Engineering & Design
STEVE HUNSBERGER, PE, SE
Project Engineer
Accomplishments
Graduated from UW - Madison. Licensed Professional/Structural Engineer in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
Off the Clock
I like to play pickleball, racquetball, and golf.
Secret Life
I am related to famous Dutch painter Vermeer.
FELIPE OSSANDON-CARRENO
Project Engineer
Accomplishments
I am a first-gen graduate student. I graduated with a master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Purdue University (Go Boilers!). When I was in college, I was part of a group of students who participated in a master plan for the city of Venice, Italy.
Off the Clock
I enjoy hiking and taking long walks with my wife, Ari, and my dog, Milo. Love to spend time outdoors when it’s possible. I am a huge soccer fan. I don’t miss any games of the best Chilean soccer team (Colo-Colo).
Secret Life
I’ve bungee jumped several times from different bridges in my hometown in Chile. The number one item on my bucket list is to train and try to complete the Seven Summits challenge. Every year, I travel to a place I have never been before.
ALI SHRIH
Project Engineer
Accomplishments
I am a structural engineer with a Ph.D. in Engineering from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, specializing in the design of precast concrete structures. With over a decade of experience in the precast industry, my work focuses on residential and industrial construction utilizing components such as hollow core slabs, beams, columns, walls, double tees, and their connections - all designed in accordance with ASCE 7, IBC, ACI, and PCI standards. My experience includes calculating diaphragm loads, designing lateral load-resisting systems, and preparing detailed markups and sketches to support drafting teams in the development of show drawings and production tickets.
Extracurricular
Beyond project work, I actively contribute to advancing industry standards. I am a voting member of the PCI Industry Handbook Committee, contributing to the development of the 9th Edition of the PCI Design Handbook. I also serve as Chair of the PCI Fire Committee, where I lead efforts to write and publish the PCI 124 Fire Standard. Additionally, I serve on the Joint and Connection Design Committee and contribute as a consulting member of the Hollow Core Committee.
KRISTEN HEISER
Senior Project Manager
Accomplishments
Been married almost 15 years, and have an almost 13-year-old son (who last year jumped an entire grade). Been at Mid-States for 17+ years. Drew the wall panels to the addition of the church that my son and I are members of (St. James in Belvidere, Illinois). Love the complicated projects and seeing them go together.
Off the Clock
Spend as much time as I can up at our camper. When not at the camper, I’m driving my son to his different activities. Love baking and trying new recipes.
Secret Life
I only cut my hair ever 2 - 2 1/2 years. I grow it out and then donate my hair to Children With Hair Loss. Started doing this after I got married. I’ve donated at least five times to this charity… the last one being 16” worth.
ZORAN SARIC
Senior Project Manager
Accomplishments
I have worked on numerous projects in the past 17+ years with Mid-States and helped design some very challenging projects. Also, I’m always striving to get better at what I do, so I was involved in developing standards and improving processes. Completed OSHA 30-Hour Training as well.
Off the Clock
Life is too short, so I try to spend as much time as possible with my family and friends and travel. My favorite activities are football (soccer), volleyball, pickleball, hiking, and swimming. Also, grilling out is one of my favorite activities when the weather is nice.
CURRAN CHAPMAN
Project Designer
Accomplishments
Being a partner to Aleksandra and the life we’ve built together stand among my proudest accomplishments. I’m also proud to have successfully executed a career change into the Design/CAD world, securing my CSWA (Certified SolidWorks Associate), a certificate in welding, and relocating across state lines along the way.
My time at Mid-States has allowed this change to fully come to fruition, and I have the people I work with every day to thank for the wealth of knowledge they have been so generous in passing on to me.
Off the Clock
I’ve been a musician—playing guitar, drums, bass, and singing—for over 20 years; I have performed and recorded in touring bands. In a past life, I was a sound engineer with a passion for capturing the raw talent of my friends, peers, and bandmates.
Digital and analog photography, as well as birdwatching (sometimes combining the two), are a few things I love to do in my spare time. When I’m not doing any of that, I’m probably re-watching The X-Files.
Secret Life
I performed and recorded the world’s first cover of the Grammy Award–winning song “Feel It Still” by the band Portugal. The Man.
No, you cannot hear it.
LUISANA GARCIA
Project Designer
Accomplishments
Being part of the Mid-States team has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. More than just a company, it feels like home—a place where I face new challenges and gain valuable knowledge every day. I’m proud to be part of a team committed to changing the world by being the safest and most innovative precast concrete company.
Off the Clock
I love looking for new restaurants to eat.
Secret Life
I really enjoy skating and spending my free time exploring new parks—I try not to repeat the same spot twice. I also love hiking with my dogs, April and Darla.
MIKE OWENS
Project Designer
Accomplishments
Four years as co-advisor and mentor for the Hononegah High School Robotics Team, Stateline Robotics Team 4655. Adjunct instructor at Rock Valley College for building construction curriculum.
Off the Clock
I enjoy running and woodworking. I also do enjoy rooting for my hometown Cleveland sports teams.
TREVOR SCHUNCK
Project Designer
Accomplishments
My family and the life we’ve built. My wife and I have three amazing (although wild) children, and I couldn’t have asked for a better partner to face this world with. Her love and support has helped me to chase and achieve my goals, inside and outside of Mid-States.
Off the Clock
I like to camp, play board games, card games, and video games, and build Lego and model kits. I listen to most types of music, but my favorite bands are Fall Out Boy, A Day to Remember, and Daft Punk. I dabble in making my own games as well, and created a tabletop card game that I play with my friends and family all the time.
Secret Life
When I was a child, I met Nascar legend Richard Petty.
JIM ALF
Project Detailer
Accomplishments
Seven years with Mid-States Concrete. Being partner to April and parent to Natalie and Vanessa. It has been gratifying watching them dedicate so much time to marching band. The results are awesome!
Off the Clock
NFL Football - New England Patriots. Hockey fan! NHL - Las Vegas Golden Knights. GO KNIGHTS! AHL - Milwaukee Admirals. NAHL - Janesville Jets. Attending concerts! We have about nine coming over the next few months. Warhammer. Deadpool & Wolverine was A-MAZING!
NICOLAS BRAUN
Project Detailer
Accomplishments
I have planned and executed a wedding with only a year of planning and with no debt from it.
Off the Clock
I go camping, visit National Parks, and enjoy cooking new meals.
Secret Life
I have dual citizenship with the US and Brazil.
MITCH KAISER
Project Detailer
Off the Clock
I enjoy playing Magic the Gathering and the Pokémon video games.
Secret Life
My cousin and I have the same 10 year age gap as my dad and uncle.
CONNOR MASON
Project Detailer
Accomplishments
Went to Waubonsee Community College to get my associate’s in Computer Aided Design and Drafting, hoping with the experience I get at Mid-States to continue on and get my bachelor’s degree in either Architectural Engineering or Civil Engineering. Something I’m proud of was while at school, I found the time to work nights, full-time at a warehouse and ultimately was able to pay for all my schooling and recently bought my first car!
Off the Clock
I’m a big nerd! Off the clock, I may decide to watch a new TV show or anime or read manga. Plus, I have put so many hours into Pokémon, it’s not normal! I also tend to like going for long drives (when gas prices are not outlandish!) and just listening to music, whether with people or alone.
Secret Life
I like to scare my mom quite a bit by going to the animal shelter and saying, “I’m bringing home a cat!” She isn’t a fan of it because she knows I would if I were able to!