About US
Who we are and what we do starts with our people and our purpose.
Organizations with real purpose operate in a different way. Family becomes the focus, beyond the individual. We are curious, disciplined and resilient. What will we be most proud of on our last day? The answer to that question drives our focus here at Gallant.
Gallant’s energy grows when we make a positive difference in the lives of others. That is fundamental to who we are and to our core values:
Serve Others. Our clients and customers are the reason we exist. We are at their service.
Do the right thing. We believe the ONLY way to complete a job properly is by doing what’s right.
Find a way. We are a “Results Oriented” company. When problems arise, we find solutions. If these qualities appeal to someone like you, then let’s talk about growing the common good.
Gallant has been in business for over 70 years. We are a professional services organization focused on ground-up construction, enhancement and maintenance of commercial buildings and property. This includes general contracting, 24/7 facility repair, and multi-site upgrade projects/programs.
Our construction services are largely focused within the Midwest United States. Maintenance programs and services are provided across the United States.
We want our clients to care about building relationships, and we hope they will share our core values. With a growth mindset and a joy for the process, we love the work we are asked to do. We keep it simple. Our people and our services will continue to evolve, meeting the needs of our clients.
We call these principles “The Gallant Way.” Serving others…doing the right thing…finding a way...building relationships…explain who we are and what we do. Today, tomorrow, and for years to come…we serve our real purpose at Gallant. We invite you to take advantage of what we have to offer.
Who we are begins by operating with purpose. What will we be most proud of on our last day? Relationships with people. Being confident in who we are and making a positive difference in the lives of others. This is who we strive to be: to align our Core Values with our actions.
Our Core Values are simple: Serve others. Do the right thing. Find a way.
Gallant has been in business for over 70 years. We are a professional services organization focused on construction, enhancement, and maintenance of commercial buildings and properties.
This includes general contracting, 24/7 facility repair, and multi-site upgrade projects/programs.
Our construction services are largely focused within the Midwest United States. Maintenance programs and services are provided across the continental United States.
Our ideal client shares our core values and cares about relationships. With a growth mindset and a joy for the process, we love the work. We keep it simple.
Our people and our services will continue to grow and advance together with the needs of our clients and in alignment with WHO we are.
President
As Gallant’s President and Owner, Jim sets the direction and the tone for the organization. He is a true reflection of our core values and genuinely cares about people and relationships.
Jim owes his work ethic and love of construction to his dad, Matthew J. Stahl. Jim grew up as the 11th of 14 children and the youngest of six brothers. From the age of eight, Saturday was Jim’s day to work with his Dad for his construction, civil engineering and real estate businesses. If Jim was not playing sports, or going to school, he was likely working for the family.
Jim started his career with Gallant shortly after graduating from Ball State University with a degree in Construction Technology. After three years with Gallant as an Assistant Estimator, Jim left Gallant to work for the Walgreen Company and subsequently, Jones Lang LaSalle. During this time, while working full time and raising a young family with his beautiful wife Kristi, Jim earned his MBA in 2010 from the University of Notre Dame.
He came back home to Gallant in 2020, being trusted to take the organization forward as the President and Owner. He has great respect and appreciation for those before him who built the foundation that Gallant continues to stand on today.
Jim cares about people and understands that how we operate as a company is pivotal to our success. Keeping processes simple, staying true to our core values, encouraging personal and professional growth for our employees, and giving back to the community.
He brings a unique perspective to Gallant. From a laborer to representing Fortune 50 organizations, Jim recognizes that it takes the field and office teams working in concert to consistently execute at the highest level for our clients.
Jim’s professional contentment comes from consistent great execution with great-fit clients and watching the Gallant team grow and succeed as people and professionals.
Director Construction
Drew serves on the Gallant leadership team as the Director of the Construction group. His numerous, diverse responsibilities include pre-construction, risk mitigation, team growth, operations, profitability, and customer relationships. He is involved in overall strategy and business plan execution.
Drew has incorporated a logistics mindset unique to Gallant. Rather than seeing a project finish line as the date construction is done, the Gallant team recognizes the “owner occupancy” date as our completion date. Drew empowers and encourages the Gallant team to engage more fully in client relationships to ensure the Owner is ready to operate their new facility.
