A Journey in Construction

Nathan’s ten-plus years at Ancon Construction began while he was still in his senior year in college. Starting off as a laborer, he immersed himself in the construction industry. After a few years of hands-on experience, he enrolled in the ABC apprenticeship program.

Completing the program, Nathan found his niche in carpentry. As time passed, he looked at his options for professional growth. With determination, he shared his desire for more significant responsibilities, which paved the path to his current role as a superintendent.

“Nathan started his career here 10+ years ago with almost no construction experience. He spent those years perfecting his craft and becoming one of Ancon’s best young superintendents. Nathan’s big heart and soft-spoken demeanor have made him a favorite with the new talent. His ability to train and lead with respect is second to none. He is a prime example of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication,” shares Don Carrico, the Safety and Operations Director at Ancon.

Reflecting on his Ancon journey, Nathan describes his colleagues as “They’re not just colleagues; they’re family!”

Nathan recalls the unique touches of various projects. He shares, “It’s the cool things about each project that I like – like the set of stairs at the Eberhart project and the entrance at Goshen College.”

For those considering a career in construction, Nathan’s advice is golden: “Surround yourself with mentors who nurture and respect you – their guidance is invaluable. Be patient and have a willingness to tackle challenging tasks. Over time – this will pay off!” In a field brimming with diverse personalities, Nathan advocates for leveraging everyone’s strengths to maximize project outcomes. “You don’t know everything, but connecting with those that do – that’s how you successfully get the project done!”

Nathan enjoys the ever-changing nature of his role with each project. The fast-paced nature prevents boredom, providing ongoing challenges and chances to grow. Every new project is a fresh beginning, keeping burnout at bay.

In Nathan’s world, construction isn’t just about building structures—it’s about forging connections, embracing challenges, and leaving a legacy of craftsmanship and camaraderie. And for him, there’s no greater reward than seeing a project come to fruition through dedication and teamwork.

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 Chris, an Employee-Owner at Ancon Construction, with over five years of experience. His path to construction began with a career in education, teaching geometry, physics, and chemistry at the high school level. Reflecting on his time in education, Chris acknowledges the challenges teachers face, including managing behaviors and technology distractions, while deeply respecting their vital role in shaping young minds.

With his educational background, Chris decided to embrace a new adventure in construction. At Ancon, he found a supportive environment to learn and grow, gaining valuable insights from colleagues both in the office and on-site. These mentors played a crucial role in shaping his development as a project manager, navigating the complexities of commercial construction. This career change shows how valuable it is to seize opportunities and be adaptable.

“Chris is a great asset to Ancon and our project management team.  He has been instrumental in strengthening our team, leveraging his teaching background to support new members joining Ancon. He has a great career ahead of him, and we are fortunate to have him at Ancon,” shares Doug VonGunten, the President of Ancon Construction.

“Ancon is an amazing place to work because of the people and the environment,” shares Chris Morrical. “We put in hard work, but we also take time to celebrate our successes, get to know each other personally, and have fun. I love that my job provides new experiences and challenges every day. No two projects are exactly the same, leading to tons of opportunities to learn and grow.”

To Chris, project management is more than just overseeing construction sites; it involves navigating each unique challenge across diverse projects, demanding attention to detail and skillful coordination from start to finish. He emphasizes Ancon’s culture and reflects on a favorite project, Shady Creek Winery, notable for its unique design elements and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. He takes great pride in fostering the lasting relationships he has developed with key Ancon clients like Goodwill, Heart City Health, and Dental Care Alliance. He shares, “Being able to carry on relationships that Ancon has had for years or decades is a true honor!”

To new Ancon recruits, Chris offers valuable advice: “Never be afraid to ask questions. The vast majority of people you’ll interact with on a daily basis are more than happy to share their knowledge and experiences, which is the best way to learn and develop in any new position.”

Chris Morrical’s journey demonstrates the importance of embracing change, seeking mentorship, and seizing opportunities for growth in one’s career.

Thank you, Chris, for boldly transitioning from teaching to commercial construction. We’re proud to have you as a valuable member of our team and part of the Ancon Family of Employee-Owners.

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.