Meet the Balsitis Contracting Team
The Balsitis team will be there for you every step of the way, morning, noon or night with daily communication to keep your project on track.
Joseph (Joey) Balsitis Jr., Owner and Chief Executive Officer
A native of Walworth, WI, Joey Balsitis is a 15-year veteran of the construction industry. He started the company in 2017 and he said, “it is a dream come true to see the company growing rapidly.” He is a member of the Lakeland Builders Association, the Wisconsin Builders Association, and the National Association of Home Builders.
Away from the office, the resident of Williams Bay, WI enjoys spending time with his wife and son, playing a round of golf when time allows. Joey’s favorite movie is The Breakfast Club, favorite dessert is cheesecake, and the best place he ever visited is Cancun, Mexico. A big fan of the Chicago Bears, Cubs, and Blackhawks, he once met Walter Payton.
Joseph T. Balsitis, Construction Manager
The Itasca, IL native has more than 40 years industry experience, specializing in carpentry, electrical, and plumbing. Joe has also earned the Certified PierTech Helical Pier Installer designation. He joined the company in 2018 and oversee projects as they are being carried out to make sure the work is done according to outlined specifications, and that they conform with the project timetables. Joe also works closely with the project team to measure and manage client satisfaction, facilitate site planning meetings, track company resource usage, and identify project risks and propose solutions.
The Walworth, WI resident is also a lieutenant with the Williams Bay Fire Department. In his free time, Joe enjoys 4-wheeling. His favorite movie is St. Elmo’s Fire and the best place he’s visited is Kona, Hawaii. The Green Bay Packers fan has met Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton, and Joe’s favorite dessert is a Heath Bar Blizzard from Dairy Queen.
In describing the best part about working at Balsitis Contracting, Joe said, “Every day on every job is different. I enjoy being able to problem solve and overcome hurdles and challenges that arise.”
Amber Halvorson, Controller/HR Manager
Serving as the Controller/Human Resources Manager for Balsitis Contracting, Inc, Amber Halvorson was raised in Fox Lake, IL. The current Lake Geneva resident has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from Columbia College of Missouri.
Amber specializes in bookkeeping for corporate taxes, and she is a member of the National Association of Tax Professionals and The National Association of Women in Construction. She joined Balsitis Contracting in June 2022 having more than 30 years of previous accounting and HR experience. In her role, she is responsible for accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, financial reporting, job costing, hiring, and performance evaluations.
Away from the office, Amber enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with family. Her favorite things include the movie The Green Mile, Godiva Chocolate, and the Green Bay Packers. The best places she’s visited is Aruba and Hawaii, and she once met actor/musician Gary Sinise. Amber also said she would wear a tutu and tiara every day if it was socially acceptable.
Kayla Brellenthin, Project Manager
Kayla Brellenthin, a native of Elkhorn, WI, joined Balsitis Contracting in May 2020. Kayla earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications with an emphasis on Public Relations and a minor in Marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
The Genoa City, WI resident loves to golf (her husband is a local golf professional) as well as spend time with her family. A movie buff who enjoys all different genres, her favorite is The Proposal. Kayla visits Orange Beach, AL every spring, her home away from home. A big fan of the Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers, and Wisconsin Badgers, her favorite dessert is Cookie Dough Ice Cream.
When asked what is the best part about working at Balsitis Contracting, Kayla said, “The group dynamic is fun to be around. We all work extremely hard to reach the same goal. It’s exciting to see the company grow and evolve.”
Kelly Shanahan, Selections Coordinator
Kelly Shanahan joined Balsitis Contracting in November 2020 as the Selections Coordinator. The Shawano, WI native studied Interior Design and Fashion Merchandising at Patricia Stevens College in Milwaukee.
With over 20 years’ experience, Kelly started her career as a Kitchen and Bath Designer, and during her time in the remodeling and new construction industries she has co-owned two luxury remodeling firms. She has been regularly recognized by HOUZZ for Service and Design and has won numerous awards from the Metropolitan Builders Association and NARI (National Association Remodeling Industry) Milwaukee chapter for her projects. Kelly has served as a regional judge for NARI award competitions, and she’s also involved in real estate development with her spouse.
