From Classroom to Construction: Chris’s Journey

From Classroom to Construction: Chris’s Journey

by | Mar 14, 2024 | ANCON News

 

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.

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.

30 years of dedication and hard work

30 years of dedication and hard work

by | Sep 7, 2023 | Ancon News

Meet Ken – 30 years of dedication and hard work

Ken is celebrating being an employee-owner at Ancon Construction for 30 years on October 25th. His journey began when he started as a laborer on the concrete crew. Prior to joining Ancon, Ken had a brief experience building furniture after coming home from the military. A year into furniture building, Ken knew the job wasn’t the right fit for him. With the economic recession in full swing, jobs were hard to come by, so he started working for a temp company. One day, when Ken was on break, he noticed Ancon Construction was across the street building a project. Ken decided he’d give them a call. Shortly after that, both he and his brother started working for Ancon Construction.

Ken’s commitment to Ancon Construction is evident in his long tenure and loyalty. He values Ancon’s commitment to its employees. Ken reflects, “Ancon is very good about caring about their people. There is no other company like our company. Ancon wants to make sure you have a future, and they do that with stock – all of us being employee-owners.”

Ken’s role has evolved over the years, transitioning from a laborer to operating heavy equipment after 15 years. Subsequently, he became a finisher and form carpenter, showcasing his adaptability. “My job has changed a lot in 30 years. And I have learned a lot of new skills. Over the years, I have learned how to operate all different kinds of equipment on the job. You can’t be afraid to learn something new and continue to adapt and take on new challenges.”

Ken also appreciates the diverse projects and locations Ancon offers, emphasizing the company’s unique qualities. He takes pride in his work. “I like to do projects the right way – I’m a perfectionist.”

There are two things Ken shared he really likes about this type of work:

  1. Each project is different. You might be pouring another footing, but it’s not the same footing you did on the last project.
  2. You are in a different area and a different climate.

Ken said his most memorable project was the Ross Laboratories (formally Abbott) built in Michigan back in the early 90’s. It was a huge project, and he remembers how bitterly cold and snowy that winter was. The project was long, work hours were long, and the project involved a lot of concrete work.

Ken’s 30-year journey at Ancon Construction reflects his dedication, adaptability, and appreciation for the company’s values and opportunities for its employees.

Thank you, Ken, for 30 years of being a dedicated, hard-working Employee-Owner!

Ryan’s Journey in ABC Carpentry Apprenticeship Program

Ryan’s Journey in ABC Carpentry Apprenticeship Program

by | Jul 27, 2023 | Ancon News

Ryan’s Journey in ABC Carpentry Apprenticeship Program

Meet Ryan. He is embarking on his second year in the Associated Builders and Contractors of Indiana/Kentucky (ABC) carpentry apprenticeship program. Through ABC’s partnership with Vincennes University, apprentices in Indiana can also earn a tuition-free associate degree.

Ryan is a part of Ancon Construction’s Building Services (ABS) division, which assists businesses in the commercial and industrial industries, with small business projects and repairs.  Throughout his journey, Ryan has gained valuable insights and skills.

 “Hands-on learning is what I value the most from the program. In ABS, we get a lot of small remodels, not a lot of full builds. In the first year of the ABC Apprenticeship Program, we learned how to do a full build – from the ground up, including floor and wall systems – everything! This was very beneficial for me because it isn’t something I currently do often.”

 The program’s hands-on learning experience has been very impactful for Ryan. This immersive approach has proven invaluable to him, and he recognizes this is valuable for his future career.

“We learn in a classroom setting, then go out into a shop and do what we just learned.” He believes in the mantra of “show up, work hard, and want it.”

 Joining Ancon has been a transformative decision for Ryan, escaping the monotony of factory work he experienced for several years. It was Ryan’s close friend, Jacob, an Ancon colleague, who encouraged him to apply to Ancon. Ryan has found a deep appreciation for this new path, embracing the satisfaction that comes from learning a trade.

 Ryan enjoys the ever-changing landscape of construction projects and the perpetual learning process, where each unique scenario demands his best. The knowledge he gains not only shapes his present but also holds the potential to contribute to his future aspirations, such as remodeling a house someday.

 As Ryan’s journey continues, he envisions himself in a leadership position in years to follow. Driven to ascend to a foreman or superintendent role, his dedication propels him toward excellence in his craft.