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!

Ancon Construction: Leading the Way in Dental Commercial Construction

Ancon Construction: Leading the Way in Dental Commercial Construction

by | Sep 2, 2023 | Ancon News

Ancon Construction: Leading the Way in Dental Commercial Construction

 

Welcome to an insightful journey into the realm of dental commercial construction, where the vision of creating modern clinics that cater to both the practitioner and patient is an art in itself. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, the dental industry in the United States employs approximately 120,740 general dentists (May 2022), many of whom aspire to establish their own dental clinics after gaining experience. However, the process of designing and constructing dental clinics goes beyond standard commercial projects, demanding a unique blend of creativity, compliance, and collaboration.

Since 1975, Ancon Construction has been at the forefront of the construction industry, continuously evolving its service lines to provide innovative solutions for its clients. Founded by Andy Frech, Ancon Construction’s journey took an inspiring turn in the ’80s and ’90s when Andy made a momentous decision to sell the company back to its employees. This move laid the foundation for the unique culture of Ancon Construction – a culture that revolves around our employees and their ownership, empowering them to thrive and take ownership of every project.

Designing a Dental Clinic: Beyond the Ordinary

Designing a dental clinic requires a team to listen to understand the specific requirements, distinct from typical office spaces. Plumbing and electrical designs play a critical role in dental clinics, demanding expertise from architects well-versed in this specialized space. You want an architect who ensures an environment that caters precisely to your needs and those of your patients. “A successful dental project is a result of a team effort of qualified professionals focused specifically on your vision, culture, and equipment for the practice,” shares Ben King, an in-house architect with Ancon Construction.

Dental Care Alliance
South Bend
Granger Dental & Orthodontics
Granger, IN
ABC IN/KY Award of Excellence
TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre
South Bend, IN
ABC IN/KY Award of Merit
Four Flags Family Dentistry
Niles, Michigan

Innovation and Collaboration: A Winning Combination

Ancon Construction’s True Design-Build is a one-stop-shop approach that allows us to work closely with you, our client, utilizing state-of-the-art technology such as 3D modeling and virtual walk-throughs, ensuring a seamless transition from design to construction. Our commitment to affordability, aesthetics, and constructability ensures that each project meets your needs and surpasses your expectations.

Crafting the Ideal Space: Fusion of Vision and Practicality

As a dentist envisioning your clinic, you may have specific ideas for your primary treatment room’s layout and equipment. Collaborating closely between you (the dentist), our in-house design-build team, and your equipment supplier is crucial, as it fosters a constructive dialogue that allows the fusion of your vision with construction. While you can offer precise guidance for treatment rooms, open dialogue with our design team facilitates innovative solutions for the overall clinic organization, ensuring optimal functionality and aesthetic appeal.

A Pioneering Legacy of Employee Ownership

For over the past two decades, Ancon Construction has proudly been 100% employee-owned, marking an exceptional achievement that speaks to its commitment to fostering a culture where every team member thinks like an owner.

A Shared Vision of Excellence

Ancon Construction’s mission is to surpass client expectations by delivering quality solutions and superior service through its commercial buildings, embodying a vision of becoming the premier commercial design-builder in the Michiana community. Our core values reflect a steadfast commitment to excellence, prioritizing customer satisfaction, integrity, community support, and the transformation of clients’ dreams into reality. With a team of highly skilled employee-owners, Ancon Construction takes great pride in constructing buildings that enable their partners to reach their maximum potential.

The world of dental commercial construction offers a fascinating blend of artistry and practicality. Designing modern dental clinics requires specialized expertise, an open dialogue between dentists and architects, and a comprehensive understanding of regulatory requirements. By partnering with experienced professionals like Ancon Construction, dental practitioners can embark on their journey toward a state-of-the-art clinic that serves both their professional needs and the well-being of their patients. So, take the first step toward crafting your dental clinic with confidence, and let’s get your project started together.

