Our team
Principals
joe bakke
president
Mr. Bakke is responsible for general contracting for all Independent Contractors Inc.’s projects—exclusive general contractor for Bakke Development Corp. Mr. Bakke collaborates with the entire ICI and LOBO Steel team, working to drive the construction budget and schedule for new projects, and executing cost-effective, realistic, and functional tactics. These construction operations include overseeing all phases of projects from design value engineering to delivery. Additionally, he lends expertise in both hardscape and softscape real estate design, gained from years of hands-on management in land development, construction, and landscape design.
justin farris
vice president
Since launching his career in development and construction in 1995, John Farris has constructed more than 10 million square feet of space. As vice president of Independent Contractors, Inc., Mr. Farris manages all aspects of the firm’s steel division and has earned renown for his expertise in self-storage facility construction.
staff
mark hackert
controller
Mark Hackert joined ICI/LOBO in August 2018. He has over 20 years of experience in real estate accounting and management. Mark earned a Bachelor in Accountancy fromn the University of Illinois.
celeste hill
contracts administrator
Celeste Hill joined ICI/LOBO in 2018 and serves as the Contracts Administrator. With over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, Celeste has been an integral part of our team. She has a certificate in Construction Contracts Management from Villanova University.
Jennifer Garcia
Accountant
Jennifer has been with Independent Contractors Inc./LOBO Steel since May 2018. She has three years of experience in accounting and is currently pursuing a degree in Accounting.
donna drozak
construction administrator
Donna Drozak joined ICI in 2015 as Construction Administrator. Donna’s construction experience coupled with her 20+ years of accounting experience have proven a valuable asset to the ICI team. Drozak earned her Associates Degree from Lone Star College as well as studied Business and Education at Sam Houston State University.
joanna phelan
project manager
Ms. Phelan has over 27 years of drafting experience in various fields such as structural steel detailing, rotating equipment, designing of A/C and dehumidification units, detailing for defense contractor, and 17 years of experience in the self-storage business (2002 – present self-storage detail & design)
Joanna earned an Associate of Applied Science in Computer-Aided Drafting from Lamar University.
Michael Herring
PROJECT SUPERINTENDENT
Mr. Herring joined ICI in 2012. Michael has 15 years of construction experience and holds multiple certifications to include: OSHA, CPR, and Forklift.
michael vargas
project manager
Michael Vargas has been in the mini-storage industry for 18 years with experience ranging from drafting concept land and building layouts to coordination of materials and construction.
Adolfo Tobias
project superintendent
Adolfo Tobias joined ICI in 2012 and has served as both Superintendent and Foreman. Mr. Tobias has over 35 years of experience in the construction industry.