Mike Leopardo’s construction career spans more than 30 years, during which he has helped grow Leopardo from a small family-owned outfit into one of the nation’s top general contractors.

As CEO, Mike is responsible for the overall business strategy and standards that affect both Leopardo’s offices, hundreds of employees and jobsites, multiple service offerings, as well as all its markets.

Before stepping into his current role, Mike served as executive vice president, providing leadership, vision and direction to all Leopardo’s business units. Prior to that, he led Leopardo’s specialized institutional business unit and was responsible for the overall strategy and operations of the healthcare and senior living markets. His team successfully completed more than $1 billion worth of institutional projects, including medical office buildings, surgery centers, laboratories and senior housing, as well as all types of hospital renovation and expansion projects. With Mike at the helm, the group built an impressive list of loyal clients and became the trusted builder for 40 hospitals and many physician groups around the Chicago area.

Mike also played an active role in Leopardo’s strategic markets business unit, where he was focused on building lasting client relationships and an impressive portfolio of work. Many of the projects won during Mike’s tenure with the business unit played an important piece in rebuilding Chicago’s now-thriving West Loop neighborhood.

In 2018, Mike was inducted into the Midwest Real Estate News Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame. He holds a bachelor’s degree in construction technology engineering from Western Illinois University and previously served on the Board of Trustees for the Jane Addams Hull House, one of Chicago’s largest and oldest not-for-profit social services agencies.

Over the last two and a half decades, Giancarlo has amassed an impressive portfolio totaling more than two million square feet in projects. With expertise in healthcare work, his experience ranges from medical office buildings to multi-acre master site and hospital expansions. As president, he drives Leopardo’s overall growth, profitability and strategic initiatives and continues to have direct oversight of the national healthcare and senior living platforms.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in building construction management from Purdue University and is an active member of the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE), as well as the Healthcare Engineers Society of Northern Illinois (HESNI).

Starting as an accountant in 2004, Todd quickly grew into the roles of accounting manager and then operations controller. As CFO, Todd oversees all operations in Leopardo’s finance department and helps the department grow and create a culture of success that will further support the company’s goals. Todd brings nearly 20 years of finance experience and holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Bachelor of Accounting from Concordia University Chicago.

Steve’s construction career spans decades and his tenure at Leopardo started when he joined the company as an intern in 1987. He is responsible for the strategy and operations of Leopardo’s various markets. He has personally overseen construction projects totaling more than $600 million across practically every major market. His project experience includes countless Fortune 500 firms and many of the world’s most-recognized brands like Lexus, Apple, Audi, Harley-Davidson, Jewel-Osco, Walgreens and more.

Steve holds a bachelor’s degree in construction technology from Western Illinois University and is a member of the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association (GNMAA) and International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).

Leigh has overseen and managed some of Leopardo’s largest and most impressive municipal, community, recreation, office and industrial projects. In addition to her decades of experience in the construction industry, she is also a licensed architect and LEED Accredited Professional.

Leigh graduated from the University of Illinois with double masters degrees in architecture and civil engineering, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in architectural studies. She is an active member with the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, Illinois City/County Management Association and the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association.

Pierre is a 26-year veteran of Leopardo with a strong background in architecture and a robust portfolio of managing diverse construction projects. One thing that differentiates him from others is his comfort level with understanding development economics and the downstream demands they place on project budgets and schedules. Before stepping into the role of executive vice president, Pierre oversaw strategy and operations of Leopardo’s corporate/community business unit, which included residential, office, retail, industrial and local public sector clientele. He earned the trust and respect of many recognized national brands including Arthur J. Gallagher, Radio Flyer, Big Ten Conference, Walgreens, Honda, Universal Technical Institute and more.

Pierre graduated from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana with a Master of Science in civil engineering (construction management), a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in architectural studies. He also studied architecture and urbanism at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Versailles, France.

