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Jeff Madden is a construction executive with Mortenson Construction, Brookfield. He earned a bachelor’s degree in construction management from Arizona State University and has since built a construction career spanning more than 15 years. In that time, Madden, 34, worked on projects around the world. His career took him to such faraway places as Brazil, Colorado, Massachusetts, California and Pennsylvania. Many of those projects showcased his focus on health care, research and development. He has also found himself working on projects closer to home, such as the $150 million Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery job in Madison, where he lives with his wife and dog. Wisconsin Builder’s Burning Questions doesn’t care if its subject is home or abroad. We have questions to ask, and, this month, Madden offered his answers. What is your current state of mind? “Stimulated. The construction business is one of constant and ever-changing challenges. There is never an average or boring day.” How would your mother describe you in one word? “A neat freak, and while I have mellowed in this characteristic since childhood, I do strive for perfection on the job site.” What is your greatest extravagance? “Multiday fly fishing trips where the only concerns are being on the water, catching trout and drinking beer.” What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked? “‘What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked?’ No, really, I think nearly all questions are important. They cause you to think, be a problem solver, make decisions, etc. I should probably be asked, ‘What it the most ridiculous answer I’ve ever given?’” What word do you wish you had invented? “Strategery. Thanks to George W.’s endless dictionary of made-up words.” How would you like to die? “Of shock while fly fishing on a meandering river through a grassy meadow.” What’s the first quote that comes to your mind? “‘Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.’ We should all ask this question a lot more than we do.” What profession would you not like to attempt? “Ballet. We went to see the Nutcracker in Madison a few weeks What do you miss most about your childhood? “The lack of responsibility and the ease at which creativity flowed.” What is the main fault in your character? “Always feeling the need for perfection. This can also be a positive thing, so I am not too hard on myself about this fault.” On what occasion do you lie? “Never, not ever. Well, maybe if it were to save or protect a family member — or immediate life of anyone for that matter.” What smell do you love? “The smell of hops in any one of Madison’s fine brewing establishments.”
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