Our Team

As President of Balestrieri Environmental & Development, Inc., Ken is responsible for the day-to-day operations of our firm. Ken has been in the environmental industry since 1986, and has seen the issues involving this industry change rapidly. Realizing the growing need for quality environmental contractors led to the founding of Balestrieri Environmental & Development, Inc. in 1992.

Mr. Balestrieri holds certification as an Asbestos Inspector, Asbestos Project Designer, Asbestos Supervisor, and Lead Supervisor in the State of Wisconsin; and Asbestos Professional in the State of Illinois. Ken is also a Supervisor/Contractor and Asbestos Inspector with the State of Michigan and an Asbestos Supervisor in Minnesota and North Dakota.

Mr. Balestrieri graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in May of 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Natural Resources, majoring in Soil Science and Chemistry. Since graduating, Ken has continued an ongoing relationship between Balestrieri Environmental and UW-Stevens Point.

Recently, he accepted a nomination for one of two vacant seats on the UW-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources (CNR) Advisory Board and attended his first meetings on May 1, 2015 and September 6, 2015. The Dean of the CNR, Christine Thomas, personally invited Ken after his nomination was suggested by the Dean’s Council and unanimously supported by the board. As a CNR alumnus, Ken is very excited about this new opportunity to interact with members and faculty of the CNR and DNR to engage in continuing to build a tradition of excellence. He looks forward to sharing his wide range of knowledge and experience to help the College reach its highest potential.

Ken’s professional goals include networking to build a strong team at Balestrieri that works in harmony with clients, subcontractors, vendors, and the environment.

Ken’s personal goal is to raise a fun-loving, goal-oriented family. Ken enjoys taking his children, as well as clients and vendors, on interesting hunting and skiing trips throughout North America.

"I have a 3rd degree black belt in Kyuki-do."

As Vice President, Cindy oversees all administrative departments, including accounting, marketing operations, safety and compliance, and human resources. With an unrelenting focus on customer service, quality, and results, she has played a major role in the 25 years of their successful company history. As she put it, “My goal is to be ‘the icing on the cake’ – always building on our legacy of successful projects and industry-leading practices.”

Mrs. Balestrieri also plays a major role in mentoring the next generation of Balestrieri team members — challenging and empowering them to set and fulfill their own goals and dreams, both in the industry and on a personal level. She oversees ongoing employee training and continuous improvement initiatives. Her work includes ensuring that safety programs and practices are a key priority throughout the organization.
Prior to joining Balestrieri Environmental & Development, Inc., Cindy was employed by Harnischfeger Industries (now Joy Global, Inc.) working in the marketing, public relations, and employee communications departments. Mrs. Balestrieri graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in May of 1985 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
When she’s not leading her team members over the next hill into battle, Cindy finds time to travel, garden, and spend relaxing afternoons on the lake on the family pontoon boat. She and her husband Ken enjoy nurturing their two children, Alex (21) and Jess (18), as they blossom into young adulthood, and try to spend as much time as they can together as a family.
Cindy is also very involved in the community and with charity organizations, both on the local and national level.
After 25 years in the business, Mrs. Balestrieri has seen major changes in the industry, remarking that someone once told her, “There’s no room for tears in construction.” However, she is very pleased to see the glass ceiling in the construction industry disappearing as more and more young, confident and vibrant women enter the field.
Despite the increasing challenges in the environmental services industry, her role as Vice President of Balestrieri Environmental & Development, Inc. has been an extremely rewarding and fulfilling one, and she looks forward to what the next 25 years will bring!

"“I made my television debut at the ripe age of 18 on WSAW as part of the High Quiz Bowl. My areas of expertise were history and current events, and I was the only girl on the team.""

Registered Architect and Professional Engineer for Balestrieri Environmental & Development, Inc., Mr. Balestrieri is responsible for field marketing, design planning and contract negotiations. Prior to joining the company, Mr. Balestrieri was a partner at Balestrieri-Kehoe and Associates, an architectural and engineering design firm.

Mr. Balestrieri has served on the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission where he held the position of Chairman and Past Chairman. In addition, he holds certification as an Asbestos Design Planner and Asbestos Supervisor in the State of Wisconsin.

"I am a member of the American Institute of Architects and have overseen the completion of a multitude of projects."

Hello, I’m Steve and I’m the leader of our Safety Team. I am responsible for on-site project safety audits and am certified to instruct various training programs. I am also a proud member of the Milwaukee Construction Industry Safety Council’s (MCISC) Construction Safety Leadership Forum.

