F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co., Inc.

When it comes to the oversight and management of Wilhelm’s Operations Department, Jay Watson’s leadership is an essential component to our firm’s long-standing record of successful project delivery. Jay leads his team through construction efforts covering everything from A to Z once a bid or negotiated pursuit turns into a build project. He is also responsible for personnel assignments for upper management, project management, and supervision. Safety and Quality Assurance are major priorities for Jay and the operations department, with ultimate accountability directly under the Authority of Wilhelm’s President Phil Kenney.

Construction is best learned by example. Jay began learning at an early age  starting as an entry level carpenter for Wilhelm in 1980. By 1981 he was running projects, and progressing through the ranks to later become foreman, project superintendent, and, in 1994, general superintendent.

Through Jay’s leadership, Wilhelm has grown to be a national “Top 100” construction management and general contracting firm, known for exceptional quality, service, and dedication. Understanding the firm’s current success and future direction are predicated on its people, Jay’s top priority is focusing on the talented individuals who are Wilhelm.

He is  responsible for Wilhelm’s ACS-certified steel fabrication facility, the concrete form shop, and the construction yard where Wilhelm stages materials, scaffolding, and form work for timely delivery to project sites.

Phil’s grandfather, Francis A. Wilhelm, started the business, F.A. Wilhelm Construction Company in 1923, and grew his business throughout the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. Phil’s uncle, Tippy Wilhelm, was serving as president in 1975 when Phil started working summers, a practice that continued until his graduation from Purdue University 10 years later with a degree in civil engineering.

Phil began his career in earnest with Wilhelm’s small projects group, eventually managing the Facilities Contracting Group, then presiding over its mechanical construction subsidiary in 1996. In 2001, he stepped into the role previously held by his grandfather and uncle to became president of Wilhelm, continuing the long-standing legacy of exceptional service and community responsibility established from the firm’s inception.

As president, Phil is ultimately responsible for all aspects of Wilhelm’s business. Serving people has always been his focus and one of the major drivers of the company’s success. Under Phil’s leadership, Wilhelm has grown to become number 100 on ENR’s “Top 400 Contractors” listing and one of the largest employers of construction labor in the Midwest.

Phil is an active Board member for the American Heart Association, Indiana Construction Roundtable, the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and the Wabash College Board of Trustees. Both he and his wife Colleen support many life-changing organizations dedicated to strengthening our communities while providing training and opportunities for the next generation.

Accurately predicting construction outcomes is an art – and while Andy Lock would not exactly describe himself as an artist, he works deligently to bring all the components of a project together forming a comprehensive perspective.

He and his team protect client vision and budget while forecasting the cost and construction timeline for intricate architectural details against a “must have” move-in date, all while balancing Wilhelm’s competitive preconstruction, self-perform and prefabrication advantages. What results is an upfront reliable overview of the entire project process that gives clients and designers confidence in a successful delivery from start to finish.

Degrees in both Civil Engineering Technology and Construction Technology from Purdue University, along with a tenure in the U.S. National Guard helped prepare Andy for his current role as Vice President of Preconstruction for Wilhelm. His career with Wilhelm began in 1999 where he completed several projects in the field, and went on to develop and demonstrate expertise as chief estimator on a variety of projects for Eli Lilly, Abbot Labs, Dow AgroSciences, Cummins, Purdue University, Indiana University, and IU Heath.

Engaging a talented team and the latest technology, Andy directs all preconstruction activities. He collaborates directly with clients, designers, developers, subcontractors, and industry peers, and provides mentoring and leadership to personnel. Andy is connected to projects at all stages of design and construction, and reviews all estimates for best practices in constructability, efficiency, and sustainability.

A business is like a living organism – it needs continual attention and cultivation if it is to grow and thrive. Doug Gebhardt cultivates that vital growth by identifying and evaluating new business, developing strategic relationships, providing solutions to client construction needs, and transitioning opportunities into new business partnerships.

Doug operates with a relational philosophy. He seeks to identify a new opportunity by first learning about what a potential client needs from a construction partner. He works to find out potential needs and challenges to determine where and how Wilhelm will be a good fit – and where Wilhelm truly brings value.

Doug enjoys his role introducing clients to Wilhelm, and he enjoys being involved in his community through the Indiana Sports Corporation, College Mentors for Kids, Good Samaritan Network of Hamilton County, Hamilton County Leadership Academy, and coaching youth sports.