EnviroBate Management Team
Our leadership team represents decades of professional education, training and hands-on experience – the latter being essential in our trade. We’ve encountered the most challenging projects and apply that knowledge daily.
Jerry Larson, Owner and CEO
Under Jerry’s steady leadership, EnviroBate has grown into one of the largest and most respected regional contractors specializing in asbestos, mold and lead abatement, and indoor air quality improvement. Jerry took over EnviroBate in 1991, after 24 years in commercial banking with First Bank System (now U.S. Bank). His career there included various positions in investment portfolio management and lending. His last position was vice president and division head of real estate lending. In early 2009, Jerry co-founded EnergyPrint, an online energy management software for commercial properties. He holds a BA from Dana College, an MBA from the University of South Dakota, and numerous professional certifications. He has served as president and/or been a board member of numerous community organizations.
Rob King, President
Rob was appointed president of EnviroBate in 2009, after many years as vice president of operations. Since entering the construction trades in 1988, Rob has amassed years of hands-on experience supervising and project managing million-dollar abatement projects throughout the nation. He has helped establish the existing abatement programs for some of the largest companies in Minnesota. During his career, Rob has worked as an estimator, project manager and general manager for large abatement companies. He maintains an impressive track record of providing cost-saving solutions for the most complex asbestos and lead abatement projects imaginable. Rob’s past professional affiliations include trustee of the Laborers Education and Training Fund and president of the Minnesota Asbestos Abatement Contractors Association (1997 to 2006). Currently, he holds two designations with the Minnesota Department of Health: Asbestos Abatement Site Supervisor and Project Designer. Also, Rob served in the Minnesota National Guard for 22 years, retiring in 2002 with the rank of Major. He is a graduate of the Minnesota Military Academy.
Mike Sherek, Project Manager – Commercial Asbestos
Mike brings more than 25 years of involvement in the construction and asbestos trades to EnviroBate. He began his career with us as an asbestos abatement site supervisor and quickly progressed to his current position as project manager. He is responsible for the careful review of bid documents and project estimates and for keeping projects within budget. He has successfully bid and supervised hundreds of abatement projects (many over $2 million) throughout the Midwest, while meeting the unique requirements of many large companies. His experience includes complex projects for the Federal Aviation Administration, Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant, Eden Prairie Center Mall, Minneapolis Public Schools, Fergus Falls RTC, Eitel Building Complex, State Administration Building, and United Defense LP.
Tim Pladson, Operations Manager, HVAC/IAQ Division – Commercial
Tim has vast knowledge and a thorough understanding of the most current – and complex – heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) and indoor air quality (IAQ) issues. He has nearly two decades of experience in the construction trades, specializing in the HVAC/IAQ arena. Currently, Tim holds two certifications from the National Air Duct Cleaners Association: Certified Ventilation Inspector and Air Systems Cleaning Specialist. Tim is a certified mold remediator and holds a position on the advisory board for the Minnesota Indoor Air Quality Association. A by-the-book guy, Tim has an unwavering reputation for bringing the highest standards in quality and service to every EnviroBate project he manages.
Tim Hawthorne, Construction Manager – Commercial
Tim is the persona of EnviroBate’s philosophy: providing the highest degree of safety and service possible. He began his career in asbestos abatement in 1989, and worked as a Minnesota Department of Health/Environmental Protection Agency-certified contractor site supervisor. In 1991, he joined EnviroBate as metro construction manager. His responsibilities include the supervision of project supervisors, overseeing daily commercial operations, and hiring and scheduling staff. Most notable, Tim has been responsible for the completion of more than 1,000 abatement projects, including several multimillion-dollar jobs, each completed on time and within budget. His project resume includes Mervyn’s Department Store, Northtown Mall, Rosedale Mall, Brookdale Mall, Maplewood Mall, First Bank on Marquette, IDS Center, Warren E. Burger Federal Courthouse, and numerous State of Minnesota and University of Minnesota projects.
Jeff Lehtinen, Project Manager – Residential Asbestos
Jeff’s previous career in banking prepared him well for his current position with EnviroBate. Timeliness, honesty and professionalism are traits Jeff brings to every job as our project – and, really, relationship – manager for residential. He takes great pride in respecting customer appointment times and project schedules. Prior to joining us in 2001, Jeff spent 10 years in residential banking, where he held various manager-level positions. Among them was financial lending for remodeling projects, a common denominator among many of EnviroBate’s residential customers. Jeff is a graduate of St. Cloud State University.