About – James Alan Management

Building With Integrity

James Alan Management (JAM) is a small, relationship-driven consultancy that provides owners and developers with the personal touch often missing from larger firms. We have earned the trust of clients, contractors, and vendors in the Chicagoland area through honest communication and a collaborative approach. Our strong partnerships and reliable onsite presence create a better construction experience for everyone involved.

David Michelsen

Co-founder, President

Dave's career began as a union laborer and carpenter working alongside his father in the commercial construction industry. After earning his BA in Management and MBA in Finance, he moved into an estimating role with a Chicago based General Contractor. He later advanced through multiple project management positions with several firms before serving as Director of Construction Management for a Commercial Real Estate Developer.

Dave is a no nonsense leader who believes the strength of a project lies in the collective contributions of the entire team. His collaborative approach encourages meaningful participation from all stakeholders. He understands that defining the Owner's mission is a critical first step — including whether the design will drive the budget or the budget will drive the design.

A married father of two, Dave enjoys the outdoors, sports, fishing, and volunteering at his local church. He looks forward to partnering with you to bring your project vision to life.

Testimonials

“Dave helped us build our dream school, a very challenging project given all the regulatory codes and deadlines. His extensive experience and relationships with the local trades made the process feel seamless. When working with him, you feel like you are part of a family. As stressful as construction can be, our staff got so used to hanging out with Dave that we were sad for the process to end.”

Colin Breen

Head of School, DuPage Montessori School

Naperville, IL
“Dave of James Alan Management provided exceptional leadership, managing our project from initial concept through completion. He helped ensure all decisions aligned with our goals and budget. His consistent onsite presence gave us confidence that details were executed with excellence, and his ability to anticipate and proactively solve challenges was invaluable.”

Nicole Burt

Campus Development Director, Willow Creek Community Church

South Barrington, IL
“Over the past 12 years I have worked with Dave Michelsen, I have come to rely on him as both a skilled professional and a person of exceptional character. Dave has the kind of deep construction knowledge that only comes from decades in the field — across hotel projects, commercial interiors, institutional builds, and more — and he brings that expertise to bear in a way that is always practical and owner-focused.”

Nick Degnan

Vice President, Thorne Associates, Inc.

Chicago, IL
“Dave and his team of subcontractors met and exceeded our expectations throughout the entire project. He is completely hands-on, which is such a relief when you have this type of project underway, while running the day-to-day operations of a school. This process was easier because of his expertise and his ability to work with a variety of professionals and personalities. He enjoys his work, and it shows in how he treats the people he works with.”

Joanne Dybas, M.Ed.

Principal, DuPage Montessori School

Naperville, IL

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