Leadership makes a difference on every project. Our leaders stay focused and involved, working closely with both the project and the team behind it. They bring the continuity, discipline, and commitment needed to create predictability, reduce risk, and keep work moving forward with confidence.
Dan Polfuss, LEED AP, joined W.B. Olson, Inc., in 2000 and serves as president, bringing deep experience across both public and private sector work. Clients rely on Dan for organized leadership, practical decision-making, and a calm, steady approach that keeps teams aligned and projects moving when complexity and stakeholder needs ramp up.
Dan holds a bachelor of science in civil engineering from Marquette University and an MBA from DePaul University. His recent work includes projects for North Park University, Ravinia Festival, VNA, the Village of Wheeling, the Park District of Highland Park, and Legacy Charter School, spanning recreation, civic, institutional, and community-focused facilities across the region.
Mike Shydlowski joined W.B. Olson, Inc., in 1995 and serves as vice president and project executive, bringing extensive experience across new construction, renovation, and complex phased work. He is recognized for strong communication and leadership that help teams deliver consistently across multiple markets and building types.
Mike has led historical restoration and adaptive reuse efforts, along with major renovations for higher education, cultural institutions, libraries, and faith based organizations. His recent work includes multiple Northwestern University renovations, Evanston Public Library improvements, and institutional renovation projects across Chicagoland.
Bill Cody joined W.B. Olson, Inc., in 1993 and leads field operations with a hands on focus on coordination, quality control, and jobsite execution. He is known for proactive oversight, clear communication, and steady leadership that keeps subcontractors aligned and work moving the right way from mobilization through closeout.
In his role, Bill oversees field construction activity and resources across a wide range of projects, including municipal facilities, park district work, higher education renovations, and complex adaptive reuse.
Dave Ridderhoff joined W.B. Olson, Inc., in 1988 and leads the preconstruction team with an emphasis on value engineering, constructability review, and disciplined estimating. He is known for detailed organization and analytical thinking that helps owners and design teams make confident decisions early, when it matters most for cost, schedule, and scope control.
Dave earned a bachelor of science in civil engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology. His preconstruction experience spans civic and municipal projects, K 12 education, higher education, parks and recreation, and renovation and adaptive reuse work, including village halls, park district facilities, and campus projects throughout Chicagoland and surrounding communities.
John Emser, LEED AP, joined W.B. Olson, Inc., in 1994 and supports clients through preconstruction with a strong focus on municipal and public sector work. He leads value engineering, constructability reviews, budgeting and estimating, and project oversight, helping teams align scope and expectations before construction begins.
John holds a bachelor of science in construction management from Bradley University and is a LEED Accredited Professional through the USGBC. His recent experience includes fire stations, recreation centers, golf facilities, and public library renovations for communities and park districts across the region.
