OUR TEAM
MEET THE KAMEX TEAM
LEADERSHIP TEAM
RYAN FISCHER, CEO
Ryan Fischer is the CEO of KAMEX. He joined the KAMEX team in 2012 as an Estimator/Project Manager.
Not a stranger to entrepreneurship, Ryan started a lawn service company at the age of 11 that he successfully ran for many years before selling. Prior to joining the KAMEX team, Ryan was an Operator/Estimator at JP Burns Excavating for several years. Ryan brings a passion to his role that can only come from truly loving what you do. Ryan enjoys building positive, lasting relationships with clients, stakeholders, and his growing team at KAMEX Excavating. He is driven by results and takes pride in delivering a quality job on every job. Ryan currently holds a board member seat at the Operating Engineers Local 520 as well as St. Louis Bank in Edwardsville, IL.
Ryan resides in Maryville, Illinois with his wife Kelly and their twin sons. Ryan enjoys networking in his community and traveling with friends and family.
MARK CRAYS, PRESIDENT
Mark Crays was introduced to the construction business at a very young age. He credits being raised on a family farm with a small excavating business for his hard work ethic, core values and integrity. Mark joined the Air National Guard upon completion of High School and served as an F-16 Crew Chief where he gained valuable lessons in leadership and served two overseas deployments. During this time, Mark obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management from Southern Illinois University. He held the position of project manager and estimator for 8 years at Moniger Excavating prior to partnering with Ryan Fischer and Dave Kamadulski in 2013.
As President, Mark brings 20 years of construction experience in heavy civil/heavy highway scopes of work, and he plays a lead role in field operations. Mark continually delivers successful completion of multi-million-dollar projects through developing great working partnerships with owners, engineers, architects, developers, and local officials. He’s confident in project estimating, proposal preparation, contact negotiations, and project management. Mark is a result-oriented professional who is people driven. He’s a firm believer that the more successful his people become both professionally and personally, the more successful the company will become. His respect for people and the process it takes to reach their goals is his greatest asset to the company.
Mark resides in rural Edwardsville with his wife Ashley and two children, Brooklyn and Bradley.
PROJECT MANAGERS
CODY TROSLEY
ESTIMATOR/PROJECT MANAGER
Cody is a Project Manager and Estimator with over 10 years' experience in the construction industry. He graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a Construction Management degree in 2012, and started his full-time career working for a Heavy Civil Contractor as an estimator/project manager. Cody works closely with customers, engineers, subcontractors, and construction staff to ensure needs, goals, and standards are met on every project.
LUKE BORRENPOHL
OPERATION MANAGER- UTILITY & INFRASTRUCTURE
Luke joined the KAMEX team in 2020. His prior work experience was 25+ years as Field Superintendent. Luke is the Operation/ Project Manager for the Utility and Infrastructure Division here at KAMEX. When it comes to getting a plan put together, Luke is an industry leader in our area! Luke prides himself by example. If anyone has worked for Luke or with him, they will attest to his qualities as a person and a leader. As the Company’s Licensed Plumber of record, he analyzes plans and specs and puts detailed schedules and goals out there for us to hit. Taking a project from start to finish, Luke is unmatched in regard to scheduling all aspects of the construction process. His efficiency and effectiveness for the overall logistics of a project of any size, has put KAMEX at the top of our industry! Luke is motivated by people. Luke’s wealth of knowledge in the business and interpersonal skills allows him to build up our personnel’s skills and attain their goals at a rapid pace.
TODD WALL
ESTIMATOR/PROJECT MANAGER
Todd joined the KAMEX team in 2021 as a Project Manager and Estimator with 20+ years’ experience in the construction industry. He graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale with a Civil Engineering degree in 2001. Todd has a long standing history of successfully estimating and managing multi-million dollar projects from conceptions to completion. Todd has the ability to manage and coordinate trades, build partnerships, and work collaboratively with owners, engineers, subcontractors, and local officials to ensure the timely and budget friendly completion of the project.
