Young Professional of the Year

Keller climbs the charts at Bentley

By Jennifer Uebersetzig

Nate Keller Project manager and safety director at The Bentley Company, Milwaukee

Nate Keller doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty.

It’s one of his best qualities and a primary reason why he is quickly climbing the corporate ladder so early in his career. At 30 years old, Keller is a project manager and safety director at The Bentley Company.

His position with the Milwaukee-based general contractor shows he is making a strong impression on his employers. And his status at Bentley led Wisconsin Builder to name Keller the Young Professional of the Year.

Colleagues said Keller stands out in his field because he’s willing to learn and grow in his career.
“Since we empower our project managers early in their careers with all aspects of the project, from estimating and preconstruction services to construction and closeout, Nate has been able to gain strong project experience at an early age,” said Robert Stelter, co-owner of The Bentley Company. “He is an extremely hard worker dedicated to the success of the projects he manages.”

Among those projects is the Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek build-out in Milwaukee’s Cathedral Place, the success of which Stelter attributed to Keller’s ability to maintain superior control over all facets of the project.

“This was an extremely complicated build-out involving a large project team,” Stelter said. “Nate was able to work with our superintendent, subcontractors, architect and owner to effectively deliver a superior law office space in an extremely complex environment.”

Another major project Keller brought to completion was Bethesda Lutheran Homes in Watertown. That project involved a multi-phased redevelopment of the campus over the last five years.

“Through this project, Nate has been able to gain tremendous experience, utilize creativity and teamwork to deliver the projects and build strong relationships along the way,” said Stelter.

Keller also is actively involved in the Young Constructors Forum of Greater Milwaukee, serving as YCF Committee chairman in 2004 and, most recently, serving on the YCF national committee. Lisa Zarda, membership services/education director for the Associated General Contractors of Greater Milwaukee and YCF coordinator, said Keller was instrumental in putting together the bid for Milwaukee to host the YCF National Working Weekend, and he continues to tackle issues of importance for the group.

“Throughout the year, he provided valuable input and planning into making the YCF National Working Weekend a success,” Zarda said. “He also volunteered to work with youth in Milwaukee to share information on careers in construction through the AGC Build Up and On Site programs.

“Nate has also organized volunteer programs that allow YCF members to give back to the community.”

Doug Hein, senior electrical estimator for Milwaukee-based Johnson Controls Inc., has worked with Keller through YCF for six years. He said it’s Keller’s professionalism and willingness to listen that lend to his success.

“He runs jobs with efficiency and is very organized,” Hein said. “He also listens to his subcontractors when they have ideas on more economical ways for building their specific trade.”

And, Stelter said, with such an extensive laundry list of accomplishments, the sky’s the limit for the young professional.

“His potential is only limited by his desire to continue his growth progression into a senior leader of our organization,” he said.