Page 22 - LRCC November 2025 FOCUS

Veteran Leaders Strengthening Lansing

By Liz Reno-Hayes

ach year on November 11, our nation honors the courage bringing some of the most impactful developments to life.
and commitment of the men and women who served Whether our projects serve a public purpose, advance medical
Ein uniform. In Greater Lansing, many of those same research, or provide critical care for our community, they all
veterans continue to serve. Their leadership, discipline, and improve the communities we live and serve.”
sense of duty strengthen our region in countless ways.
Recent projects illustrate the company’s wide-reaching
The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to impact. Kramer Management Group has delivered major
recognize three individuals who exemplify what it means to developments that strengthen the community, including the
serve with purpose: Pete Kramer of Kramer Management $600M McLaren Lansing Hospital, the redevelopment of the
Group, Calvin Jones of the Lansing Board of Water & Light, McLaren Greenlawn Campus into a Crisis Stabilization and
and Kate McNerney of Chick-fil-A Lansing. Behavioral Health center, downtown Lansing’s New Vision
Lansing development, and several leading medical research
and educational facilities across Michigan.

Pete Kramer From military service to leading one of Michigan’s premier
Kramer Management Group construction firms, Pete Kramer continues to serve — building
not just structures, but stronger communities.
For Pete Kramer, service to the
community began long before Calvin Jones
his career in construction. Lansing Board of Water & Light
With the guidance of his
Lansing Sexton High School For Calvin Jones, service
counselor, Dr. Aubrey Radcliffe. began with a call to duty and
As a veteran himself, he saw continues today through his
Kramer’s potential to serve commitment to the Lansing
and encouraged him to community.
explore opportunities in the
military. Kramer chose to “I was drafted and decided to
attend the US Military Academy at West Point, subsequently join the United States Marine
serving in the Army for 12 years. Commissioned as an officer in Corps,” Jones recalls. “If I had
Field Artillery, he served in a variety of units, including the Joint to go, I wanted to fight with
Readiness Training Center, where the Army’s light Infantry, the most elite fighters in the world. I also wanted to pay for my
Ranger, and Special Forces units trained. His time at West Point education and learn teamwork skills.”
and in the Army shaped the leadership skills he still
applies today. That experience shaped not only his discipline but also his
lifelong approach to leadership and treating people with
“The true impact of serving in the military is developing a humility and respect.
complete dedication to teamwork and personal accountability
to others,” Kramer explains. “From day one, you learn that you As part of the Lansing Board of Water & Light, Jones carries
are just one small part of a larger team that counts on you to be those same values into his work. He is proud to serve with
prepared and competent in your role.” an organization that gives back to the community through
initiatives such as Meals on Wheels, Adopt a River, Silver Bells
Kramer emphasizes that taking care of people is the in the City, BWL Golf for Charity, the BWL 5K Walk/Run, and
foundation of leadership in any organization, not just paying numerous local sponsorships and internship programs.
them well, but providing training, resources, and a positive
environment so teams can excel. These leadership principles “While being in the service, I made a vow: ‘I would give back, if I
carry over directly into Kramer Management Group, where made it back,’” Jones says.
service remains at the core of the company’s mission.
That promise has guided his life and career. He sees the BWL’s
“Our company truly is a service organization,” Kramer says. “We mission as an extension of the same principles that guided him
create a relationship with our clients where our only objective in uniform — service, reliability, and teamwork.
is to always serve in their best interest. We have the honor of

22 FOCUS MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2025