JCP Construction’s Jalin Phelps was honored this year as one of the Milwaukee Business Journal’s top operations executives for 2025.

Serving as a C-suite executive has never been an easy job, with these top leadership positions requiring the ability to motivate, to confront new challenges and to figure out a path forward, even when the way isn’t clear.

While a lot of attention typically is paid to the CEO, those in top leadership know that it takes a team to help an organization live up to its potential, with experts in different function areas making sure the organization is pulling together in the proper direction.

That thought is what led to the creation of the C-Suite Stars awards program. Building on the changes that were put in place last year, the Business Journal is once again celebrating a range of executives from a variety of functions, including human resources, finance, marketing, legal, operations and top executive.

Any of the executives being recognized also are eligible to be considered as Executive of the Year, an honor that focuses on an individual who has — in addition to a stellar track record — had a major impact upon the business community in 2025.

Selecting these winners is never easy. They come from a variety of industries and company sizes, and their accomplishments may be entirely behind the scenes or may play out on the public stage.

In every case, though, these are the people who have demonstrated true leadership, shaping not just the future of their organization but helping move the broader community into the future.

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JCP Construction Helps MPS Restore Peace of Mind

This summer, JCP Construction partnered with Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) to complete a comprehensive lead-remediation program across the district’s first set of pre-1950 elementary school buildings. After two and a half months of meticulous work and multi-stage inspections, hundreds of students and staff returned on September 2 to safe, healthy learning environments.

“We are proud to have partnered with MPS to complete this critical project quickly and effectively,” said James Phelps, president of JCP Construction. “Our team worked diligently, maintaining high standards to ensure the remediation process was thorough in order to deliver a healthy and safe environment for the entire school community.”

Why this project mattered

Many of MPS’s oldest school buildings are rich in history—and required careful, contained removal of legacy lead-based materials. JCP Construction mobilized one of the largest teams in its history and followed rigorous protocols to eliminate risk and restore confidence before the first bell of the new academic year.

How we got it done

• Start date: June 14, 2025
• Completion: In time for the September 2, 2025 school start
• Buildings: 42 schools, encompassing more than 35 million square feet of wall space, of which approximately 7 million square feet required lead-safe remediation.

• Extensive testing and verification of the contained removal of lead-based materials in 36 school buildings.

• Team: 145 JCP employees working with 22 subcontractors, 700 painters, 670 movers, 440 cleaners, and 430 certified Lead Safe Removers (LSRs). At the project’s peak, 865 professionals were engaged in remediation, with as many as 245 working at a single school in one day.
• Verification: Multi-stage inspections confirming compliance with strict state and federal environmental safety standards

Scope of work at a glance

• Extensive testing and verified, contained removal of lead-based materials
• Sequenced, room-by-room execution to reduce disruption and maintain safety
• Third-party testing and final clearances to certify readiness for occupancy

“At the end of the day we are builders with purpose, supported by an adaptable, resourceful team and an unmatched dedication to the job site,” adds Jalin Phelps, vice president of field operations. “With us, MPS gained a partner who is passionate about safety, responsibility, and long-term success.”

The project reflects JCP Construction’s commitment to deliver critical work on tight timelines without compromising quality or safety. It also underscores how the right partner can help school leaders protect students and staff while preserving the legacy of Milwaukee’s neighborhood schools.

Thinking about facility upgrades or environmental remediation?

JCP Construction brings proven processes, trusted partners, and an unwavering focus on safety and schedule. Contact us to discuss your next project.