From Laborer to Project Leader: Mitch’s Journey at Ancon Construction
Mitch embarked on his journey with Ancon Construction at the young age of 18, starting as a laborer. For the first couple of years, Mitch honed his carpentry skills before transitioning to the steel crew, where he spent four years helping to build steel buildings. His versatility and dedication eventually led him to the service side of Ancon called Ancon Building Services (ABS), where he has been for the past nine years. He enjoys the variety that comes with working for ABS, where each day brings new challenges and opportunities.
Interestingly, construction wasn’t Mitch’s initial career choice. During his junior year of high school, he enrolled in Career Training education with plans to pursue automotive work. However, when the automotive program was full, Mitch was placed in Building Trades. This unexpected turn of events sparked his interest in construction, and he found himself enjoying the field so much that he joined Ancon shortly after graduating high school.
“The knowledge and patience Mitch has with steel buildings enhanced his career at Ancon as he has become the “go to” for miscellaneous steel building and roof repairs.” shared Drew Buss, the director of Ancon’s Building Services division.
Mitch speaks highly of Ancon, describing it as a fun and rewarding place to work. He appreciates the camaraderie and the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals. “There are a lot of good people here who will teach you if you don’t know a lot about construction,” Mitch shares.
One of Mitch’s most memorable projects was the first Universal Bearings building in Bremen, Indiana. On his first day, he was tasked with “walking steel,” a thrilling and challenging job that involved walking across steel beams, sometimes 30 feet off the ground, wearing a safety harness. “It was an adrenaline rush and something I really enjoyed doing over the next three years,” he recalls. “It’s something I honestly really miss doing.”
Mitch’s sense of ownership and pride in his work has kept him motivated and engaged at Ancon for nearly 17 years. As an employee-owner, he takes great pride in contributing to the company’s success. “It’s more than just a paycheck. It’s knowing that I’m helping this company succeed and being an employee-owner is really rewarding.”
Mitch’s proudest accomplishment at Ancon is the recent completion of the Sacred Heart Parish Center project. This was the first major project he managed entirely, overseeing all subcontractors and Ancon team members. “It was definitely something that I really enjoyed, and I look forward to doing more jobs like that in the future,” he says.
When asked for advice for newcomers to the company, Mitch emphasizes the importance of learning from others, working hard, and maintaining a positive attitude. He also highlights the critical role of communication in his job. “Being able to properly communicate with customers and mesh well with other employees to work as a team is vital,” he notes.
Mitch attributes his success to living life to the fullest and always being honest. He considers himself easy to get along with, a quality that has served him well in the construction industry. “These values have helped me through my journey at Ancon,” he concludes.
Mitch Kelley’s story is a testament to the opportunities and growth that Ancon Construction offers its employees. His journey from a young laborer to leading projects with Ancon Building Services (ABS) showcases the rewarding career path that dedication, hard work, and a positive attitude can forge in the construction industry.
