Employee Owners

Ricky Duarte brings a people-first mindset to his role as IT Help Desk Specialist at BranchPattern, always guided by the belief, "Do to others as you would have them do to you." Whether troubleshooting a stubborn device or guiding a new hire through onboarding, Ricky handles every task with quiet determination and a bit of good-natured charm. He knows that even the smallest tech fix can brighten someone’s day, and he’s always happy to be the one making it happen.

With a Bachelor of Arts in Business Leadership from MidAmerica Nazarene University and certifications in cloud computing, IT systems analysis, and mobile device repair, Ricky combines technical expertise with a people-first approach. His passion for technology is driven by a genuine love for helping others, creating strong connections with coworkers, and fostering a collaborative work environment. For Ricky, it's not just about fixing problems—it's about doing so with patience and positivity, treating every request as he'd want his own to be handled.

Outside of work, Ricky’s rhythm extends beyond the IT world. You might find him dancing or singing, channeling the same energy and creativity he brings to his job. For Ricky, whether troubleshooting an issue or finding the perfect beat, it’s all about uplifting others and creating joyful moments. He believes that with a little rhythm and the right attitude, any obstacle can be overcome. When he’s not at his desk or on the dance floor, Ricky gives back to his community through volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity KC and Women Build Kansas City, always striving to make a positive impact.

Sam Blanchard understands that great things take time, but with focus and intention, everything falls into place. As a Commissioning Provider at BranchPattern, she applies this philosophy to her work, guided by the mantra "Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." Her ability to collaborate seamlessly with colleagues across departments is a key strength, as she’s always looking for ways to optimize processes and better support her team.

With a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s in Energy Systems from Illinois Institute of Technology, Sam takes on a wide range of commissioning projects, driven by the belief that patience and intentionality lead to lasting impact. One of her career highlights was working on one of the first LEED v5 certifications in the world, a testament to her commitment to pushing boundaries while ensuring projects stay on track and on target. She’s especially focused on optimizing BranchPattern’s commissioning approach for ILFI and MBCx projects, where precision and care are key.

Sam’s thoughtful, intentional approach extends beyond her professional life. She enjoys pottery, a craft that echoes her work philosophy—where patience, care, and steady progress result in something meaningful. When she’s not at work or the pottery wheel, Sam dedicates her time to volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, knowing that small, consistent actions can make a big difference over time.

Scott Conner believes the key to success is thoughtful preparation. As a Project Executive at BranchPattern, he ensures LEED Volume projects stay on track from design through construction. Scott thrives on guiding his team and clients through the certification process, knowing that the effort put in early leads to lasting impact. Over the years, Scott has certified over 3 million square feet of LEED Volume projects nationwide, with a special focus on those that balance environmental sustainability with human health and well-being.

With a B.S. in Environmental Studies from the Catholic University of America, Scott’s expertise as a LEED AP BD+C and WELL AP equips him to dive deep into the intricacies of sustainability certifications. He’s always improving processes, developing tools that streamline workflows, and delivering exceptional results to clients. Scott is also committed to making a difference beyond his professional work. He’s an active member of USGBC Nebraska Flatwater and regularly volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and The Big Garden in Omaha, believing that investing in his community is key to creating a ripple effect of positive change.

When he's not working, Scott enjoys making the most of each season. In the summer, you’ll often find him playing sand volleyball or hitting the golf course, soaking up the outdoors. During the colder months, he switches gears, spending time indoors playing board games like Clue or catching up on his favorite TV shows—Survivor and NFL football, where he’s a dedicated Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Scott also has a love for reading, engaging in thoughtful conversations with friends, and reflecting on life’s deeper mysteries, always eager to explore new perspectives.

Sussan Jarvis leads with purpose, bringing innovative thinking and a passion for sustainability to every project she takes on. As a core member of BranchPattern’s Materials Team, she manages projects and serves as Project Executive, always focused on delivering impactful results. Sussan plays a key role in driving Carbon Accounting efforts, developing systems that make sustainability measurable and effective. Known for tackling challenges head-on, Sussan thrives on finding creative ways to streamline processes and enhance building sustainability. She’s constantly exploring new methods to push sustainability to the forefront and make a lasting difference through her work.

