OUR PEOPLE, THEIR STORY. STEVE’S ELEVEN-YEAR JOURNEY
For more than 11 years, Steve has been a steady and reliable presence on job sites as a Superintendent for Ancon Construction. With a background in architecture, experience in the military, and a long-standing interest in construction, Steve’s journey reflects a genuine appreciation for the building process.
Steve’s journey into construction began in an unexpected place, Alaska! After serving in the U.S. Army, he enrolled in architecture school at the University of Alaska in Anchorage. “Most people don’t know I lived in Alaska for a year,” he says with a smile. “That’s where I started my architectural studies before finishing up back in Fort Wayne.” His education eventually led to an internship at a local construction company, where he was asked to step out of the office and run a job site due to a shortage of superintendents. That experience changed everything. “I never looked back. I realized I didn’t want to sit behind a desk. I loved being in the field, seeing buildings come to life.”
Before joining Ancon, Steve ran his own residential remodeling business and worked as a superintendent for commercial projects, gaining experience on everything from restaurants to large warehouses. He eventually made the move to Ancon after a call from John Place.
“I love what I do,” Steve says. “It just comes naturally to me. When I walk onto a job site, I can see the structure behind the walls: the studs, the electrical, the flashing. It’s like x-ray vision.” His architectural background gives him a unique ability to spot potential issues before they become real problems, an asset on every project.
Steve has taken on some of Ancon’s more challenging and distant jobs, willingly traveling beyond the usual radius. “A lot of our younger superintendents have families,” he explains. “I don’t mind the long drives if it means they can be home with their kids.” That mindset reflects his commitment to the team and to Ancon’s values.
When asked about favorite or memorable projects, Steve reflects on both the tough ones and the rewarding ones. “Eurofins was one of my favorites,” he shares. “It had a complex mechanical system, required cutting the floor open for an elevator shaft, and brought a lot of challenges. The owner was great to work with, and that makes all the difference.”
Being part of an employee-owned company also means a lot to Steve. “I don’t think everyone realizes how special that is,” he says. “There’s power in knowing you have ownership in the company’s success. It impacts all of us.”
After more than a decade at Ancon, Steve is still energized by the work. “I love being there at the start of a project, making sure everything is level, square, and done right from the beginning. If you get the foundation right, the whole project goes smoother. That’s where I thrive.”
His advice for anyone new to commercial construction? “Love what you like to do. If you don’t, it will show. And listen, really listen. That’s how you understand people and solve problems.”
Steve’s story isn’t about titles or recognition; it’s about doing work that matters, helping owners bring their ideas to life, and supporting an employee-owned team that values collaboration and quality. After more than a decade with Ancon, he’s still finding purpose in the process and pride in a job well done.
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, [email protected], or visit anconconstruction.com.