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Our Leadership

Midwestern Electric Team

The quality workmanship and values for safety, reliability, and responsive service come from the top, down. Our team of professionals are led by this group of industry experts.

Ryan Rentschler

President

As president of Midwestern Electric, Ryan is responsible for business development, fiscal management and overseeing all aspects of the Company’s operations. Ryan’s diversified field of experience includes design build, estimating and project management.

Prior to joining Midwestern Electric, Inc., Ryan completed his apprenticeship as a Journeyman Inside Wireman at IBEW Local Union 697. His responsibilities include estimating, and the installation and maintenance of major commercial, industrial and governmental projects.

Ryan has over 21 years of experience working in the electrical construction field and he has been with Midwestern Electric for the past 14 years.

Ryan Lepper

Vice President

As Vice President, Ryan is responsible for the construction management of all highway roadwork projects as well as the management of all traffic and street lighting maintenance contracts. Ryan has been engaged in construction management for over 20 years.

Prior to joining Midwestern Electric, Inc., Ryan completed his apprenticeship as a Journeyman at IBEW Local Union 1393. Ryan’s past experience includes Traffic Signal Technician, Project Manager and Supervisor for Municipal Maintenance Contracts.

Ryan’s educational background includes Indiana University, Purdue University at Indianapolis in Business Management and he also holds a Traffic Signal Electrician & Technician, IMSA Level II Certificate and Work Zone Safety IMSA Certificate.

Lenore Obajtek

Vice President - Finance

As Vice President of Finance, Lenore is responsible for managing Midwestern’s overall financial strategy. Lenore’s responsibilities include financial analysis, cost control, risk management, IT and audits. Lenore has been with Midwestern Electric for 25 years and has over 30 years of accounting experience.

Prior to joining Midwestern Electric, Lenore worked in the legal field as the Business Manager for Jeffrey Goldberg & Associates. She also worked as an Accounting Supervisor at Price Waterhouse Tax Technology Group in Chicago as well as serving as the Business Manager for WUSN Radio (US 99) for ten years.

Lenore received an Associate’s degree in Business from Roosevelt University, holds a 1st Class FCC Engineering License, served as a member of the Chicago Credit & Collection Association, served on the Finance Board of Annunciata Church in Chicago, Illinois, as well as serving on the Board of Directors for Mount Carmel High School in Chicago, Illinois.

Ryan Clark

Vice President – Financial Planning & Analysis

As Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis, Ryan is responsible for budgeting & planning, financial analysis, financial statements, KPI’s, and financial strategy. Ryan is a CPA with over 15+ years of accounting and finance experience and joined the MWE team in 2022.

Prior to joining MWE, Ryan had worked in multiple industries including Transportation Service, Healthcare, and most recently in Fire Safety. Ryan received his bachelor’s degree in Corporate Financial Management from Ball State University.

Raymond B. Russell

General Manager

As General Manager at the Company’s East Chicago office, Raymond is responsible for administering all highway construction and maintenance contracts as well as managing day-to-day operations. Raymond’s expertise in planning and executing contracts allows for projects with superior quality control, delivery and efficiency. Raymond is experienced in industrial electrical applications, fiber optic networks, as well as construction and operation of ITS, roadway lighting, and traffic signal systems. His construction and industrial backgrounds have been enhanced by his time spent in Europe working for companies like Siemens, M.A.N. and Carrilion.

Raymond studied Business at Carlow R.T.C., Ireland. He holds three IMSA Certificates, including Level I and Level II Traffic Signal Technician & Work Zone Safety. Raymond holds a Construction Management Certification from Purdue. Raymond has been with Midwestern Electric for 15 years and has over 25 years of construction experience. During Raymond’s tenure with Midwestern Electric, he has been awarded DOT projects ranging from $100,000 to over $6,000,000.

Amanda Osvalds

HR Manager

As HR Manager for the company, Amanda focuses on talent acquisition, retention, motivation solutions, and document writing. She has assisted MWE in its expansion of employment within our organization.

