Derek’s Decade Journey with Ancon Construction

Derek’s Decade Journey with Ancon Construction

by | Jan 2, 2024 | Ancon News

 

Derek embarked on his journey in the world of construction a decade ago with Ancon Construction. It was a challenging time economically and armed with his freshly earned college degree, he hit the pavement, dropping off resumes at local construction companies. Ancon, foreseeing the future, was among the few construction companies at the time that were hiring. Little did he know this would mark the beginning of a fulfilling career.

He started his academic journey in Civil Engineering at Michigan Tech in the Upper Peninsula but found his true passion in construction management. Derek noted growing up he discovered a love for deconstructing things to understand their inner workings. The economic aspect of the industry also appealed to him – the art of value engineering, strategizing for short-term investments that would pay off in the long run.

Ancon, in contrast to other places, has always stood out to Derek for its people-oriented culture. The company is large enough to handle substantial projects with job security yet foster a sense of belonging like one big family.

Throughout his career, Derek has worn many hats. Beginning as part of the concrete crew, he experienced various roles – from a general laborer to the steel crew. He even explored the Project Manager role in Ancon’s Building Services (ABS) division for a year before returning to the field as a lead carpenter. About five years ago, he transitioned into the role of superintendent, a position he finds to be a perfect balance of hands-on work, leadership, and collaboration.

Memorable projects have defined his journey, such as the Goodwill Excel Center in South Bend and Ethos Science Center. Both projects transformed an older building back into something useful.

What he appreciates most about his current role is the variety it offers. Most projects run for about six months to a year, preventing monotony work as locations and projects change regularly. It’s a dynamic field that keeps things interesting.

If there’s one piece of advice, he’d offer to those entering the construction industry, it’s to “never shy away from opportunities. Treat yourself as a product – the more skills you acquire, the more valuable you become. Diversify your knowledge and expertise; you never know when it might come in handy when leading a project site.”

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.

Greg’s 20 Years with Ancon Construction

Greg’s 20 Years with Ancon Construction

by | Nov 20, 2023 | Ancon News

 

Greg embarked on his journey with Ancon Construction in the summer of 2003. Initially pursuing a career in architecture, Greg redirected his course after a year and a half of college. Drawn to hands-on work, his upbringing, filled with collaborative projects with his father, set the stage for his entrance into the construction world.

Greg’s passion for drawing, nurtured by his father’s role in the drafting department at Johnson Controls, evolved from sketching on a drafting table to mastering AutoCAD in high school. Although unsure about a career in construction initially, the joy of building from the ground up captivated him.

At Ancon Construction, Greg found more than a workplace; he found a family. “Ancon Construction is like a family around here. Everybody cares for everybody. They will help any out if you need help. You get to go to work, get a lot done and have fun at the same time.”

One of Greg’s standout projects was the Potawatomi Zoo Carousel. Beyond the satisfaction of its construction, watching his son delight in the carousel has become a cherished experience. The project coincided with his son’s birth, making it even more memorable.

Over the years, Greg diversified his skills, mastering carpentry through the ABC apprenticeship school in 2007, then concrete, and steel. He emphasized the importance of continuous learning and adapting to the uniqueness of each project, keeping him motivated over the past 20 years. “What keeps me motivated is every job is different. You are not doing the same job every day. You do get to be engaged in physical labor while simultaneously, using your brain and thinking of different ways to do each project. Each project demands a different approach.”

Greg enjoys mentoring the new generation of employee-owners, sharing his knowledge and fostering a positive work culture and currently has a focus on personal growth within the company.

As a testament to his journey, Greg encourages others to be “sponges of knowledge, cross-train extensively, stay true to oneself and stay positive.” His positivity, commitment, knowledge and craftsmanship make him a valuable asset to Ancon Construction.

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.

A Journey of Learning and Growth

A Journey of Learning and Growth

by | Jul 27, 2023 | Ancon News

A Journey of Learning and Growth

 

Meet Joseph – he is entering his second year at the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Indiana/Kentucky carpentry program through Ancon Construction.

Joseph understands the importance of continuing to learn and grow. ABC’s Carpentry Apprenticeship program allows him the opportunity to have someone explain new skills, as well as teach and guide him. Armed with this knowledge, he is more confident as he steps onto various job sites.

Working at Ancon Construction has opened his eyes to a new world of possibilities. Not only does he want to excel in his current role, but he also wants to start a new hobby renovating a house. He believes that the skills and insights he is gaining from the apprenticeship program and on-the-job learning will prove invaluable in his pursuit of both a successful career path and future hobbies.

His decision to join Ancon was, in part, influenced by his Goshen High School building trades. Joseph is grateful for this advice and is thriving in this environment. What he loves most about his job is the constant activity and the satisfaction of completing projects. He relishes the opportunity to continue learning, honing his skills, and becoming more resourceful. He also enjoys the support system provided by Ancon Construction.

With each semester in the ABC apprenticeship program, Joseph is feeling more confident in the trade. The hands-on training and the valuable safety certifications have helped him grow. Joseph shares, “I’ve really enjoyed the program. It has been great. It provides in-depth information that I need for my job and also offers certification in heavy equipment and safety, which helps me be better prepared and understand the equipment and materials used on job sites.”

As he looks toward the future, Joseph had ambitious plans. His goal is to earn his associate degree through the ABC program while continuing to work at Ancon. He appreciates the flexibility offered by the program, giving him the option to complete it during or after his apprenticeship.

Reflecting on his journey, Joseph encourages other students to explore their interests in the trades. He emphasizes the significance of taking classes that sparked their passion and open doors to exciting career opportunities.