Our People, Their Story: Bryan’s Story with Ancon Construction

Bryan’s journey with Ancon Construction spans more than a decade, beginning with a high school internship and evolving into a leadership role in architectural design. Reflecting on the past five years as an Employee Owner, Bryan describes his experience as one of both personal and professional growth alongside Ancon’s expansion and evolution.

Bryan’s path into the construction industry started at Goshen High School, where he participated in the ICE (Internship Cooperative Experience) program under the guidance of Mr. Bechtel. He spent his entire senior year interning at Ancon, working mornings throughout the fall and spring semesters. After graduating, he pursued architecture at Ball State University and returned to Ancon during summer breaks. Upon earning his degree, he took a design role at Jayco, where he spent five years creating luxury fifth-wheel RVs.

When it came time for a career change and an opportunity arose at Ancon Construction, he decided to return. Since then, he has witnessed significant changes within the company. “We’re busier than ever, and the type of projects we take on have become more refined,” he explains. “We’ve moved beyond just constructing large metal buildings — we’re now fine-tuning processes and guiding clients to ensure they get what they truly need.”

Bryan has always known he wanted to be a designer in an environment that continuously challenges him. One of the aspects he values most is Ancon’s employee ownership model. “Being an Employee Owner is a game changer,” he says. “It’s a massive financial perk, but more importantly, it creates a culture of shared investment and accountability.”

Among his many projects, the Ice Box expansion stands out as the most complex. “It’s not just a skating rink,” he explains. “We had to integrate old and new spaces seamlessly, raising the existing lobby floor by a foot and a half and ensuring accessibility compliance—all while coordinating multiple building elevations and functions.” The intricacy of the design and the problem-solving required made it a memorable challenge. Another highlight of his career is Shady Creek Winery, a project that was both visually stunning and personally fulfilling. “Attending the ribbon-cutting and seeing people’s reactions to the finished space was surreal,” he recalls.

What keeps Bryan engaged in his role is the variety of projects Ancon takes on. “Every day is different. One day, I’m working on programming; the next, I’m developing high-quality renderings for a different project.” Over the years, his role has evolved significantly—he has transitioned from being behind the scenes to taking the lead on projects, including Ice Box, NIBCO, and AK Industries. “I now serve as the main point of contact for a project, working closely with the project manager and superintendent to ensure everything runs smoothly.”

One of Bryan’s proudest moments has been seeing his projects come to life, from the initial design phases to grand openings. “It’s incredibly rewarding to witness the impact our work has on communities, whether it’s our office, Shady Creek, or another landmark project.”

For those starting their careers in design or construction, Bryan’s advice is simple: “Buy in, ask for help, and don’t be afraid to take risks. That’s the best way to grow.” He believes success in his role comes from teamwork and a willingness to learn. “I’ve always strived to absorb as much knowledge as possible from experts in different areas. At Jayco, I built relationships with production leads to better understand how my designs impacted manufacturing. Here at Ancon Construction, I do the same with superintendents and field staff.”

The collaborative environment at Ancon makes it a unique place to work, with a culture that encourages growth and innovation. “We all contribute to the success of our projects, and that makes a huge difference.”

As Bryan looks ahead, he’s excited about Ancon’s future and the projects to come. His journey is a testament to the power of continuous learning and the impact of a company that truly invests in its people.

About Ancon Construction:
Ancon Construction is a leading commercial design-build contractor offering services such as planning, architectural design, construction, remodeling, and maintenance. Headquartered in Goshen, Indiana, the company is 100% employee-owned and has been a cornerstone of the Michiana community’s architectural and construction landscape since 1975.

For more information about Ancon Construction, contact Amy Self, Ancon Construction’s Marketing Manager, at 574.533.9561, aself@anconconstruction.com, or visit anconconstruction.com.