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26 | I NSIGH T • N o v e m b e r 2 0 14 w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m but the philanthropic efforts, many of which are performed quietly and without fanfare because the company and its leadership believe it is the right thing to do. e PAC is also home to one of the great local legends involving O.C. and his passion for the project. If you look closely on the building's College Avenue exterior, just to the side of the main entrance, you will see a set of handprints. ose are O.C.'s hands. As the story goes, he was making a late-night visit to the site during construction and stepped back to get a better view, pushing his hands into fresh plaster. at was in the interior of the Quite a ride continued A sampling of regional Boldt projects Hydroelectric Power Plant, Kaukauna , Wis T here has not been a major hydroelectric project in Wisconsin's Fox Valley region in more than 100 years, but when Kaukauna Utlities' two oldest hydro plants reached the end of their useful lives, closing them was not an option. The new hydroelectric power plant Boldt constructed replaced the original two plants, yet still allows for a significant increase in total power output due to efficiency upgrades over the existing decades-old equipment. KAUKAUNA UTILITIES building. Before it was repaired, a cast was made and later installed on the exterior of the building. ROAD AHEAD W hile O.C. has remained an active force for Boldt Co. — he still reads weekly reports updating ongoing projects — the company's day-to-day leadership is provided by DeKoch, COO since 1990 and president since 2002, and Tom Boldt, CEO since 1990. O.C. remains as chairman. ey are committed to building on the reputation Boldt Co. has built. "It's a source of pride to be a part of that," DeKoch says. "He has curated a responsibility to helping our customers to get the most they can for the money they are spending and enjoy the experience." While Tom Boldt comes from a long line of builders, he did not set out to become one. A self-professed "liberal arts creative guy," he came to the company later in life, a champion of sustainable and lean building processes. "We are working with companies that measure success and value in decades, not just quarterly results," Tom Boldt says. "ose are values important to them and important to us." e two have kept Boldt Co. ahead of the curve. Boldt recently signed an agreement with Akron General Health System to build wellness centers across the country. Boldt is also involved in hospital and health care projects throughout California. While the Great Recession resulted in some belt tightening and layoffs, Boldt's geographical and industry diversity allowed it to avoid the massive contractions that hit so many other companies. When things were slow in the Midwest, work was picking up on the coasts. As large commercial projects slowed, the energy sector boomed. While well known for its involvement in big projects, Boldt Co. has never undervalued the importance of small projects. ey may not get the headlines, but they are important to clients and play an important part in the company's portfolio. DeKoch says the company will this year work on nearly $90 million in projects that are valued at under $500,000 each. All the while, the company has maintained its leadership in LEED and green construction techniques, and is making extensive use of technology with building information modeling techniques that create a 3D model of a building for a virtual walkthrough that can identify potential problems before a job starts. Again, it's part of the company's mantra to deliver the best building possible for a client. "Did we create an environment that people wanted?" Tom Boldt says of their evaluation of each project. "Knowledge and experience is important. We need to use it to make sure we do it better each time." Labovitz School of Business and Economics, Duluth, Minn. A major focus of the University of Minnesota is on contributing knowledge and innovations to a healthier, sustainable world. Made from precast concrete, recycled steel and FSC-certified wood, the building incorporates highly efficient air-handling, electrical and telecommunications systems. Increased insulation, low-emissive glass and occupancy sensors save energy inside, while surface storm water management uses sand and native plants to filter water outside. The new LEED® NC Gold Certified facility provides space for classrooms, offices, labs, a lecture hall, and gathering and study areas. Green materials were used throughout the interior, such as bamboo and biodegradable flooring and Green Guard Certified carpet tiles and furniture. UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA