ABOUT
Our Story
Rooted in innovation and a relentless commitment to safety and quality, Paschen Concrete is dedicated to delivering first-class concrete construction services. For more than 40 years, Paschen and its leadership team have completed projects such as high-rises, parking garages, aviation, medical centers, university buildings, road and bridges sports facilities, rail, transit, and residential complexes.
Paschen's History
Meet the Team
Dan Ewing, Vice President for Paschen Concrete, has over 22 years of construction industry experience, including 17 years with F.H. Paschen. Dan oversees overall day-to-day responsibility for the organization, including strategy, operations, staffing, financial performance, and process improvement. Known for his practical approach, Dan mentors and guides his team through challenges, ensuring every job is done right. Having worn many different hats throughout his construction career, Dan believes that a team works best when they have an understanding and appreciation for everyone’s role. Outside of work, Dan likes watching his two boys play sports and enjoys woodworking and fishing.
Dan Ewing
Vice President
Mike is a Project Executive and Business Development Manager who spearheaded the development of Paschen Concrete. His role includes hiring team members, creating meaningful relationships with clients and vendors, and overseeing that projects are completed safely and with the highest quality. Mike’s most notable projects include the Astoria Tower, DePaul School of Music, 2950 North Sheridan, and the UI Healthcare Surgical Center. As a Subject Matter Expert in Concrete Buildings, Mike has 26 years of experience in the construction industry. He leads his team by teaching and mentoring and faces challenges head-on. When Mike isn’t working, you can find him enjoying the outdoors, spending time with his famil,y and his dog Aspen.
Mike Dastrup
Project Executive / Business Development Manager
Chris has 21 years of experience in the construction industry and is Paschen Concrete’s Preconstruction Manager. He will lead Paschen Concrete’s team in bidding on concrete-cast-in-place projects in Chicago. He has worked on large-scale projects throughout the city including Optima Chicago Center, 465 Park Drive, and 1400 S Wabash. Chris’ favorite project was the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, located in Bentonville, Arkansas, this museum includes a series of architectural concrete pavilions and sits on 120-acres of Ozark Forest. When Chris is not bidding on projects, he and his wife enjoy road tripping throughout the US and beyond.
Chris Pankonen
Preconstruction Manager
Bob has over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, he started off by working for his family’s residential business and later transitioned into high-rise construction where he started as a Laborer and worked his way to General Superintendent. He has work on projects such as the Pinnacle, Bristol, the Millennium Center, and Wrigley Field. Bob is now the Lead Superintendent where he will oversee all Paschen Concrete’s projects, workforce, and scheduling. When Bob isn’t at work, he enjoys building classic muscle cars, spending time with his family, and doing yard work.
Bob Lachman
Senior Superintendent
Shawn McArdle
Superintendent
Shawn McArdle, Concrete Superintendent, brings over 25 years of experience in the industry. His journey began as a Tech Engineer where he was introduced to the construction industry. Throughout his career, Shawn has played instrumental roles in major projects, including the ground-up construction of Grant Park North Parking, the towering 60-story Elysian Hotel with 5 stories underground, the 31st Marina, the Northwestern University Athletic Center, and the prestigious Obama Presidential Center. As a vital member of the Paschen Concrete family, Shawn McArdle's dedication, expertise, and passion contribute significantly to the success of projects and the collaborative spirit within the team.
Chad Schipper
Superintendent
Chad Schipper is a Concrete Superintendent with nearly 30 years of experience in the construction industry, beginning his career in concrete in 1999 after being raised around the trade. Since 2016, Chad has consistently served in superintendent roles, overseeing the construction of 10 multi‑story buildings ranging from 7 to 45 stories, with floor sizes between 10,000 and 54,000 square feet. At Paschen Concrete, Chad leads with a hands‑on approach focused on accountability while empowering his crews to take ownership of their work and continue developing their skills. Outside of work, Chad enjoys spending time boating on Lake Michigan.
Jim is a Project Superintendent at Paschen Concrete and brings 37 years of construction experience with Chicago Carpenters Local #1. Drawn to the field for its career opportunities and enjoyable work environment, Jim has played pivotal roles in major projects such as the 294 & Dan Ryan reconstruction, Arlington Park Racetrack, Prudential Building, Peninsula, Sofitel, Sheraton Hotels, Towers 2, 3, 4, and East Tower at Museum Park Campus, DePaul School of Music, and numerous university projects, parking structures, and high and mid-rise buildings. His favorite project remains Museum Park Tower 3, where he worked on architectural concrete with job-built forms. Jim’s leadership style emphasizes leading by example, training, developing, and mentoring employees, and involving the team and crews in the process of SQP.
Jim Uniejewski
Project Superintendent
Joe Bitto
Superintendent
Joe Bitto, Paschen Concrete Superintendent, is a seasoned veteran in the construction industry, boasting an impressive 28-year journey that began in June 1995 with framing houses. Joe’s dedication to carpentry emerged as the best means to earn and save money for college at the time, evolving into a lifelong passion that has persisted even after college. He has contributed to major projects such as the Northwestern Mutual Building, Potawatomi Hotel, 811 Uptown, and the Loyola Performing Arts Center. Joe firmly believes that leaders eat last and strives to convey to his team that it's not just "his" team; it's "ours."
Allison joined F.H. Paschen in November 2015 as Corporate Counsel and Compliance Officer. She provides legal counsel and is responsible for the design and implementation of the company’s compliance program and functions. Her responsibilities include matters regarding the participation of small and diverse businesses in the government contracting process. Allison is actively affiliated with the Chicago Bar Association and American Contract Compliance Association. Allison lives in Oak Park with her husband, young daughter, and dog. She enjoys cooking, running, and taking on the challenges that come with the ownership of an old home.
