OUR TEAM | KCG

Rob Knight

CEO

As CEO of Knight Contracting Group, Rob Knight leads the company’s vision of delivering innovative, community-driven commercial projects. With over 40 years of experience growing businesses and brands, Rob brings a proven record of operational excellence and entrepreneurial leadership.

He drives the strategic direction of KCG, ensuring each project reflects integrity, quality, and long-term value, while fostering a culture rooted in family and purpose.

Pepsi & Dr Pepper – Beverage Industry Leadership
Launched a 40+ year career in the beverage industry, holding multiple leadership roles with Pepsi and Dr Pepper and building a reputation for operational excellence and team development.

Rockstar Energy & Coca-Cola USA – Senior Management Roles
Expanded expertise in national brand growth and distribution strategies, further refining skills in large-scale operations and market expansion.

I.B.C. – President & Growth Leader
Drove the company’s transformation from 800 stores to over 10,000 stores across 36 states, adding more than 1,500 stores annually. Built a nationwide platform empowering independent convenience store owners to compete with major chains.

Knight Development Group – Founder & Visionary
Established a real estate development company creating premier residential communities such as Knights Landing, delivering large-acreage homesites that blend modern amenities with family-focused living.

Knight Contracting Group – CEO
Leads the expansion into retail and commercial construction—building convenience stores, hotels, restaurants, and office spaces—while fostering a culture of integrity, family values, and community impact.

Knight Family Charity – Philanthropic Leadership
Guides the family’s charitable initiatives, ensuring that the success of the Knight companies translates into meaningful community support and lasting social impact.

Rob’s role reaches well beyond executive oversight; he embodies visionary leadership and a legacy of entrepreneurial success. With more than four decades of experience spanning national brand management, large-scale operations, and real estate development, Rob focuses on casting vision and driving sustainable growth for Knight Contracting Group. His leadership cultivates a culture of integrity, family values, and operational excellence—ensuring every project reflects the company’s commitment to “Elevating the Construction Standard.”

Rob’s strategic insight and ability to unite talented teams allow clients to focus on their own business while trusting Knight Contracting Group to deliver exceptional results. His dedication to community impact and his passion for building both people and projects inspire the organization to pursue excellence and create lasting value in every endeavor.

NORMAN E. HAYS

PRESIDENT

Norman Hays, our President, is a construction industry veteran with a remarkable track record of transforming companies and delivering exceptional results.

Norman is a seasoned leader known for his strategic vision and impressive project management skills.

Vice President of Operations - Chicagoland General Contracting Firm: Norman's tenure saw the transformation of a 45-year-old contracting firm, increasing its revenue from $6 million to $50 million while doubling profitability. He managed construction for over 500 facilities, spanning various project types and sizes.

Nash Finch Company - Director of Construction and Engineering: Norman completed more than $25 million in retail, office, and distribution projects annually.

HealthSouth - Regional Office Manager: Oversaw the completion of over $50 million in healthcare projects across 15 states and 500 facilities.

ATI Fitness/Elite Gymnastics: Successfully led interior renovations for a full-service gymnastics gym and a gym with locker rooms and workout areas while keeping operations running smoothly.

Barrington Field House: Instrumental in the design, financing, and construction of a 175,000 sq. ft. sports fieldhouse, including indoor soccer fields, basketball courts, locker rooms, a café, and more.

Flint Creek Office Building: Managed the ground-up construction of a 60,000 sq. ft. Class A MOB with underground parking.

Wieland Metals: Oversaw the expansion of a 90,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility.

Scotty's Home Direct (Peapod): Led the construction of a 100,000 sq. ft. distribution center and headquarters.

Norman's role extends far beyond project management; he embodies true leadership. With 30 years of experience across diverse construction roles, including Fortune 500 companies, project consulting, real estate development, and general contracting, Norman's foremost focus is on leading the team to excellence. His leadership approach fosters collaboration within our team, ensuring that every project aligns with our commitment to being "The Cornerstone of Your Project." Norman's relentless pursuit of efficiency and value engineering not only benefits our clients but also serves as a guiding light for our entire organization. His dedication to providing clients with a seamless experience allows them to concentrate on their business while leaving the intricacies of construction to us. Norman's strength lies in orchestrating multiple projects and vendor teams efficiently and cost-effectively, a testament to his unwavering leadership quality.

Grew a contracting firm from $6 million to $50 million in revenue
Managed construction for over 500 facilities
Completed more than $25 million in annual projects at Nash Finch
Oversaw $50 million in annual healthcare projects at HealthSouth
Led various successful projects, including a 175,000 sq. ft. fieldhouse, a 60,000 sq. ft. office building, a 90,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility expansion, and a 100,000 sq. ft. distribution center.

