Joel Vande Boom is an accomplished executive and Market Leader of Strategic Projects – Midwest at Gilbane Building Company, a recognized leader in construction and real estate development. With nearly two decades of experience in project management, asset management, and innovative solutions, Joel has been instrumental in guiding organizations toward achieving sustainable growth, operational excellence, and transformative impact in the construction and real estate sectors.
Currently, Joel oversees multi-site programs, ADA compliance initiatives, refurbishments, renovations, and new-build projects across the Midwest. His client portfolio includes prestigious names like Amazon, Discover, EcoLab, and Wells Fargo, as well as various confidential entities. Known for his ability to execute complex projects with precision, Joel’s leadership is marked by his dedication to aligning client visions with exceptional results.
Joel’s contributions at Gilbane Building Company extend beyond project execution. He co-leads the Strategic Projects Group (SPG) National Peer Group and developed the SPG Process Playbook, a standardized framework ensuring consistency and excellence in project management. His entrepreneurial spirit is evident in the successful creation and expansion of “Gilby,” a new business model within Gilbane, which he grew to a team of 50 employees. Recognized for these achievements, Joel was named to the prestigious ENR National Top 20 Under 40, a testament to his leadership and innovative influence in the industry.
In addition to his leadership at Gilbane, Joel has built a technology real estate solution, demonstrating his ability to blend technology with real estate to drive innovation. He has also been creative in scaling and helping organizations achieve efficiency while connecting clients to companies, showcasing his knack for fostering strategic relationships and enabling business growth.
Before joining Gilbane, Joel honed his expertise during a 5-year tenure at Mortenson, where he served as an Assistant Project Manager, Project Engineer, and leader in healthcare construction. He managed over 450 projects, maintained exemplary safety records, and consistently exceeded quality and financial performance benchmarks. His early career included hands-on roles as an intern and construction laborer, experiences that provided him with a holistic understanding of the construction process.
Joel holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management and Architectural Engineering (Structural Specialty), with a Minor in Financial Management, from the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). During his time at MSOE, he demonstrated leadership as the President of the Sigma Lambda Chi Honor Society and Treasurer of the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, while excelling as a member, captain, and assistant coach of the NCAA III Wrestling Team.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Joel is deeply committed to community engagement and mentoring youth. He serves as a coach for New Albany Flag Football, St. Matthew’s baseball team, and the Russ Hellickson Central Ohio Youth Wrestling League, where he also acts as Treasurer and Board Member. Joel’s volunteering efforts extend to organizations like Second Harvest Heartland, where he has supported food bank initiatives for over a decade. His community service reflects his belief in fostering growth and resilience both on and off the field.
Joel’s vision for board service stems from his passion for guiding organizations toward scaling and cultural alignment. With extensive expertise in asset management, pre-construction planning, and risk management, he is driven to empower businesses through strategic oversight and innovation. His guiding philosophy, “Efficient path to making a customer’s dream become a reality,” encapsulates his commitment to delivering impactful solutions.
With a proven track record of leadership, innovation, and community impact, Joel Vande Boom continues to shape the future of construction and real estate development. His dynamic blend of technical expertise and visionary thinking makes him a sought-after leader and trusted advisor in the industry.
Character: Joel Vande Boom demonstrates integrity, dedication, and a strong commitment to fostering growth and innovation in both his professional and community endeavors.
Knowledge: With nearly two decades of experience in construction, real estate, and asset management, Joel possesses a deep understanding of project execution, pre-construction planning, and risk management.
Strategic: Joel is a visionary leader who excels in creating and implementing innovative frameworks, such as the SPG Process Playbook, to drive organizational growth and operational excellence.
Communication: Joel’s ability to inspire teams, engage stakeholders, and foster collaboration ensures that he effectively aligns client goals with successful project outcomes.