A graduate of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science Degree in General Engineering, Drew started his career in 2005 at Walsh Construction, based in Chicago and was promoted throughout his tenure to a program manager. Drew joined Gallant in 2020.
Grateful for the positive culture at Gallant, Drew has embraced the company’s family atmosphere, where people really care and support each other. Within his leadership position in the organization, Drew continues to mentor his team with the same approach.
Living in Crystal Lake with his wife (Jenna) and children (Talan, Evan and Cora), Drew has found at Gallant a work/lifestyle balance that he loves. He feels truly blessed to have found a company in his hometown that continues to motivate him, while providing peace and satisfaction in his life.
Director Facilities Services
Michael Rihani, known by his Marine call sign "Rhino," exemplifies the qualities of his namesake: calm, observant, and decisive under pressure. His transition from a distinguished military career to a trailblazer in facilities management began unexpectedly with a serendipitous opportunity at his father's workplace, where his knack for problem-solving and unflappable demeanor quickly made him indispensable.
Rising through the ranks, Michael's adept management of nationwide client portfolios underscored his ability to handle high-stakes situations with ease. His tenure at a national janitorial company was marked by his strategic use of subcontractors to deliver exemplary service, establishing him as a reliable figure in facilities management.
Pursuing academic excellence alongside his professional career, Michael earned a Bachelor's in Business Management from Robert MorrisUniversity, integrating his learning into his work seamlessly.
Seeking a more fulfilling path, Michael's longstanding interest in construction led him to Gallant Building Solutions in 2017, where he took the helm of the Facilities Services division. Under his guidance, the division has seen remarkable growth and diversification, extending its reach across various industries with a commitment to excellence and responsive service.
Michael also pursued an Executive MBA at Notre Dame and will graduate in May of 2024. His comprehensive skill set now encompasses a wide range of competencies critical for high-level management and operational excellence, including advanced financial analysis, strategic resource allocation and the development of high-performing teams. With a keen eye for optimization and a forward-thinking approach, Michael is well-equipped to elevate operational practices, ensuring they are not only efficient but also aligned with the strategic goals of the organization.
Michael's leadership mantra, "there is always beauty in the chaos," serves as a guiding principle for his teams, ensuring calm and effective resolution in challenging environments.
Outside of work, Michael enjoys a fulfilling personal life with his wife, Jacqueline. Quality time with family and friends is important to him and Jacqueline. Michael has some unique hobbies which include coin collecting, timepiece collecting, being a bourbon and cigar aficionado and traveling the world. His favorite sports to watch are Formula 1 Racing, College football and Hockey with a particular fondness for the Red Bull, Notre DameFighting Irish and Chicago Blackhawks teams.
Director Business Development
Tim’s role on the leadership team focuses on initiating and managing business development and sales strategies.
Tim joined the Gallant organization in April of 2022 and is the liaison between operations and sales. Areas of focus for Tim include targeting new construction relationships in strategic markets, expanding facilities management opportunities nationally, and ensuring that the sales team has the necessary tools to successfully meet and exceed their goals.
After completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Business Management from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater, Tim happened into the flooring installation business. While working in a sales role for a retail flooring company, Tim was recruited by a large Chicago area landscape company for a role in business development. That position segued to a similar role at a Wauconda-based company where Tim eventually managed 14 sales and operations people.
Circling back to the flooring industry, Tim became sales manager for a wholesale manufacturer in 2009. As Midwest regional manager, Tim served retailers, architects, flooring designers, contractors, and distributors in 18 states.
Over time, Tim felt that the weekly business travel was keeping him from his family and began searching for opportunities in related fields. He found an opportunity – and a great fit - at Gallant Building Solutions.
Gallant represented Tim’s own values of caring about others and being authentic. The emphasis on serving others to achieve the best for all resonates with Tim.
Working at Gallant allows Tim, a Crystal Lake native, to spend more time with his wife, Jennifer, and their three children, Grace, Emme, and Lanie playing golf, attending dance recitals and just hanging out with his favorite people!
Tim’s perspective on Gallant -
Gallant respects the individual. Our culture allows each individual the freedom to think uniquely and to work outside the box. I love the Gallant atmosphere.