With over 10 years’ experience in HR, Management and Operations, Amanda is a results-focused leader who helps MWE harness the full potential of our most valuable asset, our team. She is dedicated to creating a culture that not only promotes business growth and customer retention but is also always at the forefront of empowering and motivating employees in the realization of their full potential and bringing their very best into their work every day.

Amanda received her Associates in Business Management and channeled her focus into Human Resources graduating from Purdue University. She realizes that a company can only be as successful as the team that they employ and has made that a mission to ensure that our team has the knowledge, resources and excellence to achieve success.

Dirk Decker

Project Manager/Estimator

As Project Manager/Estimator at the Company’s East Chicago Office, Dirk is responsible for estimating projects for Midwestern’s commercial and industrial divisions. Dirk has been in the electrical construction business for over 20 years. Dirk utilizes a wealth of field experience and training knowledge to estimate projects.

Dirk is a Journeyman Inside Wireman and a member of IBEW Local Union 697. Dirk has received certification in the following areas: EPR1 II Instrumentation and Controls; Electrical Project Supervision; Lightning Protection Installation; Exothermic Connection; FOA Fiber Optics Association; CAT5e and CAT6 Fiber Optics Association; Level II Residential/Commercial HVAC; Honeywell Fire Systems; HILTI Firestop Systems; HILTI Powder Actuated Tools; NFPA 70E; OSHA 10; OSHA 30; CPR and First Aide; Rigging Hazard Awareness; Crane Signaling; Confined Space Entry; Work Zone Hazards; Forklift Operator; Workface Planning Trained; and Field Supervision and Leadership Training. Dirk has been with Midwestern since 2020 and has successfully been awarded construction projects ranging from $100,000 to $3,200,000.

Adam Hayden

Project Manager/Estimator

As Project Manager/Estimator for the East Chicago office, Adam is responsible for estimating and managing projects for Midwestern’s Commercial and Industrial Division.

Adam is responsible for the day-to-day management of the commercial and industrial manpower, project scheduling and contract negotiations. Adam brings a wealth of knowledge to Midwestern Electric from his years as a Foreman at Midwestern Electric LLC. Adam has been in the electrical construction industry for the past 30 years and he has managed and estimated projects ranging from $100,000 to $4,000,000

Kevin Santelik, SIT

Estimator

As Estimator, Kevin is responsible for estimating projects for Midwestern’s Commercial and Industrial Division. He plays a key role in the day-to-day operations by arranging manpower, materials and project contract negotiations.

Kevin has been actively involved in the construction field for the past 20 years. During his time, he has been responsible for project management and estimating projects up to $53 million. During Kevin’s career the following projects have received notable awards; United Therapeutics, 2010 Award of Excellence for new building design and construction, Certified LEED Gold, Max Planck Florida Institute, Certified LEED Gold; Urban Land Institute, SE Florida Vision Award 2013 Finalist; and US Green Building Council South Florida, Outstanding LEED NC Project 2013 Finalist. Kevin received a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Technology from Purdue University and also has two Associate’s Degrees, one in Civil Engineering and one in Construction Management.

David Diehl

Safety Manager

Safety is our top priority and keeping our job sites and employees safe is something MWE will not compromise.

As Safety Manager, David is responsible for maintaining company-wide safety. He plays a key role in the day-to-day operations by ensuring that all job sites and employees are in compliance with the applicable safety rules and regulations. With over 25 years of experience in the field, David brings extensive knowledge of safety management and emergency response to our team.

Prior to joining Midwestern Electric, David enjoyed a career with the City of East Chicago, where he retired as a Fire Officer and Emergency Management Director. He was also an OSHA Compliance Instructor and Fire Safety Consultant for Safety Training Service. Additionally, David brings 10 years of experience as an Operations Section Chief with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. His diversified background makes him a valuable asset to our team, as he is equipped with both the strategic and functional skills necessary to maintain our company’s high level of safety standards.

David is responsible for ensuring the company’s safety policies and practices are current and up to date with all of our safety affiliations, which include ISNetworld and Avetta.

