Fifth generation of Larson-Danielson leaders takes the helm
Larson-Danielson has recently transitioned to its fifth generation of leadership. In recognition of this momentous occasion, Great News Life shared the story.
LARSON-DANIELSON EMBRACES ITS FIFTH GENERATION OF LEADERS
By: Jennifer Arzola
If there were such a thing as a perfect transition, Larson-Danielson Construction has found it.
In its 115-year history, Larson-Danielson has thrived under four generations of owners. Now, the company is marking the beginning of its fifth generation of leadership.
Larson-Danielson, a commercial general contractor and design/build firm based in La Porte, works diligently to create structures and cultures that are based on excellence and quality. This is true of its leadership as well.
“When people want a really well-built building, they come to us,” Vice President Tim Larson said. “The culture of the company, the way we treat our employees, the way our employees work, their belief in the company and their dedication has always been the same.”
Generation Four celebrates L-D’s 100-year anniversary in 1998
Generation Four
In 1992, the Generation Four leaders (Tim Larson, Terry Larson, Tom Walter, and Mark Danielson) took over control at Larson-Danielson. Together, these partners successfully grew the company during their tenure as executive leaders and, today, continue to provide insights to the Generation Five leadership.
“Around 2017, Generation Four started bringing us into meetings to see big picture things,” Vice President Jeff Jensen said. “It was like getting to sit in the passenger seat. Then, over time, you pick things up and learn. Now, we are taking control of matters and decision-making, and we have Generation Four in the passenger seat for guidance and support.”
Focused on treating its clients and employees well, Larson-Danielson has created a culture of respect and dedication.
“Larson-Danielson is performing 10 times the annual volume we did before 1992, but our culture has stayed the same,” Tim Larson said.
Wanting to ensure that this high level of expectation remained, the owners approached the transition of leadership the way they do everything else–with careful planning and thoughtful consideration.
“Internally, we started planning for the leadership transition probably 10 years in advance,” Vice President Terry Larson said.
Generation Five
G5 leaders
Referred to as G5, the Generation Five leaders are five individuals who have spent the better part of the past 10 years learning, shadowing, and, gradually, leading.
“The process involved handing off responsibilities in steps to get people trained in what they’re doing and then taking over,” Vice President Tom Walter said. “The thoughtful transition also helps other people in the company become more comfortable with new leaders.”
Joined by Nick Larson, Jeff Jensen, David Merkel, and Pat Lockwood as the Generation Five leadership team, President, Brian Larson, sees the immense value in this approach.
“We’ve been working on a long transition phase that continues through this year,” Brian Larson said. “We’re grateful to have our former executives still on board and monitoring our performance to ensure that we make a smooth transition. We’re a 114-year-old company. We don’t do things rashly. We like to have a steady and stable environment for our workers and for our clients.”
Larson-Danielson ranks among best Midwest construction companies
Midwest Real Estate News has released its 2022 Best of the Best issue, and Larson-Danielson has made the list of top construction companies.
The annual Best of the Best list highlights the top commercial real estate companies located throughout the Midwest. In addition to construction companies, the issue lists the top-ranked brokerage firms, developers, direct lenders, owners, property management firms, real estate law firms, and financial intermediaries.
Midwest Real Estate News is a bi-monthly publication covering the latest news and trends in commercial real estate throughout 13 states located in the Midwest. Appearing on the list of the best commercial construction companies in the Midwest places Larson-Danielson in an elite group.
A history of excellence
Larson-Danielson is not just among the best of the best according to Midwest Real Estate News. For the last six consecutive years, we have been voted the best commercial construction firm in Northwest Indiana. In fact, we have consistently appeared on Northwest Indiana Business Magazine’s Best of Business Awards list since 2005.
Larson-Danielson Construction has over a century of commercial construction experience. We work hard to instill the core values of our company into every project that bears our name.
Our goal is to produce quality work that is second to none. This ambition is what makes us one of the top contractors in the state of Indiana and throughout the Midwest.
Our team at Larson-Danielson brings the skills and experience that defines excellence in construction. We have been building upon a solid foundation of work since 1908. Our capabilities, commitment, and expertise continue to propel us to the top of the construction industry.
If you’re looking for exceptional value and quality service, Larson-Danielson is the best team for your construction needs. Contact us today to learn more.
Visit our awards page for a list of other awards and honors.
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Larson-Danielson begins new HealthLinc facility in Michigan City
(Michigan City, Ind.) – Larson-Danielson is the design-build contractor for a new 39,000 square foot healthcare facility in Michigan City, Ind. for HealthLinc. The Valparaiso-based community health center held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new clinic on November 28.
The event was attended by U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, HealthLinc representatives, Michigan City Mayor Duan Parry, and representatives from the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City and Ivy Tech Community College. The new facility is located at 200 Alfred Avenue, behind Ivy Tech Community College.
The new clinic, which is expected to open in the first quarter of 2024, features 33 medical exam rooms, 12 dental rooms, two procedure rooms, and a community center. The new location will offer a variety of services, including medical, dental, behavioral health, optometry, chiropractic, obstetrics and pharmaceutical.
“We look to improve the health of our most vulnerable residents,” said Beth Wrobel, HealthLinc CEO. “We are investing more than $15 million into a new state-of-the-art clinic that will respond to the increase in need and ensure health equity is available.”