Pierre is a former member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and National Association of Industrial and Office Parks (NAIOP) and former affiliate of the Society of Industrial and Office Real Estate Brokers (SIOR). He served as an advisory board member of the James A. Graaskamp Center of Real Estate for the University of Wisconsin School of Business and is currently an active advisory board member for the Roosevelt University Marshall Bennett Institute of Real Estate.

He has also guest lectured at the University of Illinois in both architecture and civil engineering, as well as at Roosevelt University on project delivery methods and construction contracting.

Rick serves as executive vice president at Leopardo and is one of the most prominent construction executives in the region, as supported by his 2016 induction to the Midwest Real Estate News Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame. He also oversees Leopardo’s tenant interiors group, which is responsible for build-outs, renovations and restorations of commercial spaces. With Rick at the helm, Leopardo’s interiors business grew substantially in annual revenue and continues to be recognized by peers, clients and the media for its best-in-class construction.

Before his career in construction began, Rick was the drummer in a touring rock-a-billy band. His career with Leopardo began in 1983 when he was hired as a laborer and the company’s fourth employee. Combining his passion for music and community, Rick is currently the drummer for Liquidated Damages, a charitable rock band comprised of musicians from Leopardo and its business partners. He also serves on the board of directors for the United Service Organization (USO) of Illinois, a nonprofit organization providing programs, services and live entertainment to United States military service members and their families. He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and communications from Southern Illinois University.

Matt joined Leopardo in 1993. Prior to stepping into his current role, he oversaw the company’s institutional business unit. During that time, he worked with more than 40 hospitals, numerous physician groups and personally managed countless healthcare, laboratories and senior living facilities.

With nearly two decades of experience in many different facets of the construction industry, Ralph is an industry-leading field construction professional who is responsible for overseeing all of Leopardo’s field operations. Ralph is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Construction Safety and Health Technician (CHST), as well as a Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS). He is also an authorized trainer for OSHA construction courses and the American Red Cross First Aid, CPR and AED courses. Ralph is a member of the Construction Safety Association, Build Safe Chicago, and currently serves on the Safety Committee for the Chicagoland Associated General Contractors.

Mike is a 30-year construction industry veteran who has completed millions of square feet since joining Leopardo Construction. His comprehensive skill set includes LEED certified projects, large site development, multistory ground-up construction, sophisticated public display exhibits, as well as phased and occupied medical build-outs. Mike is a licensed professional engineer and LEED accredited professional.

He holds a master’s degree in business administration from DePaul University and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. When he’s not leading major construction projects like the 103,000-square-foot Rush Oak Brook Orthopaedic Center, the 315,000-square-foot headquarters of Arthur J. Gallagher or the 185,000-square-foot Universal Technical Institute , Mike enjoys spending time outdoors with his family.

Dave joined Leopardo in 2009 as a project engineer before rising to project executive in 2018 and subsequently vice president in 2021. During his career with the company, Dave has completed millions of square feet of construction and has played a key role in expanding Leopardo’s client relationships within the healthcare and senior living markets. Over the course of his career, Dave has meticulously managed some of the most complex healthcare and hospital construction projects in the area. Some of the most notable projects on his resume include the 130,000-square-foot Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, the 55,000-square-foot and 50,000-square-foot new medical office buildings for Duly Health and Care in Bloomingdale and Westmont, Illinois,  the 70,772-square-foot and 50,000-square-foot new outpatient care centers for Northwest Community Healthcare in Buffalo Grove and Kildeer, Illinois, as well as the Upshot Medical Center at Mills Park, a 72,000-SF, five-story north tower and a 90,000-SF, six-story south tower – one of the only Class A, LEED-designed medical office projects of this size in the country. Dave holds a Master of Architecture Degree from the University of Illinois, as well as a Bachelor’s in Architectural Studies. He is also a LEED Accredited Professional of Building Design + Construction.

