Paul S. Franks
President / CEO

The second-generation owner of S.W. Franks Construction Company, Paul Franks became president of S.W. Franks (a heavy site construction firm that began 47 years ago) in 1987. Under Paul's direction, the company began focusing on high performance sport construction. Jacob's Field was the company's first high performance professional field installation, with numerous others following, Yankee Stadium, Heinz Field, PNC Park, Soldier Field, to name a few. Paul later directed S.W. Franks as part of SRI Sports, and in 2004 he formed Sports Construction Group, L.L.C., continuing the company's legacy as a premiere sports field contractor. Paul attended Kent State University in Kent, Ohio.

Alan Ewing
COO

With S.W. Franks since 1990, Al oversees company construction operations and directly manages SCG superintendents and crews. In his role he is aware of all construction activity on a daily basis and is directly involved in every project, including Vanderbilt Stadium, Bentley College, Heinz Field, Paul Brown Stadium, PNC Park, Shea Stadium and numerous others. Al is a graduate of Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, with a Degree in Civil Engineering Technology. He has been a Registered Surveyor in the State of Ohio since 1976.

George H. Pfeffer
Executive Vice President, Construction

With S.W. Franks since 1991, George is SCG's Principal and Vice President and Chief Estimator and Project Manager. He held similar roles at S.W. Franks/SRI Sports. Instrumental in transforming S.W. Franks from a general heavy site contractor to a specialty sports field contractor, George has played a key role in making Sports Construction Group the premiere contractor it is today. A Registered Architect in Ohio, George is a member of the Sports Turf Managers Association. He has 30 years of design and construction-related experience. George is a graduate of Kent State University (Kent, Ohio) with a B.A. in Architecture.

Jim Savoca
Executive Vice President, Turf

A graduate of Ohio State University, Jim Savoca's expertise in field systems began on the field, playing under Coach Woody Hayes as a two-year starter. Since his two Rose Bowls, Orange Bowl and Gator Bowl (where he played as messenger guard for Coach Hayes' last game) Jim has immersed himself in synthetic turf. He brings 27 years of synthetic field sales expertise to SCG, having worked for Sportexe, SRI Sports, and Monsanto (inventors of AstroTurf). Since joining SCG Jim has led the sales team in completing nearly 20 synthetic turf projects.

Julie Cipolla
Vice President

An Estimator and Project Manager for Sports Construction Group since 1998, Julie plays a key role in estimating, procurement, and project management. She came to the company with nine years of experience in the construction industry. Her career actually began during her college years, when she worked for Geauga County Road and Bridge Construction. Julie then spent five years working for American Tradesman, Inc. in estimating and purchasing. She attended Kent State University in Kent, Ohio from 1989 to 1993.

Matt Hogg
Regional Sales Manager

A former football player and student of engineering, SCG Sales Representative Matt Hogg brings an ideal combination of field and design knowledge to clients. Prior to serving as an offensive lineman for the Birmingham Thunderbolts (XFL League), Carolina Panthers, Barcelona Dragons, Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions, Matt earned his degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Youngstown State University. Before joining SCG, Matt honed his customer service skills by serving as a Sales Representative for Cleveland.com, SBC Smart Yellow Pages and Allegiance Telecommunications.

Matt Rinas
Senior Project Manager / Estimator

Matt joined Sports Construction Group (then known as S.W. Franks/SRI Sports) in 2001, beginning as a CAD Draftsman and Surveying Layout man. Since then his role has expanded to include procurement, site design, estimating and project management. Prior to joining SCG, Matt worked his way from Laborer to Project Manager in the construction industry. His employers included the City of Akron (Bureau of Engineering) and Hejduk-Cox & Associates, Inc. Matt earned a Bachelor's Degree in Construction Technology from the University of Akron's College of Engineering.

Allen Waterman
Regional Sales Manager

A 20-year sport construction veteran, Allen brings a wealth of synthetic turf experience to customers, having worked at both Sportexe and SRI Sports. Allen's expertise in sport surfacing and construction began when he was a Laborer with Tennis Surfaces Company. He later served as the company's Foreman and Project Superintendent. In 1996, he opened Track Masters' Chicago office and the following year he opened the company's Northeast office. He became Vice President of Track Masters in 1998, when he also became a USTC TBA Certified Track Builder. Allen attended Illinois State University in Normal, Ill.

Lee DeFreitas
Regional Sales Manager

A 20-year synthetic turf veteran, Lee DeFreitas knows nearly every synthetic turf product through and through. His career in the business began in 1987 with All-Pro, one of the nation's first synthetic turf companies. Since then he's worked in synthetic turf sales for some of the world's largest synthetic turf companies: Balsam AG, Southwest Recreational Industries (later known as SRI Sports) and Sportexe. Versed in a wide range of sports needs, Lee brings a special depth of field hockey expertise to SCG customers.

Rich Splean
Turf Operations Manager

A pro at synthetic turf, Rich has been installing field systems since 1993, when his turf career began with Balsam America (later known as Southwest Recreational Industries, then SRI Sports). In 2002, Rich became a Regional Manager for the company. Rich then served as U.S. Operations Manager for SRI Sports and later Sportexe, installing, managing, and directing installations of professional, collegiate, high school, as well as park and recreation fields. In 2006, he and his partners launched Trident Installations, a synthetic turf installation company. Rich attended Southeast Missouri State University prior to joining the U.S. Marine Corps.