Our Staff
With hundreds of years of collective practical experience, our staff's industry knowledge is matched only by their dedication to customer advocacy and superior service.
We offer diverse expertise covering all components of roofing, waterproofing, and building envelope consultancy.
Read on to learn more about our highly qualified (and universally friendly) team.
Richard Grobovsky
CEO
Richard Grobovsky founded AMBE LTD. in 1988 and brings 35 years of experience in the building envelope industry.
Richard is one of the foremost experts on building envelopes and has provided design and consulting services for hundreds of highly visible roof, wall restoration, and below-grade waterproofing projects both locally and nationally.
Professional Affiliations
- IREM
- BOMA
- RCI
- RNCA
- BEC
BOMA 2014 Service Provider of the Year
The Service Provider of the Year award honors an individual who is employed by an Associate or Professional member company, who has demonstrated initiative to stay on the leading edge of their own business through training, development, and involvement in the industry, and who has demonstrated superior customer service and professional expertise for their colleagues in BOMA Greater Minneapolis. See the full award here.
Wendell Finken
President
Wendell has more than two decades of experience in the roofing industry, including 10 years as a Registered Roofing and Waterproofing Consultant.
His experience as a Project Foreman and Project Superintendent provides a strong foundation for his assessment, design, and consulting work at AMBE LTD.
Continuing Education, Accreditations, and Affiliations
- Registered Roof Consultant (RRC) — RCI
- Registered Roof Observer (RRO) — RCI
- Local 96 Apprenticeship
- Haag Certified Roof Inspection (HCRI) — Haag Engineering
- Registered Roof Consultant Review and Update — RCI
- Advanced Thermal and Moisture — RCI
- Wind and Drainage — RCI
- Roof Technology and Science I — RCI
- Roof Technology and Science II — RCI
- Rooftop Quality Assurance — RCI
- Member — RCI
- Member — Roofers Local Union 96 (1991 - 2002)
Michael R. Johnston
Registered Roof Consultant
Mike has nearly thirty years of building envelope-consulting experience. He is an experienced investigator and has been responsible for the development and implementation of several large-scale, high profile roof management programs.
He has also been involved with the renovation and reconstruction of several historic projects.
Education
University of Minnesota — Carlson School of Management
Continuing Education, Accreditations, and Affiliations
- Registered Roof Consultant (RRC) — RCI
- Journeyman — Roofers Local 96
- Construction Specifiers Institute
- Northwest Loss Association
Don Wagner
Senior Consultant
Don has 40 years of experience as an Estimator/Project Manager in the commercial roofing and architectural sheet metal industry.
He has worked with energy utility companies, hospitals, private, state, and national clients. His experience includes all facets of the project lifecycle, from project negotiation and bid process to ongoing observation and quality assurance.
Education
University of Minnesota
Accreditations and Affiliations
- National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) Quality Assurance Program
- Sheet Metal Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA) Future Management Training
- Asbestos Site Supervisor (Minnesota)
- OHSA 500 Qualified
- Past Member — NRCA Safety Manual Committee
- Past Member — NRCA Safety/Health Committee
- Past Director — St. Paul Building Exchange
Michael P. Fastner
Roof Consultant
Michael has more than 12 years of experience in the roofing and waterproofing industry.
His work as a roof consultant is informed by extensive experience as an installer. Since joining AMBE LTD.in 2007, Michael has performed over 1,500 inspections of existing built-up, single ply membrane, metal, tile, and asphalt shingle roof systems.
Education
St. John's University
Continuing Education, Accreditations, and Affiliations
- Registered Roof Observers (RRO) — RCI
- Haag Certified Roof Inspection (HCRI) — Haag Engineering
- Water Entry Prevention and Moisture Control — University of Wisconsin College of Engineering
- Below-Grade and Plaza Deck Waterproofing — University of Wisconsin College of Engineering
- Symposium on Building Envelope Technology — RCI
- Advanced Thermal and Moisture — RCI
- Roof Asset Management — RCI
- Roof Technology and Science I — RCI
- Roof Technology and Science II — RCI
- Rooftop Quality Assurance — RCI
Rob Johnston
Senior Consultant
Rob has over 20 years of consulting experience in the building envelope industry. He has diverse experience with most major roofing and waterproofing systems.
Rob is also an expert in customized facilities management programs, helping to ensure the ongoing success of projects.
Education
US Naval Nuclear Power School
Continuing Education, Accreditations, and Affiliations
Midwest Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers (MAPPA)
Ryan Wagner
Roof Consultant
Ryan has 14 years of experience as a Project Manager/Estimator in the commercial roofing and architectural sheet metal industry.
He has expertise in AutoCAD architectural drafting as well as experience in the entire project lifecycle.
Education
University of Minnesota Twin Cities College of Continuing Education, Construction Management
Anoka Ramsey Community College
Continuing Education, Accreditations, and Affiliations
- AutoCAD Essentials Course — IMAGINIT Technologies
- Plan Reading Course, Level I — Dunwoody Institute
- Custom CAD Training — CAD Technology Center
- LiveRoof Installer Certification — LiveRoof LLC
Jamie I. LaVanier
Senior CAD Specialist
Jamie has 17 years of experience in the industry, including drafting, design, construction observation, field investigation, and testing.
Jamie has extensive project experience designing for roofing, masonry restoration, and waterproofing for both public and private clients.
Education
Minneapolis Drafting School
Continuing Education
Infrared Certification — Infraspection Institute
