CAM Announces 2023 Board Candidates

Patrick Bell is the Director of Steel Operations for Ideal Contracting. Patrick leads operations for the Detroit-based company’s AISC-certified self-perform steel erection projects. Ideal Contracting has the expertise to deliver steel projects as intricate as a Detroit historic preservation to a resource-demanding 60,000-ton EV manufacturing facility. Patrick prides himself in delivering his customers’ steel needs with a high level of safety, quality, and integrity.

Patrick was raised by a second-generation Local 25 Ironworker and mom who fostered a curiosity in construction. He grew up on a large operational farm with no shortage of hard work, problems to solve, or things to fix. While obtaining his BS in Construction Management from Michigan State University, Patrick took every break to work alongside the Local 25 Ironworker family. Post-college, he built custom residential homes. In 2008, he decided to pursue a career in project management specializing in steel erection and took his position as Director of Steel Operations in 2017. 

In his spare time, Patrick loves spending time with his two daughters and his tight-knit family and friends. He still enjoys spending time on the family farm, up at the lake, or catching a big bass. Patrick has held his Michigan Builder License since 1999 and always has a project going. His favorite projects are spending a few weeks each year to put on his toolbelt and help with a charitable-build organization or just a friend in need.

Mike Joseph joined the DeMaria team in 1993, and has led the company’s Estimating Department for more than half of that time. He first started in the construction industry doing rough carpentry while attending Eastern Michigan University. He began working at DeMaria in his last semester of college, eventually earning both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Construction Management. 

Prior to becoming V.P. of Estimating & Pre-Construction, Mike held the roles of cost engineer, estimator, senior estimator, and chief estimator. Most recently, he has been made a Principal of DeMaria. Mike continuously challenges how the company formulates costs and budgets to meet clients' needs. He puts great importance on hands-on job experience and continues to visit the field to get input from superintendents and project managers. He takes pride in his strong communication and leadership skills, as well as his ability to help secure work for DeMaria while building lasting relationships with key trade partners and clients. 

Mike is currently on the AGC Education Committee, the Eastern Michigan University Advisory Board, and the South Lyon Planning Commission. He is also an Adjunct Professor at EMU’s College of Engineering and Technology. Outside of work, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife Darlene and their two children, as well as golfing and spending time outside. 

Nick Kuelske is the Regional Procurement Manager (RPM) for Turner Construction Company, an international construction services company with offices in Detroit and throughout the U.S.  Also a registered Detroit-based company, Turner offers clients the accessibility and support of a local firm with the stability and resources of a multi-national organization. As RPM, Nick oversees all procurement operations for Turner’s Mid-North Region, serves as Turner’s liaison to the subcontractor community, and also promotes Turner’s Supplier Diversity Program and underutilized subcontracting goals. 
 
Nick has been with Turner for 12 years and works out of the Detroit office. He holds a BS in Civil Engineering from Michigan State University and is a member of the Construction Association of Michigan and the American Society of Civil Engineers. He currently sits on the CAM Building Connections, CAM Networking, and CAM Sporting Clays committees.  
 
Away from work, Nick loves spending time with his wife, Alexi, and their two daughters. He enjoys outdoor activities, working on cars, playing hockey, doing a round of sporting clays or an upland hunt, and cheering on the MSU Spartans. He is a member at Island Lake and Bald Mountain Shooting Ranges. Once the snow flies, you’re likely to find Nick, full Clark Griswold style, hanging (MIOSHA compliant!) off a ladder putting up the best Christmas display in the neighborhood!

In 2021, Carl Paine became the President of National Specialty Contractors (NSC), a Division of National Construction Enterprises, Inc. Ypsilanti-based NSC is a specialty contractor performing rough and finish carpentry, millwork, fiber cement panel systems, and general trades. Carl started at the company eight years ago, but grew up in the industry. His father was a carpenter for 45 years, and Carl could read prints by the time he was 16 years old. Over the years, he has worked as a carpenter, estimator, project manager, vice president, and now president. Prior to working for NSC, he worked as an estimator and project manager at Denn-Co Construction in Detroit.

Carl received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Northwood University and has served as a Combat Medic Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserve. He sits on the Board of Directors for the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry, is on the Member Relations Committee for the Architectural Contractors Trade Association, and is a member of the Architectural Woodwork Institute.

While not working, Carl enjoys time outdoors with his wife Stacy and their two children. He coaches baseball and spends time kayaking, fishing, camping, and hiking. His family is a member of Northridge Church in Plymouth.

Tom Thompson is one of the founding members of the R.S. Dale Company. Since opening in 2007, R.S. Dale has grown into a valued construction supplier, servicing contractors in the industrial and commercial building industry throughout Michigan and the United States. Tom entered the construction supply business in 2004, starting in order fulfillment in the warehouse. Having steadily worked his way through the ranks, he has attained the position of Vice President. He has experienced and excelled in all aspects of the business, from warehouse and delivery, inventory management, sales, purchasing, information technology, human resources, and management. 
 
Tom is currently spearheading a major project at R.S. Dale to upgrade software and hardware technology to provide even better service to the company’s customer base. These upgrades will increase efficiency, profitability, and prepare the company for the future. He is an active member of the Specialty Tools and Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA) and a contributor to R.S. Dale’s involvement in Sphere 1, the industry’s leading Co-Op. In addition to being an active participant at many CAM events, he serves on CAM’s Networking Committee. 
 
Outside of work, Tom spends free time on the shores of Lake Huron. He is an avid golfer, and also enjoys cooking and spending time with his family. He is a member of the Huntsman Hunt Club in Dryden. He loves being outdoors, shooting sporting clays, and upland hunting. Tom and his wife Kara have two children.