"I am a jack of all trades and a master of a few."

Hello, I’m Nate and I’m responsible for large project coordination, client communications, and BE&D field support. I think the most important part of my job is in forming successful working relationships: effectively maintaining a good reputation for myself and Balestrieri. I am honored to serve as a member of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) and the Associated General Contractors (AGC) Association for the Greater Milwaukee Area.

"I used to be a Bass Pro fisherman - then I had kids."

Hi, I’m Alex. I started my career here during my junior year in high school through the EAHS Architecture and Construction Youth Apprenticeship program. Since then, I have taken on more responsibilities including developing and maintaining existing client relationships and working collaboratively with members of our Project Team. I am honored to be a third generation Balestrieri employee and take great pride in my family’s history. 

"I’m an all-around extreme sports enthusiast, always on the hunt for my next adrenaline rush."

Hello, I’m Mike and technology is something that has always fascinated me. That’s why I am so enthusiastic to work with our drones. I’m an FAA certified remote pilot for Commercial sUAV (small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) and Airman. I am also responsible for sales, client proposals, contract processing, and bid package coordination.

"My deaf pit bull, Lilly, is an accredited service animal. Seeing her interact with disabled individuals is very rewarding."

I’m Rich and I strive to engage the diversity of our services to clients from a proactive approach. I incorporate the most effectual equipment, ideas, and qualified personnel on each project. I’m a proud member of the Wisconsin Asbestos Committee (WAC) and the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Greater Milwaukee Association.

"As a born and raised farm boy I think I can appreciate a good dad joke or pun better than the next. This also makes me an expert on chickens and a connoisseur of fine Wisconsin cheeses."

Hi, I’m Emily and I’m in charge of providing oversight and coordinating all aspects of a project. I’m eager to continue learning and growing with the company and industry so that I can continue providing our clients with the best customer service and project outcomes possible. I’m honored to serve as a member of the Wisconsin Women Environmental Professionals (WWEP).

"Trapshooting is my passion! I’m a member of several trapshooting associations and spend my summer weekends trapshooting with family, friends, and coworkers."

Hi, I’m Katrena and I am most likely your first point of contact with us. I wear many hats around here, but I specialize in marketing, telecommunications, and project team organization. I love having my hands in all aspects of the business because it helps me keep up with all industry trends in order to provide the best possible services.

"I’m the traditional “boy mom.” I can step on Legos and not even cry anymore."

Hello, I’m Mike Kapitan and my goal is to provide the highest quality service in the industry. I support our project managers, manage customer relations, and complete proposal follow-ups. My favorite vacation spot is the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota.

"I am the ultimate summer and weekend Grill Master."

Hello, my name is Beckett and I primarily assist project manager Rich Heyer with various tasks including following up on jobs, drawing up bids, and reviewing result letters. I love seeing how projects evolve from the very first phone call or email to the invoice being sent out. It’s truly a team effort to complete one job!

"My husband Scott and I welcomed our first baby girl October 4, 2018."

Hello, I’m Carley, I am a Project Coordinator as well as a part of the Safety Team. Being new to the Bal Team I have set some goals such as one day hoping to become a Project Manager. My most important goal is that I put our clients first and be the best person I can be to help our company grow. On a more fun and sporty note, I love to play softball, I am a huge Brewers fan at heart and I have two wonderful cats, Sapphire, and Buttons!

"My Patronus is a Squirrel!"

Hi, I’m Todd and I am driven to provide every client with the skills and resources necessary to complete their unique project. I strive to exceed their expectations through taking proactive measures. My dedication to the company can be seen through my son, Louie, who spent his summer working under my supervision.

"Life is good as long as there is grass to mow."

I’m Nazim and I am dedicated to being dependable and approachable by everyone so that we can all work together. I believe in building upon each other’s strengths to finish a project to the best of our abilities.

"Since I was ten, I have been playing the Albanian Sargija (pronounced Sharki), a stringed guitar-type instrument used in playing folk music."

Hello, I’m Seum and I’ve been with Balestrieri since its start in 1992. Being able to witness the growth and prosperity of the company and employees has only affirmed my passion for the industry. I enjoy providing daily support for workers, helping our employees be more productive, and making sure we are working safely and efficiently.

"I’ve earned first place in several golf tournaments and show my passion through helping others do well in the sport."