Director of Preconstruction
With over 30 years in the construction industry, Patty is a seasoned veteran whose expertise runs deep and wide, from preconstruction processes to project closeout. Her journey in construction, a field ingrained in her from childhood, has seen her excel in roles as diverse as Permit Specialist, Superintendent, Project Manager, and, currently, Director of Preconstruction at Gallant.
In her pivotal role, Patty acts as a crucial link between Business Development, Estimating, and Construction. Her approach is founded on open-minded listening, enabling her to effectively guide both newcomers and seasoned clients through the preconstruction phase to ensure every project's success. Patty's dedication to meticulous attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and unwavering commitment to service excellence has been instrumental in producing high-quality projects that meet budget and schedule targets.
Patty's comprehensive understanding of the construction landscape facilitates seamless collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders, ensuring the realization of shared objectives. Her track record includes managing uniquely challenging projects across over forty states, each with its distinct demands, from budget constraints and scheduling to logistical complexities and architectural nuances, embracing each challenge with enthusiasm.
Finding a deep connection with Gallant's core values and its people, Patty feels a profound sense of belonging and alignment with the company's ethos. The supportive and caring culture within the Leadership Team and the broader organization mirrors her own values, further cementing her place in the Gallant family.
Outside ofwork, Patty, alongside her husband Todd, cherishes their life in Wisconsin,indulging in hobbies that include fishing, foraging, canning, snowshoeing, andexploring the Northwoods trails on their UTV. Their love for the outdoors andspending time with family and friends reflects the balance and fulfillment shefinds in both her professional and personal life.
Controller
Ella, serving as the Controller of Gallant since 2023, is an integral member of the leadership team, bringing over a decade of corporate finance and accounting experience to the forefront of the company's financial strategy. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Illinois Chicago, Ella's expertise is foundational to her role in steering Gallant's financial controls, efficiencies, and process improvements. Her dedication to fostering personnel development within her department underscores a leadership style that values growth, education, and empowerment.
At the heart of her professional ethos is a deep commitment to the Gallant family's core values, especially the firm's active involvement in community service and philanthropy. Ella takes pride in contributing to a company culture that not only aims for financial success but also prioritizes giving back to the community.
Beyond her professional capabilities, Ella is known among her colleagues as an Excel ninja, with a penchant for crafting nested formulas and developing complex financial models and reports. This unique skill set enables her to navigate and simplify the intricate details of corporate finance with ease and precision.
Ella's journey to Gallant is marked by her proud heritage as an immigrant fromUkraine, bringing diversity of thought and resilience to the team. She and her husband, Taras, together with their children, Sammy and Sophie, cherish their time outdoors. Whether it's embarking on adventures in the Smoky Mountains or enjoying the simple pleasure of catching monarch butterflies in their backyard, family time is Ella's sanctuary.
Ella's professional acumen and personal passions blend seamlessly, making her a valued leader at Gallant. Her dedication to excellence in the workplace, combined with her commitment to family and community, exemplify the qualities that makeGallant a remarkable place to work and thrive.
Chief Happiness Officer
Stella brings the love every single day. As the Chief Happiness Officer, Stella is tasked with driving the emotional well-being of each member of the Gallant family.
Born in 2018, Stella is a purebred Boxer and is described as thoughtful, intelligent and aware. A four- legged Mary Poppins, Stella maintains a sweet demeanor while keeping a watchful eye on her pack.
Stella is typically the first face you see when you arrive at the Gallant office. She makes her rounds throughout the day, developing relationships with every individual in the building…and collecting a few treats along the way.
In her spare time, Stella likes to play with her neighborhood Boxer friend, Harley, and go on weekend sleepovers with her dog parents who live in town.
Gallant was formed in the early 1950s by Louis (Louie) Galante as a family carpentry company, framing houses and other wooden structures in the Chicago metropolitan area.
Through the 1960s, Gallant continued to grow through hard work, integrity and by quickly earning trust.
As the next generation took over in the 1970’s, Gallant’s range of carpentry services evolved to include metal stud framing. The focus began shifting to commercial construction.
Gallant’s reputation as an honest and client-focused company resulted in many repeat clients, both locally and nationally. In addition to commercial work, Gallant was also now building outside of the Chicago market.
