Skender, a vertically integrated design, construction and manufacturing firm based in Chicago, has hired Michael Merle as vice president of business development for Skender Manufacturing. With more than 25 years of experience in construction, building products and strategic business development, Merle will be charged with continually evolving and promoting Skender’s modular capabilities, in particular across the hospitality sector.
Merle’s new role will include oversight of the advanced manufacturing’s business development efforts and showcasing the operations of Skender’s manufacturing facility, where production of modular building components, including smart apartment units and healthcare pods, is currently underway.
“We are thrilled to welcome Michael to our growing manufacturing team. He brings to Skender significant experience in the hospitality sector and a strong passion for driving modular solutions in the building industry,” said Pete Murray, president of Skender Manufacturing. “As we continue to grow our practice, Michael’s solution-oriented approach to revolutionizing the hospitality building process through modular will prove invaluable to our business development efforts.”
Most recently, Merle served as vice president of business development at Guerdon Modular Buildings, a systems-built, off-site producer of large modular construction projects and modular multifamily housing, based in its office in Boise, Idaho. There, he headed up the business development team, leading and growing its hospitality initiative while driving acceptance of Guerdon’s modular solution across all engaged markets. Merle holds a degree in business administration from Pacific Lutheran University with concentrations in marketing and economics.
“I’m excited to join the Skender Manufacturing team and ready to build on the team’s strong launch into the modular space. Skender’s initiative and strategy to bring a vertically integrated model into the hospitality industry will be very well received and provide huge benefit to this segment,” said Merle. “Skender and I share the vision that the modular solution is effectively transforming the commercial construction industry, making it safer and more cost efficient while driving quality and speed to market.”