Hi, I’m Andy and my area of expertise is working closely with our power generation and telecommunication clients. My attention to detail and ability to adapt in different situations fuels my ambition to make every project a success. Exceeding our clients expectations is what it’s all about.

"I’m an all-around sportsman. I enjoy fishing, hunting, golfing, and rock climbing to name a few."

I’m Nick, and I am devoted to maintaining long lasting working relationships with our clients to ensure that their project reaches completion in a timely and safe timeframe. I go above and beyond so that our clients know we are the ones for every project they may have.

"As a country guy, I enjoy going fishing, hunting, and attending country music concerts/festivals."

Hi, I’m Jose and my top priority on every project is to make sure that I am maintaining good communication with my team as well as the client. I appreciate every opportunity to increase my role within the company.

"I enjoy kicking back after a hard days work with family and friends."

Hi, I’m Hector. Since I started working at Balestrieri, I have always been eager to learn new concepts and accept new challenges. I am dedicated to ensuring positive working relationships with the project team and clients to make sure the job is completed in a timely, safe, and efficient manner.

"Remember to always show your smile."

I’m Kevin and working in a rapidly growing industry, it is always intriguing to be able to continue to learn more about the environmental aspect of construction. I am driven to putting the new skills I learn to work by assisting our clients with their project’s particular needs. Outside of work, I enjoy golf, attending my kids’ activities, and spending time with friends and family.

"I enjoy a good scar face marathon."

Hello, my name is Rafael. My primary focus is to make sure the safety on all of my projects is top notch. I also appreciate any opportunity to continue my education about the industry and take on larger projects. Working in construction, it is important to be safe and prepared for anything that comes my way.

"Spending time in the outdoors with my family is my favorite pastime. "

Hello, my name is Ty. I am a Logistics Coordinator for Team Bal! I am new to the team, but I enjoy the work very much, my goal is to just keep growing and help in every way I can. Besides work, I enjoy hunting, fishing, and all around being outdoors. I cannot wait to see what my future brings!

"When I go to sleep I count antlers not sheep"

Hello, my name is Nicole. I am responsible for establishing and enforcing company procedures; accounts receivable, payable, and cash flow functions; contract review and processing; subcontractor management; fleet and equipment purchases; medical tracking; and new-hire processing. I am also responsible for monitoring data and providing updates and reports to executive management. I’m a proud member of the Accounting and Finance Women’s Alliance.

Hello, I’m Sarah. I am responsible for gathering information for the finance manager and executive management with daily tasks in accounts receivable and payable, payroll tracking, and invoicing clients. I also assist everyone to ensure a streamlined operation and communication flow. When I’m not working, I appreciate a good book and spending quality time with family.

"I’m the Ultimate Sports Mom – all my evenings and weekends are spent at soccer games, wrestling matches, and track meets."

Hi, my name is Cody. I started with Balestrieri my sophomore year of high school and as an Office Intern, and have progressed to an Accounting Technician. I am responsible for accounts payable and vendor sourcing, fleet maintenance and repairs, warehouse coordination, and assisting the finance manager. Outside the office I take pleasure in being outdoors – camping, hiking, biking, and traveling.

"I am a proud student in the College of Business and Economics at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater. Go Warhawks!!"

Hi, my name is Jess and I’ve been interning here since 2012. I’m in charge of all photography and videography for the company. I work with drones, upload videos to our YouTube channel, and manage wearables. I’ve even picked up on marketing management and have job shadowed on several projects out in the field. I’ll be continuing my internship while attending UW-Milwaukee.

Hello, my name is Abby. As many of you know I was the mascot here at Balestrieri for the past 9 years. I was typically seen at the office, as well as company events, and sometimes in Ken’s truck going to job sites. Unfortunately, I became ill this last year and passed away September 22, 2018. Although I will miss being the company mascot, and getting treats from coworkers, I have trained my sister Ellie who will be the new mascot. She is a young pup and has lots to learn, but she will soon catch up to where I have left off. I will miss everyone, but thank you for the wonderful memories!

xoxo,

Abby

"Woof Woof"

Hello, everyone, I am Ellie! We all know I am the cutest member of Team Bal, and the fluffiest, the softest, the most playful, the most energetic… well you get the point. Anyway, I am the Mascot of this wonderful, loving company. Oh and I also write all the blogs so make sure you check them out, I will be bringing them to you twice a month. Have a pup-tastic day!

"I'm not spoiled I just happen to be great at training people!"