Building a Legacy: Rhett Fisher’s Journey at Ancon Construction

Building a Legacy: Rhett Fisher’s Journey at Ancon Construction

by | Jun 5, 2024 | ANCON News

 

Building a Legacy: Rhett Fisher’s Journey at Ancon Construction

Rhett Fisher has been an integral part of Ancon Construction for over 18 years, having joined the company with a wealth of prior experience and familiarity.

Rhett’s background in construction began early, working at BIG C Lumber during high school and college. His journey to Ancon started at Crowe, where he specialized in Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP) as an accountant in the commercial group, with a large focus on construction. Ancon became his first major construction client, and his familiarity with Ancon’s people, including Vicky and then-president Bill Hunt, facilitated a smooth transition.

“The really nice thing about being part of Ancon was that they were a customer of mine when I was with Crowe. I knew quite a few of the people here and the financial situation. It is the best-case scenario to have all that pre-existing knowledge of what you are getting yourself into,” he recalls.

Rhett quickly grew to appreciate the construction process from conception to completion and became deeply immersed in Ancon’s culture. When John Place became president, Rhett was invited to join the board of directors and subsequently transitioned to the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Early in his career at Ancon, Rhett was impacted by the NIBCO ice park project in downtown Elkhart, a project that catalyzed significant positive change in his hometown. “We were the construction company that initiated the change in downtown Elkhart, and that’s a big deal. Being the catalyst for significant, positive change in our hometown is hard to beat.”

Rhett’s motivation and engagement stem from the overall potential of what Ancon could and has achieved. The journey to significant financial milestones has been daunting yet very rewarding. Rhett believes in managing profitability smartly and efficiently, a philosophy that has proven successful.

Over the years, Rhett’s role has evolved, increasing his ability to perform his job effectively. He is proud of having navigated the challenges of the 2008-09 recession and COVID-19, which have made him and the company more resilient. The new office, bringing field and office employees together, has been a long-term dream realized. This project has been the most time-consuming yet rewarding project he has been involved with.

To newcomers, Rhett advises embracing the culture of employee ownership. “At its core, it is a beefed-up 401K, but on top of that, you own a piece of the company. If you embrace that culture and responsibility, it is significant and it does make us different.” His advice for anyone stepping into his role includes having a sense of humor and getting to know and interact with colleagues. “I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he says.

Rhett’s story is a testament to dedication, growth, and the impact of a strong, collaborative company culture only found here at Ancon Construction, a 100% Employee-Owned company.

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.

A Journey in Construction

A Journey in Construction

by | May 6, 2024 | ANCON News

A Journey in Construction

Nathan’s ten-plus years at Ancon Construction began while he was still in his senior year in college. Starting off as a laborer, he immersed himself in the construction industry. After a few years of hands-on experience, he enrolled in the ABC apprenticeship program.

Completing the program, Nathan found his niche in carpentry. As time passed, he looked at his options for professional growth. With determination, he shared his desire for more significant responsibilities, which paved the path to his current role as a superintendent.

“Nathan started his career here 10+ years ago with almost no construction experience. He spent those years perfecting his craft and becoming one of Ancon’s best young superintendents. Nathan’s big heart and soft-spoken demeanor have made him a favorite with the new talent. His ability to train and lead with respect is second to none. He is a prime example of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication,” shares Don Carrico, the Safety and Operations Director at Ancon.

Reflecting on his Ancon journey, Nathan describes his colleagues as “They’re not just colleagues; they’re family!”

Nathan recalls the unique touches of various projects. He shares, “It’s the cool things about each project that I like – like the set of stairs at the Eberhart project and the entrance at Goshen College.”

For those considering a career in construction, Nathan’s advice is golden: “Surround yourself with mentors who nurture and respect you – their guidance is invaluable. Be patient and have a willingness to tackle challenging tasks. Over time – this will pay off!” In a field brimming with diverse personalities, Nathan advocates for leveraging everyone’s strengths to maximize project outcomes. “You don’t know everything, but connecting with those that do – that’s how you successfully get the project done!”

Nathan enjoys the ever-changing nature of his role with each project. The fast-paced nature prevents boredom, providing ongoing challenges and chances to grow. Every new project is a fresh beginning, keeping burnout at bay.

In Nathan’s world, construction isn’t just about building structures—it’s about forging connections, embracing challenges, and leaving a legacy of craftsmanship and camaraderie. And for him, there’s no greater reward than seeing a project come to fruition through dedication and teamwork.

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 Classroom to Construction: Chris’s Journey

From Classroom to Construction: Chris’s Journey

by | Mar 14, 2024 | ANCON News

 

Meet Chris, an Employee-Owner at Ancon Construction, with over five years of experience. His path to construction began with a career in education, teaching geometry, physics, and chemistry at the high school level. Reflecting on his time in education, Chris acknowledges the challenges teachers face, including managing behaviors and technology distractions, while deeply respecting their vital role in shaping young minds.

With his educational background, Chris decided to embrace a new adventure in construction. At Ancon, he found a supportive environment to learn and grow, gaining valuable insights from colleagues both in the office and on-site. These mentors played a crucial role in shaping his development as a project manager, navigating the complexities of commercial construction. This career change shows how valuable it is to seize opportunities and be adaptable.

“Chris is a great asset to Ancon and our project management team.  He has been instrumental in strengthening our team, leveraging his teaching background to support new members joining Ancon. He has a great career ahead of him, and we are fortunate to have him at Ancon,” shares Doug VonGunten, the President of Ancon Construction.

“Ancon is an amazing place to work because of the people and the environment,” shares Chris Morrical. “We put in hard work, but we also take time to celebrate our successes, get to know each other personally, and have fun. I love that my job provides new experiences and challenges every day. No two projects are exactly the same, leading to tons of opportunities to learn and grow.”

To Chris, project management is more than just overseeing construction sites; it involves navigating each unique challenge across diverse projects, demanding attention to detail and skillful coordination from start to finish. He emphasizes Ancon’s culture and reflects on a favorite project, Shady Creek Winery, notable for its unique design elements and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. He takes great pride in fostering the lasting relationships he has developed with key Ancon clients like Goodwill, Heart City Health, and Dental Care Alliance. He shares, “Being able to carry on relationships that Ancon has had for years or decades is a true honor!”

To new Ancon recruits, Chris offers valuable advice: “Never be afraid to ask questions. The vast majority of people you’ll interact with on a daily basis are more than happy to share their knowledge and experiences, which is the best way to learn and develop in any new position.”

Chris Morrical’s journey demonstrates the importance of embracing change, seeking mentorship, and seizing opportunities for growth in one’s career.

Thank you, Chris, for boldly transitioning from teaching to commercial construction. We’re proud to have you as a valuable member of our team and part of the Ancon Family of Employee-Owners.

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.

Urban Environmental Stewardship Award

Urban Environmental Stewardship Award

by | Mar 12, 2024 | ANCON News

 

Congratulations to Lloyd Yoder from Ancon Construction for receiving the 2023 Urban Environmental Stewardship Award!

Lloyd was honored last week at the Elkhart County Soil and Water Conservation District for his outstanding work on two projects with Elkhart County, with most of his time spent on the new Consolidated Courts project. His dedication to project meetings and positive attitude were recognized by county officials.

Well done, Lloyd!

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!