In addition to traditional medical services, HealthLinc will offer addiction services, a medical-legal partnership, health insurance enrollment assistance, and a community outreach team at the new facility. HealthLinc is also collaborating with Ivy Tech Community College on the new facility and will offer health care students the opportunity for hands-on experience in their fields.
The project team includes Facet Architecture as the architect; Jones Petrie Rafiniski as the civil engineer; Frost Engineering and Consulting as the structural engineer; and Millies Engineering Group as the MEP Engineer.
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HealthLinc Expansion Underway – Hometown News Now
New HealthLinc clinic to to expand services, add partnership – LaPorte County Life
HealthLinc Breaks Ground on New Clinic in Michigan City – Building Indiana Business
Howard Park Awarded LEED Green Building Certification
(South Bend, Ind.) – Howard Park, South Bend’s first and oldest park, has been award LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The $18.8 million renovation project included a 16,000-foot ice trail and pond, fire pits, an accessible playground, a splash pad, walking trails, and a community center with event space.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and an international symbol of excellence. Through design, construction and operations practices that improve environmental and human health, LEED-certified buildings are helping to make the world more sustainable.
“We are extremely proud that Howard Park is now LEED Gold certified,” said Darin Meyer, project manager for Larson-Danielson. “This was a big wish list item for the project and the City of South Bend, and I am grateful to the entire project team for their efforts to realize this achievement.”
Howard Park achieved LEED certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions. Green buildings allow companies to operate more sustainably and give the people inside them a healthier, more comfortable space to work.
About LEED certification
LEED projects earn points by adhering to prerequisites and credits across nine measurements for building excellence from integrative design to human health to material use. The LEED rating systems work for all buildings at all phases of development and are meant to challenge project teams and inspire outside-the-box solutions.
“LEED is a transformative tool that ensures a building is designed and operated to achieve high performance, improve human health and protect the environment,” said Peter Templeton, president and CEO, USGBC. “By prioritizing sustainability, the Howard Park project is leading the way in their industry and helping USGBC continue towards our goal of green buildings for everyone within this generation.”
Certification is proof that buildings are going above and beyond to ensure the space is constructed and operated to the highest level of sustainability. More than 49,300 commercial and institutional projects are currently participating in LEED in all 50 states and more than 178 countries and territories.
The LEED green building rating system has gone through several evolutions since it was originally introduced in 1998. With its initial launch, LEED opened a new chapter in building design, construction, management, and operation. LEED has inspired new energy efficiency and environmental sustainability technologies and gave rise to a full-blown industry dedicated to supporting green buildings. Now, its current version, LEED v4.1, is the most robust, flexible and transparent rating system ever.
Howard Park Photo Gallery
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- Howard Park event centerHoward Park, South Bend, IN, Alliance Architects (Photo by Matt Cashore)
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- Meeting space at Howard ParkHoward Park, South Bend, IN, Alliance Architects (Photo by Matt Cashore)
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- Wall installation at Howard ParkHoward Park, South Bend, IN, Alliance Architects (Photo by Matt Cashore)
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- Project plaque at Howard ParkHoward Park, South Bend, IN, Alliance Architects (Photo by Matt Cashore)
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- Playground equipment at Howard ParkHoward Park, South Bend, IN, Alliance Architects (Photo by Matt Cashore)
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- Playground equipment at Howard Park; Alliance Architects (Photo by Matt Cashore)
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- Ice bridge at Howard ParkHoward Park, South Bend, IN, Alliance Architects (Photo by Matt Cashore)
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- Skating track at Howard ParkHoward Park, South Bend, IN, Alliance Architects (Photo by Matt Cashore)
About the U.S. Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a healthy, resilient and equitable future for all through the development of green buildings, cities and communities. For more than 20 years, USGBC has been advancing green building practices through the development of LEED, the world’s most widely used green building program. With the support of thousands of members, volunteers and partners, USGBC provides robust green building education courses, a rigorous professional credentialing program, and advocates for effective public policies. It convenes an international network of green building and sustainability leaders through the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and forward-thinking programs, including the Center for Green Schools. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Larson-Danielson voted 2022 Best of Business Awards winner
(La Porte, Ind.) – The votes are in, and Larson-Danielson Construction has been named “best commercial construction firm for new construction” and “best commercial construction firm for remodeling or expansion” in Northwest Indiana and Michiana by the readers of the Northwest Indiana Business Magazine.
“We are extremely honored to have been voted among the best companies in Northwest Indiana and Michiana by the readers of Northwest Indiana Business,” said Nick Larson, vice president of Larson-Danielson Construction. “It is humbling to be recognized for our construction services by our clients and community year after year.”
Larson-Danielson has consistently appeared on the Best of Business Awards list since its inception in 2005. Each year, readers of the Northwest Indiana Business magazine and websites participate in a survey. They vote for the best businesses in 30 awards across six distinct categories in two regions: Northwest Indiana and Michiana.
“Recognizing and supporting local businesses has always been important, but never more so than during this unprecedented time of disruption,” said Troy Linker, publisher of Northwest Indiana Business. “Business owners and their employees are appreciative of the recognition of their hard work to serve their clients. Northwest Indiana Business Magazine congratulates all 2022 Best of Business award recipients!”
The Best of Business Awards were created to give readers the opportunity to acknowledge local businesses who are excelling in their service to the community. The awards promote excellence in innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership in the business community.
Visit our awards page for a list of other awards and honors.