Gallant continued to grow through the 1980’s as its primary focus evolved from carpentry to general construction services, mainly for commercial retail centers across the U.S.
In the 1990’s Gallant responded to a client’s need and added commercial facility maintenance services. Gallant’s facilities maintenance business has steadily grown ever since and continues to be one of the more appreciated aspects of the business.
While maintaining focus on the “enhance” renovation work, in which Gallant was built, ground-up construction and national facility maintenance services have grown over the last 20 years and stand as cornerstones of the business today.
Today, the values that are the foundation of Gallant, since Louis Galante first swung a hammer, are as strong as they have ever been.
Serve others. Do the right thing. Find a way. This is the mindset and attitude that takes Gallant forward.
At Gallant, our mission extends beyond our core business operations to encompass a profound commitment to revitalizing and nurturing the communities we are part of. A testament to this dedication is our collaboration with the Glory Bound Rescue Ranch, located in Marengo, Illinois. This 40-acre sanctuary is a haven for over 100 animals, providing a second chance to those rescued from dire circumstances—including kill pens, high kill shelters, and abusive environments—as well as animals surrendered by owners unable to provide care. The ranch is home to a diverse array of animals, including horses, ponies, donkeys, dogs, cats, rabbits, pigs, sheep, llamas, goats, chickens, ducks, turkeys, peacocks, and even a cow.
In a demonstration of our commitment to making a tangible difference, a team of dedicated Gallant employees volunteered at Glory Bound, focusing their efforts on revitalizing a stable that now serves as a warm and secure home for horses named Toby, Keeper, Buns, Walker, Lincoln, Pixie, Hank, Tango, and a donkey named Jazzy. This initiative not only improved the living conditions for these animals but also reinforced our belief in the importance of hands-on involvement in charitable endeavors.
The heart and soul of Glory Bound Rescue Ranch is its founder, Jennifer, who selflessly dedicates her life to the operation of the sanctuary. Operating such a facility incurs an average monthly expense of $16,000, a testament to the ongoing need for support to sustain and expand its noble cause. We at Gallant are proud to stand with Glory Bound in their mission to provide care and refuge to animals in need.
To join us in supporting Glory Bound Rescue Ranch and to learn more about how you can make a difference, we invite you to donate here. Each animal at the sanctuary is available for sponsorship, and some are eligible for adoption, offering a unique opportunity for individuals to contribute to their well-being. Your contribution, whether through sponsorship, adoption, or donation, plays a crucial role in ensuring the continued success of this sanctuary and the well-being of its residents.
Together, we can make a lasting impact on our community and the lives of those who call it home.
"From the depths of despair to the pinnacle of joy, Gallant's barn renovation project has transformed Glory Bound Rescue Ranch beyond measure. As the President and Founder, I was on the verge of giving up hope for rebuilding our rescue horse barn until Gallant stepped in. Their team exudes compassion and dedication, evident in every interaction with our animals. The care and love they showed while working on the project were simply unparalleled. I'm immensely grateful for their expertise and commitment, and I foresee a lasting relationship with the Gallant team. Witnessing fellow animal lovers unite for our cause has left an indelible mark, not just on our sanctuary, but in the lives of every creature touched by their kindness. Thank you, Gallant, for making miracles happen."
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Working with us is unlike the experience that many companies expect from a commercial general contractor. Our corporate passion is helping people achieve their vision. A right-fit client is one who values relationships and shares our Core Values. Here’s an example of what that looks like, and five reasons to choose Gallant as your construction partner!
Read more →At Gallant, our Preventative Maintenance Services means we’re periodically checking on and maintaining your site’s assets, structure and equipment. Yet, there can be a mental disconnect for some organizations who may feel like they’re spending money for something that’s not broken. The idea behind Preventative Maintenance Services is that your business’ up-front investment will greatly decrease the chances of a breakdown. Ultimately, these services keep your facilities well-maintained and open for business. Nonetheless, for some, there’s a temptation to roll the dice…take a chance…see if your organization can get by as is…With that in mind, here are 10 big picture reasons why we recommend you put the dice away and make a sound investment in your operations.
Read more →"Steve is basically everything I could want in a PM recognizing the details of what I would want to have done."
