ABOUT PPE
A FAST START, STEADY GROWTH
The path to success for Precision Precast Erectors began to take shape in 2007, when a private developer approached Lou LaVé regarding the construction of a new landmark office building. That project prompted Lou and his son, Denny, to found PPE in early 2008.
The schedule for that office building was aggressive — 62 working days — and their fee depended on the ability to deliver quality, safety and incredible speed. In an industry where an installation rate of 15 precast pieces per day was exceptional, the PPE team averaged 27 pieces per day. The client was ecstatic with the work, not to mention the time and money saved.
Since 2008, PPE has continued to grow steadily, being named 5 times to the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing companies.
Much of that growth can be attributed to the company’s expansion of services, as steel projects now make up a significant portion of PPE’s portfolio. With a core staff of journeyman ironworkers, our new service offering provides quality steel building installations for our clients.
“We bring the same level of expertise and quality to our steel projects as we do for precast,” Denny says. “That has helped us expand more than we thought possible.”
What’s next for PPE? Responsible, strategic growth, he adds. “We’re hiring and training, of course, but our core focus is providing value for our clients on all projects.”
OUR CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE
Precision Precast Erectors has grown into an industry leader in the years since that first project, thanks to several different factors:
- The experience, skill, and reputation of Lou, Denny and other key members of the PPE team.
- A family atmosphere that fosters collaboration and innovation, where contributions and ideas are valued on merit — whether they come from top managers or crew members.
- A continually evolving precast installation process that enables PPE to work more quickly than other erectors, staying on schedule and budget while maintaining quality.
- Experienced ironworkers and foremen who ensure the same timeliness and quality for the company’s steel projects.
- An unwavering dedication to excellence, as evidenced by our company’s status as a Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute Certified Erector and roster of satisfied clients.
YOUR PROJECT, OUR EXPERTISE
Call us at (208) 981-0060 or email info@ppe-llc.com to learn more about the benefits of working with Precision Precast Erectors, and how we can bring the same high standards of Performance, Speed and Safety to your precast or steel project.
KEY TEAM MEMBERS
DENNY LAVE, FEARLESS LEADER / CO-FOUNDER
Denny has more than 20 years of experience as an ironworker (and now nearly 15 as a business owner), but his resume is more varied than one would expect. After all, how many people in this industry — or any industry, for that matter — have spent two years exploring Europe, including time at a monastery in France? Upon returning from his travels, Denny achieved journeyman status as an ironworker in 2003. He has worked and managed projects throughout the western U.S., including several years in the Rocky Mountain region and California before coming to the Pacific Northwest. Today, he has stepped into a CEO-type role at PPE, focusing on strategy, vision and growth. Even as the industry and PPE continue to innovate, however, the company’s keys to success remain the same: staying on schedule and on budget, doing things the right way and helping clients mitigate the risks in every project. “We feel that the people who hire us are under our protection,” Denny says. “That’s why we always act with honesty and integrity.” Denny is active in the Catholic Church and spends his free time enjoying the outdoors, reading and sailing his Hobie Catamaran with his family. He and his wife, Gina, have six sons — along with a dog and cat. They live near Windy Bay in northern Idaho.
LOU LAVE, CO-FOUNDER
With more than 40 years as a union ironworker and 30 years of precast and rigging experience, Lou’s track record and knowledge are unparalleled in the industry. His skill at managing projects both large and small, along with his ability to surround himself with top-caliber talent, have been instrumental in PPE’s success. “Hire the smartest people you can find,” he says. “Then, let them blossom and be geniuses!” As the company continues to grow, Lou has taken on additional sales duties while also serving as a mentor to PPE superintendents and other employees. “Our team has been expanding, so mentoring is really big for us right now — both in the office and in the field.” It’s fitting that Lou would co-found such a family-focused company: Born and raised in Montana, he is the 15th of 16 children and now has 11 kids of his own, along with 22 grandchildren. The family connection to PPE runs deep, too — three of his daughters, two sons, a son-in-law and even one daughter’s father-in-law are part of the company. “I’m really proud that we still have that family aspect,” he says. Lou attributes PPE’s “mind-boggling” growth to performance and staying on schedule. “We get repeat business because of the quality and speed of our work,” he says. “Schedule is everything in today’s market.”
CALEB WOHLETZ, OPERATIONS LEADER
Formerly a sealant specialist for PPE, Caleb became a foreman in 2016 and now runs the entire Operations Department. A Kansas City native, he managed a crew doing architectural sheet metal for about 10 years before he was recruited to the Inland Northwest. Caleb has always worked for family companies, and his experience with PPE is no exception —. After almost five years with the company, Caleb has seen a lot of PPE’s growth first-hand. “It’s pushing us all to our limits, but in a good way,” he says. “It makes sure we’re on our ‘A’ game all the time.” And like his fellow employees, he remains impressed with how PPE has maintained such a positive environment where people feel valued and appreciated. Caleb, who used to be a competitive motorcycle racer, lives with his wife and their four children in Post Falls, Idaho. They’ve been married for 15 years.
