ANCON News

Urban Environmental Stewardship Award

Urban Environmental Stewardship Award

by | Mar 12, 2024 | ANCON News

 

Congratulations to Lloyd Yoder from Ancon Construction for receiving the 2023 Urban Environmental Stewardship Award!

Lloyd was honored last week at the Elkhart County Soil and Water Conservation District for his outstanding work on two projects with Elkhart County, with most of his time spent on the new Consolidated Courts project. His dedication to project meetings and positive attitude were recognized by county officials.

Well done, Lloyd!

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.

Meet Employee-Owner Matt

Meet Employee-Owner Matt

by | Feb 28, 2024 | ANCON News

 

Matt Krause has been in construction for over 27 years, and for more than a decade, he has been a valuable Employee-Owner of the Ancon family!

“Matt started his career at Ancon as a foreman in our Ancon Building Services division. He then moved into a Superintendent role in our General Construction side. Matt is dedicated to completing his projects on time and of the highest quality. He truly cares about the customer and Ancon,” shared Don Carrico, Ancon Construction’s Director of Safety & Operations.

Matt started his career at Ancon Construction in the building services division eleven years ago and was promoted to Superintendent in 2020.

Outside of work, Matt enjoys camping and day trips with his three sons, Dylan, Christian, and Gabriel. Additionally, he is a fan of the Liverpool soccer team.

Here’s to over a decade of hard work and dedication. Thanks for all you do, Matt!

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.

What Do Banks Like To See When Asking For A Commercial Construction Loan?

What Do Banks Like To See When Asking For A Commercial Construction Loan?

by | Feb 22, 2024 | Ancon News

 

What do banks like to see when asking for a commercial construction loan?

 

If you’re planning to build a commercial property or undertake a major renovation project, you’ll likely need to secure financing through a commercial construction loan. These loans are specifically designed to cover the costs associated with commercial building projects and require a different set of documentation and requirements than a traditional business loan.

Here are some of the key factors that banks typically look for when considering a commercial construction loan application:

  1. A strong business plan: Banks will want to see a detailed business plan that outlines your project’s scope, including blueprints, architectural drawings, permits, contractor bids, and timelines. This plan should also include a detailed breakdown of the costs involved in the project, as well as an estimate of the property’s value upon completion.
  2. Strong credit history: As with any loan application, banks will want to see a solid credit history demonstrating your ability to make timely payments and manage debt responsibly. A high credit score and a low debt-to-income ratio can help increase your chances of being approved for a commercial construction loan.
  3. Adequate collateral: Commercial construction loans are typically considered riskier than traditional business loans, so banks may require additional collateral to secure the loan. This could include a lien on the property or other assets, such as a vehicle or investment account.
  4. Sufficient cash reserves: Banks will also want to see that you have enough cash reserves to cover unexpected expenses that may arise during the construction process. This could include things like delays in construction, unexpected material costs, or changes to the scope of the project.
  5. Experienced contractor: Banks will want to see that you’re working with an experienced and reputable contractor who has a track record of successfully completing similar projects. They typically require that the contractor be licensed and insured. Completing schematic drawings and understanding the actual construction cost can save time and additional questions from the bank’s underwriters. These documents should be included with your loan application.
  6. Proven track record: If you’re an established business owner, banks will want to see a proven track record of successful projects and profitability. This can help assure the lender that you have the experience and financial stability to manage a large-scale construction project.
  7. Projected cash flow: Banks will want to see that the property will generate sufficient cash flow to cover loan payments and operating expenses once the construction is complete. This could include projections of future rental income, sales revenue, or other revenue streams.

Securing a commercial construction loan requires a thorough and detailed application process. By working with a knowledgeable lender and providing all the necessary documentation and requirements, you can increase your chances of being approved for a commercial construction loan and successfully completing your building or renovation project.

Ancon Construction would love to help answer your commercial construction loan questions and learn more about your vision. A 100% Employee-Owned True Design-Build Construction firm since 1975. 

Let’s get your project started…together.

Derek’s Decade Journey with Ancon Construction

Derek’s Decade Journey with Ancon Construction

by | Jan 2, 2024 | Ancon News

 

Derek embarked on his journey in the world of construction a decade ago with Ancon Construction. It was a challenging time economically and armed with his freshly earned college degree, he hit the pavement, dropping off resumes at local construction companies. Ancon, foreseeing the future, was among the few construction companies at the time that were hiring. Little did he know this would mark the beginning of a fulfilling career.

He started his academic journey in Civil Engineering at Michigan Tech in the Upper Peninsula but found his true passion in construction management. Derek noted growing up he discovered a love for deconstructing things to understand their inner workings. The economic aspect of the industry also appealed to him – the art of value engineering, strategizing for short-term investments that would pay off in the long run.

Ancon, in contrast to other places, has always stood out to Derek for its people-oriented culture. The company is large enough to handle substantial projects with job security yet foster a sense of belonging like one big family.

Throughout his career, Derek has worn many hats. Beginning as part of the concrete crew, he experienced various roles – from a general laborer to the steel crew. He even explored the Project Manager role in Ancon’s Building Services (ABS) division for a year before returning to the field as a lead carpenter. About five years ago, he transitioned into the role of superintendent, a position he finds to be a perfect balance of hands-on work, leadership, and collaboration.

Memorable projects have defined his journey, such as the Goodwill Excel Center in South Bend and Ethos Science Center. Both projects transformed an older building back into something useful.

What he appreciates most about his current role is the variety it offers. Most projects run for about six months to a year, preventing monotony work as locations and projects change regularly. It’s a dynamic field that keeps things interesting.

