1848 Construction is a full-service Design-Build General Contracting firm serving Southern Wisconsin and the surrounding areas. Our dedicated and highly skilled team – both in the office and in the field – works diligently to ensure projects are completed correctly, on time, and within budget. At 1848 Construction, our commitment to exceptional customer service and top-quality construction begins with the leadership team and extends through every member of our staff.

Jeff Grady

Jeff Grady

Founder/CEO

Jeff is the Founder and CEO of 1848 Construction, bringing more than 30 years of experience in the construction industry. Beginning as a carpenter, Jeff developed extensive hands-on knowledge across multiple trades and construction disciplines, giving him an operational and detail-oriented approach to leadership as he oversees both office and field operations. Jeff also leads the company’s safety policies and procedures, ensuring safety remains the top priority on every project.


Throughout his career, he has successfully managed and contributed to a wide range of projects, including complex renovations and ground-up new construction – utilizing precast and tilt-up methods, pre-engineered metal buildings, and timber-framing. His broad expertise across diverse industries and innovative projects provides valuable insight throughout every phase of construction, from planning, execution, and completion.


Jeff’s leadership, strong work ethic, and commitment to quality have helped build a culture of loyalty and professionalism, reflected in the many long-tenured employees he is proud to have on the 1848 Construction team.


Sam Blahnik

Sam Blahnik

President, Business Development

Sam joined 1848 Construction in 2019 and quickly became a key member of the leadership team, earning shareholder status within two years. He currently serves as President while leading the company’s business development efforts, cultivating new client relationships and expanding 1848 Construction’s presence throughout the marketplace.


Sam earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business with a minor in Animal Ecology from Iowa State University. Prior to joining 1848 Construction, he spent years leading economic and community development initiatives, working closely with developers, brokers, and business owners to support growth opportunities. Sam is actively involved in leadership roles on numerous nonprofit boards and community organizations throughout Dane County.


Sam’s diverse experience in municipal development, business development, and community leadership has been instrumental in the continued growth of 1848 Construction. His ability to build strong relationships, identify strategic opportunities, and connect clients with effective construction solutions creates lasting value for both clients and the company. Sam is committed to delivering results that exceed expectations and support the long-term success of every project and partnership.


Nate Graney

Nate Graney

Vice President

Nate Graney is 1848 Construction’s Vice President and Senior Project Manager with more than two decades of experience in architectural drafting, construction management, and commercial building development. A 2002 graduate of Madison Area Technical College with a degree in Architectural Technologies, Nate built his foundation through hands-on experience working alongside his father in residential home construction from an early age. That experience shaped his strong work ethic, attention to detail, and passion for building.


After graduating, Nate began his career in the architectural design field, developing extensive knowledge in construction detailing, building systems, and project coordination. His career naturally evolved into construction management, where he has successfully led and managed projects ranging from small-scale developments to multi-million-dollar commercial construction projects throughout Wisconsin and Illinois.


Known for his leadership, professionalism, and respect for others, Nate has earned a reputation for delivering quality work through hard work, accountability, and strong construction knowledge. His experience spans all phases of construction, with a deep understanding of both the technical and practical aspects of the building industry.


Our Core Values

Through years of industry experience, with a genuine design-build collaborative approach and consistent communication, we help our clients successfully grow their businesses. By staying true to our core values and embedding them throughout our team, 1848 delivers seamless projects that consistently exceed client expectations.

INTEGRITY
We prioritize honesty, transparency, and straightforward communication in everything we do. Strong relationships are built on trust, and we believe that integrity and ethical practices are the foundation of lasting partnerships.

DRIVEN
At 1848 Construction, we are committed to excellence in everything we do. We consistently give our best effort to achieve the highest level of success.

FLEXIBLE/ADABPTABLE
We prioritize and are willing to do what is best for our team, our clients, and our company. Embracing change, we stay adaptable and eager to evolve with ever-changing codes, technology and processes.

RELATIONSHIP FOCUSED
Our team focuses on building strong, lasting relationships with each other, our clients, and other strategic business partners. These meaningful connections are key to our success and provide an overall advantage in the marketplace.

The 1848 Construction Difference

Our streamlined construction process combines innovative management tools with clear consistent communication throughout all stages of a project. We partner with competitive and reputable companies to deliver cost-effective construction solutions to our clients with transparency. From ground-breaking to ribbon-cutting, we are with you every step of the way.

Our skilled construction team’s dedication and personalized attention to detail, especially on complex projects, is noticed and we are proud to have earned the trust of many repeat clients over the years.

We are honored to have received many “Best of Category” awards from Varco Pruden’s National Hall of Fame Awards for constructing unique offices, recreational facilities, retail stores, warehouses and agricultural facilities, using pre-engineered metal buildings.

1848 has been voted as a Top Commercial Builder in Dane County for 9 years and has also received several prestigious awards from InBusiness Madison, including:

Best New Development or Renovation for Retail, Office and Health Care facilities

Most Innovative Feature

Project of the Year

Project of the Decade

What Our Clients Say

“I personally have had the privilege of working with the Principals of 1848 Construction for the past 15 years. They are a talented group of outstanding professionals who exhibit all of the professional characteristics that you desire from a design-build partner. They are hardworking, trustworthy and they do what they promise and deliver it when it’s promised.”

—Kevin Klagos, CFO, First Choice Dental

 

 

“Thanks to the team at 1848 Construction for everything you did to build the office of our dreams! The entire experience was great – from sharing your expertise to the ease of collaborating and your willingness to answer all of our questions. We recommend using 1848 Construction 110%!

—Kelsey & Nate Andersen, Owners, 360 Wellness

 

 

“When we were evaluating contractors for our 15,000 sq. ft. addition it was very important to us to find a high quality builder. From the first day communicating with 1848 Construction, we sensed a high attention to detail and a professional staff. We knew they would go above and beyond to exceed our expectations. The entire build process was outstanding and the entire staff was professional at all times. 1848 Construction is our go to contractor for all future projects at DRM.”

—Brian Hillmer, Director of Operations, DRM Industries

 

 

“Building GRB Academy’s current facility required a team of resources who helped identify potential locations, assist with site selection due diligence and maneuver the necessary approvals to construct. It was wonderful to work with the folks at 1848 Construction as they led this complex process. In providing GRB’s unique clear-span building space, 1848 Construction delivered a solution that was on time and on budget. I recommend the team at 1848 Construction to anyone looking for a meaningful design-build contractor experience.”

—Greg Reinhard, Managing Partner, GRB Academy

 

 

“Working with 1848 Construction on our new headquarter office and shop was a pleasure. Their team continues to invest in the long-term relationship, providing exceptional communication and service from the first time we reviewed plans with them for a bid, all the way beyond the final walk-throughs. 1848 was thorough with every detail and particular request, stayed on time and budget, and made sure the final product met every expectation. We highly recommend 1848 Construction and would certainly use them again.

—Tanya & Kash Weger

 

 

“The Sisters of Mary Morning Star utilized 1848 Construction for the addition of a prayer chapel and classroom space to our existing residence. In addition to successfully completing the beautiful space, the folks at 1848 were a pleasure to have around our convent – courteous and considerate. We strongly recommend using 1848 Construction for any construction service needs!”

—Sister Mary Thomas Leary

 

Your Partner for Innovative Construction & Project Management