In her new role, Lesley will leverage her extensive leadership expertise to support Benchmark’s next phase of growth and innovation within the roofing industry.

Benchmark, Inc., a trusted leader in roof and pavement consulting, is pleased to announce the appointment of Lesley Vossenkemper as its new chief operating officer/integrator. With 25 years of experience leading mission-driven organizations, Lesley brings a proven record of scaling businesses and driving strategic growth while maintaining a core focus on operational excellence.

In her new role, Lesley will leverage her extensive leadership expertise to support Benchmark’s next phase of growth and innovation within the roofing industry. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a remarkable ability to build and scale operations, including growing a new business unit to $70 million in revenue. Her experience ensures that as Benchmark expands its services, its foundational commitment to quality and client success will remain paramount.

Vince Ellison, president of Benchmark, expressed his confidence in the new appointment. "What stood out about Lesley from the start was her ability to lead real growth while staying grounded in what’s best for people and clients. She’s led complex teams, scaled new lines of business and knows how to execute a plan. I’m confident she’s the right person to help us strengthen the business we have today and build the one we’re aiming for next."

A transparent and diplomatic leader, Lesley is dedicated to developing high-performing teams and fostering a culture of teamwork and accountability. She holds a BA in Communications/Marketing/Public Relations from Mount Mercy University and an AA from Kirkwood Community College. Her community involvement includes recently joining the Board of Directors for Kirkwood's Facility Foundation.

"I’m inspired by Benchmark’s enduring commitment to its people and clients," said Lesley. "I am excited to partner with Vince and our exceptional team to build on the decades of success to advance and accelerate the firm’s next phase of growth and innovation."

About Benchmark, Inc.

Benchmark, Inc. has been a trusted leader in roof and pavement consulting for over 30 years. Dedicated to delivering independent advice, innovative services and reliable solutions, the company helps organizations make informed decisions, mitigate risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of their facility assets. With a mission to empower its clients, Benchmark consistently raises the bar for technical expertise and fosters strong, collaborative relationships built on trust.

This recognition underscores Benchmark's commitment to cultivating a positive and supportive work environment where employees feel valued and empowered. 

Benchmark proudly announces it has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2025 honor by The Des Moines Register. This prestigious award is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage, LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization, including alignment, execution and connection.

This recognition underscores Benchmark's commitment to cultivating a positive and supportive work environment where employees feel valued and empowered. 

“What makes this recognition so meaningful is that it comes from our people,” commented Vince Ellison, president of Benchmark, “the talented, committed team driving our work forward every day. This award reflects the relationships we’ve built, the accountability we hold ourselves to and the pride we take in our work. I’m incredibly proud to be part of this team and excited about what we’ll continue to build together.”

Lori Madrick, HR director, also commented on the significance of this recognition: "Earning the Top Workplace award is a proud moment for all of us. It highlights the passion and commitment our people bring to their work each day. Our positive culture doesn't just make for a better workplace; it translates directly into the exceptional service and innovative solutions we deliver to our clients. I am so proud to be part of a team that genuinely supports one another and celebrates shared success."

About Benchmark

With over 30 years of expertise, Benchmark is a trusted leader in roof and pavement consulting, providing independent guidance and dependable solutions. Their mission is to empower clients with informed decision-making, risk mitigation and the long-term sustainability of facility assets. Dedicated to creating lasting value, Benchmark also fosters a rewarding and supportive environment for its employees.

For more information, please visit www.benchmark-inc.com.

Looking for a consultant to help on your next project?

Meet Benchmark.

Benchmark Inc. is a proven industry leader in roof and pavement consulting. Our experienced team delivers comprehensive solutions, from evaluation to design, construction and UAV drone services. With a strong focus on asset management, we serve diverse industries with multiple locations, offering tailored, reliable solutions underscored by our commitment to helping you manage risk and reduce long-term costs.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

When it comes to commercial and industrial roofing, a consultant can be your best asset for success.   

Facility managers often find themselves at a crossroad: whether to partner solely with manufacturers and contractors or to bring in an independent consultant. While going directly to manufacturers or contractors might seem straightforward, Casey Curry of Benchmark suggests that the choice to involve a consultant can significantly elevate a project’s quality, efficiency and durability. 

"Consultants bring a wealth of knowledge and experience," Casey explains, expressing the unique benefits consultants provide in project planning and execution. Drawing on extensive experience across diverse industries and product lines, consultants understand the full construction lifecycle — from material selection and cost efficiency to long-term maintenance strategies. This broad perspective often proves invaluable, as manufacturers tend to focus on promoting their own products and contractors are typically centered on meeting project deadlines and budgets. 

Consultants, Casey argues, have the advantage of objectivity. Because they are independent, they can assess each project’s unique needs without the bias that might come from a manufacturer with sales goals or a contractor with profit margins in mind. According to Casey, “Consultants are independent entities who can provide unbiased expert advice,” helping facility managers navigate material choices, regulatory compliance and budget constraints with a neutral perspective that promotes optimal outcomes. 

A consultant’s role often includes services that manufacturers and contractors may not cover, such as evaluating the local environment for durability, assessing compliance with building codes and identifying sustainable practices. Casey points out that while manufacturers are focused on product features, they may overlook a facility’s specific environmental needs or long-term lifecycle costs. Without comprehensive oversight, the lack of these considerations can lead to missed opportunities for enhancing efficiency or achieving cost savings. 

Additionally, Casey states that consultants offer cost-saving potential by fostering competitive pricing through their industry connections, as well as reducing project risks by addressing potential challenges before they escalate. Contractors, essential as they are, often prioritize project turnover and budget adherence, which can inadvertently limit the exploration of other material solutions. 

Casey’s analysis ultimately positions consultants as critical allies, providing a cohesive and strategic approach that integrates the roles of manufacturers, contractors and other stakeholders. This collaboration, Casey suggests, leads to projects that are not only high-quality but also cost-effective and sustainable over the long term. 

Read the full, original article published in FMJ: Benchmark 

By Benchmark.

Join industry leaders in a hands-on journey to mastering roof and pavement management at a two-day seminar designed to empower building owners with cutting-edge insights and networking opportunities.

Benchmark's Roof and Pavement Management Seminar, themed "A Journey Worth Taking," is scheduled for September 25-26, 2024. The agenda is designed to equip building owners with the insights, techniques and technologies needed to make informed decisions on their roof and pavement assets. 

The seminar kicks off with an overview by the newly appointed president, Vince Ellison, setting the stage for a day packed with knowledge sharing by seasoned experts. Each session, from Roof Materials/Components to the intricacies of Roof Design, is tailored to address the pressing issues and concerns many building owners have. 

The seminar also provides on-site demonstrations, including a cutting-edge Drone Demo and a comprehensive Roof Tour on our very own "Roof Farm" that showcases 14 different systems.  

The second day covers pavement assets; Evaluation & Maintenance, Materials and Design and Construction - key factors to a successful paving project.  

Beyond gaining up-to-date knowledge and hands-on experience, this seminar represents a unique networking opportunity. It’s about finding your community, exchanging ideas and fostering collaborations that could be a game changer in your next project. 

Join us. Let’s embark on this journey together, a journey worth taking!

For more details and to reserve your spot, visit Benchmark.

Note: Limit 3 per company per division (not intended for contractors or manufacturers