to expand upon Walbridge’s legacy.”
“One of the things my father instilled in me is consistency and reliability,” JR said. “In a world where the idea of normal is rapidly changing, it’s important for our clients, suppliers, and team members to know there is security in Walbridge’s steadiness. The company has forged a tradition of hard work, safety, and making a positive difference in the communities where we live and work.”
JR holds a B.S. in Building Construction Management from Purdue University, an M.S. in Real Estate Finance & Investment from New York University and is a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Executive Leadership Development program.
Empowered by Others
Though Walbridge and construction are in his DNA, JR’s journey began in New York where he started his professional career with a New York-based real estate development firm.
After four years in New York, he returned to Detroit to an entry-level business development role at Walbridge, working under now Group Vice President Mark McClelland. He was expected to make an immediate impact helping to diversify the company into new market and geographies.
“We all knew that JR was the son of the owner. But at no time did he ask, nor did we treat him any differently than any new hire,” McClelland said. “In fact, we had higher expectations as it related to the quality of workmanship and knowledge of the industry and, at no time, did JR take his last name for granted.”
He grew in his business development role, eventually transitioning into operations, working within the mobility business unit. The opportunity to work on projects for Ford Motor Company and General Motors enabled JR to be on the front lines and appreciate the intensity and high expectations both customers demand and expect from Walbridge.
“Working on the operational side of the business helped me to develop leadership qualities important to both my personal and professional life,” JR said. “I became a much better listener, clearer in my expectations and communications with others and, most importantly, developed my leadership style.”
Implementation
Soon after these projects were completed, JR was promoted to the role of chief financial officer and the executive responsible for Florida’s operations.
Craig Vincent, project director, said JR had conversations with the entire Florida team to better assess how the group could grow in the market.
“The Florida team was in a transitional period, where we needed a strong executive presence,” Vincent said. “JR stepped into the gap, listened to our team, evaluated our strengths in the market and, in the end, really helped this team maximize our future success.”
JR’s role in Walbridge’s growth into being highly ranked by the Engineering News-Record for data center work was paramount as the company mixed its manufacturing expertise with its collaborative spirit and commitment to safety.
Assistant Vice President Kirk Schwab was on-site for one of Walbridge’s first large-scale data center projects when JR held a meeting to discuss the future of both the project and the company’s efforts in the market.
“When I first met JR on a project in Virginia, he asked ‘Who do we intend to be?’’’ Schwab said. “We were about to embark on a massive project in a new market for Walbridge and there was certainly a lot of nervousness on site. But the very essence of JR was to push past those paradigms, bring the team together, and empower us to execute, which is a true testament to his leadership.”
That initial meeting still resonates with Schwab, as the company continues to work on advancing partnerships in the data center industry.
“We were able to buy into JR’s plan very quickly because his vision was logical and he made sure to include us in understandable, and executable,” he said.
Dedicated to Walbridge, the Community
One of JR’s many mentors at Walbridge includes current CEO Mike Haller, who took on a tough role with JR.
“One of my fondest memories was taking on the uncomfortable task of giving JR his annual reviews,” Haller said, with a laugh. “I consider John Rakolta Sr. like a father to me and worked alongside John Rakolta Jr. for more than 40 years. I told JR early on in his Walbridge career to find his own leadership style. He took the best of his father’s and grandfather’s approach and developed his own style of management.”
In 2016, JR was named Chief Administrative Officer and Executive Vice President, giving even more opportunities for him to learn from a wide range of company executives.
“JR’s leadership inspires creative thinking and an excitement for the future of the company – and jokingly, he’s known around the office as someone who enjoys quick wit, a good laugh, and his sweet tooth,” Haller said.
JR is dedicated to serving his community, a Walbridge Core Value and something his father is well-known for, and routinely volunteers both his time and talent at the United Way for Southeastern Michigan (UWSEM), where he serves on the Board of Directors.
“We know firsthand his passion for people, the community, and business,” Dr. Darienne Driver Hudson, president, and CEO of UWSEM, said. “His service as a member on our Board of Directors and his participation on both our Governance and Nominating and Revenue Committee shaped our strategic direction and helped us set many families on a path to financial stability.”
As Walbridge looks toward March 11 and its 105th anniversary, JR said, “It is truly an honor to follow in the footsteps of my father, grandfather and other amazing leaders as the president of Walbridge. I’m privileged to lead the hard-working and loyal employees at this company and ready to continue the tradition of delivering world-class facilities and related services for our customers’ success.”