About Us

Our story begins with two brothers, Nyle and Lyle Finch. Their rich history in construction dates back to the 1940s, and has since been marked by strong growth, strategic diversification, and a focus on collaborative business relationships. Thanks to the solid foundation laid by the Finch brothers, Peoria Metro is now a leading provider of commercial construction services in Central Illinois.

At the heart of Nyle and Lyle’s achievements was their entrepreneurial spirit and reputation for trustworthiness—traits that continue to define our team today. Over the decades, we have built on what they started by consistently delivering their legacy of quality and reliability in every project we undertake. This has fueled our adaptability and success in navigating the evolving landscape of construction and has established a predictable standard our clients have come to expect. As we look to the future, we are both confident and ready to embrace new challenges and opportunities with the same determination that has shaped our identity since the beginning.

The Finch Companies

Within the Finch family of companies are three distinct yet complementary businesses. Each offers specialized solutions in their respective areas of construction and transportation. From excavation and bridge construction with N.E. Finch Co., freight transfer on the Illinois River with Peoria Barge Terminal, to a variety of commercial construction services with Peoria Metro, these three companies collectively build upon each other’s strengths. They unite construction precision and logistical expertise with decades of leadership in the industry.

Our Leadership

The Chairman and CEO of the Finch Companies is Tom Finch. Tom is Lyle’s youngest son. With a tenure spanning over fifty years, Tom has been instrumental in the consistent growth and integrity of all three businesses. His daughter, Courtney (Finch) Meischner, has recently assumed the role of President. Alongside her husband, Tom Meischner, the Vice President, they manage the day-to-day operations of each entity, upholding the Finch family’s enduring commitment to honesty, integrity, and quality.

Our History

Early Beginnings

When Nyle and Lyle returned from World War II in the 1940s, they put their personal trucks to work and delivered coal to private homes. As demand increased, they expanded their fleet, and this growth eventually enabled them to accommodate larger customers. With their operations expanding, the range of their services and capabilities broadened, helping them meet the needs of a region experiencing post-war economic growth.

Evolving in the 1950s

The 1950s saw the Finch brothers further enhance their fleet by adding cranes and earthmoving equipment. This allowed them to focus on site excavation and development. Their increasing footprint led them to acquire land under the now-familiar Interstate 74 bridge in Peoria, IL, which marked the commencement of their dock operations and strengthened their position in material handling and transportation.

Expansion in the 60s & 70s

The following decades benefited greatly from the momentum of the 1950s. During the 1960s and 1970s, Nyle and Lyle branched out into new areas of concentration. Across the Midwest, they took on tasks from pile driving and foundation work, especially along the Illinois River, to erecting utility towers. A notable achievement from this period was their instrumental role in the development of the Duck Creek Power Plant in Canton, IL.

The Birth of Peoria Metro

The diversity of their projects during these earlier decades laid a solid foundation for what would come next. In 1988, the establishment of Peoria Metro marked a pivotal moment in the Finch legacy. As early as the 1960s, they had expanded into commercial general contracting and construction management. Collaborations during that time with CILCO and Caterpillar were momentous. By undertaking specialized tasks for these notable clients, such as pile driving and foundation work, the Finch family enriched their portfolio and deepened their expertise in the construction sector. Today, Peoria Metro is recognized as one of the premier mid-sized commercial general contractors in the region.

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Our Team

Executive Management

Tom Finch 
Chairman & CEO 
 
Courtney Meischner 
President 

Tom Meischner 
Vice President

George Sarraf 
Director of Business Development

Estimating & Project Management Team 

Roberto Ortega 
Senior Estimator / Project Manager 
 
John Schmidt 
Senior Estimator / Project Manager 
 
Blake Postin 
Estimator / Project Manager 

Rich Unes 
Senior Project Manager 

Field Operations

Kris Turner
General Superintendant

Project Accounting & Administration

Diana Bowman 
dbowman@peoriametro.com 

Sherry Hurt 
shurt@peoriametro.com 

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