Bob Laughrea

Founder & CEO

Robert has over 20 years of experience developing challenging construction projects around the world in retail roll-out, hospitality, and entertainment. He has worked for creative and quality driven companies such as The Walt Disney Company, Apple Inc., Microsoft Retail Stores, and Tiffany. His primary focus is to share the experience and knowledge learned collaborating with incredible talent from around the world on new exciting projects. Internationally, Mr. Laughrea has delivered high profile flagships in England, Scotland, Italy, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, and China.

Dave Clare

Executive Vice President

Dave has over 25 years of experience involved in construction, fabrication and installation in retail, museums, and entertainment. His talents are the integration of fabricated elements into finished construction projects, as well as identifying and implementing economies of scale. He has international project experience in France, Japan, China, and Germany working with The Walt Disney Company, Sony Development, Apple Inc., and smaller companies on museum and visitor center projects.

David Kerschner

Executive Vice President

Dave has over 25 years of experience in multiple aspects of project development and program management, primarily focused in themed entertainment. He has been responsible for managing projects from initial concept development through design, construction, start up, and operations. Other areas of Dave’s focus have included business plan development, lease negotiations and project financing. He has led projects such as One World Observatory, Rio Tinto Stadium (home of MLS’s Real Salt Lake), and the historic renovation and reopening of the 3,500 seat Peabody Opera House. Dave prides himself in assembling and managing cohesive teams who deliver high quality creative projects, on time and on budget. He has been privileged to work for The Walt Disney Company, MSG Entertainment, Legends Attractions and SCP Worldwide.

Brian Leonard

Senior Development Manager

With his roots in the trenches, Brian has a deep understanding and respect for what it takes to get a job done on the boards, in the shop, and in the field. In addition, to having managed and sold the design, construction, fabrication and installation of challenging creative projects for over twenty years, he has also developed the ability to earn trust, identify the critical path, and herd the cats to successful completion. Working with hundreds of diverse owners in a variety of markets, such as casinos, shopping centers, hospitals, retail, museums, zoos, and theme parks, Brian has learned that regardless of the industry, every project has a unique path to opening day. He loves the challenge of finding that path, and keeping it as smooth as possible.

Gina Herrera

Director of Operations

Gina is an accomplished Director of Operations with a strong background managing day-to-day business operations. Her skills include managing and improving the operational systems, processes and policies in support of organization mission specifically, support better management reporting, information flow and management, business process and organizational planning. Gina manages and increases the effectiveness and efficiency of Support Services (HR, IT and Finance), through improvements to each function as well as coordination and communication between support and business functions. She plays a significant role in long-term planning, including an initiative geared toward operational excellence. Her overall financial management, planning, systems and controls keep LOC Associates running smoothly.

Tom Glennon

Development Manager

Tom has experience managing multi-million dollar projects from inception to completion in his role as a Development Manager. He excels in managing projects and working with the client based internal departments such as Real Estate, Technology, Facilities and Store Opening teams. As a Development Manger, Tom proactively works to continually with out clients to assist and analyze their processes to help improve the projects efficiency. In addition to working closely with our clients he also works to improve on the programs used for contract/vendor bidding, contracts, budgets and schedule. Tom’s ability to foster strong relationships has lead repeat and new business opportunities along with creating an expanding base of resources with architects, engineers, landlords, subcontractors, specialized vendors, expeditors and clients.

Carrie Wolcott

Development Manager

Carrie has a wealth of experience managing multiple projects in various stages of development. As a Development Manager she focuses on coordination amongst all client-based internal departments: Real Estate, Design, Visuals, Marketing, Tech, Brand, Facilities and New Store Openings. While directly involved in the details of every project, she is also able to take a step back and analyze client processes as a whole. She proactively implements improved systems pertaining to contractor/vendor bid documents, contracts, budgets, schedules and overall project organization. Carrie’s ability to cultivate strategic client relationships has led to the development of new and repeat business. Through her experience she has also developed longstanding relationships with architects, engineers, landlords, subcontractors, specialized vendors, expeditors and clients.

