Testimonials

What People Are Saying

• Dave helped us build our dream school, a very challenging project given all the regulatory codes and deadlines. Throughout the whole process, he was a great partner to deal with. He was always friendly and easy to reach. His extensive experience and relationships with the local trades made the process feel seamless. When challenges occurred, he was always on it, and we would manage to stay on time and on budget. 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

• Building out a school is a very challenging job, especially if you have little or no experience with the process. While I have worked with a custom builder on my home, I have never taken on a project this significant. Dave Michelsen was our point person for this project. His knowledge of building codes, his contacts with excellent and reputable subcontractors, and his ability to take a project from idea to reality made him the perfect construction manager for us. He is the consummate professional who understands the clients’ needs and has the expertise to manage an incredibly large project, on time, and within budget. 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. He started as our construction manager and became our friend in the process. I would hire him for any project I had coming up, whether for the school or my own personal needs, and would recommend him to colleagues, family, and friends.

  Joanne Dybas, M.Ed.

  Principal, 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. Dave is a trusted partner who combines technical expertise with strong communication and integrity. I would recommend him to anyone seeking a capable and dependable project manager.

  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.

  Beyond his skillset, what I value most about Dave is his integrity. He tells you what you need to hear, keeps his word, and genuinely cares about the outcome for everyone involved. He is the kind of collaborator who makes a difficult project feel manageable.

  If you are an owner seeking someone to represent your interests with experience, honesty, and dedication, look no further than Dave Michelsen and James Alan Management Inc.

  Nick Degnan

  Vice President, Thorne Associates, Inc.

  Chicago, IL

• I’d be happy to share a few thoughts about my experience working with David. Over the more than 15 years we’ve worked together, I’ve consistently been impressed by his depth of knowledge, attention to detail, and ability to navigate complex challenges with a calm, solutions-focused mindset. He brings a strong combination of technical skill and practical judgment, which makes a real difference in both the process and the final outcome. David is a great person to work with and for. He understands customer needs at all levels and approaches each situation with thoughtfulness and clarity, ensuring that expectations are met and often exceeded. What stands out just as much is how he works with people. He’s reliable, communicative, and straightforward, someone who follows through on commitments and keeps things moving without unnecessary friction. There’s a level of integrity and professionalism in how he operates that builds trust quickly and makes collaboration easy. He also has a knack for anticipating issues before they become problems, and he handles unexpected situations with a steady, thoughtful approach. That kind of consistency is rare and incredibly valuable.

  Overall, working with David has always felt like being in capable hands. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to anyone looking for someone who combines strong expertise with a grounded, dependable character.

  Kevin McMullan

  Account Executive, Diverzify Pro

  Itasca, IL