DENISE Arreola

CHIEF ADMINISTRATION OFFICER

Denise Arreola, our Chief Administration Officer, provides the strategic oversight and operational excellence that drive Knight Contracting Group forward. With extensive leadership and construction experience, she ensures that our internal operations, administrative functions, and team resources are aligned to support growth and deliver excellence across every project.

Vice President Operations - Commercial Construction: Denise managed day-to-day operations, overseeing everything from office management to field support. She excelled in reviewing and approving project pay applications, purchases, billing, and disbursement. Denise also played a crucial role in budget management and spending decisions. Her client project management skills have consistently delivered cost-effective solutions.

Associate Director - International Accounting Firm: Denise served as an Associate Director for a leading international accounting firm, where she managed domestic operations. Her impressive portfolio includes overseeing 25 construction projects, ranging from new installations to internal renovations for KPMG's domestic offices. Denise also implemented a $12.6 million VoIP platform supporting 36,000 employees.

Project Manager: Denise led the construction and installation of a 50,000 sq. ft office space accommodating over 600 users.

With over 20 years of combined construction experience, Denise understands the needs of clients, owners, and general contractors. Her exceptional problem-solving and communication skills make her a valuable leader, ensuring project success. At Elevate Contracting Group, we pride ourselves on being "The Cornerstone of Your Project," and Denise embodies this ethos by managing projects with unwavering strength.

Over 20 years of combined construction experience
Managed 25+ construction projects, including new installations and renovations for KPMG's domestic offices
Successfully implemented a $12.6 million VoIP platform supporting 36,000 employees
Led the construction and installation of a 50,000 sq. ft office space for 600+ users
As VP of Operations contributed to a $35 million construction company's success
Recognized as a high performer during her tenure as Associate Director at a major accounting firm
Holds certifications in Procore Accounting, Project Management, Superintendent, and Safety

terry Green

DIRECTOR OF FIELD OPERATIONS

Terry Green, our Director of Field Operations, brings over 30 years of construction industry experience, a knack for visualizing projects from inception, and a talent for leading and mentoring teams.

Terry's extensive 30-year journey in the industry has seen him manage projects spanning from ground-up construction to tenant improvements. His track record includes delivering multimillion-dollar projects punctually, within budget, and to the utmost satisfaction of our Clients.

Terry firmly believes that business success hinges on the ability to identify, mentor, and lead a talented team. He famously says, "The best project supervisor can walk onto an untouched site, look at the plans, and envision the building before construction starts. You must see how a building will rise in your mind, foresee issues, and organize subcontractors. Not everyone can do that."

In his role, Terry oversees multiple projects from preconstruction to completion. He excels in estimating, conceptual budget development, and value engineering. As a valuable member of our Executive Team, he plays a pivotal role in managing procedures, strategic planning, and business development.

Terry's strengths shine through his hands-on approach and his unparalleled ability to efficiently and cost-effectively coordinate multiple projects and vendor teams.

Over 30 years of industry experience
Successfully managed diverse projects including gas stations, fuel stations, restaurants, convenience stores, medical facilities, and shopping centers
Proficient in estimating, conceptual budget development, and value engineering
Adept at foreseeing project challenges and organizing subcontractors
Holds certifications in First Aid, CPR, and OSHA 10, and is a Licensed Tank Tester
State licenses for the installation and removal of underground fuel tanks
Integral member of the Executive Team, contributing to strategic planning and business development

jONNY cROFT

Director of Marketing, Technology, & AI

In his role as the Director of Marketing, Technology, & AI at KCG, Jonny leads the vision for integrating advanced technologies and AI-driven strategies to transform how we connect with clients and operate as a business. He pioneers innovative marketing approaches while ensuring that cutting-edge systems are seamlessly embedded across the organization

Jonny also drives the creative direction, shaping the evolution of our brand and spearheading initiatives that elevate both KCG’s identity and the faithful representation of our clients’ brands during major rollouts. His leadership bridges technology, creativity, and strategy—positioning KCG at the forefront of marketing and innovation.

Systems Engineering

Expertise in systems engineering with a focus on operational efficiencies.

Data Analysis

Emphasis on data procurement and analysis for strategic decision-making.

Technical Problem-Solving

Strong IT background enabling effective problem-solving in diverse environments.

Corporate Insight

Extensive background in large-scale corporations, contributing insights into effective team leadership and organizational dynamics.

Engineering Background

Formal education in computer engineering and mathematics.

Industry Diversification

Broad work experience testing technical capabilities in various subdisciplines.

Operational Enhancement

Played a strategic role in the development and improvement of ECG's systems and procedures.

His responsibilities extend to the formulation of training procedures for new technologies, ensuring the entire team is adept and aligned. The orchestration of data collection and analysis is another facet of his role, creating systematic approaches for internal processes and introducing higher-level order where necessary. In essence, Jonny serves as the driving force behind refining operations, tackling a diverse array of functions to uphold KCG's commitment to operational excellence.