Founded In Wisconsin - JP Cullen Construction of Janesville, Wisconsin

greenwoodphilip
May 1
7 min read

Introduction

For more than 130 years, JP Cullen Construction has stood as a testament to the enduring power of family leadership, innovation, and community commitment. Founded in 1892 by Irish immigrant John Patrick Cullen in Janesville, Wisconsin, the company began as a small local builder and quickly earned a reputation for tackling the toughest jobs with skill and integrity. Over five generations, the Cullens have guided the firm through periods of expansion, economic hardship, and industry transformation-embracing new markets, technologies, and leadership models while remaining true to their roots. Today, with Jeannie Cullen-Schultz and George Cullen serving as co-presidents, JP Cullen continues to shape the Midwest’s built environment, carrying forward a legacy defined by resilience, craftsmanship, and a deep sense of responsibility to both people and place.

JP Cullen Construction was founded by John Patrick (J.P.) Cullen in 1892 in Janesville, Wisconsin, establishing a legacy of excellence and craftsmanship. In 1960, his son, Mark A. Cullen, became president, expanding the company's presence into new markets. The third generation saw Mark Cullen as president from 1982 to 2013, with David Cullen serving as CEO and Richard Cullen overseeing field operations. This generation laid the groundwork for future transitions. From 2013 to 2020, Ron Becher became the company's first non-family president, modernizing operations and preparing the next generation for leadership. Currently, the fifth generation leads the company, with Jeannie Cullen Schultz and George Cullen serving as co-presidents since 2020.

The Evolution and Legacy of JP Cullen: A Family-Driven Construction Powerhouse

J.P. Cullen, Cullen Brothers, founded in 1892 by an Irish-American visionary, rapidly became a pivotal force in Janesville's development, renowned for its quality and reliability. The company excelled in undertaking challenging projects, constructing significant civic structures such as the Palmyra school and Janesville's Armory, and introducing innovations like elevators. Their masonry expertise extended their influence beyond Wisconsin into substantial government construction. By 1904, Cullen transitioned to a union shop, reflecting a commitment to fair labor practices that continues today. Known for tackling risky projects, Cullen focused on civic and educational buildings. In its early years, JP Cullen completed notable projects, including the Federal Courthouse and Post Office in Hammond, Indiana (1905), marking the firm's first major federal contract outside Wisconsin. The construction of the Samson Tractor Company and General Motors Assembly Plant in Janesville (1916–1919) required close coordination with GM. Building Janesville High School (1921) was a significant civic undertaking due to its scale and complexity. During the Great Depression, JP Cullen successfully completed numerous federal buildings across the Midwest, adapting to new environments and stringent budgets. The Camp McCoy project (1941–1942) during World War II involved overcoming logistical challenges, earning commendations from the War Department. These projects solidified JP Cullen’s expertise in managing large, complex assignments, reinforcing its reputation for reliability and innovation in the Midwest construction industry.

Mark A. Cullen Mark was instrumental in guiding JP Cullen Construction towards substantial growth and diversification as the second-generation leader. After serving in World War I, he joined his father in the family business, leading to its renaming as J.P. Cullen & Son. During his leadership, the company expanded through significant projects, such as the addition to the University of Wisconsin’s Bascom Hall in 1925. He adeptly navigated the challenges of the Great Depression by securing public sector contracts. His commitment to the community was evident in the construction of a family home in Janesville, which remains within the family. Mark also led the company through major industrial projects for clients like Samson Tractor and General Motors, enhancing JP Cullen’s reputation for handling complex assignments. Even after his retirement, Mark continued to influence the company until his passing in 1970.

John Paul Cullen, Jr., known as J.P. Cullen, was the influential third-generation leader of JP Cullen Construction, a company established by his grandfather in 1892. Born in 1925 in Madison, Wisconsin, he served in World War II and earned a business degree from the University of Nebraska. He joined the family business in 1950, leveraging his military discipline and business expertise to drive post-war growth. As president from the 1960s, J.P. managed significant projects, including the renovation of the Wisconsin State Capitol and the restoration of Milwaukee City Hall, with a focus on education and healthcare to address the demands of the baby boom generation. Renowned for his people-centered leadership, he prioritized employee engagement and co-owned the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1970s. J.P. transitioned leadership to his sons in the early 1980s but continued to serve as a mentor. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 91, leaving a legacy of integrity and community service.

David J. Cullen, a fourth-generation leader at JP Cullen Construction, has played a pivotal role in the company's growth and modernization. As CEO and President, David has honored the family legacy, starting his career in 1977 and progressing through positions such as estimator, project manager, and Vice President of Business Development. Under his leadership, JP Cullen has grown to over 600 employees and achieved $400 million in annual revenues, adopting technologies like BIM and completing significant projects. David's collaborative leadership style and dedication to mentoring have preserved a strong family ethos and prepared the fifth generation for future leadership. His tenure demonstrates a commitment to quality, integrity, and innovation, ensuring JP Cullen's continued success in the Midwest construction industry.

