Years with Johnco: 15 Years
Years in the Industry: 22 years
General Experience: Journeyman carpenter, site superintendent, and general superintendent
Past Projects:
Bob Berns went to Southern Illinois University, and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. Upon graduation and working in the teaching field, he ended up looking for a change. Making a drastic one, he started working in commercial construction in Alaska throughout the 1970’s, where he learned the ins and outs of the business. In 1981, he moved back to Illinois to take over the helm at Berns Concrete from his father. After owning and operating the ready-mix and block manufacturing business, while also operating Berns Construction, Bob decided to sell the businesses. In 1998 he joined Johnco Construction and took over ownership of the firm in 2012.
Bob is very involved in all company operations, ensuring each project is delivered on time and budget. He enjoys working, but he also loves to spend time with his family including 15 grandchildren that keep him busy.
Paul Berns earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from the School of Engineering at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Paul worked on several internships throughout college, gaining extensive experience on significant, multi-million-dollar airport terminal additions in Dallas, TX, and Baltimore, MD, as a Field Engineer. During his junior year, he took a position as an assistant superintendent on the $365 million new Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals, which included the demolition of Busch Stadium II. He eventually grew into a Project Superintendent position and, upon graduation, moved to New York for three years and managed construction at Citi Field, the $800 million home of the New York Mets. Finally, he ended up back in the Midwest working on the Kansas City Royals’ $250 million stadium renovation.
Upon completion, Paul decided to join his father’s business, where he began as a Union carpenter, then progressed to Project Manager/Estimator, and continued to climb the ranks to become President & CEO.
Paul is currently an active member of the Greater Peoria Contractors & Suppliers Association (GPCSA) and serves on the legislative committee. Previously served as Vice President of Central Illinois Autism Association from March 2019 to March 2024. He is currently a Board Member of CIAA.