STEVE WRIGHT
PROFESSIONAL LAND SURVEYOR/GPS SPECIALIST
Steve has been the Lead Surveyor and GPS Specialist with KAMEX Excavating since 2020. Steve graduated with a BS from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1997 and attained his Professional Land Surveyor License. His prior work experience was 24 years as a Machine Control Support Technician with Sitech Midwest. Steve’s skills include: preparing construction site for machine control use; training contractors with GPS rover and GPS heavy machine control equipment; providing ongoing customer service and technical support; and performing all survey-related tasks and analysis of construction sites, utilizing GPS base and rovers, total stations, digital levels, and laser systems. Steve was a member of the United States Navy Reserves for 28 years and served as a Senior Chief Petty Officer.
JOE RIPPER
GENERAL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGER/ESTIMATOR
Joe Ripper joined the KAMEX team in January 2022 as a project manager and estimator with 30 years of experience in the construction field. Joe attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville from 1990-1992 and then completed Ranken Technology as a carpenter in 1993. After completion of college, he joined the Carpenters Union Apprenticeship. Joe’s work experience started in residential and has progressed into commercial and heavy industrial industries over the years. He takes the lead in working with clients on design, project budgets, planning, engineering, scheduling, and coordinating all general trade subcontractors from the beginning to the end of each project. Joe takes pride in team leadership to ensure the highest quality of work is produced and positive relationships are created with clients.
Tim Simon
PROJECT MANAGER/ESTIMATOR
Tim Simon joined the KAMEX team in 2023. He obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2007. Tim has17 years of experience as a project manager on various jobs throughout the St Louis Missouri and Metro East areas. He specializes in the development, organization and management of commercial and multi-family new construction and renovation projects. His responsibilities at KAMEX include client relations, project development, preconstruction services such as estimating, bidding, contracts, scheduling, along with coordination of onsite superintendents, project engineers and subcontractors. He oversees daily project and site management to ensure an on time and on budget delivery of top-quality projects. Tim resides in Granite City with his wife and two sons.
CJ Sanders
PROJECT MANAGER/ESTIMATOR
CJ Sanders joined the KAMEX team in 2022 as a project superintendent. Since his start, CJ has become more involved with project management and estimating. He has been an integral part in the growth of the mechanical division of the company. CJ has 16+ years experience as a U.A. Pipefitter. During that time, his involvement in large and small scale industrial and commercial projects has taken him across the country. CJ gained a wealth of knowledge in a wide variety of projects covering refineries, power houses, steel mills, and semi-conductor facilities. In addition to that, a large portion of that time was spent in the Midwest, specializing in water and sewer treatment facilities. CJ’s attention to detail and his drive to better himself and those around him have made him a valuable part of the KAMEX team.
OFFICE STAFF
LISA BLACKWELL
OFFICE MANAGER
Lisa has been associated with KAMEX for over 30 years. She was hired by the original owners, Leo & Fannie Kamadulski, in 1991. Lisa handles all aspects of payroll, which consists of working with both local and other states’ unions. Lisa resides in Granite City with her husband Brian. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her 2 grandsons, camping at bluegrass festivals and watching sports.
Amy Stirnaman
CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR
Amy recently joined the KAMEX team in March 2023. She works directly with our project managers to assist in compiling new project information, completing job prequalification, bid submittals, and contract document finalization. Amy brings many years of knowledge from her previous positions in the construction industry. In her free time, Amy enjoys spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Amy resides near Waterloo with her husband, Brad.
Brett Heberer
PROJECT ACCOUNTANT
Brett has been employed with KAMEX for three years. Brett works as a liaison between the office, tech support, employees, and management. He assists in all aspects of our accounting process and streamlines these processes for KAMEX’s future growth. Prior to joining KAMEX, Brett graduated from Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville with an Accounting degree in 2013. After graduating, Brett has gained 8 years of vast experience, and most recently as the Accounting Manager for an agriculture company. He also spent several years working in public accounting, farming, and some carpentry work. Brett currently resides near Okawville, IL with his new wife. When not at work, Brett enjoys spending time with family, friends, and being involved in the outdoors.
Lilly Skinner
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Lilly began working for KAMEX in 2021 after graduating from Lewis and Clark Community College with an Associates Degree in business. Lilly handles all aspects of our Accounts Payable. She is the liaison between the vendors and our Project Management team. Lilly currently resides near Bethalto, IL. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time outdoors and crocheting.