Holly brings more than 15 years of strategic human resources experience across a wide range of industries, including healthcare, construction, retail and manufacturing. Her energy, dynamic resume of experience, and proven success within the strategic human resources function serves Leopardo’s goal to be a meaningful place to work, where its people are its best asset.

Holly came to Leopardo from Best Buy, where she focused largely on engagement and talent development. She has also filled the roles of director of human resources at both Illinois Tool Works and Apria Healthcare. She currently leads Leopardo’s strategic human resources function, taking lead in advancing Leopardo’s people and culture infrastructure.

Holly holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in human services and psychology from Kendall College. She also earned professional HR certifications from the Human Resources Certification Institute and the Society for Human Resources Management.

Jessica joined Leopardo in 2016 and as director of business development with a primary focus on Leopardo’s healthcare, senior living and hospitality markets. During her time here she has played a fundamental role in the national expansion and growth of those markets, as well as the company as a whole. She helped bring in an extensive list of notable clients and works nationally through creating strategic partnerships and relationships. As Senior Vice President of Growth, she is responsible for growing Leopardo’s pipeline of future projects alongside developing and leading Leopardo Construction’s entire national business development team. Jessica is also responsible for creating a culture of success and accountability measured through sales and goal achievements. Jessica holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication/Media Studies from San Diego State University, where she was recruited on a four-year, full ride scholarship for women’s soccer. She currently sits on the board and is the ‘networking chair’ of the Healthcare Engineers Society of Northern Illinois (HESNI) as well as the events chair of the Magnificent Mile Association. Jessica is also a founding member of SheBuilds, an organization recognizing and connecting strong Women in Real Estate in both Illinois and Wisconsin markets.

With decades of industry experience and a familiarity with all construction products and their suppliers, Rory helps clients navigate cost spikes and material inflation to save time and money. He counsels Leopardo’s project teams on price escalations, material demands, supply shortages, alternative methods of construction, lifecycle costs, efficiencies and impact on the environment.

Rory graduated with honors from DePaul University with a bachelor’s degree in finance.

Since joining Leopardo in 2013, Pete has significantly grown the company’s JOC market, which now encompasses federal, higher education, industrial, and interior construction. Under Pete’s leadership, Leopardo has worked with numerous government agencies, including the U.S. Postal Service, City of Chicago, as well as Cook and Lake counties. His resume includes multiple Chicago fire stations, bridge restorations, as well as projects for Malcolm X College, University of Illinois Chicago, Department of General Services, Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago City Hall, Fulton Market Gateway, and the McCormick Place Alternate Care Facility. Pete’s wide range of industry experience spans more than 30 years and encompasses a diverse collection of markets and projects of all sizes. He also has a strong background in preconstruction, design-build, and subcontractor management.

During his time with Leopardo, Steve has built over one million square feet of construction and has played a key role in expanding Leopardo’s residential business unit and its client relationships. He has meticulously managed some of the most complex healthcare and residential construction projects in the area, such as the 103,000-square-foot Rush Oak Brook Orthopaedic Center, the 225,000-square-foot adaptive reuse of an old hospital into the Ravenswood Senior Living residence, and the 364,000-square-foot Sheffield Apartments development in Chicago. Steve holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Northern Illinois University, as well as a Bachelor of Engineering in Construction Management from Southern Illinois University. He is also a LEED Accredited Professional.

Seth is a Vice President at Leopardo Construction with 27 years of experience in tenant interior projects, renovation and ground-up work. He has worked with big brands such as Kia, Colliers and Morgan Stanley. Seth has a proven track record in meeting tight deadlines and going above and beyond to satisfy our clients’ needs. His areas of expertise include scheduling, cost management, and project closeouts of complex and intricate projects. You can expect a high-level of communication with Seth.

