As the CEO and chairman of Catalyst Construction, Matthew Burow has learned that he should always be the last to talk and ask questions. “No matter who he converses with, he wants to allow others to share their thoughts first,” said his staff. “He has learned to gather information about the topic being discussed to better understand the perspectives of others before forming a response.”
This skill has helped him to grown and build his construction company while forming strategic partnerships with non- and for-profit companies in the changing market conditions.
Catalyst Construction is an industry leader in the field of general construction. The firm has perfected the construction management model to the point that over 93 percent of the work comes from repeat and referral clients. Under Burow’s leadership, Catalyst reached a volume of $267 million in 2022 and is projecting $295 million for 2023.
“The educational and professional background of our staff members collectively includes nearly a millennia of experience in civil engineering, building construction and management and environmental policy,” he said. “This experience helps provide value from vision to construction to post construction.”
As a second-year Titan 100, Burow said that his primary goal is to foster the growth of his staff and strengthen the commitment to his clients, industry and community. Part of that goal includes continuing relationships and partnerships, including the one established with the Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) to help churches and schools get creative when financing a construction project.
It is in Catalyst’s DNA to help non-profit organizations, said Burow. “All Catalyst employees have this mentality – help others in the community,” he said.
Burow is also passionate about mentoring other leaders within Catalyst to help teams increase productivity and employee retention. “Matt is excited to see people take on various tasks and responsibilities to grow Catalyst,” said his staff. “Treating employees well and investing in their growth is not just a business strategy; it’s also a reflection of Matt’s ethical values and social responsibility.”
In addition, he has joined the Milwaukee Venture Mentoring Service to mentor local startup founders and funders to cultivate the next generation of entrepreneurs and Catalyst Construction will be School Choice Wisconsin’s premier supporter and partner this year. “Matt is determined to aid in creating change in school systems in Milwaukee and the state,” said his colleagues.
Being part of the Titan 100 has helped him to grow his network substantially, he said. “The Titan 100 program has opened doors to meet new people and help others in the community,” said Burow.
For sharing his entrepreneurial spirit with those in the community, Burow has been named a second-year titan.
