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GRP | WEGMAN Hires Creative Expert Brian Knobloch as new Director of Marketing

February 23, 2023

Bethalto, IL – GRP|WEGMAN is delighted to welcome Brian Knobloch to the team as the Company's new Director of Marketing. As the Director of Marketing, he will oversee the planning and execution of all the Company's marketing strategy, design and branding. His responsibilities include building the Company's brand in the  energy improvement, mechanical, and electrical contracting markets as well as creating innovative campaigns to boost general brand awareness and creating solutions to strengthen relationships with existing and potential customers.

Thomas Declue III of GRP|WEGMAN had this to say about Knobloch: "Brian is an exceptional marketing leader who brings a passion for helping businesses grow and who has an excellent track record of developing effective marketing strategies. We are excited to have him as a part of our team and are confident that his enthusiasm and creativity will help drive Company growth."

Knobloch is committed to delivering high-impact and engaging creative solutions to maximize marketing results and strengthen customer relationships. His deep knowledge of the latest marketing trends and technologies, as well as his passion for finding solutions that work, will be invaluable assets in this new position.

"I am truly honored and excited to be joining the incredible GRP|WEGMAN team as the Director of Marketing, and to leverage my skills in the marketing and creative industry to drive the Organization's strategic objectives forward," says Knobloch.

  • For example, an outdated library can be transformed into a collaborative learning commons with flexible seating, technology-rich workstations, and interactive displays.
  • A vacant classroom can become a makerspace where students can explore hands-on learning and develop critical skills in science, technology, engineering, and math.

But the vision doesn't have to stop at the classroom door. Schools that have sat vacant for three to five years represent some of the most compelling adaptive reuse opportunities in any community. A shuttered school can be reimagined as:

  • Affordable senior housing or elder wellness space – bringing dignity and community connection to an aging population that helped build the neighborhoods these buildings once served. Engage stakeholders early in the process to gather input and build support for the project. Students, faculty, and staff can provide valuable insights into the types of spaces and amenities that will best support their needs.
  • A veteran support center, offering stable, supportive environments for those transitioning back to civilian life. Prioritize flexibility and multi-functionality in the design process. Creating spaces that can adapt to changing needs and serve multiple purposes will maximize the value of the investment. This may include incorporating movable walls, modular furniture, and technology-rich infrastructure.
  • An early childhood, daycare, or parent support center to expand local services for pre-school aged children.
  • A community center or "third place" – a gathering space for neighbors who need programming, connection, and services outside of home and work.

And as cities track demographic shifts and prepare for the next wave of population growth, these buildings stand ready to be restored to their original purpose, welcoming students again when the community needs them most. A vacant school is never just an empty building. It's stored potential, waiting for the right plan and to serve the community and bring it back to life.

When planning an adaptive reuse project, educational institutions should consider these key strategies:

  • Engage stakeholders early in the process to gather input and build support for the project. Students, faculty, and staff can provide valuable insights into the types of spaces and amenities that will best support their needs.
  • Prioritize flexibility and multi-functionality in the design process. Creating spaces that can adapt to changing needs and serve multiple purposes will maximize the value of the investment. This may include incorporating movable walls, modular furniture, and technology-rich infrastructure.
  • Consider the long-term impact of the project, not just for the educational institution, but for the community as a whole. By repurposing these spaces, schools and universities can ensure that they have the necessary facilities to meet the evolving needs of their students and the wider community.

By embracing adaptive reuse and implementing these strategies, educational institutions can transform underutilized spaces into vibrant, engaging learning environments that inspire students and support academic excellence. As schools and universities consider the future of their facilities, adaptive reuse should be a key strategy in their planning process.

GRP|WEGMAN's infrastructure specialists are here to help you redevelop your spaces for your community's current and future needs.

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