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.”
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 two cats. 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 32 grandchildren and 2 dogs. 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
Caleb joined PPE in 2012 as an Apprentice Ironworker and worked his way to General Superintendent and subsequently to Operations Leader. He oversees project planning, scheduling, and performance, ensuring that PPE maintains its reputation for delivering projects with the highest quality and efficiency. His collaboration with stakeholders, including Employees, General Contractors, Clients, and Suppliers, exemplifies his commitment to fostering strong relationships and ensuring project success.
When Caleb is not at work you can find him golfing, boating and spending time with his family!
VERN TRANTUM, PROJECT LEADER
JEAN-LUC LAVE, PROJECT LEADER
MARISA RILEY, Operations Coordinator
Marisa has been the Operations Coordinator at PPE since 2020, bringing over 14 years of experience in the construction industry. She handles everything from the prequalifications to the close out of our projects. Including but not limited to AR, AP, Safety Manuals, OCIPs, and Audits. Marisa is known for thriving in environments that combine creativity and organization, and plays a pivotal role in ensuring operational efficiency and innovation within the company.
Outside of work, Marisa enjoys camping and SxS riding, embracing all that North Idaho has to offer.
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.
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!”