Hughes Group is the largest architectural sales organization in the Midwest, specializing in exterior systems and Interior finishes from the world's most respected manufacturers. With over 30 years of experience solving complex design problems for architects, designers, developers, owners and contractors, we deliver custom solutions and quality products on time and on budget.
At Hughes Group we are committed to delivering the highest performing rainscreen materials and assisting in all stages of building design and construction--from the conceptual stage to project completion--providing material solutions and guidance for all aspects of the building envelope.
Hughes Group owes its success to it’s commitment to the client, using the customer as a reference point for innovation, development, continuing education, and business partnerships. Our mission is to take the intention to ‘wow an innovate’ and match that goal with global engineers and craftsmen—then add breakthrough methods of installation to deliver on time and on budget.
Who We Are
JOHN RICHARD HUGHES | FOUNDER
John left Owens-Corning Fiberglas, after 13 years, to start his architectural sales company in Chicago; John R. Hughes & Associates, Inc.
Through the generosity of his customer base, John assembled a few interior finish companies for the architectural/design community to consider for their projects. Over the years, the line-up of companies has morphed into the finest assortment of interior and exterior finish companies in our industry and the territory has expanded to include Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota and N&S Dakota.
JR HUGHES | BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
In 1998 JR joined Hughes & Associates. Since, he has had the opportunity to travel and tour some remarkably specialized factories all over the world. He enjoys the travel and culture, as well as gathering information on company’s products, capabilities, and limitations. Today’s passion is sharing these findings with the architectural/design community.
ZACH HUGHES | CONSULTING, SALES, MARKETING
Zach Joined Hughes Group in 2007. Having served in the Marine Corps, he is highly motivated and operates with a high level of respect and understanding of all facets of the building process from conception to completion. In his years with Hughes Group, he has excelled at interior design concepts and out of the box thinking with the ability to inspire manufacturers to do the same.
KYLE CZEKALSKI | ESTIMATING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Kyle manages estimating, takeoffs, and business development--as well as operating Centerline Architectural Supply. His degree in Mechanical Design helped pave the way for his previous position with Owens Corning, where he was introduced to the independent sales world; an industry where he eventually pivoted into and learned the ins and outs of the independent sales rep business. In 2012 joined Hughes Group and Environmental Building Products, helping to act as a mediator to bring companies closer together to achieve a common goal – success.
In his personal time, Kyle is an avid hunter, fisherman, loving husband, and proud parent of two young boys.
BRENT HABLE | REPRESENTATIVE, MICHIGAN
Brent Hable is the Hughes Group manufacturer representative for the Michigan region. Brent graduated in 2011 with a B.B.A from Oakland University and spent 8 years in Medical sales before working with Hughes Group. He enjoys golfing, traveling with his wife and daughter, and discovering new breweries/distilleries.
RON HABLE | REPRESENTATIVE, MICHIGAN
Ron Hable is a Hughes Group manufacturer representative for the Michigan region with his business partner and son, Brent Hable. Ron began his career in construction as a sales and application engineer for Eaton Corporation, later establishing his own company, MSG Sales, where he dealt in the design development, and sale of engineered stampings--cold headed product and injection molded plastics.
Ron enjoys visiting Michigan¹s Upper Peninsula, hunting and fishing, and spending time with his 3 grandchildren and children, and wife of 36 years.
MIKE HERBST | REPRESENTATIVE, MINNESOTA AND DAKOTAS
Mike Herbst is the President and CEO of Environmental Building Products, LLC, a position he has held since the conception of EBP more than 20 years ago. Conveniently based in the greater Minneapolis area, he represents and consults on architectural product solutions in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Iowa--regularly collaborating with Hughes Group. Mike graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with a bachelor’s degree in economics. Mike resides in Deephaven with his family and has volunteered his time for over 20 years with Boy Scouts of America.
ROBERT JUDGE | ARCHITECTURE
Robert Judge Jr. is a licensed architect who is fascinated with the science of buildings. His 18 years of architectural and construction experience have exposed him to a variety of project types, such as retail shopping centers, restaurants, multifamily housing, corporate offices, and municipal facilities. Robert’s responsibilities at Hughes Group and Centerline range from the introduction and education of product specifics, to the management of individual projects during estimation, fabrication, and installation of specified products. During his free time, Robert enjoys experiencing the outdoors with his wife, children, friends, and dog along with writing and woodworking.
PARAIC LALLY | BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Paraic brings over 25 years of experience to the Hughes Group in the building envelope. He has a civil engineering background and can provide solid technical support to designers and contractors. He is knowledgeable in energy-efficient building design, with a working knowledge of combining thermal spacers, continuous insulation and cladding to provide systems solutions to Rainscreen systems. In his spare time, Paraic works with his wife in animal rescue, fostering and adoption.
MARY HALL | ACCOUNT SUPPORT
Mary worked at Cenex Harvest States in Sales Management before joining us here at Hughes Group. She brought over her vast knowledge of the day-to-day operations of business management. Her extensive customer service experience is a valuable asset to our company. In her free time, she enjoys camping, rock hounding, hanging out with family and friends, and traveling.