An Enduring Focus
Century Construction, Inc. emphasizes quality workmanship for more than 50 years
Take care of your clients and employees. Be responsive. Be fair. Work hard. These are the foundational values that have fueled more than 50 years of success at Century Construction, Inc., one of northern Kentuckyâs largest full-service general contractors.
As its name suggests, the company focuses on building structures that stand the test of time. How? By providing quality workmanship and fostering ongoing relationships with its clients in the industrial, commercial, institutional and multifamily markets, says Business Development Manager Andrew Hodge. The Erlanger-based operation is situated at the heart of a bustling metropolitan region with convenient access to projects throughout the tri-state area of Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana.
Thanks to in-house skilled talent, including carpenters, plumbers and concrete finishers, the general contracting firm self-performs much of its work, which helps to streamline project activities and heightens control over quality and safety matters. Century Construction also offers budgeting and cost estimation services, design consultations and construction management expertise.
A Companyâs Solid Foundation
Century Construction was established in 1968 by Mike Mangeot, an accountant, Jack Hodge, a mason, and Mike Ruh, a carpenter. While these individuals came from different professional backgrounds, they were united by a shared desire to run a successful business with integrity. Besides their entrepreneurial ambitions, the company founders desired to create a team-oriented culture based on mutual respect between employees, clients and trade partners.
While the firm grew slowly during its first few decades, it quickly established a reputation for exceptional service and responsiveness. Century Construction cut its teeth on projects in the industrial sector, handling everything from emergency repairs to major plant expansions, which further cemented the companyâs industry expertise and leadership. One of its longest-standing clients today is Cincinnati-based Milacron, a global leader in the plastic technology and processing industry. Other noteworthy customers include St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, The J.M. Smucker Company, GE Aviation, UPS, BASF Corporation and Tyson Foods, Inc.
The founding partners worked side-by-side for more than 35 years. But when Jack Hodge passed away in 2004, his colleagues Mike Mangeot and Mike Ruh, both in their 60s at the time, decided to retire from the business. Ownership of the company transitioned to Jackâs two sons, John and David, who wished to honor the legacy of their lifelong mentor by staying true to many of his leadership ideologies.
John, who serves as President, started his career as a laborer, working at Century Construction during the summer months while he completed his studies at Northern Kentucky University. He originally planned to attend law school, but instead took his dad up on an offer to work as a Project Manager and ânever looked back,â according to Andrew, Johnâs son. Johnâs younger brother, David, has a similar story: he worked as a laborer at his fatherâs company while he attended the University of Kentucky, then was promoted to Project Manager, and is now Vice President.
For these second- and third-generation members of the Hodge family, upholding the companyâs foundational values has proven effective in enhancing customer relationships. âContinuing these philosophies has helped us retain clients for decades, some for 50-plus years!â Andrew says. He adds that John and Davidâs business savvy has really bolstered the companyâs evolution. âAs a result, weâve enjoyed tremendous growth as well as lots of repeat business and referrals,â he says. âWe attribute our achievements to doing things the right way when working on projects, being extremely responsive to clients, and treating everyone with fairness and respect.â
Celebrating a Loyal, Dedicated Team
Not only has Century Construction strengthened and expanded relationships with its clients over multiple decades, the company also possesses a great track record for retaining and developing its most valuable assetsâits people. Today, Century Construction has approximately 75 employees, many of whom are celebrating 20, 30 and even 40 years at the firm.
Andrew shares one key reason many employees choose to make a life-long career at Century Construction. âThereâs a sense of family here. We are a tight-knit group that loves what we do and who we do it with. Many employees have been with us for 15 to 40 years and have worked through thick and thin. The camaraderie allows us to challenge each other, support one another, and accomplish more together,â he says.
This sense of solidarity is certainly evident when scrolling through the companyâs Facebook page, which contains announcements of employee anniversaries, retirements, weddings and new babies interspersed with project updates and industry accolades. Back in January, there was even a personal message from Mike Mangeot paying tribute to his dearly departed friend, Jack. He mentions how maintaining a family-like atmosphere was always key to building a future for the company.
This family-like culture, naturally, draws actual families to join the idealistic construction team. Cousins, siblings, parents, childrenâmembers of several family groups have found a workplace home at Century Construction.
Weâre Thrivingâand Weâre Hiring!
When asked about the future vision of the company, Andrew shares that real estate development appears to be the next natural step for the growing firm. The organization is also investing in next-generation construction talent through initiatives that build professional expertise or facilitate career exploration. Most recently, Century Construction became engaged in a co-op program with Northern Kentucky University to train and mentor up-and-coming workforce talent.
Andrew elaborates, âThis particular program targets those studying construction management. We bring the students on part-time to work in the field so they can learn the different trades, and rotate them among different clients, and mentor them to help them grow their knowledge of the construction industry. Through this process we aim to help refine each personâs professional aspirations (e.g., superintendent, skilled craft worker, project manager, estimator, etc.), then we help them prepare for those career paths.â
Upon the studentâs graduation from the program, if there is a mutual fit, Century Construction will usually make a full-time job offer. In addition to a supportive company culture, employee prospects are often attracted to the companyâs competitive 401(k) and profit-sharing plans, paid time off, medical and life insurance benefits, companywide bonuses, strong safety program, and further opportunities for professional development and upward advancement.
The company is seeking motivated new hires outside of the co-op program as well. Andrew confirms, âWe are hiring! We are looking for a wide range of talent, whether you are just starting your career and want to learn a trade such as carpentry, masonry or plumbing, or have experience running work and are looking for a foreman/superintendent role, we would love to speak with you. We also have project management and estimating positions available. Come join the Century Construction family today!â