If there’s one piece of advice, he’d offer to those entering the construction industry, it’s to “never shy away from opportunities. Treat yourself as a product – the more skills you acquire, the more valuable you become. Diversify your knowledge and expertise; you never know when it might come in handy when leading a project site.”

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.

Learn how Ancon Construction’s True Design-Build process provides risk mitigation

Learn how Ancon Construction’s True Design-Build process provides risk mitigation

by | Dec 18, 2023 | Ancon News

 

Let’s start with the basics

What exactly is Design Build? Design-Build is a project delivery method that combines the design and construction phases of a project into a single contract. This method has gained popularity in recent years due to its ability to provide risk mitigation for project owners.

In general, the Design-Build approach is different from traditional construction delivery methods, such as Design-Bid-Build, where the owner hires a designer and a contractor separately. With Design-Build, the owner hires a single team that includes both the designer and the contractor. This team works together from the beginning of the project to the end, which ensures that everyone is on the same page, and the project goals are aligned.

In this blog post, we will explore how Ancon Construction’s True Design-Build delivery method provides risk mitigation and the benefits it offers.

Ancon Construction is a 100% employee-owned company that specializes in True Design-Build construction services, making it an ideal partner for clients who want to mitigate risks and ensure the success of their projects. Ancon’s in-house team of experts includes both designers and construction professionals, who work collaboratively to provide cost-effective solutions that meet the specific needs of each client. By taking responsibility for both the design and construction phases of a project, Ancon can better identify and mitigate risks throughout the project’s lifecycle. As a result, the team is better equipped to identify and mitigate risks throughout the project’s lifecycle.

Here are some ways Ancon’s True Design-Build team provides risk mitigation:

  1. Collaboration and Communication: Ancon’s in-house Design-Build approach emphasizes collaboration and communication between the design and construction teams. By working together, we can identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. This collaborative approach can help prevent costly delays and change orders down the line.
  2. Cost and Schedule Certainty: With Ancon’s True Design-Build process, the owner receives a fixed price for the project, which helps eliminate cost overruns. Additionally, since the design and construction teams are working together, they can develop a realistic schedule that takes into account potential challenges and risks.
  3. Quality Control: Ancon’s True Design-Build team is responsible for the quality of the project from start to finish. They have a vested interest in delivering a high-quality product, which helps ensure that the project meets and often exceeds the owner’s expectations.
  4. Single Point of Contact: With Ancon’s True Design-Build process, the owner has a single point of contact for the entire project. This simplifies communication and ensures that everyone is working towards the same goals.

Ancon Construction’s True Design-Build team provides risk mitigation by fostering collaboration and communication, delivering cost and schedule certainty, ensuring quality control, and providing a single point of contact for the owner. By hiring our True Design-Build team, owners can mitigate risks and ensure that their projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the desired quality standards.

Ancon Construction Honored with Excellence in Construction Award for The Academy Project in Partnership with Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc.

Ancon Construction Honored with Excellence in Construction Award for The Academy Project in Partnership with Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc.

by | Dec 7, 2023 | ANCON News

addedPictured L to R: Matt VanSoest, Ancon Construction Designer; Debie Coble, President, and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc.; Doug VonGunten, Ancon Construction President; Chris Morrical, Ancon Construction Project Manager.

Ancon Construction Honored with Excellence in Construction Award for The Academy Project in Partnership with Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc.

Ancon Construction has been honored with the Excellence in Construction (EIC) award by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Indiana/Kentucky, in collaboration with Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc. The EIC award recognizes outstanding achievements in construction.

This achievement demonstrates Ancon Construction’s commitment to maintaining high standards and delivering exceptional construction projects. Their continued collaboration with Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc. further emphasizes Ancon Construction’s dedication to excellence within the industry.

The ABC of Indiana/Kentucky Awards of Excellence program recognizes outstanding projects that exemplify the elevated standards upheld by Merit Shop contractors. In 2021, Ancon Construction was honored with an Excellence in Construction award for a new 105,000 square-foot outlet store and Excel Center in Gary, Indiana – owned and operated by Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc. Ancon submitted their latest partnership project, known as The Academy, a 57,000 square-foot renovation of the 1930’s building, formerly part of the Bendix Corporation Campus. This renovation marked the conclusion of “phase-two,” completing the overall renovations at this location. 

The Goodwill Academy project includes e-commerce warehouse, training rooms, office space, tech step labs, and other workshop areas. This revitalized space beautifully blends Goodwill’s mission with contemporary, functional areas, aligned with their objectives for learning, workforce development, and community engagement.

The President of Ancon Construction, Doug VonGunten, shared, “Ancon and Goodwill have shared a 30-plus-year partnership with over 60 joint projects, demonstrating our shared commitment to excellence. Ancon’s dedication to delivering high-quality work aligns with Goodwill’s vision and this is evident in the successful collaboration of our projects. The awards also serve as a testament to Ancon Construction’s design-build expertise and the unwavering dedication of our Employee-Owners.”

“I truly appreciate the partnership we have shared with Ancon for so many years,” added Debie Coble, President, and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc. “They understand, support, and embrace Goodwill’s mission of “empowering people to live their most abundant lives”. This renovation provides us with the space to execute this mission by providing education, training, and job placement through the Excel Center, a high school for adults, and The Academy, the hard skills training center for areas such as automotive and the trades.” 

For more information about Ancon Construction and to explore more of their noteworthy projects, please visit AnconConstruction.com. To understand the profound impact of Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc. on our communities, please visit Goodwill-ni-org.

About Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc.:
Because we believe in the power of work, our mission is to strengthen communities by empowering individuals and families through education, training, and job placement.

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.