Engineering & Design
ALI SHRIH
Engineering Manager
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 shop 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.
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, PE
Project Engineer
Accomplishments
I am a first-generation graduate student with a master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Purdue University (Go Boilers!). During my time in college, I was part of a student team that contributed to a master plan for the city of Venice, Italy. I’ve worked in the precast industry for five years, contributing to a range of projects, and I’m also a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Wisconsin.
Off the Clock
I enjoy hiking and taking long walks with my wife, Ari, and our dog, Milo. I love spending time outdoors whenever possible. I’m also a huge soccer fan and never miss a game of the best Chilean team—Colo-Colo.
Secret Life
I’ve gone bungee jumping several times from different bridges in my hometown in Chile, and I’ve also done free diving with sharks. The number one item on my bucket list is to train for and attempt the 7 Summits challenge. Every year, I make it a point to travel to a place I’ve never been before.
KRISTEN HEISER
Senior Project Designer
Accomplishments
I’ve been married for almost 16 years and have an almost 14-year-old son who will be a freshman this fall. I’ve been at Mid-States for over 18 years. One highlight was drawing the wall panels for the addition to the church my son and I attend, St. James in Belvidere, Illinois. I love the complicated projects and seeing them come together.
Off the Clock
I spend as much time as I can at our camper with my family and our amazing camping neighbors. When I’m not at the camper, I’m usually driving my son to his different activities. I love baking and trying new recipes.
Secret Life
I only cut my hair every 2 to 2 ½ years. I grow it out and then donate it to Children With Hair Loss. I started doing this after I got married and have donated at least six times—the last one was 12 inches.
ZORAN SARIC
Senior Project Designer
Accomplishments
Over the past 19+ years with Mid-States, I have contributed to numerous projects, including the design and execution of complex and technically challenging work. Throughout my career, I have remained committed to continuous improvement, actively participating in the development of company standards and the enhancement of processes to increase efficiency and quality. In addition, I have successfully completed OSHA 30-Hour Training, further strengthening my commitment to workplace safety and industry best practices.
Off the Clock
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling to new destinations, and staying active through sports and outdoor activities. When the weather cooperates, you’ll often find me grilling outdoors and enjoying time with family and friends.
NICOLAS BRAUN
Project Designer
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.
CURRAN CHAPMAN
Project Designer
Accomplishments
My fiancé 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 come fully into 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 in 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 staring at birds, I’m likely reading and collecting the work of some of western civilization’s most celebrated authors such as Homer, Dante, Aquinas, to more recent figures such as Carl Jung and Virginia Woolf.
Secret Life
Once the Food Network show Restaurant Impossible came to my hometown and I briefly appeared in the episode. I’m fairly certain the restaurant in question closed less than a year after the episode aired.
LUISANA GARCIA
Project Designer
Accomplishments
Working at Mid-States has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Over the years, I have contributed to a wide variety of precast concrete projects, developing detailed shop drawings and BIM models while coordinating closely with engineers, architects, project managers, and production teams. I enjoy solving complex design challenges and helping projects move efficiently from design through production. Being part of a team that prioritizes safety, innovation, and quality makes me proud to come to work every day.
Extracurricular
Outside of work, I volunteer with Golden Retriever Rescue of Wisconsin (GRRoW), helping foster and support dogs in need. I also enjoy participating in outdoor activities and exploring new places throughout Wisconsin and neighboring states.
Off the Clock
When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me on my inline skates, hiking, running, or exploring new parks and trails. I love discovering new restaurants and trying different foods, especially after a day outdoors. I also enjoy spending time with my three Golden Retrievers—April, Darla, and Rory.
Secret Life
Many people don’t know that I have a personal goal of exploring as many parks and trails as possible without repeating the same location. I’m also passionate about inline skating and am always planning my next skating adventure, whether it’s a local trail or a destination worth traveling for.
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
Extracurricular
NFL Football: New England Patriots. Hockey fan! NHL: Las Vegas Golden Knights. AHL: Milwaukee Admirals. NAHL: Janesville Jets. Attending concerts and hockey games.
Off the Clock
Boardgames, wargames, Warhammer, cribbage, going to local breweries, road trips to NHL games and national/state parks, walking trails.
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.
DAVID LETTE
Project Detailer
Accomplishments
I hold an Associate’s in Architectural Technologies from Madison College and am excited to join Mid-States, where I’ll be diving into the structural side of design. I love pushing my skills outside of daily work, so I’m incredibly proud to have placed in both the 2024 and 2025 AIA Wisconsin Emerging Professionals Design Competitions. Looking ahead, I’m eager to grow my career here, stay on the cutting edge of structural design, and eventually return to school for an advanced degree.
Off the Clock
When I’m off the clock, I’m usually outside rallying friends for pickleball or disc golf. I’m no pro, but I’ll never turn down a game. Indoors, I’m a huge film and music buff—always down to talk classic cinema, new releases, or vinyl (my record collection completely exploded during Covid). Above all, I love hanging out with my friends, family, girlfriend, and our three-year-old Bernedoodle, Dexter.
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!
JENA MCINTOSH
Project Designer
Accomplishments
I did outside sales for over 20 years and loved it! I earned a Bahamas cruise and a bonus that I used to put a down payment on my husband’s Trans Am. I sold maintenance products to Architectural Precast, Inc. and eventually interviewed for a job at API. I took all my work experiences and helped run the office and self-taught myself AutoCAD to help with shop drawings. After two years working at MCI in Browntown, I recently moved down to Studio C to be a part of the designing department as a designer for shop drawings. My next adventure is learning about Revit!
Extracurricular
I am involved in my church - Albany Methodist Church. I am the head of education as well as teach Sunday School at my church. I also have been a Mary Kay consultant for 33+ years.
Off the Clock
I love living out in the country with my husband and 18-year-old son Bryce. I also have a 35-year-old stepson, Braden. We have three cats and three dogs. I enjoy drinking sweet white wine and relaxing while watching TV with my husband. I am also looking forward to cruising around in our ‘68 GTO that my husband is rebuilding.
Secret Life
My grandma (mom’s mom) was an artist who illustrated a few books. I also had an uncle who won a bronze medal at the Olympics for ice sculpting.