During her career, Kelly has completed numerous continuing education seminars/classes through the National Kitchen & Bath Association, HOUZZ, local building associations, and area colleges. She loves all types of design styles, but her favorite is Contemporary, with minimalistic elements, simplicity, intentional use of texture, and clean lines, which creates stunning spaces.
With Balsitis Contracting, Kelly excels in working with clients on choosing all finishes for the home. This includes exterior siding, roofing, and stone, while on the interior, appliances, cabinetry, countertops, plumbing, finish electrical, flooring, and tile. She also coordinates the selection of soft finishes, such as window treatments, wallpaper, and decorative arts, plus she lends a hand in space planning and furniture layouts. Removing the stress from the process, Kelly helps clients identify their style and ensures that the different selections all coordinate to bring vision to life, making sure everything works together.
In discussing her time at Balsitis Contracting, Kelly said she has worked with amazing clients, with lasting friendships made. “My co-workers are like my family, as we can count on each other and assist where and when needed,” she said. “It’s been amazing to see and be a part of this firm’s development and watch these beautiful projects come to fruition.”
Outside the office, Kelly and her husband love to cook together, plus she enjoys gardening, listening to live music, and spending time with family and their two dogs. The best place she’s visited is Bora Bora and Kelly has met George Lucas. She also plays the violin and cello.
Madison Whitehead, Design Coordinator
Madison Whitehead serves as a Design Coordinator for Balsitis Contracting, Inc. The lifelong Lake Geneva, WI resident joined the company as a summer intern in 2021 and was hired full time in June 2022. She is a graduate of the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design and Architecture, with a minor in Furniture Design/Woodworking.
During her time at MIAD, Madison was named to the Honor Roll, and she was a Dean’s List Honoree and a Dean’s Scholarship recipient. She also served as a board member for the MIAD student chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers.
Madison’s area of expertise is in interior design and working in AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite.
“As a young adult just out of college, it was important for me to be in a supportive environment where I could learn,” Madison said. “At Balsitis Contracting, not only do I learn a lot, but I know my skills and opinions are valued. I am challenged every day and my skills are always being put to the test.”
When not at work, Madison enjoys being out on the lake, wake surfing, golfing, and hanging out with friends and family. For movies, she really likes anything from the Marvel Universe or a good comedy. Madison had the privilege of meeting Virgil Abloh, the Artistic Director of Louis Vuitton’s Menswear and the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Off-White. A Chicago sports fan, the Bears and Blackhawks are her favorite teams, and Madison loves anything with chocolate.
Chris Gozdziewski, Superintendent
Chris Gozdziewski is a Superintendent for Balsitis Contracting, Inc. Born in Milwaukee, the current New Berlin resident joined the company in April 2022 with more than 15 years construction experience. In his role, Chris works closely with staff to oversee construction projects, including scheduling subcontractors, meeting with clients, and working with area inspectors to ensure projects pass inspection.
Away from the office, Chris likes to hang out with his family, attend Milwaukee Brewers games, and complete woodworking projects. He is also a fan of the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Bucks, and he enjoys watching movies in the Marvel Comics franchise. The best place he’s visited is Hawaii and his favorite dessert is ice cream.
Chris Balsitis, Property Maintenance Manager
Christine Balsitis, who joined Balsitis Contracting in November 2021, serves as the Property Maintenance Manager. Raised in Park Ridge, Illinois, the Walworth, WI resident attended Triton College and studied Graphic Arts.
In her role at Balsitis, Chris manages and oversees properties with in-home maintenance, lawn care, snow removal, pier scheduling and painting, boat care, home winterization, window and gutter cleaning, interior and exterior painting, pool and spa services, home cleaning, and party planning. “We are available 24 hours a day, which gives homeowners the confidence that their home is cared for,” Chris said. “I enjoy making life easier for our clients by taking care of their home and giving them a stress-free environment to come home to.”
In her free time, Chris enjoys riding horses and ATVs, plus she takes care of her chickens and dogs. She also likes traveling with her husband (Hawaii is a preferred destination) and spending time with family. When it comes to movies, Chris likes romantic comedies, and she is a Chicago Cubs fan. Chris had the pleasure of meeting Chris Chelios of the Chicago Blackhawks, and her favorite dessert is Dirt Cake.
