2024 20 in their Twenties: Nelson S. Frech

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Senior Project Manager | Skender

Age: 29

Hometown: Tegucigalpa, Honduras

Education: bachelor’s in political science, Purdue University; bachelor’s in construction engineering, Purdue University; MBA, Indiana University Kelley School of Business; law degree, Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law

Family: parents, Nelson Sr. and Lilliam Frech; sister, Olga Frech

Years with organization: 2-1/2

Proud moment: Being part of the team leading the expansion of Skender’s operations in Indiana. Over the past three years, the company has grown more than tenfold and is managing more than $40 million in construction from the Indiana office this year.

First job: associate at Harrison Grill, a late-night restaurant at Purdue University, where he advanced to student manager over two years

Givebacks: board of directors, Adelante Schools; volunteer, ACE Mentors program at Warren Central High School; representative for consumers on the home inspectors board of the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. 

Favorite book: “Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended on It,” by Chris Voss and Tahl Raz

Coffee order: latte with three shots of espresso 

(IBJ photo/Eric Learned)

Nelson Frech says being part of the planning and construction of educational facilities “holds a special place in my heart. … I feel a strong sense of pride in knowing that my work contributes to creating spaces where knowledge is nurtured and future leaders are shaped.” His projects with Skender include Ivy Tech Community College – Kokomo’s Smart Manufacturing and Digital Integration Lab renovation in 2023, and Indiana University Indianapolis’ School of Nursing renovations. Frech also trains and coaches young project engineers and assistant project managers, guiding their development to build high-performing teams. Through his involvement in the company’s DEI committee, he has led initiatives to increase participation and opportunities for minority-owned construction trade firms. Frech grew up in Honduras and shadowed his father in various business ventures, including retail and real estate, “which laid the foundation for my entrepreneurial spirit.” At 18, he moved to the United States to attend Purdue University. After graduating, he joined Wilhelm Construction, then moved to the Skillman Corp. before joining Skender.•

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