Ron Becher In 2013, JP Cullen appointed Ron Becher as company president to address a leadership gap between the retiring fourth generation and the not-yet-ready fifth generation of the Cullen family. As a trusted non-family executive, Becher provided steady leadership and operational expertise essential for the company's growth and cultural continuity. He was instrumental in launching the healthcare division, expanding the industrial division, and overseeing major projects like the Deep Space Amphitheater at Epic Systems. Becher's tenure was characterized by strategic growth, mentoring the Cullen family's fifth generation for future leadership, and fostering a collaborative work environment. His presidency ensured a smooth transition and positioned JP Cullen for continued success.

Jeannie Cullen-Schultz and George Cullen, descendants of Mark Cullen, hold the positions of co-presidents at JP Cullen Construction, marking the first instance of a co-presidency in the company's history. They took on these roles in 2020 following a two-year succession planning process led by Ron Becher, the first non-family president. Jeannie, formerly Vice President for Healthcare Construction, played a pivotal role in driving substantial revenue growth. Concurrently, George, as Vice President for Work Procurement, advanced the company's prefabrication and manufacturing efforts. As the fifth generation of the Cullen family, they uphold a 128-year legacy, managing over 650 employees and projects across Wisconsin and the Midwest. Other members of the Cullen family also occupy leadership roles, highlighting the family's dedication to the company's core values. By leveraging their complementary strengths, they have improved operational efficiency and decision-making. Jeannie excelled in the healthcare division, surpassing revenue targets, while George set new standards in preconstruction and manufacturing.

JP Cullen's Strategic Blueprint: Innovation, Sustainability, and Workforce Development for Industry Leadership

JP Cullen’s current long-term strategy is built around innovation, sustainability, workforce development, and deepening client partnerships to ensure continued growth and leadership in the construction industry. The company prioritizes embracing innovation and technology by investing in advanced construction technologies like Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) and prefabrication, which enhance problem-solving, cost reduction, quality, and project delivery. Sustainability and community commitment are also central, as demonstrated by their investment in Alliant Energy’s Janesville Community Solar garden, reducing their carbon footprint while promoting environmentally responsible building. Workforce development and retention are crucial, with a focus on hiring, training, and retaining top talent, ensuring expertise and a cohesive company culture. Client-centered preconstruction and risk management offer accurate budgets, value engineering, and risk mitigation, aligning projects with client goals despite inflation and supply chain challenges. Building long-term partnerships is emphasized, fostering collaborative relationships with clients, subcontractors, and the community. Finally, leadership succession and family legacy are prioritized, with the fifth generation of the Cullen family maintaining a pioneering spirit and responsibility to the community and employees, ensuring continuity and innovation for the future.

JP Cullen: A Century of Construction Excellence and Innovation in Wisconsin

Established in 1904, JP Cullen has been a foundational entity in Wisconsin's construction industry, transitioning from a union shop to a diverse enterprise. Initially concentrating on local projects such as Janesville High School and the GM assembly plant, the company expanded its focus to include university construction and federal projects during the Great Depression. In the post-war period, JP Cullen diversified into sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure, undertaking significant projects such as the refurbishment of the Wisconsin State Capitol and the construction of Beloit Memorial Hospital. The 1990s ushered in a period of rapid growth with the establishment of new branches and divisions, resulting in major contracts like the Milwaukee Bucks Arena. Guided by both family and non-family presidents, JP Cullen has successfully executed ambitious projects including the Epic Systems Auditorium and the Camp Randall Stadium refurbishment, reinforcing its reputation as a premier construction partner in the Midwest.

JP Cullen: Upholding Janesville Roots Through Integrity and Community Commitment

JP Cullen's deep connection to its Janesville origins significantly shapes its business practices, fostering a culture of integrity, community service, and enduring relationships. Established as a family business, the company remains committed to investing in the local community, supporting initiatives such as Alliant Energy’s Janesville Community Solar garden and contributing to projects like the Ice Age Trail Alliance. This dedication to its hometown has cultivated a family-oriented workplace culture, with many employees maintaining multi-generational ties to the company and regarding community service as both a responsibility and a privilege.

As JP Cullen Construction moves forward under the stewardship of its fifth generation, the company’s enduring commitment to quality, innovation, and family values remains at the heart of its success. From its origins as a visionary local builder in Janesville to its role today as a leader on some of the Midwest’s most complex and high-profile projects, JP Cullen’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and collaboration across generations. With Jeannie Cullen-Schultz and George Cullen guiding the company as co-presidents, supported by a dedicated team and a legacy of thoughtful leadership transitions, JP Cullen stands poised to continue shaping Wisconsin’s landscape and setting new standards in the construction industry for years to come.

Founded In Wisconsin - JP Cullen Construction of Janesville, Wisconsin

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