News
Ancon Construction Co. Celebrates 30th Anniversary
Posted: 02/04/2005
GOSHEN, Ind. - When Ancon Construction Company was created in 1975, its founder Andy Frech and part-time employe Beverly Boughner set out to establish the company as one that works closely with its clients, and cares as much about the project as the client does. Now, 30 years later and 69 employees strong, Ancon has over 10 million square feet under its belt, having completed nearly 1,500 major projects. More than 350 of those were in Goshen, including Oaklawn Center, Dutchmen Manufacturing, the Goshen YWCA, Goshen College Rec & Fitness Center, Maplecrest Country Club, and the Goshen General Hospital Center For Cancer Care…to name just a few.
“Our goal has always been to build enduring structures and solid relationships. We have very high standards of quality and excellence in our work,” said Gary Wetzel, marketing manager at Ancon since 1984. “We carefully plan every step, so there are no surprises. Clients gets exactly what they want, on time, and within budget. Our motto is: ‘Before we design, before we build, we listen.’ We take that very seriously.”
Wetzel added that Ancon’s team-oriented approach has been successful, as the company’s work has gained recognition in the community recently. Last year, it received the Elkhart Co. Chamber of Commerce’s Fairbanks Award. This award is given “for efforts in beautifying Elkhart with aesthetically pleasing buildings and landscaping design on new construction, or when rejuvenating of existing property is done,” according to a Chamber representative. Ancon’s renovation and remodeling of Martin Pet & Garden downtown was part of those efforts, and the work continues this year with its new construction along the RiverWalk.
Ancon has also received the Award For Excellence in Construction from the Michiana Area Construction Industry Advancement Fund, the Oustanding Concrete Achievement Award from the Indiana Ready-Mixed Concrete Association, the Butler Building Systems’ National Builder of the Year, and the Distinguished Building Award from the American Institute of Architects, among others.
The company worked on several projects in 2004 for clients whose services benefit the community. Goshen’s new transitional housing facility, Lincoln Avenue Apartments, provides individuals and families with schooling, job search help and life skills classes. Waterford Crossing, which provides assisted living and senior support, was expanded last fall to 55 apartments. Newton Park in Lakeville boasts five soccer fields, two baseball diamonds, two softball diamonds, and parking for 500, not to mention the pond for ice skating, two huge soccer press boxes, and kids’ playground. And the new Goodwill store in Niles is nearly completed.
“We really believe in giving back to the community. We’re proud that Michiana has made Ancon a part of its growth and success, and we have a responsibility to return the favor whenever possible,” Wetzel explained. Ancon has put its money where its mouth is, contributing over $500,000 to support organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, Habitat For Humanity, Junior Achievement, Oaklawn Foundation, Child Abuse Prevention Services, WNIT, Salvation Army, Goodwill Industries, and the 4-H Fair.
In fact, in 1985, the company’s founder and then-president Andy Frech decided to skip giving holiday gifts to its clients, instead making a donation in their names to Child Abuse Prevention Services. “It’s more appropriate to the season than giving gifts to people who already have plenty,” Frech explained to them. He received such positive feedback that Ancon has given seasonal donations ever since. One client even sent a note back saying his company was going to follow suit and give charitable donations in lieu of sending out gifts as well.
Perhaps Ancon’s most forward-thinking mission is its work to promote “green” building. The goal is to emphasize building processes and structures that are environmentally friendly, economically efficient, and better for occupants’ health. But, according to Wetzel, Ancon has been implementing these processes for some time.
“Actually, for us it’s not really new, because Ancon has used green building principles in the past,” he stated. “Our society has explored alternative energy sources before. But now that oil prices are going up, economics are again driving the need for change, and with it is a conscientious desire to preserve the environment. Put those two together, and that means green building trends are here to stay.”
Always striving to follow innovations and to expand its services, the Ancon Building Service division was formed in 1987. ABS performs building maintenance, repair and small renovations. Since its inception, it has completed over 2,000 projects.
Ancon has always enjoyed a motivated staff, according to Wetzel. “That asset was buoyed in 1990 when the company took its first steps toward becoming employee-owned,” he stated. One third of the company stock was purchased and placed in an Employee Stock Ownership Trust, from which stocks were allocated to eligible individuals. Subsequent purchases of remaining stock made Ancon 100% employee-owned by 2000.
In 1993, Ancon was the first contractor in the area to become an Accredited Quality Contractor with Associated Builders and Contractors. This designation indicates a commitment to quality achievement in safety, employee benefits, training, and community relations and outreach activities.
Whereas some companies find a certain niche and stay in it, “Ancon has done it all,” said Wetzel. “We’ve designed and created scores of different types of buildings for a wide variety of uses and individualized needs.”
The company’s resumé reflects its spectrum of expertise. It has constructed offices in Mishawaka’s Edison Lakes complex and financial structures for many of the region’s banking institutions. It has handled big jobs like medical facilities for hospitals and private practices, and manufacturing and industrial buildings such as Hoosier Tire and Syndicate Systems. Ancon has done community facilities such as libraries, parks and museums, and recreational facilities such as hotels and theaters. It has experience in creating multi-use facilities such as school buildings for both academic and sports venues, and religious centers such as Beulah Missionary Church and Hillcrest United Methodist Church. The company has also constructed all manner of retail stores, from fast food restaurants to car dealerships.
“The greatest reward we get in this business is seeing the pride our clients have in their new buildings,” Wetzel stated. “Trust and communication have been the foundation of our success over the past 30 years, and it’ll be the driving force behind our growth in the future. Each and every one of us here at Ancon is committed to that.”