CORY DAWSON, GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT
As an ironworker superintendent, Cory ensures PPE steel-erection jobs are run safely, efficiently and effectively. In addition to his responsibility for crews, equipment and interactions with general contractors, he also assists with bidding, estimating and even billing. Cory has more than 20 years as an ironworker, mostly in structural steel, and joined PPE in 2014. His previous experience includes work in oil-field construction, lumber mills and house framing. As an industry veteran, he says the PPE difference is having experienced ironworkers who own the company — and who surround themselves with people who share the same passion for the trade. “Lou and Denny will say it’s us that makes them successful,” Cory says, “but they have built PPE into what it is.” Cory has two sons, one in Montana and one serving in the Army, as well as a daughter in college. An Idaho native, he now lives in Lind, Wash., with his two miniature pinschers. In his spare time, he likes to collect sports memorabilia.
VERN TRANTUM, PROJECT LEADER
SHAD MCDANIEL, PLANNING SUPERINTENDENT / PROJECT LEADER
Shad was the first employee hired by PPE’s founders — after taking a hiatus early in his tenure, he came back to help lead crews in the field. A journeyman ironworker and welder with more than 15 years of experience, he’s been around heavy equipment and construction since he started working for his family’s logging and excavation business as a teenager. He works primarily on PPE’s precast projects, although with his background, he can jump in and support steel work, too. “Here, everybody steps up. We figure out how to make it work,” he says. Born in Coeur d’Alene, he lives in the Athol-Bayview area in Idaho with his wife, Tara, and their daughter. He enjoys hunting in his spare time — and he enjoys working for a company committed to helping employees improve both personally and professionally. “We’re not blood, but for as much time as we spend with each other, we are a family,” he says. “Lou and Denny want everyone who works for them, clear down to the newest guy, to better themselves. They want the best for everybody.”
NICKI PERKINS, ESTIMATOR
Nicki has 15+ years of experience in successful administrative support rolls, most of which pertain to the construction industry. She moved to Idaho in 2010 with her husband and three daughters after falling in love with the area while on vacation. In her spare time she enjoys raising rabbits and chickens, gardening and archery. Nicki has joined PPE as a junior estimator.
Matt Smith, Leader, Dept of Get Work
Matt was born and raised in Alaska and served in the Marine Corps for 10 years before coming to North Idaho to settle down with his family. His construction experience spans a variety of roles including technical sales rep, superintendent, project manager and estimator. Matt and his wife, Andrea, spend most of their free time trying to keep up with their four daughters.
JASON MERZ, PROJECT LEADER
Jason brings over 20 years of Ironworker experience to our team. A Spokane local, Jason co-owns a bar in town and enjoys hunting, fishing, and the outdoors.
ANDREW WINTERS, PROJECT LEADER
Andrew joined the Ironworkers Union in 1996, building America for over 25 years! Andrew brings a great deal of experience and knowledge to every project he works on. He takes great pride in all that he does, and strives for perfection, never leaving until the job is done, and done right. In his off time, Andrew enjoys spending time with his best friend and wife, Sabrina and their two energetic and fun Corgis, Slick and Dixie. Living 3 hours away, he relishes in the time he gets to spend with his 3 grown children. You will often find him crabbing off the beautiful Oregon Coastline while traveling up and down in their Motorhome. He also enjoys his Thursday evenings “Throwing the rock” on his league bowling team “Spare Change”. All in all, Andrew is a fun loving, family guy with a passion for his work and career and is proud to be a part of the PPE family.
JEAN-LUC LAVE, PROJECT LEADER
Jean-Luc LaVe is the third of five LaVe's to don the ironworker mantle, and did so in 2008. Since then he has gained experience in several different aspects of the trade, from rebar, structural steel, metal buildings and finally precast. Jean-Luc is a father to a two year old boy, a husband, and values family, work ethic and character. Growing up Jean-Luc raced motocross, played hockey and basketball and enjoyed all competitive sports. He is focused on gaining more knowledge and leadership skills to continue developing as a member of our team
ROBIN MARKS, SAFETY DIRECTOR
Robin came to the PPE family in 2018 after working for several large general contractors in the Pacific Northwest area. In her 30 years of working in the trades she has worked on many types of projects… commercial, demolition, education, healthcare, industrial, manufacturing, mixed use, sports venues to name a few. Robin is the oldest of 6 siblings and understands the importance of family and keeping our loved ones safe. Robin lives by PPE’s client driven philosophy. EVERYONE that she works with is under her care and protection. Her job is to keep everyone safe so they can go home to their families. When not traveling for work, Robin resides in Woodland, WA. She has 7 grandchildren she loves to spoil and spend time with. When she is not with kids you will find her with a great bunch of friends from her earlier years as a competitive soccer player. Robin says, “It’s great to have such terrific grandchildren, wonderful friends and a great job! I am blessed!”
MARISA RILEY, OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
