Incorporated in 1951, the Builders Exchange of Northwest Michigan is a member-owned organization. It operates as a non-profit, sustained by annual dues and service fees, and is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of nine members, along with an Executive Director.
Our primary goal is to promote the advancement and development of the Northwest Michigan region. We strive to uphold exemplary standards of workmanship, encourage the growth of trade schools, and support the education of skilled artisans in the community, fostering the exchange of ideas.
Kerri scheller
Board member
Advantage Electric, a division of Swan Electric – Kerri is the residential/commercial Service and Accounts Manager at Advantage Electric. She studied Business Management at Davenport University and has over 15 years of experience in the electrical industry in Northern Michigan. Growing up in the area, she hopes to continue promoting trades in the construction industry through the Builder’s Exchange and other local organizations. When not at work, living in Lake Ann makes it easy to enjoy being at the lake or outdoors adventuring with her husband, son and dogs. Cheering on her son in sports is her proudest and favorite activity.
Jessica Novack
PRESIDENT
Windemuller | I am excited to serve on this Board of Directors and see if I can help other contractors and companies in the building trades. I have been with Windemuller for 10 years, I have worked in different positions, from the receptionist to electrical designer to now project manager. I am originally from Traverse City and received my Associate’s Degree in Construction Management and Accounting from Northwestern Michigan College. When I am not working at Windemuller, I am either helping my mom at her party store, coaching volleyball, or spending time on the beach or other outdoor activities with my family.
Heidi Flake
Board member
45th Property & Power | Heidi Flake is the Director of Business Development & Sales at 45th Property & Power and a licensed builder with decades of experience in the construction industry. She is the immediate past president of the Home Builders Association of Northwest Michigan and currently serves as President of the Northwest Skilled Trades Foundation, as well as on the Board of Directors for the HBA of Michigan. Passionate about supporting the next generation, Heidi dedicates countless hours to volunteering and coordinating events that bring awareness to the urgent need for skilled workers in Michigan. She hopes to bring fresh ideas, experience, energy, and collaborative leadership to the Builders Exchange Board of Directors.
Ryan Fedorinchik
SECRETARY
Spencer Sucharski
Treasurer
Michigan Pipe & Valve | Spencer is a Sales Rep specializing in underground utility supply at Michigan Pipe & Valve. A proud graduate of Ferris State University with a degree in Business Administration. Outside of work, he’s typically out on the golf course, hanging out with his wife Kayla or watching his Detroit Sports teams. As a board member, Spencer is passionate about building stronger, more resilient communities through our industry. At the end of the day, he believes that what we build, both physically and relationally has the power to shape lives. He’s here to contribute wherever he can to help move that mission forward.
Lisa Radtke
Executive Director
Builders Exchange of Northwest Michigan | Lisa Radtke accepted the role as Executive Director in 2022. Lisa has a BS in Organizational Leadership and Master’s in Education in Community Engagement and Government Affairs. She is also a Certified Economic Developer from the International Economic Development Council. Lisa has worked throughout the region in public, private and non-profit sectors including her service as an elected township supervisor. Lisa enjoys spending time with her husband Marvin, children and grandchildren and has recently started a farm with her husband.
JAROT KARCHER
Vice President
MacAllister Rentals | Born and raised in Central Michigan to a family with several generations in the construction industry, Jarot began his career with 20 years at a family-owned lumber and building material retailer. During this time, he filled roles in all aspects of labor, transportation, sales & fleet and facilities operations management. He has an additional 12 years in a heavy civil and utility construction operation where he performed purchasing, fleet & facilities operations management functions that supported construction projects from Canada to Brazil. In 2021, after years as a customer, Jarot became part of the team at The MacAllister Family of Companies (including MacAllister Rentals and Michigan CAT) supporting customers and projects throughout Michigan and Indiana. Outside work, Jarot enjoys a hobby in antique machinery restoration. He also enjoys spending time with his wife, Laura, their two grown daughters, their husbands and especially their first grandchild! Jarot looks forward to the opportunity to serve the industry as part of the Builders Exchange of Northwest Michigan.
Jerry Tomczak
Board Member
Cunningham-Limp | Jerry Tomczak has worked in the construction business for over 30 years. Originally from Flint, Michigan, Jerry has multiple years of experience formally as a Zoning Administrator, Building Official and then moved into the general contracting arena. Professionally, he is active with the “Build Your Life” committee to help facilitate and promote the trades working in the construction fields. Jerry resides in the Village of Elk Rapids with his wife and both have raised 4 children who frequent back home from remote areas throughout the US. Jerry intends to continue his passion for construction and promote the need for trades in the construction industry.
Mike Briggs
Board Member
PCS Constructors | Mike began his construction career as an apprentice, then quickly moved to journeyman running retail renovation projects and new store interior build-outs throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. In 1994, Mike transitioned from the field into the office as an Assistant Project Manager. In 1995, he was promoted to Project Manager and later to Branch Manager at a large firm. Mike recently ventured into a new role as the owner of PCS Constructors, and looks forward to his new role in his company, as well as participating as a board member.
Glenna Wood
BOARD MEMBER
Gosling Czubak Engineering | Having grown up in Traverse City, I am excited to serve on the board and help grow and support the building trades in the region. I received my Civil Engineering Degree from Michigan State University and after a brief period working downstate, I moved back to Traverse City in 2012 and began working for Gosling Czubak Engineering. When I’m not at work, you may see me enjoying all the fun the region has to offer with my husband, Kent and our 4 kids.
