Hayward Profiles/Bios

ROBERT KUECHENBERG – C E O
Mr. Kuechenberg has over 40 years experience with the Hayward Company and in the HVAC/sheet metal industry. He is responsible for the overall Company performance and strategic direction. Mr. Kuechenberg is an active member of the Chicagoland Sheet Metal Contractors’ Association (CSMCA) and was the chapter President from 1995 – 1997. From 1998 – 2001, Bob held a seat on the National Sheet Metal Contractors’ Legislative Committee. Currently, he is also a member of the Association of Subcontractors & Affiliates (ASA), and on the Bloomingdale Bank and Trust Advisory Board of Directors. Bob Kuechenberg started with the Company in 1956 as a part-time high school helper. Later, he was employed as a journeyman, draftsman, and bookkeeper. He was eventually promoted to Corporate Secretary and Treasurer.

Personal facts: Bob Kuechenberg is a graduate of Lane Tech High School. He attended Michigan State University and graduated with highest honors, Suma cum laude from Northeastern Illinois University. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business and Accounting. Bob is an U. S. Army Veteran. He has been active in the community as a lifetime member of the YMCA, Neighborhood Boys and Girls Club supporter, Little League coach, Catholic Youth Organization Basketball coach, and former President of the Northwest Athletic Club.

DONALD MALZAHN – President & Chief Operating Officer
Mr. Malzahn is a 36-year veteran of the construction industry. He has extensive experience in construction management. In 1990, he joined the Hayward team as General Manager and was soon promoted to Vice President. Don Malzahn was named President of the Hayward Company in March of 2001. Prior to joining Hayward, Mr. Malzahn was Vice President of Operations for a large mechanical contractor specializing in power plant construction and national commercial construction projects.

Personal facts: Don Malzahn is a graduate of Morton East High School and has attended Northwestern University School of Business. He also served his country and is an U. S. Army Veteran.

RANDAL NOVAK -Vice President
Mr. Novak entered the Sheet Metal Workers Apprentice Program 35 years ago. In March 2002, he became Hayward Company Vice President and specializes in industrial and pharmaceutical projects as well as managing Company shop and field production. Mr. Novak fulfilled his work/study training with the Hayward Company and became a Mechanic upon graduation. Randy Novak worked his way as a sheet metal journeyman and progressed to Foreman. For 19 years, he served as onsite General Forman for Hayward at Borg Warner Automotive. Randy joined Hayward’s office staff as HVAC Industrial Manager in 1998. He is a member of the Association of Subcontractors and Affiliates.

Personal facts: Randy Novak graduated from Morton East High School and attended classes at Morton College. He completed his Sheet Metal Workers’ Apprentice Training with “highest marks” and placed first in the National Apprentice Contest two years in a row. He works on continuing his education through various technical, managerial, and industry training. Mr. Novak is a member of the Salmon Sportfishing Club and served as President for nine years.

JEFFREY LASKEY – Vice President
A 30-year veteran of the HVAC/Sheet Metal industry, Mr. Laskey has spent most of his professional career with the Hayward Company. He became a Company Account Representative and Project Manager in 2001. Jeff Laskey specializes in life safety and health care work as well as institutional projects. He is also very knowledgeable in jobsite health and safety issues. Mr. Laskey fulfilled his apprentice training with the Hayward Company and became a Mechanic upon graduation. He worked his way as a sheet metal journeyman and progressed to Foreman. For over ten years, he served as onsite General Foreman for Hayward at BP/Amoco Naperville Complex.

Personal facts: Jeff Laskey graduated from Downers South High School and Washburn School of Apprentice Training. He attended classes at College of DuPage and Elmhurst College. Jeff works on continuing his education through various technical, managerial, and industry training. Mr. Laskey has enjoyed coaching Youth Soccer and being involved with his high school alumni association.

GAIL LAATSCH - Corporate Secretary
Ms. Laatsch became a member of the Hayward Company over 25 years ago. In March of 1994, she became Corporate Secretary. She started with the Company as bookkeeper until she was promoted to her current position. Prior to employment with Hayward, Gail Laatsch worked in the insurance and banking industry with experience in accounting and bookkeeping matters.

Personal facts: Ms. Laatsch graduated from Good Counsel High School. She is on the Board of Directors for her HomeOwners Association and holds a seat on the Condo Board. Gail Laatsch has been involved in the community as a Church Youth Councilor and Girl Scout Leader.

THOMAS SALOMOUN – Senior Project Manager
Mr. Salomoun has been involved in the HVAC/Sheet Metal industry for 24 years. In August 1997, he joined Hayward’s office staff as an Account Representative and Project Manager. Tom currently specializes in commercial, tenant build-out projects and multi-purpose high-rise work. In 1979, Mr. Salomoun entered the Sheet Metal Workers Apprentice Program and became a sheet metal journeyman upon graduation. He started with Hayward as a Mechanic/Journeyman in 1987 and worked his way to jobsite Foreman.

Personal facts: Tom Salomoun graduated from Prosser High School and Washburn School of Apprentice Training. He has enjoyed coaching and refereeing Youth Club Hockey.