Led by people who've Done the work.

With three decades of experience in industrial and glass project management and estimating, Walt helps set Lilja’s strategic vision. It’s a capability built from the ground up—as Walt has worked first-hand in all aspects of the company from billing and estimating to project management. Walt holds a Bachelor’s degree in Earth Science and Environmental Engineering from California State University, Chico. In his spare time he spends time with his wife and their family of adopted pets.

Jeremy oversees the operation and success of all Lilja projects. In 2002 he began with Lilja as a bricklayer journeyman and in 2014 he became a regular full-time employee where he began to estimate, oversee, and supply personnel for larger projects. He loves to spend time with friends and family and doing anything outdoors whenever he is able.

Scott joined the Lilja team in 2022. Prior to Lilja, Scott worked as an electrical engineer in the mining industry. Scott has been involved in many aspects of our projects since joining the team: from project accounting to superintendent to estimating to his current role as a project manager. In his free time, Scott enjoys working in his shop, traveling and spending time with his family and friends.

Joe is a brick mason by trade and earned a reputation as one of the industry’s top repairmen and emergency services technicians. He brings this experience to bear in his role as operations manager—responsible for project management and estimating for general, civil, structural and mechanical construction. Joe operated his own successful construction company for five years prior to joining Lilja. He’s a family man and an experienced outdoorsman who enjoys hunting year-round.

Lance is a bricklayer by trade and brings extensive hands-on experience in glass furnace construction, hot repair and emergency services. As Operations Manager and Project Engineer, he oversees the planning and execution of hot repair projects, including estimating, manpower coordination, scheduling, materials, equipment and field operations. His practical knowledge of furnace construction and repair allows him to develop safe, efficient solutions for customers while coordinating projects from initial planning through completion. In his spare time, Lance enjoys spending time with his family, golfing and working on home improvement projects.

Phil manages the engineering team, drawing on his 30+ years of engineering experience focused on heavy industrial projects. A licensed Civil Engineer (BSCE/MSCE), he also has extensive PMO, Cap/Ex and R&D management experience to help align engineering, fabrication and contracting workflows to streamline on-site buildability. He loves spending time with his family, exploring new places and staying active in his spare time.

Dave leads the Project Management discipline and shares responsibility for the engineering function. A licensed Civil Engineer (BSCE/MSCE) and certified Project Manager (PMP), he has 25+ years of global engineering and project management experience to draw from, ensuring strict adherence to budget, schedule and safety compliance. Dave enjoys both playing and coaching soccer as well as attending live sporting events of all kinds.

As a licensed Civil Engineer (BSCE/MSCE) with 15+ years of experience focused on manufacturing facilities, Robert is highly skilled in the design and analysis of industrial steel structures and has extensive process layout and concept development experience. Robert provides deep technical expertise to deliver robust, high-performance industrial infrastructure and process projects. Outside of work, Robert enjoys hiking, bird watching and volunteering with the Toledo Metroparks whenever possible as well as participating in a curling league during the winter months.

A Mechanical Engineer (BSME) with nearly 15 years of glass industry experience in engineering and R&D roles, Andrew is focused on mechanical systems evaluation, conceptual and detailed design, installation, start-up and commissioning support. He has experience in both infrastructure and process equipment operations and maintenance, leveraging that knowledge to provide optimized designs for real-world applications. Andrew enjoys spending quality time with his wife and children, attending sporting events, and pursuing outdoor activities such as skiing and golfing.

After attending The University of Pittsburgh, Ryan began his four-decade-plus career in the glass industry specializing in furnace shut-downs and start-ups across the globe. Ryan joined Lilja in 2015 to help expand sales and business development. When not traveling to visit clients, you will find Ryan spending time with his sons or traveling on an offshore fishing expedition.

New to Lilja in 2021, Vaughn brings over 25 years of sales and marketing experience to the fold. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Vaughn has joined the team to provide sales and business development support for Lilja's existing U.S. customer base, global expansion, and the newly expanded fabrication and welding shop in Lyles, TN. When Vaughn is not working around a hot furnace, he has been a popular DJ for major events in the Midwest for almost two decades.