MTH Industries Fortifies Leadership for Chicago's Next Construction Era

HILLSIDE, IL – July 09, 2026 – MTH Industries, a firm whose steel and glass work is woven into the very fabric of Chicago's iconic skyline, has announced two strategic leadership appointments poised to steer the company through its next phase of growth. The appointments of Dann Jochum as Director of Steel Operations and Trang Huynh as Chief Financial Officer are more than just a C-suite shuffle; they represent a calculated move to reinforce the company’s operational and financial foundations amidst a dynamic and demanding construction landscape.

For a company with a legacy stretching back over 140 years, one that has left its mark on landmarks from the Willis Tower's Ledge to the Wrigley Building's restored bronze entryways, such moves are not made lightly. They signal a deep understanding of the market's shifting currents—a market characterized by a surge in complex megaprojects, from data centers to massive infrastructure overhauls, yet fraught with challenges like material cost volatility and workforce constraints. By bringing in specialized leaders for its core steel operations and financial strategy, MTH is strategically doubling down on its promise of blending "heritage craftsmanship with modern innovation," ensuring it has the leadership to not only participate in Chicago's next building boom but to define it.

Forging Operational Excellence from the Ground Up

The appointment of Dann Jochum as Director of Steel Operations speaks directly to the physical heart of MTH's business. In an industry where project success is measured in millimeters and structural integrity is non-negotiable, Jochum’s two decades of hands-on construction and steel fabrication expertise are a critical asset. His recent experience as a project and quality manager at Specialty Construction LLC saw him leading the complex orchestration of structural steel, ornamental metals, and glass railing projects.

What makes this hire particularly strategic is Jochum’s deep experience with AISC (American Institute of Steel Construction) audit standards. In today's market, adherence to these rigorous quality and efficiency benchmarks is not just a best practice; it's a competitive differentiator. For a firm like MTH, which tackles technically demanding projects, having a leader who can drive field quality and efficiency to these exacting standards is paramount. It strengthens client trust and positions the company to win bids for high-stakes infrastructure and advanced manufacturing facilities where quality assurance is a primary concern.

MTH Industries CEO Ed Carey underscored this point, stating, "Dann knows this work from the shop floor to the field, and that operational depth is exactly what will help us deliver for our clients at a higher level." This isn't just about managing projects; it's about embedding a culture of precision and operational excellence that flows from the fabrication shop directly to the construction site. Jochum's mandate will be to sharpen execution across MTH's steel and ornamental metal lines, ensuring that the firm's reputation for craftsmanship is backed by the most robust operational processes in the industry.

Engineering Financial Resilience for Scalable Growth

Complementing the operational reinforcement is the appointment of Trang Huynh as Chief Financial Officer. In the modern construction industry, financial strategy is as crucial as structural engineering. Projects are larger, timelines are tighter, and financial risks are magnified. Huynh brings over 18 years of finance and accounting leadership, most recently as Financial Controller at Transport Holdings, where she managed the complex accounting operations for a multi-entity organization with revenues exceeding $40 million.

Huynh's expertise in financial reporting, process automation, and internal controls is particularly timely for a growing firm like MTH. The construction sector has historically lagged in digital transformation, but the benefits of financial automation—from streamlined invoicing and expense management to real-time project profitability tracking—are immense. By leveraging automation, MTH can achieve sharper financial discipline, reduce manual errors, and free up its finance team to focus on strategic analysis rather than administrative tasks. This capability is essential for managing the financial complexities of large-scale projects and navigating the economic headwinds of material cost fluctuations and supply chain uncertainties.

"Trang brings the financial discipline and forward-looking insight that will help us grow with confidence," Carey noted. This confidence is key. As MTH continues to expand its full spectrum of construction solutions, Huynh’s leadership will be instrumental in building a scalable financial infrastructure. Her experience sharpening the close process and strengthening cash reporting at firms like BP Capital Management will enable faster, more reliable data-driven decision-making, allowing the executive team to allocate capital effectively, manage risk proactively, and seize growth opportunities with agility.

A Dual-Pronged Strategy for a Changing Skyline

The simultaneous appointments of Jochum and Huynh are not two separate events but two sides of a single, cohesive strategy. MTH is building a leadership team where deep operational know-how is supported by sophisticated financial acumen. This dual-pronged approach directly addresses the core challenges and opportunities of the contemporary Chicago construction market. While Jochum refines the "how" of building—ensuring quality, safety, and efficiency on the ground—Huynh fortifies the "why" and "what's next"—ensuring profitability, stability, and strategic investment.

This integrated leadership model is MTH's answer to navigating a market in flux. The city is witnessing a surge in megaprojects, yet the office and multifamily sectors are moderating. There are unprecedented opportunities in data centers and infrastructure, but they come with intense competition and logistical hurdles. By strengthening its operational core and its financial intelligence, MTH is positioning itself to be more resilient and adaptable. The firm can more effectively price complex bids, manage project costs in real-time, and demonstrate a level of operational and financial reliability that clients and partners demand.

With a portfolio that includes contributions to modern marvels like the Apple Flagship store and historic restorations like the Wrigley Building, MTH Industries has long proven its ability to execute. These new appointments signal that the company is just as focused on its internal architecture—its operational processes and financial systems—as it is on the architectural masterpieces it helps create across Chicago. This strategic investment in leadership ensures that as the city's skyline continues to evolve, MTH Industries will remain a master builder, shaping the future with both strength and savvy.