37-Year Inspiring Career Journey

37-Year Inspiring Career Journey

by | Feb 18, 2023 | Ancon News

The Inspiring Career Journey of Ancon Employee-Owner Ed

“Ed is a valuable part of our team. He has a great work ethic. He is dependable and an excellent form carpenter who does things right the first time,” shares Rodney, a colleague who has worked alongside Ed for many years.

Ed’s passion for the trades began in high school, where he took building trades classes at Elkhart Central. He knew immediately that working in concrete was his calling, and two days after graduating, he began his journey in the industry. Two years later, he joined the Ancon team and has been a valued employee-owner ever since.

Looking back on his first project at Oaklawn in Goshen, Ed remembers thinking he might never become one of the employees with the longest tenure, but with hard work and determination, he would never have imagined reaching this level. Ed attributes his success to Ancon, stating, “If it weren’t for Ancon, I wouldn’t be where I am today. They are reliable and have always been good to me. They are like family.”

Congratulations, Ed, on your 37 years of dedicated service at Ancon Construction! 

Join us in celebrating Ed’s 37 years of work in construction!  Let’s show our appreciation for his dedication and hard work by sharing your congratulatory notes and well wishes here.

Celebrating 32 Years of Dedication

Celebrating 32 Years of Dedication

by | Feb 7, 2023 | Ancon News

Celebrating 32 Years of Dedication

 

Meet Vicky, a dedicated employee-owner of Ancon Construction who has been with the company for an impressive 32 years. Vicky’s journey at Ancon Construction began as an administrative assistant, answering phones and handling other clerical tasks. It was during this time that she had the opportunity to work alongside the company’s founder, Andy Frech. Two years into her role, Ancon Construction experienced growth and Vicky’s role evolved to accounts payable and receiving. Eventually, she became the AP/AR manager, a position she has held for the past 30 years.

“Vicky is a prime example of what it means to be a dedicated professional. Her skills and work ethic were pivotal in my decision to join Ancon Construction. It is individuals like Vicky who provide the foundation for a successful business yet often go unrecognized for their invaluable contributions. It is with utmost sincerity that I say, the presence of someone like Vicky is what sets truly great companies apart – and we are lucky to have her at Ancon,” shares Rhett Fisher, CFO at Ancon Construction.

“I have enjoyed working with the people at Ancon Construction over the past 32 years and am excited for the future of the company. I am particularly looking forward to the construction of a new corporate office, and am optimistic about the bright future ahead for Ancon Construction,” shares Vicky.

Thanks for your dedication, Vicky! Your positive attitude and willingness to adapt to change have made you an invaluable asset to the team. We are grateful you are part of the Ancon Construction family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where is Joseph Rodes Now?

Where is Joseph Rodes Now?

by | Jan 20, 2023 | Ancon News

In the summer of 2021, Ancon Construction signed on and hired Joseph Rodes, a student from Goshen Community Schools. Here’s an update on how he is doing today:

 

Joseph is loving his career choice with Ancon Construction. He is currently in the second semester of the company’s ABC apprenticeship program, enjoying the hands-on training and safety certifications it offers.

He said, “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.” 

In the future, Joseph plans simultaneously earn his associate’s degree offered through the ABC program while maintaining his position at Ancon. He can choose to complete the program during or after his apprenticeship. He believes the most valuable asset he’s gained so far is learning how to be a leader and communicate more effectively with his colleagues. Ancon also offers excellent benefits such as 401k, paid mileage, and reimbursement for education and safety programs.

Joseph encourages students to explore their interests in trades and take classes provided through their school that interest them. He’s grateful for the opportunities Ancon has given him and we will continue to follow his journey.

 

“Order In the Court” Building Indiana Business Construction Edition Article

“Order In the Court” Building Indiana Business Construction Edition Article

by | Jan 17, 2023 | Ancon News

Elkhart County Courthouse Project

The Elkhart County Courthouse project was a construction feature in the Building Indiana Business magazine.

Click the link below and head to page 38 to read the article. Ancon is mentioned on page 40 as the General Trades Coordinator, Site Superintendent.