Ken Tuite

Development Manager

Ken Tuite is a Development Manager with tenacity to work and succeed within the Client, Construction, Design and Development industry. He received a Bachelor of Architecture from the Dublin Institute of Technology. Ken is currently working with multiple clients including Blue Bottle Coffee, Stella McCartney and Tesla. During his previous years in the construction industry he has gained significant experience working with multiple contractors and vendors in New York, facing the challenges of working in a major city. Ken has also worked in the estimating, scheduling, procurement and contracts fields within the industry giving him the well-rounded knowledge of all aspects of a project from conception to completion.

Jim Rizzo

Account Executive

Jim’s a multi-disciplined design and construction professional with extensive experience in commercial, restaurant, retail and residential industries. Managed budgets up to $21M. He is accomplished at developing strategies for design, construction and procurement programs used to mobilize sustainable development and roll-out initiatives. Directs internal and external design and construction resources through the successful formulation of company brand positioning and value proposition.

Eric Chang

Account Manager

Eric is a development and construction professional with deep roots in conceptual design and construction document management for premium retail brands that demand high level of precision in execution. Infusing his design aptitude with construction management has empowered him to deliver finished products that accentuate the design principles. Having excelled on the owner side in multidisciplinary capacities of design and construction, and immersed in cross functional partnerships with real estate, finance, marketing, facility and operations, he brings to the table both extensive experiences as well as unique owner’s perspective on problem solving and brand development. He is versed in leveraging this perspective in supporting brands to develop management systems that promote sustainable long term growth.

William Vanek

Senior Production Manager

Bill brings a wealth of experience to bear on retail, theme park, trade show exhibits and museum projects. His skills range from managing teams of designers, directing fabrication vendors to achieve high quality products, and working with general contractors to ensure smooth installation in the field. He ran the Dimensional Design department at Walt Disney Imagineering for over 15 years, giving him unique experience in working with architects and designers at the front end of the process. He then worked in production management of retail fixtures, museum and trade show exhibits and high-end architectural millwork for companies including Sony Development and George P. Johnson. Bill’s calm but extremely effective communication style, along with his underlying passion for quality and results has served him well in achieving success on challenging projects.

Meghan Sarkozi

Creative & Brand Strategy

Meghan has extensive experience working on both the design and construction side of retail. Her experience includes design coordination between multiple teams and working closely with tenants, contractors, vendors, and clients for new store and remodel design rollouts. She has managed multiple store-in-store concept projects and fleet wide remodel implementation programs for multiple clients. Well versed in the overall management of project teams, clients and vendors with a focus on maintaining and coordinating schedules and budgets. With an architectural accreditation she is well versed in ensuring project success through design and construction integration. Responsible as a Senior Store Planning specialist and Design Coordinator for the JC Penny Company and the North American Apple Retail Remodel Program. As Project Manager for the Microsoft Retail Initiative, Meghan was responsible for all aspects of the completion and close out of the program prior to joining LOC Associates.

Meghan Sarkozi

Development Manager

Meghan has extensive experience working on both the design and construction side of retail. Her experience includes design coordination between multiple teams and working closely with tenants, contractors, vendors, and clients for new store and remodel design rollouts. She has managed multiple store-in-store concept projects and fleet wide remodel implementation programs for multiple clients. Well versed in the overall management of project teams, clients and vendors with a focus on maintaining and coordinating schedules and budgets. With an architectural accreditation she is well versed in ensuring project success through design and construction integration. Responsible as a Senior Store Planning specialist and Design Coordinator for the JC Penny Company and the North American Apple Retail Remodel Program. As Project Manager for the Microsoft Retail Initiative, Meghan was responsible for all aspects of the completion and close out of the program prior to joining LOC Associates.

David Kang

Senior Development Manager

David is an entrepreneurial manager/executive with detailed experience in a range of responsibilities and industries. He has a keen ability to articulate objectives with experience in coordinating strategies and directing teams to meet them. In a variety of project delivery roles, David has managed prestigious projects in New York City and internationally from design, preconstruction services, RFQ/RFP process, and construction management. Acted as point of contact with client, consultant teams, regulatory agencies, subcontractor management and landlord coordination. Oversaw internal and external project schedules; managed general budgets and intermediate forecasts; and formulated detailed scope of work descriptions for design and construction roles.

