President’s Message

Where did Spring go?  In a blink it is time for one of my favorite times of the year, the 4th of July holiday.  Fireworks, parades, picnics, and grilled food.  We all get a much-needed pause for a few days with family and friends to recharge our batteries.  If you are ever in our office, it is not uncommon to hear me saying, “Construction is hard.  If it was easy the ownership groups wouldn’t need us.”  Whether it is price increases, manpower issues, or onsite construction issues, those that know me have heard me say plenty of times about the 6” pipe designed to fit inside a 4” wall, our team at MCC does their best to attack those issues as they arise.   I am proud of our team, as some days are harder than others, and thank them for their effort day in and day out.

One of the mottos we preach and live by at MCC is To Be the Bison.  If you are not familiar with the metaphor, cows run away from the storm while the bison charges toward it – and gets through the storm quicker than the cows, who often get trapped in the storm for a much longer time.  It is not always easy but when issues arise, whether on the construction site or in life remember to Be the Bison and attack the challenges head on!

Have a great rest of the summer!

Chris Herschleb, President

Project Updates

It’s hard to believe we’re halfway through the year, and it’s safe to say that 2025 is off to a great start for MCC.

Pizza Ranch, Round Lake Beach, Illinois

MCC is marching toward the completion of another Pizza Ranch restaurant, this time in Round Lake Beach, Ill. The project started in earnest in January and includes a spacious dining area as well as a FunZone Arcade for family entertainment.

This will be the fifth Illinois Pizza Ranch that MCC has built, but the first in the Chicagoland area. MCC worked along with Vierbicher Engineers and Blowfish Architects, for the design and build of the Round Lake Pizza Ranch.

Fun fact: in 2024, Pizza Ranch had six new builds, and MCC was the general contractor on three of them. In 2025, there are nine Pizza Ranch restaurants under construction and MCC is the GC on four of them. Many thanks to the Pizza Ranch team for trusting us with construction management of their new and renovated restaurants

Pizza Ranch National Conference

Speaking of Pizza Ranch, the MCC team was delighted to attend the Pizza Ranch National Conference in early June, at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa. We’ve been attending the conference since 2016, and it is a great opportunity to meet and network with Pizza Ranch teams from around the country, as well as fellow vendors and partners.

For the second year in a row at the conference, MCC hosted a fund raiser for the Miracle League, this time for the Kiwanis Miracle League of Des Moines. Miracle League is a baseball league for children with disabilities, regardless of their abilities, with affiliates nationwide.

This year’s fundraiser game was the old Price is Right favorite, Plinko. “Plinko With a Purpose” raised $1,250 for the Kiwanis Miracle League, and we are very grateful for all Conference attendees who pitched in with donations. More information on Miracle League can be found here: Miracle League.

Employee Spotlight:

Where were you born, and where did you grow up?
I was born in Madison – and grew up in Sun Prairie, back when Sun Prairie was a small town!  The Corn Fest is almost always on my birthday weekend, so it worked out nice – the whole town celebrated me! Lol!

What is your work background?
My first job was as a cake decorator/bakery attendant at Sentry Foods. From there, I became the Head Chef at Courtyard by Marriot. My first full-time job was at Alter Metal Recycling in Madison where I worked for 15 years in various roles before coming to Maple Creek.

When did you start working at MCC, and what brought you here?
I started working with Chris in 2021. He was hiring a part-time office employee, and I wanted to focus some of my work week on my real estate company, so I applied and got the job.

What do you like most about working at MCC?
The atmosphere – we’re fun people, that get stuff done!

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Renovating and reading. Justin (boyfriend) and I are addicted to renovating. We are not content unless we have a project to do. When I’m not doing that, I’m probably reading. If you’re a reader, you know there was that one book that turned you into a reader; the book that showed you books are cool. Mine was “Finding Atlantis” by Clive Cussler – highly recommend!

Family(including pets)?
My boyfriend, Justin (a superintendent at MCC), daughter Natalia who is graduating high school next year. She’s going to be a dermatologist — proud mama moment! Stepson Carter, who is a sports fanatic. Stepdaughter Olivia, she’s my shadow! We have two indoor cats, Felix and Kitten; a rescue dog, Everest; and a hamster, Fluffy aka Hamburger.   We also inherited three outdoor cats when we purchased our farmette – which have now turned into nine (we solved that problem… no more babies); Plus 13 Quail and seven Goldfish.

Most interesting thing that’s ever happened to you?
When I was younger, 8 or so.  I found a baby robin on the ground.   My mom told me not to touch it, but I was never very good at listening! I got a box, made a little nest in there for it, and he became my friend (his name was Robby). I would put him out in the yard when he started to chirp – his mom would fly down to the box and feed him. I taught him to fly, by moving my hand up and down while he was perched on my finger. He would walk around with me on my shoulder, like a parrot. Eventually he went off on his own but would come back to say “hi” every once in a while. It was definitely an interesting experience – coparenting a baby bird, with its momma bird!

Favorite food?
Hmmm. This is tough, I love a good General Tso’s chicken with crab Rangoon, but I could eat pizza every day and not get sick of it.

What is your dream vacation?
Dream vacation? How about dream life? Italy! Sicily – in particular, I’m going to live there someday!   In a dreamy rural town, with cobblestone streets – in a stone building that was built hundreds of years ago, a roof top terrace that overlooks the quaint city, with the Italian countryside in the background.   Where Justin and I walk to the local market every day to pick out the meat, bread, and cheeses we want for meals that day. Stop and grab an espresso or an aperitivo on our way home.

Favorite place to visit?
Dafauskie Island, SC. I’ve only been there once, but the impression it left on me, the feeling it gave me, is something I’ve been chasing since I left. If Italy isn’t in the cards for me, maybe this could be my forever.

What is something that very few people know about you?
I went to college to be an auto mechanic (among other things). My dad had race cars and various vehicles he was always working on when I was growing up. I enjoyed diagnosing and fixing them! It’s definitely been useful, probably more useful than other classes I took. I can’t remember the last time I did an algebraic equation, but I just replaced the starter on my lawn mower two weeks ago!

Community and Culture

Employee Outing at Madison Mallards

Last week, the Maple Creek Construction crew headed out to the ballpark for a night of fun, food, and team bonding at the Madison Mallards game! We had prime seats along left field—right at field level—where the action was up close and exciting. The kids were all smiles as they high-fived Maynard the mascot, took part in games, and soaked up the summer vibes. It was the perfect way to unwind, connect outside the jobsite, and celebrate the team spirit that makes Maple Creek more than just a workplace.

MCC’s Safety Corner