John Rinacke
Cypress
Summary
Senior cost estimating professional with a track record of leading estimating teams and delivering accurate, data-driven cost solutions for complex infrastructure programs. Experienced in capital improvement planning, parametric modeling, and construction management, with a strong foundation in transportation and water/wastewater projects. Trusted advisor to clients and stakeholders on cost, risk, and project delivery strategy.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Cost Estimator
Freese and Nichols
Houston
12.2022 - Current
- Serve as Lead Cost Estimator, managing and mentoring a team of estimators and overseeing all estimating efforts across the company
- Coordinate, log, and track all estimate requests to ensure timely delivery and consistency across projects
- Perform quantity takeoffs and develop Opinions of Probable Construction Cost (OPCC) across all design phases, from conceptual/parametric through final design
- Support capital improvement programs, impact fee analyses, and long-range planning with conceptual and parametric cost modeling
- Review and validate estimates and cost models to ensure accuracy, consistency, and alignment with project scope
- Verified contractor change order pricing and reconciled cost discrepancies
- Solicit and analyze vendor and supplier pricing to maintain current, market-based cost data
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary design teams and technical experts to ensure constructability and cost alignment
- Present estimates to clients and stakeholders, explaining methodologies, assumptions, cost drivers, and risks
- Estimates a wide range of infrastructure projects, including pump stations, lift stations, treatment plants, water storage tanks, roadways, dams, levees, boat ramps, airports, facilities, and urban design projects
- Research, compile, and analyze industry pricing data and publish quarterly cost trend newsletters summarizing market conditions, escalation impacts, and supporting source data for internal teams and external clients
Cost Estimator
Freese and Nichols
Houston
05.2021 - 12.2022
- Coordinated, logged, and tracked estimate requests, ensuring timely delivery and project consistency
- Perform quantity takeoffs and develop Opinions of Probable Construction Cost (OPCC) across all design phases, from conceptual/parametric through final design
- Support capital improvement programs, impact fee analyses, and long-range planning with conceptual and parametric cost modeling
- Verified contractor change order pricing and reconciled cost discrepancies to maintain budget integrity
- Sourced and analyzed vendor and supplier pricing to provide updated, market-based cost data
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary design teams and technical experts to ensure constructability and cost alignment
Construction Manager
Freese and Nichols
Houston
06.2018 - 05.2021
- Performed Construction Management duties across multiple large-scale infrastructure projects, including TxDOT IH-45 expansion (Huntsville, TX), Sam Houston Tollway widening (Pasadena, TX), lift station rehabilitation (Freeport, TX), and the North Harris County Regional Water Authority Al Rendel 40 MGD Pump Station
- Served as Construction Program Manager for Harris County Engineering Department’s Recovery and Resiliency Division, supporting delivery of grant-funded infrastructure projects
- Facilitated pre-construction meetings, bi-weekly progress meetings, utility coordination meetings, and project delivery discussions with owners, contractors, and stakeholders
- Reviewed contract documents and interlocal agreements to ensure compliance with project requirements and funding provisions
- Monitored grant-funded project compliance, including documentation, reporting requirements, and regulatory adherence
- Identified and resolved non-conforming work in coordination with contractors and design teams to maintain quality and compliance
- Utilized PMIS platforms to manage RFIs, daily reports, submittals, change orders, pay applications, and project documentation
- Monitored construction schedules, evaluated delays and claims, and supported resolution efforts to maintain project timelines
- Managed project milestones, including substantial completion, final acceptance, closeout, and warranty phases
Construction Manager / Inspector
Texas Department of Transportation
Houston
07.2017 - 06.2018
- Managed concurrent interstate widening projects along the US 290 corridor, overseeing all construction management and inspection activities in a highly urbanized environment
- Led a team of six TxDOT inspectors, directing daily assignments, scheduling, performance, and coordination with Consulting Engineering firms providing CEI services
- Coordinated weekly construction meetings with consultants, contractors, and stakeholders, including METRO, project management consultants, and local businesses to ensure project alignment
- Administered construction contracts by processing change orders and responding to RFIs, reviewing CPM schedules to ensure project progress and adherence to timelines
- Collaborated with senior leadership to identify project risks and develop solutions related to scope, schedule, and budget
- Reviewed and approved contractor invoices and pay applications, ensuring accuracy and compliance with contract requirements
- Verified construction work for compliance with plans, specifications, and TxDOT standards
- Oversaw project documentation and controls, including change plan requests, submittals, RFIs, change orders, and punch lists
Education
Master of Science - Construction Management
The University of Texas At El Paso
El Paso, TX12-2021
BGS - General Studies
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO05-2017
Skills
- Team Leadership & Staff Management
- Quantity Takeoffs & Assembly-Level Estimating
- Conceptual & Parametric Cost Modeling
- Tracking Historical Cost Data
- Change Order Management & Cost Validation
- Stakeholder & Client Engagement
- ZZ Takeoff
- Bluebeam Revu
- RSMeans
- Equipment Watch
- Excel
Certification
- CMIT
- HMAC Level 1B
- OSHA 10
Timeline
Lead Cost Estimator
Freese and Nichols
12.2022 - Current
Cost Estimator
Freese and Nichols
05.2021 - 12.2022
Construction Manager
Freese and Nichols
06.2018 - 05.2021
Construction Manager / Inspector
Texas Department of Transportation
07.2017 - 06.2018
Master of Science - Construction Management
The University of Texas At El Paso
BGS - General Studies
University of Missouri