Tim Younkin

Director of Engineering Services and Commissioning

Tim draws from over 37 years of mechanical engineering experience to provide clients with expert guidance in commissioning/quality assurance. Before joining LOC Associates, as President of Professional Commissioning Services, he served as CxA for various LEED projects and the retro-commissioning programs of American Electric Power and the Ohio Hospital Association. Additionally, as Director of MEP Systems for Apple Real Estate and Development, he developed mechanical, electrical, and store standards as well as a Building Management System for remote monitoring—including energy metering—for Apple stores World Wide. Tim also was involved in the U.S., China Japan, Turkey, Canada and Brazil commissioning and retro-commissioning stores before the new standards could be established. For Sephora, Tim provided quality control for design drawings, served on the LEED program committee, and commissioned a new store roll out in the U.S. and Canada. Other clients include Gucci, University of Cincinnati, Ohio State University, Auburn University and Prologics. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Ohio State University, with certifications in ASHRAE CPMP and Thermographer Level 1.

Rick Raber

Senior Production Manager

Rick has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry in a client-focused environment providing estimating, planning and project management on themed projects. Rick has the ability to utilize applied industry knowledge combined with analytical skills to develop competitive estimates for themed and retail construction projects. Rick works closely with client representatives and their design architects to provide accurate, competitive proposals. Accountable for creating and managing project budgets and schedules from initial estimate through closeout. He managed the contracts for the production and installation of the millwork/fixtures for the Microsoft Retail Stores Rollout. This included all full line retail store projects from May 2013 through December of 2014. Projects include 52 retail stores domestic and international.

Roberto Mojica

Financial Analyst

Roberto Mojica is a financial management professional with a strong combination of leadership, analytical, creative and interpersonal skills. Possesses the ability to manage detail while taking a big-picture approach to management and operations. Able to operate effectively in a variety of business areas. He has extensive experience in financial oversight, project finance, accounting and fiduciary controls. Roberto is responsible for the financial management and reporting of the design and construction of projects.

Ryan Morrissey

Development Manager

Ryan has a vast amount of experience managing multiple high-end projects in all stages of progress as a Development Manager. He focuses on coordination amongst all client-based internal departments: Real Estate, Design, Marketing, Tech, Brand, Facilities and New Store Openings while being involved with all external vendors during the duration of the project. Ryan excels in being able to effectively understand the client process and work with both the client and vendors to implement processes that can yield long-term success. He proactively strives to improve systems pertaining to contractor/vendor bid documents, contracts, budgets, schedules and overall project organization. With his expansive experience working in all aspects of project management, he has been able to cultivate strategic client relationships leading to the development of new and repeat business.

Mona Patel

Project Coordinator

Mona Patel received a Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering and a Master degree in Construction Management from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Currently, Mona is a Development Coordinator working with several clients including Blue Bottle Coffee, Stella McCartney, and Warby Parker. Prior to joining LOC Associates she gained significant experience in the construction industry through her work at various Chicago based general contractors. Mona was responsible in assisting in the construction management process for multiple civil and hospitality projects including police departments, hotels, elementary schools, and country clubs.

Stephen McGettigan

Project Coordinator

Stephen draws from his strong architectural background and expert communication skills to provide top notch project management. He holds a Masters in Architecture and has worked for BMGA in Athlone, Ireland, where he was responsible for 2-D computer drawings, site analysis, model making for presentations to clients and local authorities, and producing 3-D renders and drawings on revit for planning applications and local media. With Kennedy O’Callaghan Architects in London, he worked on the planning applications and on-site meetings for several museums. He was also responsible for all 3-D images and models submitted in the process. As a student in Switzerland, he was part of several award-winning international studio collaborations. He was part of the teams that won the ARUP DIT Design Build Competition in 2016 for a student housing design and the Studio Bamboo Program for a bamboo house design in 2015.