LOGISTICS/SHOP MAINTENANCE LEADERSHIP
David "Chump" Gibbs
MASTER MECHANIC
David “Chump” Gibbs joined the KAMEX team in 2021. He became a member of the Operators Union in 2017 and worked on the pipeline until 2021. He is the shop foreman and lead mechanic for KAMEX and comes from a family of experienced mechanics. Chump specializes in welding and fabrication, hydraulic hoses, heavy equipment repair and diagnostics, mobile line boring, field and shop services, fleet maintenance, emergency repairs, cylinder rebuild, and he is competent with dealer compatible software. Chump resides in rural Palmyra with his wife, Jessica and two young children.
Paul Woolsey
DISPATCHER
Paul Woolsey has been the dispatch supervisor at KAMEX since 2016. He had 25 years of experience in the construction field prior to joining KAMEX. Paul serves as a job site supervisor, he coordinates and schedules trucks for various jobs, provides mobilization of equipment and is competent in operating equipment. Paul's strong work ethic and pride in his work make him stand out as a leader of KAMEX logistics. In his spare time, Paul also devotes his time to volunteering as a Fireman/EMT and serves as the President of the Macoupin County Whitetails Unlimited chapter. Paul resides in Hettick with his wife Angie, and he's the father of three amazing children.
Jeff Moore
FLEET & SERVICE MANAGER
Jeff Moore joined the KAMEX crew as fleet manager in 2023. He was born and raised in Central Illinois and grew up working for local farmers. Jeff attended MacMurray College where he obtained a degree in criminal justice, political science and psychology and met his future wife. Jeff then started a career with the Illinois State Police. During his 28 years with the State Police, Jeff was a K-9 handler, motor officer and instructor; Jeff retired as an Acting Master Sergeant working in the St Louis Metro East area. Jeff is still very active in the PEER support program for helping officers with stress and hardships of the job, and he instructs multiple classes on stress management for officers in critical situations. Jeff enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his family.
KAMEX SUPERINTENDENTS
Meet our site superintendents, the leaders behind our job completions. With a commitment to delivering top-notch quality on time, they embody the KAMEX spirit. Versatile in their skills, these professionals excel in great communication and represent our company with pride.
John Halteman, Judson Corby, Jimmy “Stick” Chapman, Nick Bishop, Jimmie Cox, Terry
Metz, Dane Braley, Anthony Roberts, Tyrel Henkhaus, Josh Pochek, CJ Sanders, Keith
Athmer, Jason Gibbs, Kary Smith, Cory Hudson, Derek Choate
SHOP SERVICE MECHANICS
Looking for top-notch shop service mechanics in the St. Louis Metro East area? Look no further than Kamex! With a reputation for excellence and innovation, Kamex has quickly become an industry leader in the region. From Commercial Warehouse Infrastructure to a wide range of services, our team of expert mechanics is ready to tackle any job with professionalism and expertise. Trust Kamex for all your mechanical service needs.
Tyler Simpson, Jeremy Wilson, Sam Petcher, Jerry McGill, Logan Shipley, Danyn Moore , David "Chump" Gibbs
LOGISTICS AND TRUCK DRIVERS
At Kamex, we understand the vital role that logistics and truck drivers play in our operations. They are the backbone of our business, ensuring that our mechanical services reach our clients in the St. Louis Metro East efficiently and on time. As we continue to grow and expand into new sectors such as Commercial Warehouse Infrastructure, we rely on our dedicated drivers to deliver excellence every step of the way.
Mike Wilson, Rob Hogle, Jeff Moore, Sam Sonneborn, Rick Dickerson, Billy Smith, Tyler Plogger, Logan Wickenhauser, Daniel Tate, Dylan Jacobsen, Paul Woolsey
VACALL TRUCK OPERATORS
At Kamex, our VAC truck drivers are the unsung heroes behind our top-notch mechanical services in the St. Louis Metro East. These skilled professionals play a crucial role in maintaining commercial warehouse infrastructure and beyond. With their precision and dedication, they keep our operations running smoothly and efficiently. Kamex takes pride in our team of VAC truck drivers, who ensure that our clients receive the best service possible, every time.
Brian Buhl, Nick Lippoldt, Clayton Campbell