Ben Hamm
Senior Project Manager
Assoc. DBIA™
Ben honed his exceptional leadership skills during his first calling as a high school English teacher, coach, and director of admissions. Patient, communicative, and adaptable to change, the AEC industry scored big when he decided to switch gears and earn another degree, this time in Civil Engineering. Progressing from Project Engineer to Senior Project Manager at GLY, he continues to leverage his diverse background—listening intently to clients and teammates prior to making critical decisions. Hailing from Western New York, where cows outnumber residents, Ben remains a loyal Buffalo sports fan—Go Sabres and Bills!
Garth Stoppard, Jr.
Superintendent
As a second generation carpenter, Garth turned out to be a Jr. in more ways than one. Today Garth is a hard-working Superintendent who enjoys building challenges across sectors, from housing to commercial construction. Garth takes a very thorough, caring approach to getting things done on his projects, and enjoys the outdoor life in his spare time—especially riding dirt bikes, camping or doing anything on or near the water.
Joaquin Aburto
General Foreman
Joaquin approaches each day on the jobsite with a people-first attitude, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative team culture in finding efficient solutions and creating a learning environment for everyone. One of his favorite aspects of construction is that he leaves each workday having learned something new from his teammates. When he’s not out in the field, you can find Joaquin adventuring in the PNW with his 5 kids.
John Schimke
Director of Field Operations
Maintaining a personal philosophy centered on family and teamwork, John has skillfully delivered many high technology projects in his 30+ years in the construction industry. Having spent the majority of his career at GLY, he has led all operational aspects of a project from preconstruction planning through finished product. A mentor to our superintendents and crew supervisors, and creative problem-solver, John continues to infuse his projects with the highest and most innovative level of service.
René Ansdell
Senior Project Engineer
LEED Green Associate
René’s background in construction management and architecture provide her with a fluency in both languages, adding value to each of her projects through this diverse perspective and the ability to see the bigger picture. She is highly detail-oriented, an eager learner, and always emphasizes the importance of staying in close communication. After work, you can find René hiking, painting or drawing, or playing softball and flag football.
Chris Kelley
Senior Project Engineer
Chris is a key player on our Interiors + Special Projects team [ISP], collaborating closely with stakeholders and trade partners in sensitive healthcare and life sciences environments. Before moving to the Northwest, he worked on several notable projects in Oregon and California. As a Senior Project Engineer, Chris specializes in detailed estimates, trade partner management, and ensuring high-quality, safe, and organized field delivery. Outside of work, he’s an avid backpacker, hiker, dog lover, kayaker, and camper. Fun fact: while attending the University of Texas at Austin, Chris was a member of the Caretaker and Handler team for Bevo, the university’s live longhorn steer mascot!
Brian Sandall
Superintendent
LEED Green Associate
Brian’s 30+ year career includes many of GLY’s most recognizable healthcare projects. He will do whatever it takes to keep clients happy and is known to keep a stash of chocolate hard hats on hand for hospital staff just in case. If you’ve ever met Brian, you know he operates under the Golden Rule every single day, making him a favorite to work with. Brian spends many weekends looking for a thrill—from riding off road on the dunes with his wife and son to taking flight lessons—with no plans to slow down any time soon.