 

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.

From Steel Laborer to Superintendent

From Steel Laborer to Superintendent

by | Jul 5, 2023 | Ancon News

From Steel Laborer to Superintendent: Justin’s 24-Year Success Story at Ancon Construction

Justin joined Ancon Construction in March 1999, shortly after graduating from Penn High School. His introduction into the construction industry came through a friend who worked on Ancon’s steel crew at the time. Intrigued by the opportunity, he decided to give it a try, despite having no prior experience in construction.

Lloyd Yoder, a superintendent for the steel crew at that time, recognized Justin’s potential and hired him as a steel laborer. Initially, Justin’s responsibilities included tasks such as walking purlins and setting steel. As he gained experience and honed his skills, he progressed within the company. Llyod Yoder shared, “Justin was always willing to do whatever task needed to be done with a positive attitude. He always retained what worked and what didn’t work so well with the assortment of tasks.”

In 2011, Justin became a foreman and later advanced to the position of superintendent in 2014.

As a superintendent, Justin had the opportunity to take full responsibility for his first project, and it was a significant milestone in his career. The project was a warehouse addition for Indratech, and Justin managed it from the ground up. Working closely with Doug VonGunten, this experience left a profound impact on Justin and fueled his passion for construction.

Throughout his career at Ancon, Justin has had the opportunity to work on various memorable projects. Some noteworthy examples include the Ethos Science Center, the construction of Bethel Softball Field, the installation of a carousel at the Potawatomi Zoo, and even welding work at the South Bend Cubs’ performance center. He appreciates the unique challenges and diverse settings each project brings.

Justin emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and personal growth in the ever-evolving construction industry. With each job being different from the last, he strives to learn from previous experiences and apply those lessons to future projects. He finds fulfillment in seeing the construction process through to the end and enjoys the fact that every year brings new opportunities and new challenges.

When asked for advice to those starting a career in construction, Justin highlights the value of learning from those around you. He shared, “Start learning as much as you can. Learn from the guys around you. Learn about construction from the ground up. Work with the carpenters, concrete crew, steelwork, etc. Learn a bit of everything – this makes you more valuable to you and the company. If you can challenge yourself to do all of those things, you will have a better understanding of construction and you’ll be more valuable to the company because you can do anything at that point.”

Justin also appreciates Ancon Construction’s commitment to employee development and safety. He acknowledges the company’s support in providing opportunities for advancement and education. Whether it involves going to school or participating in training courses offered by organizations like ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors). “Ancon is here to help you advance and learn new things. They are willing to put that investment in you if you are willing to challenge yourself in doing it.”

Justin’s employment story at Ancon Construction is one of long-term commitment, personal growth, and a passion for construction. Over the span of 24 years, he has progressed from a steel laborer to a superintendent, taking on diverse projects and embracing the ever-changing nature of the industry.

Building a Career in Construction

Building a Career in Construction

by | Jun 1, 2023 | Ancon News

Building a Career in Construction: Paul’s Journey at Ancon Construction

 

Paul, a 27-year-old construction enthusiast, found his calling at Ancon Construction, following in his brother’s footsteps. Initially working at a factory and feeling dissatisfied, Paul took the leap and joined Ancon’s carpentry crew. Little did he know that this decision would shape his future in unforeseen ways.

While attending college briefly, Paul realized that the traditional academic path was not for him. His passion lay in hands-on work and building things, which he had always enjoyed, even during his summer construction jobs. This innate talent and enthusiasm paved the way for his transition into construction as a full-time career.

Paul started his journey at Ancon as a carpenter, honing his skills and expanding his knowledge for the next three to four years. During slower periods, he willingly lent a hand on the concrete crew, relishing the variety and diversity of tasks. This flexibility showcased his adaptability and commitment to contributing in any way possible.

