Our People, Their Story. Trenton’s Five Years of Growth
In December, Trenton celebrated five years with Ancon Construction — a milestone that reflects not only his commitment but also his journey of discovery and growth in the construction industry.
Before joining Ancon, Trenton worked in a CNC factory for five years. While he gave it a solid effort, he realized it wasn’t the right fit. “CNC just wasn’t for me,” he said. “I needed something more hands-on to keep me moving. Don [at Ancon] suggested I try construction, and I decided to go for it.”
Trenton admits that construction wasn’t always part of his plan. “I didn’t even know I wanted to be in construction until I stepped into it,” he shared. With no prior experience, Trenton entered the industry with curiosity and a willingness to learn. He credits much of his growth to simply asking questions and learning step by step on the job.
A turning point in Trenton’s journey came when he enrolled in the Associated Builders and Contractors of Indiana/Kentucky (ABC) apprenticeship program. “It helped me understand what construction is really about—from the ground up. It wasn’t just about doing the work, but knowing why and how things are built,” he explained. The program also instilled the importance of safety, especially when working with power tools and equipment.
Now a graduate of the ABC program, Trenton points to that achievement as his proudest moment at Ancon. “Graduating was a big one for me,” he said. “It was a lot of work, but it helped me become more confident and capable in my role.”
Over the years, Trenton’s role has evolved as he has learned the trade. He now takes on surveying responsibilities and handles tasks more independently. “I don’t rely on others as much as I used to,” he said. “One of my biggest accomplishments was doing ceiling grid and framing on my own—something I learned from a superintendent at Ancon.”
When asked what motivates him, Trenton says it’s the constant learning. “Every day is different. You think you know something, then the next day, there’s something new to figure out. That keeps it fun.”
One of his most memorable projects was Afdent Dental in Mishawaka. “That one had everything. It was all hands-on—we built temporary walls, a mezzanine, and ceiling supports for their dental equipment. It was a great learning experience.”
Trenton credits the people around him at Ancon Construction for shaping his journey. “Everyone brings something different to the table,” he said. “If you have a question or an idea, people are always willing to listen and help. It’s a great environment to grow in.”
When asked what advice he’d give to someone entering the field, Trenton keeps it simple: “Ask questions, and learn from the answers so you don’t have to ask them again.” He also emphasizes the importance of keeping an open mind. “You might think your way is best, but there’s always something to learn from someone else.”
Five years in, Trenton’s story is one of hard work, humility, and a drive to keep growing. And if the past five years are any indication, he’s just getting started.
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.