Ancon Construction Recognized with Fairbanks Award for Beautification Efforts in Elkhart County

Ancon Construction Recognized with Fairbanks Award for Beautification Efforts in Elkhart County

by | May 7, 2025 | Ancon News, ANCON News

Ancon Construction Recognized with Fairbanks Award for Beautification Efforts in Elkhart County

 

 

Ancon Construction is proud to announce that they are the recipient of the Fairbanks Award from the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce. The award recognizes the company’s contribution to the beautification of Elkhart County through its newly completed corporate office at 2121 West Wilden Avenue in Goshen, Indiana.

Presented quarterly by the Chamber’s Beautification Council, the Fairbanks Award honors businesses and not-for-profit organizations that enhance the community through new construction, renovations, and/or landscaping. Ancon was selected for its transformation of the former Furnitureland building into a modern, 24,000-square-foot headquarters — demonstrating the company’s commitment to revitalizing existing structures with thoughtful design and long-term community impact.

Kathy Cardwell, Chief Administrative Officer with the Greater Elkhart Chamber, shares, “Ancon Construction was chosen by the Greater Elkhart Chamber’s Business Recognition Council to be the Fairbanks Quarterly award recipient for their beautiful, new facility that has helped to beautify our Elkhart County Community.”

“We are honored to receive the Fairbanks Award,” said Doug VonGunten, President of Ancon Construction. “Having been part of this community for 50 years, we take pride in creating spaces that not only serve our clients but also enrich our communities. This new headquarters is especially meaningful to me — it’s a project I’ve dreamed about for years. It represents much more than just renovating a building; it reflects who we are as Employee-Owners and showcases Ancon’s Integrated Design-Build™.”

“Whether transforming our own space or revitalizing buildings, our team enjoys breathing new life into existing structures. These projects reflect the core of our day-to-day work and our belief in reinvesting in the communities we call home. They also embody our design philosophy and set a high standard for adaptive reuse in commercial construction. We’re proud to create spaces where people can come together and thrive.”

This recognition highlights Ancon’s Integrated Design-Build™ project delivery method. Our in-house architect and design team approach every project with a process and people flow mindset. Our new office is a testament to how relationship-driven design can create modern, engaging workspaces that increase employee retention and create the type of environment that attracts top talent.

As a 100% Employee-Owned company, we are personally invested in every step, championing your vision to deliver buildings that inspire, perform, and endure.

About The Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce
The mission of the Chamber is to be the leading resource for making connections that foster collaboration, which serves and promotes efforts to strengthen the Greater Elkhart business community. www.elkhart.org

About the Fairbanks Award
The Greater Elkhart Chamber’s Business Recognition Council presents the Fairbanks Award annually to four businesses who exemplify innovative and extraordinary beautification efforts to enhance our community. This award recognizes businesses and not-for-profit entities making outstanding beautification efforts, either through new construction or renovations, in our community. This could be beautification of existing property, structure, or landscaping, or remodeling to enhance the overall appearance of the property.

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 construction and architectural landscape since 1975.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact Amy Self, Ancon Construction’s Marketing Manager, at 574.533.9561, aself@anconconstruction.com, or visit anconconstruction.com.

Our People, Their Story. Ben’s Journey in Architecture

Our People, Their Story. Ben’s Journey in Architecture

by | Apr 18, 2025 | ANCON News

 

Our People, Their Story. Ben’s Journey in Architecture

Experience, meaningful connections, and a deep passion for architecture have shaped Ben’s path at Ancon Construction. A 2009 graduate of Judson University with a Master of Architecture, he earned his licensure in 2012. After working at two architecture firms in the Chicagoland area, he felt the pull to return home to northern Indiana.

“I wanted to be near family,” Ben recalls. “Through a mutual connection with Ryan Kring, Ancon’s VP of Business Development, I learned about this opportunity, and it was a great fit.”

Since joining Ancon five+ years ago, Ben has witnessed the transformation of the design department. “There has been a shift toward a more unified and strategic approach that has significantly improved project outcomes,” he explains. “Now, collaboration is seamless, elevating both our workflow and the client experience. It’s about pushing each other — and our clients — toward the best results.”

Ben has also championed a creative design philosophy approach. “Many companies treat design as a drafting service. Our culture at Ancon is to listen to fully understand our clients’ vision, operations, limitations, and how to enhance their efficiency and culture through design.”

Ancon’s own corporate office exemplifies this philosophy. “The space has transformed our culture,” Ben notes. “In Chicagoland, the workplace environment was a big priority for design projects. Here in northern Indiana, where manufacturing dominates, it’s often overlooked — but it has a huge impact.” The Ancon Construction Corporate office is a testament to maximizing the budget without sacrificing quality. “As an employee-owned company, we were intentional with every design choice. That same mindset guides how we deliver value to our clients.”

Employee ownership has been another revelation for Ben. “At first, I didn’t fully grasp its significance,” he admits. “But seeing the level of investment from the field staff and realizing how it impacts our stock price and retirement — it’s powerful.” The model not only benefits employees but also enhances project outcomes, ultimately benefiting clients as well.

Among Ben’s most memorable projects, Ancon’s office holds a special place, but Shady Creek Winery was equally rewarding. “The timber structure, the phased growth — it has become a true destination. The owner initially envisioned a modest addition, but we showed them the bigger possibilities.” Another standout is The Ice Box expansion. “Revitalizing an aging structure and turning it into a lasting community asset — that’s the kind of work that leaves a mark.”

As Ben looks ahead, he remains committed to pushing the boundaries of design and collaboration. “We’re not just constructing buildings; we’re creating environments that shape experiences, culture, and productivity. That’s what makes this work exciting — every project has the potential to be transformative.”

With a dedicated team, a spirit of collaboration, and the strength of employee ownership, Ben and Ancon Construction continue to make an impact, both within their own walls and across the many projects they bring to life.

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.