About Us

Building What Drives Industry Forward

From One Warehouse to a National Footprint

Becknell Industrial is the national leader in purpose-built industrial real estate development, design & construction and long-term asset management. The company was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in suburban Chicago, with four additional offices located throughout the country. Over its 35-year history, Becknell has acquired or developed more than 225 industrial buildings occupying in excess of 40 million square feet with total capitalization of just under $4 billion.

From Foundation to Future:
The Becknell Story

Becknell Industrial was founded in 1990 when Dan Harrington and Fritz Hartrich (deceased in 2024) partnered to develop a custom warehouse for Nabisco, a client Hartrich had been serving since the 1970s. That first project laid the foundation for Becknell’s enduring commitment to long-term partnerships and purpose-built industrial solutions.

Under the strategic leadership of Dan Harrington, now serving as Executive Chairman and Chief Investment Officer, Becknell has grown into a national platform that has developed more than 40 million square feet of industrial real estate across 30+ states. This growth reflects Becknell’s disciplined approach to site selection, tenant relationships, and operational excellence.

In March 2026, Clay Thelen was appointed Chief Executive Officer. Becknell continues to benefit from the deep construction expertise and institutional knowledge Dan Harrington helped cultivate—ensuring every project reflects decades of experience and a commitment to quality.

Kraft – Champaign, IL

“We have the restless drive to look for something more in every opportunity and we have the confidence that we will find it.”

— Dan Harrington, Co-Founder & Chairman, Board of Directors

Meet Our Executive Team

Clay Thelen

Chief Executive Officer

Peter Shaplin

Chief Investment Officer

Craig Kouri

President & Chief Operating Officer

Patrick Harrington

Chief Legal Officer

Meet all the experts driving Becknell’s success.

Company News

Careers

Join a Team That Builds More Than Facilities— We Build Futures.

At Becknell Industrial, our success is driven by the dedication and expertise of our long-tenured team. From visionary architects and innovative engineers to detail-oriented property managers, we’re always looking for high-skilled professionals who thrive on solving complex challenges and shaping the future of industrial development. If you’re ready to be part of a collaborative, purpose-driven environment where your work makes a lasting impact, we invite you to explore open positions that match your expertise.

Explore our current job openings and find the perfect fit for you!

“At Becknell, our legacy is built on a strong foundation of integrity, reliability, and long-term partnerships. We’ve created an environment where experienced professionals can deepen their impact and where new talent is empowered to grow, contribute, and thrive. It’s more than a workplace — it’s a place where lasting careers are built.”

— Patrick Harrington, Chief Legal Officer

Our team of experts is ready to exceed your expectations

Download our corporate overview to learn more about Becknell.