by Ryan Kring | Mar 13, 2018 | Ancon News
With over 25 years of experience in the construction industry, Doug VonGunten is one of Ancon Construction’s many valuable project managers. Doug’s responsibilities as a project manager begin long before construction actually starts, leading the design-build team in programming, design, budgeting, and cost estimating. The project manager continues his leadership role throughout the construction process until the project has been completed and handed-off to the customer. Doug has managed a wide variety of projects including industrial projects, manufacturing facilities, streetscapes and infrastructure, zoo animal exhibits, ice skating parks, educational facilities, and more.
Some of Doug’s accomplishments include awards for Excellence in Merit Shop Construction for a new TLCU Financial building and a multi-purpose center at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Additionally, Doug’s Eddy Street Commons Streetscape project won an Associated Builders and Contractors Merit Shop Image award and the North American River Otter Exhibit project he managed at the Potawatomi Zoo earned an ABC Award of Honor. Through all of the projects that Doug has managed, he is most proud of making a client’s ideas and dreams about their project a reality.
Onsite Making Sure Projects Run Smooth
Aside from his work at Ancon, Doug finds many ways to serve and give back to the community. He is a member and Past President of Goshen Noon Kiwanis, serves on the Apprenticeship Committee for the local chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors apprenticeship program, and is an active member of his church, Walnut Hill Mennonite in Goshen. Doug also serves on the Board of Directors for Ryan’s Place, a not-for-profit organization that provides grief support to children, teens, and families who have experienced the death of a family member or loved one. Most recently, Doug has been serving on a committee with the Goshen Parks Department that is designing a playground for children of all ability levels.
Doug lives just North of Goshen with his wife of 21 years, Jolene, and their three children: Jack (16), Garrett (13), and Molly (9). In his free time, Doug enjoys attending his kids’ sporting events and music programs and being active outdoors, including cycling, running, camping, and hiking. Doug and his family also enjoy spending time at the beach in North Carolina with their extended family.
Doug says about his work, “I really enjoy the construction industry and the challenges that it brings. There are new challenges every day and no two projects are ever the same.” Doug is an invaluable part of the Ancon team. Both Ancon and its customers greatly benefit from his vast experience and tireless work.
by Ryan Kring | Feb 17, 2018 | Ancon News
February 15, 2018
South Bend, IN- Ancon Construction, premier design build construction firm, held a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open their new downtown South Bend office. Located inside the newly renovated mixed use building The LaSalle the office has premiere corner street level visibility set inside the historic LaSalle building. Although the office is inside a historic building the design is ultra modern and minimalistic. Matt VanSoest, Designer, researched office spaces like Tesla and Google and used that for design inspiration. Local artists have donated some sculptures and historic photos of downtown South Bend have placed them throughout the office.
Why downtown South Bend? For over 40 years Ancon Construction has served South Bend, Mishawaka and the entire St. Joseph County region. Nearly everyday there is an Ancon Construction employee in the region working on projects. “We have a known presence and excellent reputation in this region….now we have the physical location to match. The revitalization of the downtown corridor is exciting. Many of the projects that started the downtown revitalization Ancon Construction were a part of, so South Bend seemed like the natural choice when we looked at potential locations.” noted Ryan Kring, Vice President of Business Development. 
Kring went on to say, “This space is a communal area which our employees can use to give our clients a comfortable place to meet and have a great experience. Having this space allows our customers a closer place to meet and plan out our projects together. We use a team approach to project design and delivery in which our clients are involved heavily throughout the entire process. The office is designed to be a living showroom of various types of materials so our clients can see them in actual space. Periodically we will change out the furniture and flooring to highlight the latest available designs and materials.”
Ancon Construction is not the only tenant in the building, recently The Hideaway opened. The Hideaway is a 1920’s speakeasy steampunk whiskey bar that was designed and built by Ancon Construction. South Blend, a new coffee house, is also under construction and will be opening its doors in the next few months.
We have been building this region for over 40 years and we look forward to the next 40.
Are you ready to start your project? Click HERE and let’s get your project started….together.
by Ryan Kring | May 24, 2017 | Ancon News
Granger, IN
Honey Baked Ham has chosen Ancon Construction, premier design build construction firm, to build out their new location in Granger, IN. They will take over a tenant space within Toscana Park. This large upscale shopping complex is located near Gumwood and Cleveland Road just north of Heritage Square.
Honey Baked Ham is relocating from their long standing location off of Ironwood and Edison in South Bend to better serve their clients and take advantage of the new development happening near Toscana Park. The new space will occupy 2,800 square feet and will feature a sit down deli cafe as well as the traditional carryout & delivery services. Ancon Construction worked closely with commercial real estate broker Bradley Company to create and design the interior layout for their new home. Eric Jensen, architect for Ancon Construction, stated, “Having the client, commercial broker, landlord, design and construction team working together as one design|build team allowed us take our client’s vision and make it a reality while staying on budget and on schedule. Our team approach is what creates a unique customer experience for our clients”.
More Than Just a Pickup
Honey Baked Ham has become more than just a store to stop by and pickup your holiday treats…they now have a loyalty rewards program. They have also created a fundraising program for non profits to provide yet another way to give back to the community.
Construction is slated to begin early July. Look for more updates as the project progresses.
Do you have a project? Contact us HERE and let’s make your vision a reality!
by Ryan Kring | Apr 27, 2017 | Ancon News
Every year 40 regional leaders under the age of 40 are recognized by The South Bend Regional Chamber’s 40 under 40 award. This recognition shines the spotlight on 40 of the area’s most talented and dedicated young executives, professionals and leaders who demonstrate career success and community engagement. The 2017 class will represent the 11th Michiana Forty under 40 class with 400 leaders already receiving recognition. This program is an annual collaborative effort between the South Bend Regional Chamber, the Young Professionals Network South Bend, and other partners in the Michiana region.
Ancon is proud to announce that Matthew VanSoest has been chosen for the class of 2017. Matt is a lead designer on the Ancon Design-Build team. As employee owner, Matthew and a holistic team of architects, engineers, project managers, and construction crews, work together on a daily basis on design and construction projects. The Design-Build method, a very unique and rare project delivery method in the area’s construction industry, promotes daily collaboration on design, cost, scheduling, and construction methods. Furthermore, Matthew and the team push the boundaries and are on the leading edge of innovative, creative, and cost effective methods in architecture and construction – making sure both the design and cost are in sync with one another – a very large feat in this day and age! 
Since 2012, Matthew has served on the transition team for ETHOS Science Center in Elkhart. He worked with the ETHOS team in developing several short term and long term visions and master planning concepts. Matt earned his Bachelors of Architecture in 2008 and went on to earn his Masters of Architecture 2010 with concentrations in educational design and community redevelopment. Matt has a gift for creative design and has been honored for several of his designs. Congrats Matt and we are proud to have such a leader on the Ancon team!
