Team Biographies

Samuel J. Cicero, Sr.
Founder

Samuel J. Cicero Sr. is one of the most experienced professionals in the construction and renovation industry. He founded Cicero’s Development Corporation in 1970 and is responsible for building its sterling reputation as one of the most sought after commercial renovation companies for the hospitality industry. Sam’s track record of “on-time on-budget” is unrivaled, and his understanding of the processes, materials, scheduling and client needs required to continue to successfully operate and maintain cash flow in major renovation projects has propelled the company to success year after year.

Sam Sr. has worked on many challenging renovation projects for well over four decades, and he thoroughly understands the processes required and how to successfully execute them. He has instilled in his team members, employees and sub-contractors the same family pride and concern for clients that makes Cicero’s unique in this industry. Today, Sam Sr. heads the new business development and the company’s marketing programs while creating and leading Cicero’s into new exclusive programs like its $ensible Green campaign. Sam conceived and implemented $ensible Green to help hotel owners and operators save money by lowering operating costs through common sense renovations while helping to improve our environment.

Under Sam’s management and leadership, Cicero’s Development has established a reputation for anticipating challenges and finding efficient and cost effective solutions for clients. Sam Sr. is committed to work with his clients as a valuable team member and trusted partner, in meeting owner project goals with an unwavering emphasis on safety and quality on every project.

Sam Sr. has built a solid foundation for Cicero’s. Together with Sam Jr. they have developed and implemented several original programs including the 12 step, Renovation Roadmap, which outlines the key elements to keep projects on-time and on-budget, Disruption Avoidance Management (DAM) program, Surprise Management program and the continuing expansion of the $ensible Green program and other money-saving programs for their clients. Their newest program, Project Executive Plan (PEP), is a combination of programs put together in a detailed, systematic approach for hotel owners to professionally enhance their properties. Sam’s enduring mission is to keep Cicero’s Development on top, as one of the most respected construction and renovation leaders in the hospitality industry.

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Samuel E. Cicero, Jr.
President

Sam E. Cicero Jr. runs the daily operations of Cicero’s Development Corporation. Having been mentored by his father, Sam Jr. learned firsthand the practical aspects of the construction industry such as carpentry, painting and paper hanging. He also has worked in every part of the company, including sales, marketing, human resources, accounting and information technology. Sam Jr. understands the day-to-day and long-term challenges faced by hotel owners, operators and managers through the country.

Sam Jr. is driven to getting it right. He and his father have assembled a team of professionals who are dedicated to customer service and quality work. Their track record for meeting deadlines and keeping to budget requirements demonstrates how well they know the renovation and construction process. In addition, Sam Jr. is always looking for ways to improve the company and its programs.

Sam Jr. started at the bottom and worked his way up. He has honed the Project Execution Plan, or PEP system, for Cicero’s Development Corporation to a point that customers know where their renovation stands at every step. He is also a major developer of the company’s Disruption Management Avoidance (DAM) program that enables their hotel customers to continue operating throughout the renovation process. It is one area for which Cicero’s Development is highly recognized.

Sam Jr. is poised to continue building on the company’s success and legacy. He holds numerous industry certifications and contractor licensing requirements for various states and municipalities where Cicero’s does business.

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Steve Glenn, RA
Director of Design, In-House Architect

Steve Glenn brings more than 30 years of experience in the renovation and construction industry to Cicero’s Development Corporation. Steve has been affiliated with Cicero’s Development Corporation for over 20 years as a Design Professional providing Architectural and Engineering Consulting Services. He joined the company in 2008 during a $3.5 million renovation for Embassy Suites and since then, he has continued to provide valuable Architectural and Engineering counsel for each hotel renovation and construction project Cicero’s has undertaken.

Steve knows how important customer relationships are, especially in the hotel renovation industry. He approaches every project – large or small – with the same focus on detail. Steve believes the emphasis on detail that Cicero’s Development delivers to all its customers rivals the services of much larger construction firms. With his extensive background in Construction, Architecture and Engineering, Steve has a unique perspective on what resonates for the customer. He owned and operated his own consulting engineering firms for 23 years before joining Cicero’s Development.

The opportunity to design and renovate buildings for customers is a passion for Steve. He is a team player and is proud of how well the Cicero team comes together to effectively deliver for their customers every time.

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Zara C. Johnson
Office Manager

Zara C. Johnson joined Cicero’s Development in 1988 as office manager. She oversees human resources, accounts receivables and payables, the company’s benefits program and critical elements of its safety program. Zara understands the attention to detail that those on the front lines of renovation put into each project, and she pursues her work with the same vigor.

Zara is one of the vital team players for Cicero’s Development. She has the perspective of a veteran because she has been with the company for more than 20 years and has been instrumental in developing and implementing some of the company’s best practices and procedures. Zara has also been at the forefront of the company’s evolving technology needs for the office and general maintenance of its operations.

In 2011, Zara was named Mrs. Illinois/America. Cicero’s Development was behind her candidacy 100 percent and supported her on the company’s website. She is also a breast cancer survivor, and the company continues its support as Zara works in the community, speaking to other women about cancer screenings and offering emotional support to those who are battling this disease.

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Cicero's Development offers on-site consultations for commercial renovation and new construction projects. To request a consultation online click here, or call us at (866) 904-0141.