Daniel Hayden

Project Manager

As Project Manager for the company’s East Chicago Office, Daniel is responsible for the outside construction division. Daniel manages all D.O.T. and highway work consisting of intersection construction, directional boring, fiber optic installation, and underground work. Daniel manages day – to – day operations and scheduling for the outside division.

Daniel is Journeyman Inside Wireman and an active member IBEW Local 697 for over 15 years. Daniel joined with Midwestern Electric in 2013 and has been project manager for the outside construction division since 2020. During his tenure with Midwestern Electric, Daniel has managed and overseen projects ranging from $10,000 to $6,000,000.

J.R. Frederick

Project Manager

As Project Manager in the company’s East Chicago office, J.R. is responsible for managing projects for Midwestern Electric’s Traffic and Roadway Division.

J.R. is responsible for the day-to-day management and coordination of Midwestern’s municipal maintenance division as well as the utility locating division. In his time, J.R. has earned multiple certifications including IMSA certifications as well as Pipeline Safety Excavator certifications. J.R. earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Indiana University and worked as a Construction Project Coordinator prior to his time at Midwestern. J.R. joined the Midwestern Electric team in 2018 and has worked on municipal and D.O.T. projects up to $1,500,000.00.

Joe Such

Estimator / Project Manager

Joe is a Project Manager/Estimator at the company’s East Chicago Office. He is responsible for estimating and managing work in multiple areas of the company (Medium Voltage, Traffic, Lighting, Solar, etc.). Joe is experienced in all areas of lighting (road, building interior and exterior), traffic signals, solar, manholes, substation, & distribution work. Joe has 25 years’ experience in the electrical business and has the knowledge to estimate and manage your projects.

Joe has a Bachelors in Electrical Engineering Technology for Purdue University Calumet. He is a former IBEW 1393 operator. Joe has been certified in OSHA 10, OSHA 30, OSHA 20 ET&D, CLEP, CPR, & first aid. Joe has managed projects from $10,000 to $30,000,000. Joe has been with Midwestern since 2022.

Kyle Nelson

Project Manager / Estimator

As Project Manager/Estimator at the Company’s East Chicago Office, Kyle is responsible for estimating and managing projects for Midwestern’s Multi-Family Residential, Commercial and industrial divisions. Kyle also manages on going maintenance work at several local hospitals. Kyle has been in the electrical construction business for over 30 years. Kyle’s experience of managing large projects through out his career provided him with the knowledge to estimate and help design/build projects. Kyle is a Journeyman Inside Wireman and an active member of IBEW Local Union 697. He has been with Midwestern since 2017 and has successfully been awarded construction projects ranging from $25,000 to $3,850.00.

Mike Nelleman

Estimator / Project Manager

As Project Manager/Estimator at the company’s East Chicago Office, Mike is responsible for estimating and managing projects in the company’s commercial and industrial divisions. Mike is experienced in alternative and clean energy projects such as solar, wind, and EV charging. Mike also specializes in large area and sports lighting projects. With 20 years of experience in the electrical construction business, Mike has the necessary knowledge and field experience to estimate and manage your project.

Mike is a Journeyman Inside Wireman and active member in IBEW Local 697. Mike is certified in EVITB, OSHA 10, OSHA 30, signaling and rigging, aerial lifts, first aid, CPR, electrical supervision, cad welding, and Hilti powder actuated tools. Mike has been with Midwestern since 2019 and has successfully been awarded projects from $100,000 to $9,600,000.

Tim Collins

Estimator / Project Manager

As an Estimator/Project Manager at the company’s East Chicago Office, Tim estimates and manages commercial and industrial projects. Tim also manages and operates our service department. Daily scheduling and customer service is just part of Tim’s daily duties here at Midwestern. Tim has 25 years in the electrical construction field and carries the experience to estimate and manage your project.

Tim is a Journeyman Inside Wireman and active member of IBEW Local 697. Tim carries certifications in OSHA 10, OSHA 30, EVTIP, First Aid, and CPR. Tim has been successfully awarded projects from $100,000 to $500,000.