George Wienold
Chief Executive Officer
BEAR Construction Company
Rolling Meadows, Illinois
George Wienold is a visionary leader, who along with his brothers Nick and Jim, founded BEAR Construction in 1984. Their goal was ambitious yet grounded – to create a company that delivered top-tier construction services while maintaining the personal touch and integrity of a family run business. Four decades later, that vision has become a reality, with BEAR’s recognition as one of Chicago’s premier general contractors.
Under George’s leadership, BEAR Construction has achieved remarkable milestones. The company has completed over $3 billion in projects during his tenure, a testament to George’s ability to guide BEAR through changing market conditions and sustain its reputation for excellence. Today, BEAR boasts a team of over 225 employees, each contributing to a culture that prioritizes people over profits—a hallmark of George’s leadership.
George’s passion for fostering relationships is at the heart of his success. For him, the friendships and professional connections he has built within the commercial real estate industry and beyond are the most rewarding aspects of his career. While he takes pride in marquee projects like the iconic renovation of Chicago’s Old Post Office, George cherishes the bonds forged through collaboration and shared achievement.
Throughout his career, George has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, guiding BEAR through numerous challenges, including economic downturns and major crises. From the stock market crash of 1987 to the dot-com bubble, 9/11, the 2008 mortgage crisis, and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic, his steady leadership ensured BEAR not only survived, but thrived. His ability to pivot the company into new markets and inspire creative solutions among his team has been instrumental to its enduring success.
“Our diversity—in both staff and markets—has been key,” said Wienold. “When one sector is down, others are often thriving. And our talented, innovative team consistently rises to the occasion to tackle challenges head-on, always with the client’s best interest in mind.”
George’s journey began with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Finance, with a minor in Real Estate and Insurance, from Southern Illinois University. Before founding BEAR Construction, he honed his skills as a union carpenter, gaining firsthand experience that has enriched his approach to leadership and problem-solving.
Beyond his professional achievements, Wienold is deeply committed to giving back. He serves on several corporate and charitable boards and co-founded The BEAR Foundation, a nonprofit organization he continues to chair. His mentorship extends beyond his own employees, as he has played a key role in supporting a minority-owned general contracting firm and a service-disabled veteran firm. Over the years, George has earned numerous accolades, including BEAR’s recognition on several occasions of General Contractor of the Year, and the prestigious CFMA Executive of the Year award.
When he’s not pushing BEAR toward new heights, George enjoys fishing, outdoor activities, golfing, and cherishing moments with his grandchildren, family, and friends.