Her global perspective, built on a Bachelor of Architecture from the National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia and a Master of Science in Technical Architecture from Sheffield Hallam University, fuels her expertise in building science and whole-building life cycle assessments. Sussan doesn’t just improve workflows—she transforms them, helping organizations rethink how they approach sustainable practices. Certified as a LEED AP ID+C and Green Classroom Professional, Sussan is constantly expanding her skills and is already preparing for the LCACP exam. She’s an active member of The American Center for Life Cycle Assessment (ACLCA), staying ahead of industry trends and innovations.

As Volume Project Administrator at BranchPattern, Teresa Kooima leads sustainability projects across the US, Mexico, Brazil, and Italy, ensuring that each project prioritizes environmentally-friendly solutions. Her passion for collaboration fuels her day-to-day work, and she credits the support and expertise of her Volume team for driving success. Teresa thrives in a positive, productive environment, knowing that teamwork enhances the quality of every project. She is dedicated to delivering results and building strong relationships with clients, helping them navigate sustainable solutions and greener paths forward.

Teresa holds a B.S. in Sustainable Energy from Creighton University, equipping her with a deep understanding of energy systems and sustainability practices. Her education provides the foundation for her work on international projects, where she ensures sustainability is a core focus at every stage. In the past year alone, Teresa’s expertise in LEED Volume and LEED for New Construction led to the certification of eight LEED Silver projects and one LEED Gold project. She also showcased her leadership by hosting a workshop on Biophilic Design in October 2023.

Fluent in Spanish and currently learning Portuguese, Teresa has successfully certified several LEED projects while collaborating with international teams. Her language skills and in-depth knowledge of sustainability make her a key figure in advancing sustainable design across borders.

Outside of work, Teresa is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, and camping—anything that gets her outside and connected to nature. She also loves to travel and explore new places, often seeking out local craft breweries to try unique, small-batch beers. Teresa has a particular interest in breweries that focus on sustainability practices, from eco-friendly brewing techniques to locally sourced ingredients, making each visit not just about great beer, but also about supporting responsible, community-focused businesses.

Thomas Vite is a Sustainability Consultant at BranchPattern, where he specializes in whole building life cycle assessments and embodied carbon reduction strategies. With a background in architecture and sustainability, Thomas excels at synthesizing comprehensive sustainable strategies with precise technical details, driving impactful and creative solutions. His expertise lies in optimizing designs to reduce environmental impact and crafting compelling visualizations that make complex data accessible and actionable.

Committed to continuous learning and innovation, Thomas focuses on advancing his technical knowledge and researching new materials and methods to elevate sustainable design. His work reflects a dedication to creating meaningful impact, both within BranchPattern and in the broader community. Among his notable achievements are contributions to key industry resources, including BranchPattern's Benchmark Study for U.S. Industrial Real Estate (Version 2).

Outside of work, Thomas enjoys exploring the world around him through long bike rides, runs, and walks, often discovering new perspectives and inspiration along the way. He also brings a creative touch to his personal life, constantly refining the art of pizza-making in his quest for the perfect dough and sauce recipe.

Vickie Thurgood thrives on driving change. As a BIM Specialist at BranchPattern, she’s the engine behind setting up design projects, drafting MEP systems, and offering essential support to engineers. Vickie sees each project challenge as a chance to push boundaries, streamline processes, and be the change she wants to see in the engineering world. With her commitment to excellence and passion for innovation, she ensures that progress is always within reach, leaving a lasting impact on every project she’s a part of.

With an Associate’s degree in Manufacturing Technology from Mesa State College, Vickie’s technical expertise is second to none. She’s played a crucial role in high-profile projects like the Jackson County Detention Center, City of Thornton Community Center, City of Boulder Pavilion, and DCSD Legacy Campus. But what really sets her apart is her drive to shake things up—Vickie thrives on pushing the envelope and making processes smarter, faster, and more efficient.

And Vickie’s passion for change doesn’t stop at the office. Outside of work, she’s constantly on the move—literally! She teaches tap dance, leads group fitness classes, and holds a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Whether she’s dancing, teaching, or training, Vickie is always finding ways to inspire and transform those around her.