Our mission is to retain secure manufacturing jobs in Chicago and sustain pathways to the middle class for area residents. Our belief is that a strong manufacturing base with opportunities for skill growth and advancement is a vital part of the urban fabric. We seek to cultivate and serve our customers, employees, and the community and environment where we work.
Beth Jankovic
Vice President of Sales
Nature or nurture? Beth is the daughter of Marco Fabrication’s founder Mario Salamone. She was raised in the metal business, and has worked at Marco for over 30 years, building long-term, collaborative relationships with customers. Beth leads client services -- providing estimates, guidance on design and engineering issues, and schedule coordination. She is a graduate of University of Wisconsin Whitewater, with a degree in social work.
Isaiah McMullen
Shop Apprentice
Isaiah joined FosterWorks in the summer of 2021 after graduating from the Academy of Scholastic Achievement. He earned a National Institute for Metalworking Skills certificate in Measurement, Materials & Safety, and training as a welder. Isaiah is also a participant in the Manufacturing Connect Career Pathways Training Program.
Juan Abad
Shop Lead
Juan has over a decade at Marco/FosterWorks. He started in the shipping department and worked his way through all areas of the shop. Juan now leads the shop team, and manages all equipment operations and maintenance.
Liz Kloster
Founder + CFO
Liz can’t believe Lucy talked her into buying a metal shop. Throughout her career she has worked extensively with manufacturing and non-profit organizations as an auditor, internal auditor, consultant, and member of the finance and executive teams. Currently Ms. Kloster works primarily with organizations going through a significant structural change and/or period of growth, and provides consultation in areas of finance and human resources. She has done extensive board work and currently sits on the boards of two non-profit organizations whose missions inspire her. Ms. Kloster was a Strobel Honors Accounting Major at DePaul University and earned a Master's Degree in Social Justice and Community Development from Loyola University.
Lucy Minturn
Founder + CEO
Lucy finally has the metal shop she’s always wanted. She began her career in finance, first at Lehman Brothers then Morgan Stanley, where she was deeply involved in emerging market equity IPOs, privatizations, and currencies. She left finance to pursue manufacturing at an architectural metal shop in Queens, and went on to spend a decade in high-end finishings for architects, designers, and artists – both as an owner and operator of various companies. Lucy also has experience guiding non-profit institutions in both executive and board capacities. Lucy graduated with honors from Vassar College, and has a Master's Degree in Cultural Anthropology from New York University.
Pedro Ruiz
Lead Former
Pedro also has over a decade at Marco/FosterWorks. He is highly skilled in press brake set up, and can bend metal into origami.
Renny Roberts
Bookkeeper
Renny keeps the comings and goings of money on time and under control!
Vickie Vitez
Vice President of Operations
Vickie is Mario’s other daughter, and, as the older sister, holds a slight advantage over Beth in years at the company. She leads operations – equipment programming, fabrication oversight, and general shop management. Vickie also handles purchasing and vendor relations. She is a graduate of Illinois State University, with a degree in psychology.
Yesenia Guzman
Shipping/Receiving + Quality Control
Yesenia joined FosterWorks recently, and adds her keen attention to detail in overseeing all shipping and receiving.