Kelchner Inc., based in Springboro, Ohio, is a site development company that has built its reputation on a foundation of expertise, safety, and sustainability. The company offers services ranging from earthworks to stormwater management and roadwork, positioning itself as a trusted partner for a variety of industries in the tri-state area.
With over 170 employees, Kelchner distinguishes itself not only with its technical capabilities but also through its unwavering dedication to creating a safe and inclusive work environment. Jonathan Burgess, Director of HSSEA (Health, Safety, Security, Environment, and Assurance), and Kevin Weckel, President of Kelchner, share insights into the company’s core values and the practices that have driven its long-term success.
One of the defining characteristics of Kelchner is the stability of its workforce. Many employees have been with the company for decades, fostering an environment where efficiency, safety, and collaboration thrive. Many of its teams have worked together for over 20 years, and that is reflected in how they operate. This longevity not only contributes to the company’s operational efficiency but also nurtures a deep sense of camaraderie and trust among team members.
This stability translates directly into the company’s operational success. The familiarity among employees leads to quicker decision-making, seamless project execution, and a highly cohesive work environment. In the construction and site development industry, where unforeseen challenges and shifting timelines are commonplace, the ability to rely on long-standing, well-coordinated teams provide Kelchner with a significant advantage. These strong relationships between team members also enhance communication, which is critical to maintaining safety standards and addressing any issues before they escalate.
Kelchner has earned a reputation for its deep commitment to safety, which permeates every aspect of its operations. For Jonathan Burgess, safety is not just about ticking off regulatory checkboxes; it’s a deeply ingrained company value. “Safety isn’t just about following OSHA regulations; it’s about genuinely caring for each individual here,” says Burgess, emphasizing that the company prioritizes the well-being of its workforce in a holistic manner.
This approach to safety is more personal and integrated than in many other companies. Rather than simply enforcing policies, Kelchner creates a culture where employees feel responsible for their own safety and that of their colleagues. This shared accountability cultivates a sense of family within the workforce and the company’s belief in collective responsibility. Mistakes are viewed as opportunities for learning rather than blame, which reinforces a culture of continuous improvement in safety practices.
Kelchner’s safety practices are proactive rather than reactive. One of the key elements of its strategy is conducting pre-site safety walks. Before any work begins, the safety and operations teams walk the site to identify potential hazards and implement safeguards. This practice ensures that projects start on a solid foundation, reducing the likelihood of accidents or disruptions. In an industry where safety lapses can have significant consequences, Kelchner’s dedication to identifying risks early and addressing them sets a standard for others to follow.
The company’s commitment to safety is exemplified in its “Make It Home” campaign, which reflects the team’s belief that safety should be tied to personal motivations. The campaign encourages employees to think about the reasons they want to stay safe, such as their families and personal goals. This initiative connects the importance of safety at work with the broader context of employees’ lives, helping them understand the full implications of their actions. By framing safety in terms of what matters most to each individual, Kelchner successfully taps into a deeper level of employee engagement. The “Make It Home” campaign resonates strongly with the workforce because it brings the concept of safety out of the abstract and makes it personal, encouraging employees to stay vigilant and take ownership of their well-being.
Additionally, the success of this campaign lies in its emphasis on collaboration and mutual care. Employees look out for each other, and this fosters an environment where people are not only concerned about their own safety but also that of their coworkers. The campaign has fostered a sense of solidarity that goes beyond the usual workplace dynamics, creating a supportive, family atmosphere where everyone has a stake in maintaining a safe environment.
Kelchner’s operational footprint spans a 90-mile radius around its headquarters in Springboro, Ohio, and this regional focus enables the company to maintain close relationships with clients and manage projects more effectively. Within this radius, Kelchner serves key markets such as Columbus, Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana, allowing the company to stay connected to its core customers while delivering high-quality results.
Rather than pursuing aggressive geographical expansion for its own sake, Kelchner has opted for a sustainable growth strategy. Over the past five years, the company has achieved an annual growth rate of five to eight percent, driven by its focus on delivering superior service within its existing footprint. This steady growth is a testament to Kelchner’s emphasis on quality over quantity. By not overstretching its resources, the company ensures that it can maintain the high standards that have earned it a loyal client base.
Of course, the company’s commitment to sustainability also extends to environmental considerations. Kelchner recently received a sustainability award from its parent company, Wood PLC, for its efforts in value engineering. Sustainability, for this team, is about value engineering, making every stage of the project more efficient, both for the client and for the environment. This approach includes optimizing material usage and minimizing transportation to reduce the environmental impact of projects. By focusing on sustainability, Kelchner not only lowers its ecological footprint but also provides added value to its clients by reducing costs and improving efficiency.
Kelchner’s focus on safety and operational excellence has earned it significant industry recognition. In 2022, the company received the Employer of the Year award from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), an honor that recognized its exceptional safety practices and commitment to employee development. Out of nearly 200 member companies, Kelchner stood out for its proactive safety culture and its ongoing efforts to invest in its workforce.
However, like many companies in the construction industry, Kelchner faces the challenge of a skilled labor shortage. The demand for operators and laborers far exceeds supply, and as older generations retire, fewer young people are entering the trades. Weckel acknowledges the difficulty this presents: “There was a time when fewer people were going into the trades,” he says, but he is optimistic about the recent resurgence of interest in vocational training. Trade schools, industry associations, and companies like Kelchner are working together to attract and train the next generation of skilled workers.
To address the labor shortage, Kelchner has implemented training programs designed to upskill its existing workforce and prepare newer employees for more specialized roles. The company invests in on-the-job training, mentorship, and continuing education, ensuring that employees are equipped with the skills they need to succeed. This focus on workforce development is critical to Kelchner’s long-term strategy, as it ensures that the company has a pipeline of talent ready to step into key positions as the industry evolves.
Looking ahead, Kelchner’s leadership remains focused on achieving sustainable growth without compromising its core values. For Weckel, the company’s disciplined approach to expansion is key to maintaining its reputation for quality and safety. “We’re not in a rush to double in size overnight; we’re focused on long-term, sustainable growth, and that’s why we’ve been able to grow consistently,” he explains. This patient, thoughtful approach ensures that Kelchner can continue delivering value to its clients while maintaining the high standards that have defined the company for decades.
Burgess shares a similar vision, noting that the company’s resilience is a result of its commitment to safety and its people. “We’ve weathered a lot over the years—economic downturns, shifts in the industry—but our commitment to safety, our people, and our clients has always been the driving force behind our success,” he says. This focus on core values has allowed Kelchner to navigate challenges and emerge stronger, positioning the company for continued success in the future.
Kelchner Inc. is more than just a site development company; it’s an organization built on a foundation of safety, employee well-being, and sustainable growth. By prioritizing long-term relationships with both its clients and employees, Kelchner has created a culture that values quality, integrity, and personal responsibility. These core values have not only contributed to the company’s consistent growth but have also established it as a trusted partner in the tri-state area.
As the company moves forward, it remains committed to maintaining the high standards that have defined its success. Whether through its proactive safety initiatives, its emphasis on employee development, or its focus on sustainability, Kelchner continues to raise the bar for excellence in site development. As Weckel aptly puts it, “We’ve built something strong here, and we plan to keep building on that foundation for years to come.”
With a leadership team that prioritizes both the present and future needs of its employees, Kelchner’s vision of safety, sustainability, and regional success ensures that it will remain a leader in its industry for years to come.