Click here to read the article.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About Ancon Construction:

Ancon Construction is a commercial in-house design-build contractor offering a full range of services, including planning, site selection, development, architectural design, rezoning, code compliance, construction, remodeling, and maintenance. Based in Goshen, Indiana, Ancon is a 100% employee-owned company and a regional leader in commercial design-build that has defined architecture and construction in the Michiana community since 1975.
2022 – Years of Service Awards

2022 – Years of Service Awards

by | Jan 10, 2023 | Ancon News

Pictured here is over 87 years of experience!

At Ancon Construction, our employees are driven by a deep love and passion for their work. This passion not only benefits our clients and community but also helps us to foster a culture of growth and development at Ancon Construction. In this picture, you can see the wealth of knowledge and expertise represented by our employees – a total of over 87 years of experience.

 

 

Lucas 

15-YEAR SERVICE AWARD RECOGNITION

At Ancon Construction, we take pride in all of our employee-owners and love celebrating years of service milestones. Meet Lucas. He’s been an employee-owner with Ancon for 15 years.

“Ancon is a great company to work for. It’s full of great people. I take care of Ancon, and Ancon takes care of me. I enjoy coming to work every day,” shares Lucas.

We value your contributions to Ancon Construction, Lucas. Thank you for 15 years of service & dedication!

 

Cindy 

15-YEAR SERVICE AWARD RECOGNITION

“Cindy often makes the first impression of Ancon as she greets and welcomes clients and visitors, both in-person and on the phone,” said Doug VonGunten, President of Ancon Construction. “She does a great job representing Ancon in this role. She also keeps the office organized and running smoothly. Thank you, Cindy, for your 15 years of service.“

“I am grateful for all Ancon has done for me. Thank you for the 15-Year Service Award! I have always been thankful for the journey that brought me to Ancon and the Ancon family,” shares Cindy.

We value your contributions, Cindy. Thank you for 15 years of service & dedication – and warm greetings with a smile!

Drew 

15-YEAR SERVICE AWARD RECOGNITION

Meet Employee-Owner, Drew. Drew was in Goshen High School’s Trade Program when he was recruited by an Ancon Construction employee and hired as a first-year carpenter apprentice. Soon after, Ancon enrolled Drew in a four-year apprenticeship program where he received his Associate Degree and journeyman’s card for carpentry. For the next three years, he was a carpenter in Ancon’s Building Service Department – a department that does smaller new construction projects, along with renovation and repairs for commercial businesses. Soon Drew was promoted to lead carpenter and a few years later, to superintendent. In the fall of 2019, he became a project manager, followed by a promotion to department director two years later.

“I knew that college wasn’t for me. Throughout the fifteen years I have been with Ancon, I have enjoyed meeting new people, clients and the simple fact that I can point out numerous projects we have built throughout the area. I’m looking forward to the years ahead!” One of his favorite projects as a superintendent was Potawatomi zoo’s main entrance build, where the project’s challenges motivated him.

Thank you for 15 years of service, dedication, and growth, Drew. We are thankful to have you on our team!

 

Don

25-YEAR SERVICE AWARD RECOGNITION

Meet Don, Ancon Construction’s Director of Operations and Safety Director, who has been with the company for over 25 years!

“When I first joined the company, I was looking for direction in my career. I had tried a few different jobs but hadn’t found my passion yet. That’s when I discovered that I enjoyed working with my hands and decided to give construction a try. 

The team at Ancon was welcoming and supportive, and the good wages and opportunities for advancement kept me motivated. I started out as a trash picker in 1997 and never could have imagined that I would rise through the ranks to become the Director of Operations. It just shows that with hard work and determination, anyone can achieve their goals,” he shares.

“As the Director of Operations and Safety Director, Don has one of the most challenging positions at Ancon. He is exceptional in this role, providing strong advocacy for our field employee-owners and an accessible bridge between the field staff and the office staff. We celebrate and thank you for your 25 years of service,“ shares Doug VonGunten, President of Ancon Construction.

About Ancon Construction:

Ancon Construction is a commercial in-house design-build contractor offering a full range of services, including planning, site selection, development, architectural design, rezoning, code compliance, construction, remodeling, and maintenance. Based in Goshen, Indiana, Ancon is a 100% employee-owned company and a regional leader in commercial design-build that has defined architecture and construction in the Michiana community since 1975.