Meet The Balsitis Contracting Team
At Balsitis Contracting, Inc., our team will be there for you every step of the way; morning, noon or night, with daily communication to keep your project on track.
Owner and Chief Executive Officer
Joseph (Joey) Balsitis Jr.
Joey started his career is the construction industry at the age of 15 in Local 250 the Chicago Carpenter’s union. Now, with 20+ years of experience, he has a skill set that is unparalleled to custom home builders in the area.
Throughout his carpentry career he has developed his framing, interior trim and exterior trim craftsmanship. With this background, he knows firsthand all aspects of how a home is put together. Having worked for several area builders in different roles, he realized there was more to offer the client. Namely in regards to his knowledge, but also transparency. In 2017 he started his business journey as Balsitis Contracting, Inc., filling a void, in his opinion, in the custom home industry. Joey commented, “When constructing a custom home, problem solving and attention to all the fine details is a must. Transparency is key in the process, starting with the owner
approval of proposals and all invoices, everything is detailed.”
Continuing education is very important to Joey as things in the construction industry constantly change and technology advances. This allows BCI to give their clients the latest and greatest, while still keeping a timeless, quality constructed home. In Joey’s spare time, he gives back to his community. Since 2013 he is a local Firefighter and EMT. He also enjoys hunting, golfing and of course time with his family – his wife Chloe and their four sons and three dogs.
Construction Manager
Joseph T. Balsitis
Joe, a native of Itasca, IL, has been with Balsitis Contracting since 2018. As our Construction Manager, he oversees all operations in the field, including superintendents, our BCI framing crew, painting division, and laborers. “I excel at starting the project from permit to final completion. Working close with clients, design teams, and our project managers, while overseeing scheduling and implementation of project details and problem solving to build a successful project.”
With over 40 years of experience in construction under his belt, Joe has a thorough, in-depth knowledge of the ins and outs of the industry. He is a skilled Master Carpenter, from framing to all aspects of finish work. He is certified in lifts & midsize machinery, such as telehandlers and skid steer operations, while also being a certified Helica Pier Installer. In his free time, the current Walworth, WI, resident enjoys ATV trail riding, woodworking, and spending time with his wife, kids, and many grandchildren. Joe has served with the Williams Bay fire department since 1989, including in the role of Fire Chief, until his recent retirement in Spring of 2025.
When asked what his favorite part about working for Balsitis Contracting is, Joe said, “Every day on every job is different. I enjoy being able to problem solve and overcome hurdles and challenges that arise.”
Controller/HR Manager
Amber Halvorson
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.
Project Manager
Kayla Brellenthin
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.
Kayla is also currently working towards a certification in Project Management through Louisiana State University. Kayla loves to enjoy her free time outside, typically golfing, as well as spending time with her family.
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.”
Selections Coordinator
Kelley Shanahan
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.
Safety Officer
Brandon Hendrickson
Brandon, a native of Huntley, IL has been with Balsitis Contracting since 2019. Starting as a general laborer for the company, he has since taken on the roll as our Safety Officer, ensuring that safety guidelines are known, followed, and adhered to on our jobsites. He is OSHA 30 Certified, along with having nearly 9+ years of industry knowledge and firsthand experience. Outside of work, the current Twin Lakes, WI, resident enjoys hunting, fishing, and going up north to his family’s property. He spends most of his free time with his wife and twin girls and have
another one on the way.
When asked what the best part about working at Balsitis Contracting is, Brandon said, “Definitely the people.”
Superintendent
Ryan Grismer
Ryan, a native of Beloit, WI, has been with Balsitis since 2020. Starting as a finish carpenter, he has since taken on the roll of a superintendent for the company, managing the ins and outs of multiple jobsites, and ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently. He has over 25 years of experience in the building industry, including – but not limited to – work specializing in trusses, cabinetry, framing, siding, trim, and general remodeling and renovating. His first-hand experience in such a variety of specialties brings a knowledge and efficiency that is invaluable to the projects that he oversees and works on.
Outside of work, Ryan really enjoys going golfing with friends and family. The current Delavan, WI, resident spends much of his free time with his wife, his three daughters, and grandson. When asked what his favorite part about working for Balsitis Contracting is, Ryan said, “I enjoy the type and variety of work that I do. The atmosphere on the jobsites is great.”
Foreman
Bobby Vanderham
Bobby, a native of Burlington, WI, has been with Balsitis Contracting since 2020. He has over 25 years of extensive experience in the world of contracting, including – but not limited to – framing (including large-scale), interior trim, exterior trim, and siding. On top of over two and a half decades of experience, he attended four years of trade school, bringing invaluable knowledge and detail to every project he works on.
Outside of work, Bobby enjoys being outdoors, camping, attending car shows, and spending as much time as possible with his wife and kids and their families.
When asked what his favorite part about working at Balsitis Contracting is, Bobby said, “I really like the atmosphere that we’ve all created.”
Foreman
Peter Barnett
Pete has been with Balsitis Contracting since 2019. He has been passionate about construction since he was 15 years old, which is when he started helping his uncle with remodeling projects. That early experience sparked a lifelong interest in building – and more specifically, in the art of woodworking. Today, he serves as a foreman for Balsitis Contracting, overseeing both residential and commercial construction projects.
Pete has spent a lifetime learning the trade from the ground up, gaining experience through hands-on work, dedication, and a deep respect for craftsmanship. Over the years, he’s built a reputation for reliability, strong leadership, and a keen eye for detail. Woodworking remains one of his greatest strengths, and he enjoys bringing that skill into the custom touches that make each project stand out.
Born and raised in Wisconsin, Pete’s about as local as it gets. When he’s not on the job site, you’ll usually find him spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, boating, or riding his Harley. When asked what he enjoys about his job, Pete said, “I take pride in my work and the people I work alongside – and there’s nothing better than seeing a job well done and a customer satisfied.”
Office Manager
Hannah Gustin
Hannah, born in Chicago and raised in Batavia, IL, has worked as the officer manager for Balsitis Contracting since December of 2023. She has 7+ years of office and managerial experience in various fields, but working for a contracting company has been her favorite thus far. She grew up with a general contractor for a dad, so she is hardly a stranger to the industry. In her free time, Hannah enjoys reading, traveling, baking and attending every farmers market she can find in SE Wisconsin. She currently resides in Lake Geneva, WI, with her two cats and volunteers around the community as often as possible. Hannah is one of seven kids and spends many a weekend with her family in Illinois and Oregon.
When asked what her favorite part about working for Balsitis Contracting is, Hannah said, “The people and the environment that’s been cultivated. It is so refreshing to work for a company that truly cares about their employees. There’s rarely a dull moment at the office.”
