For V3 Senior Resident Construction Manager Cheryl Ludwig, building strong communities is a family affair. Learn more about how she’s applying her lifelong passion toward meaningful, impactful work, including a landmark project that is reimagining Chicagoland.
Construction in her blood
From a young age, Cheryl understood what it takes to make things work. Most of her family works in trades, from plumbing and HVAC to excavating, trucking, and residential construction, which gave her a firsthand perspective on the satisfaction of active problem solving. She often visited job sites with her grandfather, who owned a house-building company and built his own homes. This deeply ingrained entrepreneurial spirit inspired Cheryl to continue the family legacy and pursue a career in construction engineering.
After graduating from Bradley University with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, she worked with a local contractor but quickly learned that side of the industry did not align with her passion. Her husband, Sean, was working in construction at V3 and suggested she come in for an interview. After several positive conversations, she joined the team in 2005 and never looked back.
“One of the things I truly value about V3’s Construction Engineering division is the strong sense of camaraderie we have. We’re a closely knit team that genuinely relies on one another as resources. Whether it’s sharing expertise, solving problems together, or supporting each other through challenges, there’s a real collaborative spirit that makes our work environment unique. It’s this teamwork that not only makes us successful on projects, but also creates a positive, dynamic place to grow and thrive.”
Reimagining what’s possible
Cheryl started her V3 journey as a field engineer and worked her way up to a Senior Resident Construction Manager. This leadership role allows her to apply her talents and deep-rooted construction experience towards projects that are transforming the Chicagoland area, such as the Elgin O’Hare Western Access project.
This project, focused on constructing new Tollway roadways on the western side of O’Hare International Airport, is complex, high impact, and high profile: it isn’t everyday that new highways are built, but Cheryl is a key contributor to bringing this effort to life. Whether she’s in the field or in the office, Cheryl loves digging into plans and solving problems. She expertly oversees multiple construction contracts, coordinates activities with local agencies, and manages separate construction management firms to ensure everything is going to plan.
“What makes this project stand out is not only its long duration—uncommon for contracts in our division—but also the dynamic challenges it presents. It requires constant problem solving and adaptability, keeping me engaged and on my toes every day. From navigating logistical hurdles to collaborating with diverse stakeholders, each phase of the project brings new opportunities to innovate and make a tangible difference in a major infrastructure development. The combination of scale, significance, and problem solving is what truly excites me about my work on this project.”
Building a beautiful life
Cheryl’s love for construction carries over into her personal life, where she and her husband can often be found rolling up their sleeves and renovating their home. Major projects such as finishing their basement always bring them closer and help carry the value of hands-on workmanship to their two children, Sophie and Grady. Cheryl also finds every opportunity she can to enjoy the great outdoors, whether that’s through hiking, running, or taking care of her yard.
As she continues her work on the Tollway, Cheryl is grateful for the impact her work has made on her life and how she’s benefitting others.
“What we do is really cool. Building a new roadway: it’s very unique, very intense, and has been a rewarding journey of growth and development. I’m excited to see where my career will take me next.”
Work with Cheryl and V3’s Construction Engineering experts
We have a reputation for anticipating unforeseen issues, solving problems before they sidetrack a project, estimating costs and managing payments, and providing highly proactive service. Connect with our team to learn more.