Staff

F. Michael Singer, Owner and Principal - Mr. Singer has over 35 years of experience in the construction industry. Having completed $20,000,000 worth of projects since 2001 he is skilled in project planning, organization, management, quality control, and safety. Mr. Singer promotes innovative solutions for project obstacles and is responsible for managing and leading the company. As a craftsman, he has broad experience in, commercial, public, and residential projects, and hands on construction experience in industrial, commercial, luxury homes, and fine woodworking. With prior experience in remote construction locations, he has experience moving large volumes of construction materials giving him a firm understanding of project logistics and supply requirements. Mr. Singer believes that Heartwood works to bring the best overall value to the project by way of pre-planning with the owner and the job site detail and quality control plans that are put in place. “At Heartwood I believe that attention to detail from the beginning of the project to the closeout phases is a distinguishing character and philosophy of my organization”.

Howard Albers, Field Operations Manager – Mr. Albers brings over 35 years of construction and fine woodworking experience. A graduate from the University of Michigan with a degree in Natural Science/Natural Resources, Howard is working to support our efforts at better communication, and the development of partnership relations with our clients and colleagues. Howard is a master carpenter with experience in commercial and custom homes. In addition to Heartwood’s Projects his project history includes: King Shopping Center in Waikoloa, Parker Ranch Shopping Center in Waimena, restoration of over 100 Hurricane Iniki damaged homes on Kauai, and remodel work at Kapaa Shores. Mr. Albers believes that communication and attention to the Owner’s interest sets Heartwood apart. “We take the extra effort to put forward a quality project, from the bidding phase to project close out”.

Cathy Southwick, Project Management/Business Development – Ms. Southwick brings over 10 years of project management and government contracting experience to Heartwood. A graduate of City University she has a Master’s Degree in Management/Human Resources and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration/Project Management. She is knowledgeable about government procurement regulations, project documentation requirements, and prevailing wage requirements. Ms. Southwick has provided construction management services for the State of Hawaii Department of Transportation, Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, and Hina Mauka. She also has provided onsite property assessments/existing conditions surveys for Aston/ResortQuest and Hina Mauka.

Ginger Van Vleet, Human Resource Management – Ms. Van Vleet is a graduate from UH Hilo with a degree in teaching. Ms. Van Vleet develops and maintains policies and procedures, recruiting, testing, selection, training, benefits administration, employee records management, employee awards and recognition, labor/management relations, workers’ compensation administration and safety programs.