A Family Affair: The Helker Family
A FAMILY AFFAIR: THE HELKER FAMILY
Wisconsin-built. Family-owned. Building since 1920. These were the deciding factors in Tyler Helker’s decision to join CG Schmidt as a project engineer.
Wisconsin-built. Family-owned. Building since 1920. These were the deciding factors in Tyler Helker’s decision to join CG Schmidt as a project engineer. Tyler’s family history, like CG Schmidt’s, is rooted in construction. His grandmother owned All Pavement Marking, a striping company in Milwaukee, that his mother Barb Helker took ownership of in 2008. A few years later the company was purchased by Wahlen Works and Barb remained on staff to manage day-to-day operations. Tyler’s father, Jason Helker joined the construction industry 10 years ago as an apprentice operator at Ideal Crane Rental, Inc. and has since been promoted to journeyman.
A family legacy in construction, but different paths, Tyler never envisioned having the opportunity to work with his parents. However, in 2020 while working on the historic redevelopment of the former Horlick Malted Milk Co. manufacturing site in Racine, Wis., the unimaginable occurred. Tyler worked onsite as project engineer while Barb was subcontracted to perform striping and install signs at the project, and Jason was contracted to set roofing materials.
“This opportunity is one that I will never forget, being able to work side-by-side with my parents, who were the same people who inspired me to pursue a career in the construction field, was some of the most surreal days I have ever had and can only hope for more to come in the future.”
Tyler Helker, Project Engineer