Recognizing Paul’s potential, the team at Ancon encouraged him to grow further, and he eventually transitioned into the role of warehouse manager, and superintendent. These promotions not only demonstrated his colleagues’ trust and belief in him but also provided a unique opportunity to broaden his horizons and take on new responsibilities.

One of Paul’s most recent notable experiences was serving as the superintendent for the Goshen Apartments project, known as Copperleaf Cove. This venture offered him a wealth of insights into the complexities of construction management, including scheduling and overseeing a team of subcontractors. It was a valuable learning experience that exposed him to the behind-the-scenes operations of a project.

Throughout Paul’s 27 years with Ancon Construction, he has relished the supportive and collaborative work environment. He emphasizes the strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork within the company, which he believes is essential for personal and professional growth. Paul acknowledges that such an atmosphere is rare to find and cherishes the benefits that come with it.

Two projects have held a special place in Paul’s heart: The Red Panda project and the construction of a carousel at the Potawatomi Zoo. “The opportunity to build a carousel was a remarkable experience,” shares Paul. He delights in his grandkids’ excitement when they proudly exclaim, “Grandpa built this for me!” These projects not only showcase his craftsmanship but also provide him with lasting memories.

What keeps Paul motivated after all these years? He attributes it to the people he works with. Having had experiences in other places, he recognizes the rarity of finding individuals who are genuinely dedicated and passionate about their work. At Ancon, the employee-owners take pride in their craftsmanship, delivering high-quality results and fostering a positive work environment.

For those considering a career in construction, Paul offers valuable advice: “Pay attention to your elders and learn from experienced professionals. Being prepared and open to new challenges is crucial. Ancon Construction, a non-union company, values continuous learning and encourages employees to acquire new skills—a recipe for success in the industry.”

Paul’s journey at Ancon Construction serves as an inspiration to aspiring construction professionals. From his humble beginnings as a carpenter to his role as a warehouse manager, Paul’s story highlights the importance of seizing opportunities.

Ancon Construction Cultivates New Generation of Leaders in the Construction Industry

Ancon Construction Cultivates New Generation of Leaders in the Construction Industry

by | May 30, 2023 | Ancon News

Ancon Construction Cultivates New Generation of Leaders in the Construction Industry

 

Ancon Construction is pleased to announce the addition of three talented individuals to our team as summer interns, cultivating the next generation of construction industry leaders. Alberto Sanchez, Logan Heller, and Ben Erichsen joined us to gain valuable hands-on experience in their respective fields. Additionally, Andrew Lockwood, a returning intern, will continue his work with us this summer, gaining valuable experience.

Alberto Sanchez and Ben Erichsen, both students at Purdue University majoring in Construction Management, bring a wealth of enthusiasm and dedication to their roles. Both will be actively involved in the field, working closely with our seasoned Superintendents at job sites throughout the summer.

Logan Heller, a Ball State University student majoring in Architecture, is thrilled to join our Architecture Team. This internship will give him exposure to diverse projects that will refine his skills and strengths.

Furthermore, we are delighted to welcome back Andrew Lockwood, who is entering his junior year at Purdue University, returning to us for his second-year summer internship at Ancon Construction. This summer, Andrew will continue working closely with our seasoned Superintendents on various job sites, applying his expertise and further developing his skills.

“We are excited to have Alberto, Ben, Logan, and Andrew join us as interns this summer,” expressed Doug VonGunten, President of Ancon Construction. “At Ancon Construction, we provide opportunities for emerging professionals to grow in the construction and architecture industries. Our internship program is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders by fostering hands-on experiences, mentorship, and exposure to real-world projects.”

We warmly welcome Alberto Sanchez, Logan Heller, Ben Erichsen, and Andrew Lockwood as they embark on their career journeys with Ancon Construction. We are excited to witness their contributions to Ancon Construction this summer. Their dedication and passion for their fields align perfectly with our company’s vision, and we eagerly anticipate the contributions they will make to our projects and the construction industry as a whole.