Ted manages and helps grow Leopardo’s robust team of more than 200 in-house tradespeople, specializing in general labor, demolition, carpentry, metal stud and drywall, taping and painting, acoustical ceilings, audiovisual, and security systems. During his more than twenty years with Leopardo Construction, Ted has played a key role in expanding the company’s self-perform group and has managed numerous projects totaling more than five million square feet of construction. Some of his more notable projects include the 20-story, 401,000-SF residential complex Vision on State; the 200,000-SF Aurora Police Headquarters and Branch Court Facility; and the 290,000-SF Fulton West office building in Chicago’s Fulton Market neighborhood. Ted holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology and Construction Management from Illinois State University. He was the recipient of the 2022 Association of Subcontractors and Affiliates of Chicago (ASA) Outstanding General Contractor Project Executive Award and has more than twenty years of experience delivering safe, high quality, and collaborative projects.

Jennifer brings with her over a decade of experience and oversees all aspects of Leopardo’s marketing department. She is responsible for leading the development and implementation of marketing objectives and strategies to support overall business objectives. She also develops, executes, and leads strategic marketing campaigns, including proactive media relations, digital and social content campaigns, media materials, client messaging, and thought leadership programs. Jennifer holds a Master of Mass Communication in public relations and communication management, as well as a Bachelor of Science in advertising from the University of Florida. She is a member of Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Chicago, an associate board member of Habitat for Humanity Chicago, and she sits on the Community Programming Committee for American Marketing Association (AMA) Chicago.

Josh is a member of the senior leadership team and is responsible for overseeing the daily operations for all construction, project management, and project administration activities within the Florida region. He brings significant design and project management experience in the areas of hospitality and large-scale commercial environments. Josh grew up in the Orlando area and has worked here in construction since 2001. His Florida projects have included Vistana Villages, Bonnet Creek, FL, Ocean-Walk, FL, JW Marriott Hotel, Wyndham Vacation Ownership-Orlando, FL, among others.

Joe started with Leopardo in 1989 and has been one of Leopardo’s most reliable employees. He expertly monitors effective accounting and financial systems, procedures, and controls to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with applicable laws, codes, and rules for financial and tax reporting. Joe oversees the accounting operations and reporting activities of all corporate entities, especially their control systems, transaction-processing operations, and policies and procedures. He also oversees the setup of out-of-state projects. Joe holds a Bachelor of Accountancy from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Gies College of Business and has nearly 40 years of accounting experience. He is also a registered certified public accountant for the state of Illinois.

In 1977, entrepreneur Jim Leopardo started his own construction firm in Chicago and it didn’t take long for him to make an impressive impact on the industry. Under his leadership, Leopardo has grown into one of the nation’s top contractors with more than 450 employees and 650 projects worked on each year.

A pioneer in the construction industry, Jim provides a focused business approach and a deep commitment to quality, innovation and leadership. His drive, pledge to client service and standards for excellence are the staples the company was founded on.

In recognition of his industry pioneering, Jim was inducted into Midwest Real Estate News’ first-ever Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame in 2010. He was also included on the Crain’s Chicago Business 2015 list of Who’s Who in Chicago, a directory of the city’s “movers and shakers,” from Fortune 500 CEOs to civic leaders and philanthropists. In 2017, he was named a Distinguished Alumni by his alma mater Western Illinois University. Later that year Jim also received the Honorary Legion of Honor Award from DeMolay International in recognition of his service to the community. Previously, Jim served on the board at the Foglia YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago and received the Volunteer of the Year and Family of the Year awards. He also served on the board at JFK Health World, a non-profit children’s health education museum. An alumni member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), he served as the organization’s Chicago chapter chairman, chapter treasurer, day chair, education and membership chairman. Since 2004, he has been an active member of the World Presidents’ Organization (WPO). He also received the Entrepreneur of the Year award from Ernst and Young in 1990 and has twice been a featured speaker at Harvard Business School’s Annual Entrepreneurship Conference.

Jim holds a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering from Western Illinois University and is a member of Safari Club International, FMI Executives/Presidents Peer Group, as well as a board member of James A. Graaskamp Center for Real Estate Wisconsin School of Business.