As 2018 winds to a close I wanted to take a moment to recognize all of the great things that took place Shiel Sexton Company this year. Our employee-owners achieved some tremendous accomplishments, more than I could possibly capture. There were award-winning projects, community service projects, promotions, and many new hires. Here are just a few highlights from 2018:
Our Company
Shiel Sexton had the opportunity to work on many projects that have transformed the landscape of the community. The higher education sector continues to be a significant portion of our business, as we finished projects on ten different collegiate campuses. The Center for Excellence and end zone renovations at Indiana University Memorial Stadium were finalized just in time for the start of the 2018 football season. We added new state-of-the-art student housing complexes at both Butler University and Purdue University . The Shiel Sexton team finished the Swain Student Activities Center at the University of Louisville, providing students with an improved, modern hangout spot. We also completed several other high-profile projects, including the Harley-Davidson of Indianapolis in Fishers, IN, the comprehensive Marriott Indianapolis Downtown renovation, and the Colts Canal Playscape. Our Carolinas Region celebrated the successful completion of Forever 21 at Magnolia Mall in South Carolina, and the newest Pike Nurseries in Cornelius, North Carolina. The team also wrapped up its highly-anticipated luxury boutique apartment community, 511 Queens, in the exclusive Myers Park neighborhood in Charlotte.
We were proud to have three award-winning projects conclude this year – both in Indianapolis and the Carolinas! The Indy Chamber hosted the 41st Monumental Awards in October. Ironworks Hotel earned the Achievement Award in the Construction category, and Phoenix Theatre took the grand prize Honor Award in the Neighborhood Revitalization category. In the Carolinas, apartment community Bull House took home the Merit Award at the 2018 ABC Excellence in Construction Awards. These projects have uniquely shaped their respective communities.
As with the case of our two construction business units, BAM Rents, S3, Shiel Sexton Real Estate, Anova, Shiel Sexton Concrete had plenty of accomplishments to take pride in, as well. BAM Rents and S3 have both increased their client base as well as secured multiple contracts for 2019. Shiel Sexton concrete poured 50,000 cubic yards of concrete and had a total of 165,000 man-hours worked, a 19% boost from last year’s numbers. Anova reached its highest revenue to date and significantly increased its commissioning service offering, surpassing $1 million in contracts. Shiel Sexton Real Estate saw the completion of their newest development, Broad Ripple River House, an expansive mixed-use building in the urban Broad Ripple Village.
Our People
Shiel Sexton has been fortunate to experience significant growth in recent years. In 2018, we welcomed 50 people into the company bringing the total employee count to almost 400. Additionally, Shiel Sexton celebrated the second anniversary of our transition to 100% ESOP. We gained 51 new employee owners this year.
In an effort to empower the increasing number of women joining the company, we launched a Women’s Networking Group that is designed to encourage mentorships and strengthen employee relations. The group meets bi-monthly to socialize and share experiences.
As our people are our greatest asset, we strive to provide them with unparalleled opportunities for both personal and professional development.
Our Community
At the end of September, Shiel Sexton celebrated our second 100% ESOP anniversary by hosting Beyond the Build. We devote an entire day during that week to creating a positive, lasting impact on our community.
The Indianapolis Shiel Sexton employees partnered with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful to transform the site of a former mobile home community into a park with a wooden pavilion and new landscaping. Our Carolinas Region turned their resources to Crisis Assistance Ministry to assemble Poverty Simulation Kits. These two events allowed us a chance to show our commitment to our Indianapolis and Charlotte communities.
Many Shiel Sexton employees also generously supported United Way. We held our annual fundraiser campaign that included a kickoff luncheon, chili cookoff, jobsite donuts and more entertaining events throughout the course of a week. In doing so, we were able to contribute $32,891 to United Way! On April 20, Shiel Sexton’s SSCares group in Indianapolis participated in United Way of Central Indiana’s Centennial Anniversary event – Hand Raisers for 100 – at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. More than one thousand volunteers from different walks of life came together on the track to execute a public art display to recognize and celebrate UWCI’s milestone achievement. We were proud to participate in an act that brought so many people together.
While another chapter in Shiel Sexton’s history comes to an end, we look ahead to another busy year of opportunities. As we move forward, we strive to exude our “Expect More” values within every project, client, and relationship, and we’re excited for what the new year will bring!