In This Article
At Hurckman Mechanical Industries, leadership isn’t just about titles, it’s about impact. We’re proud to share that two of our top executives, President Jake Warden and Chief Operations Officer Jake Liebers, have been recognized as honorees in Insight on Business magazine’s 2025 “40 Under 40: Portraits of Success” awards.
This annual list highlights the most innovative and influential young professionals across Northeast Wisconsin. Out of nearly 150 nominations, only 40 individuals were selected by Insight’s panel of judges, and we’re honored to see both of our rising stars representing the Hurckman team among them.
“This recognition reflects more than individual achievement. It represents the kind of leadership and mentorship that fuels everything we do at Hurckman Mechanical,” said Warden.
A Legacy of Leadership, A Vision for the Future
Jake Warden, President of Hurckman Mechanical, began his career with HMI over a decade ago. With a background in mechanical engineering and hands-on project experience, Warden became the first non-family member to lead the company in its 70-year history. Since becoming president in 2024, he has helped expand our regional footprint, guided the acquisition of Van Den Heuvel Electric, and strengthened our full-service MEP capabilities in Wisconsin.
Warden’s leadership approach is rooted in connection, mentorship, and learning through challenges. As he told Insight Publications, “We create an environment where we learn from [mistakes] and share our insights with peers to enhance the overall success of the company.”
Read Jake Warden’s full feature in Insight
From Sheet Metal Apprentice to Chief Operations Officer
Jake Liebers, Chief Operations Officer at Hurckman Mechanical, took a different path, but one that’s just as inspiring. He started as a pre-apprentice sheet metal worker at 18 and rose through the ranks to become COO by 30. Liebers exemplifies the power of on-the-job growth, technical excellence, and people-first leadership.
In the past year, he has led major operational efforts, including our headquarters expansion and the successful integration of new teams after the Van Den Heuvel acquisition.
As Liebers shared with Insight, “Young leaders bring a fresh perspective… Their energy, creativity, and willingness to think outside the box are essential for continuous improvement and growth.”
Read Jake Liebers’ full feature in Insight
Investing in the Next Generation
At Hurckman, we believe great leadership doesn’t just build a strong company, it builds trust with our clients and community. The leadership awards of Jake Warden and Jake Liebers are not just a personal milestone; they’re a reflection of our entire team’s strength, from the field to the front office.
As we continue to grow, we remain committed to developing future leaders who share our values of innovation, integrity, and craftsmanship.
Be sure to visit the public 40 Under 40 portrait exhibit at The Art Garage in Green Bay, May 30–June 1, to see this year’s honorees.