Allison Maloney
Corporate Counsel Compliance Officer
Don is an experienced safety professional with 26 years of industry experience. He has supervised a variety of construction projects and has a diverse background in safety oversight. Don also holds multiple safety certifications, that have allowed him to use his extensive knowledge and training to create a safe working environment for crew members. He has worked on large-scale projects for Peoples Gas, Chicago Public Schools, and the Chicago Department of Aviation. Donald is responsible for maintaining all safety records required by current local, state, and federal regulations. He is also responsible for training management to effectively communicate safety instructions to employees.
Don Snyder
Safety Manager
James has 33 years of construction industry experience and 30 years of Quality Control experience. He has managed the quality control for several projects for the Peoples Gas Projects, Public Building Commission of Chicago in addition to projects for the Chicago Transit Authority and Chicago Department of Transportation. He has developed and implemented project-specific Quality Control Plans on major infrastructure projects for F.H. Paschen since 2005. James’ extensive experience developing and implementing Quality Control Programs will ensure that the Project Team and all subcontractors and vendors are active participants in F.H. Paschen’s Three Phase Quality Control Program.
James Alexander
Quality Manager
Michael is an Illinois Professional Land Surveyor with over 30 years of construction industry experience, including 14 years with F.H. Paschen family. He has worked with major Chicago entities such as, Public Building Commission, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Department of Transportation and Chicago Transit Authority. He is responsible for construction layout, surveying and drafting. Duties include layout calculations, drafting of plats, reviewing plans, site coordination, field layout, writing RFIs, and the management of tech-engineers. One of Michaels most notable project is the Sarah Goode STEM Academy.
Michael Karcz
Senior Survey Manager
Michael Pirron, Senior Project Manager at Paschen Concrete, boasts an impressive 50+ years of invaluable experience in the construction industry. His decision to pursue a career in construction came naturally, influenced by a multi-generational family deeply rooted in the industry. As a concrete subcontractor, Michael has left an indelible mark on over 1300 projects, collaborating with major General Contractors over the past three decades. His portfolio spans iconic locations such as both Midway and O’Hare airports, numerous schools, vertical high-rises, and distinctive projects like Brookfield Zoo and Wastewater Treatment Plants. Beyond construction, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, and seven grandchildren, forming cherished family moments.
Michael Pirron
Senior Project Manager
Bryan started his construction career as a laborer and layout technician in the field for an excavation company in his late teens. Later after graduating and spending some time away from the construction industry, Bryan became a junior estimator and eventually a senior estimator. His combination of project management experience, field work and estimating has given Bryan a unique perspective on how he approaches projects. Some of his notable projects include the CDW Corporate– Vernon Hills, Three Oaks Recreation Center, Misericordia Heart of Mercy, and the Central DuPage Hospital Parking Garage and Helipad. When Bryan is not working, he enjoys golf, road cycling, pickleball, trap shooting, hiking, and cross-country skiing.
Bryan Carlson
Senior Estimator
Robert is a valuable addition to the Paschen Concrete team, bringing over 12 years of rich experience in the construction industry. His construction journey began in high school when he enrolled in a class called ‘Building Construction.’ The hands-on experience of building AND selling a house ignited a passion that has lasted a lifetime; he knew then he wanted to work in construction forever. Throughout his career, Robert has contributed to significant projects, including the Hilton Hawaiian Village Grand Islander, the Ghent CCR Transport Project, and the Mile Long Bridge. Among these, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Grand Islander holds a special place as his favorite project, showcasing his dedication and enthusiasm for his work. In his role at Paschen Concrete, Robert takes charge of managing projects. His wealth of experience and work style position him as a crucial asset to the team, ensuring the successful execution of projects.
Rob Slowik
Project Manager
Crystal Chavez, Paschen Concrete’s Safety Technician, is a seasoned professional with an impressive 26 years of experience in the construction industry. She started in construction when she became inspired by her sister, who had worked in the industry and shared inspiring stories. She has contributed to major projects such as the Obama Presidential Center, Maggie Daley Park, American Airlines Hangar 2, and much more. Outside of work, Crystal loves to spend time with her grandkids, playing board games, and baking homemade goods.
Crystal Chavez
Safety Technician
Lora Wszolek is the Office Manager for Paschen Concrete and brings 14 years of experience in the construction industry. She began her career in construction shortly after high school and grew alongside a small company that expanded into multiple organizations across Texas and Illinois, while also completing her Master’s degree in Criminal Justice. At Paschen Concrete, Lora plays a key role in keeping operations running smoothly by working closely with project teams on owner billings, subcontractor pay applications, payroll processing, and vendor coordination. Known for her proactive and hands‑on management style, she supports project teams by addressing issues early and helping keep billing and operations on track. Outside of work, Lora enjoys spending time outdoors with friends and family in Northern Wisconsin.
Lora Wszolek
Office Manager
Jessica Romero is an Administrative Assistant with 9 years of experience in the construction industry. She began her career after learning about an open position through a friend, an opportunity that introduced her to the construction field and allowed her to grow professionally. In her role at Paschen Concrete, Jessica supports project teams by managing documentation, providing administrative support, and assisting with customer service needs across various projects. She is committed to continuous growth and skill development while contributing to the daily operations of the team. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys spending time with her daughter and family.
Jessica Romero
Administrative Assistant