Blog

Generations + Longevity: A Lasting Legacy Building Construction Careers

Written by Molly Haack | Oct 13, 2025 2:49:18 PM

TL;DR

For nearly nine decades, C.D. Smith Construction has been a place to build a career, a family legacy, and a lasting impact in the trades. Multi-generation families reflect the strength of its culture, mentorship, and commitment to continuous learning. From apprentices to retirees, the people behind every project show that craftsmanship, care, and pride in the work define what long-term construction careers are made of.

A Tradition of Building and Belonging

For more than 89 years, C.D. Smith Construction has been more than a workplace. It has been a home for families dedicated to the trades. Like the Smith family that founded the company, countless families have built their legacies here, passing down skills, values and a commitment to excellence.

This story highlights a few of the multi-generation families who have shaped long careers, mentored teammates and strengthened project outcomes. It is also a look at why experienced builders who value continuous learning choose to grow here.

Our History | Our Core Values | About

Family Traditions that Build the Future

Behind every project are people who built their careers here. Apprentices became superintendents. Operators became mentors. Families shaped the culture across generations.

Bindrich Family

Superintendents Chad; Rex (Retired 2014); Clint

Haensgen Family

Missy Steffes, Operations Manager; Tom “Hoagie,” Superintendent (Retired 2014); Brian, Superintendent

Krings Family

Tiffany; Wendy; Mark (Retired 2017); Scott, Operations Manager/ Warehouse and Yard; Rod

Thome Family

Kris, Superintendent; Doug, Superintendent (Retired 2021); Tom, Superintendent; Larry “Ledge,” Superintendent; Val, Operator (Retired 2014)

Honoring Commitment and Longevity

Each year the 25-Year Service event brings together more than 150 current and retired employees, along with their spouses, to celebrate careers built on craftsmanship and trust. In 2024, the celebration welcomed 18 new honorees who began their journey in 1999 and have continued to grow for 25 years and counting.

 

Careers Built on Mentorship and Continuous Learning

Generational knowledge strengthens project delivery and jobsite safety. Mentorship accelerates growth for people who want new challenges and take pride in problem-solving. That combination attracts experienced builders who value steady opportunity and the freedom to keep learning.

Explore more stories of legacy and purpose:

Build What Lasts

From apprentices to seasoned professionals and on to well-earned retirements, these careers reflect a shared standard: do the work the right way and help the next person do it even better. That is how legacies are built.

Interested in a place where experience is valued and learning never stops?
Explore Careers at C.D. Smith

Key Takeaways

  • Generational strength: Multi-generation families at C.D. Smith Construction represent shared values, craftsmanship and pride in the trades.
  • Career longevity: Employees who stay for decades show how steady opportunity and continuous learning build meaningful construction careers.
  • Culture of mentorship: Experienced professionals guide new team members, ensuring skills and knowledge are passed on to the next generation.
  • Commitment to excellence: Each milestone, from apprenticeship to retirement, reflects a dedication to quality, safety and teamwork.
  • Legacy and opportunity: Building here means building a future—where careers, families and communities grow together.

«•»

Date: Spring/Summer 2025 | Author: Molly Haack

«•» 

Follow C.D. Smith ON SOCIAL

#CDSmith #ThinkSafeWorkSafe

Related Pages + RESOURCES FOR YOUR CAREER

«•»

About C.D. Smith

C.D. Smith Construction is an industry leader in safely providing the highest quality commercial construction services. Utilizing an integrated approach and self-performing trade services combined with technical expertise, the team serves as a solutions provider throughout all phases of a project from planning through construction. With veteran leadership, a culture built on mentorship and a dedication to construction careers and client success, C.D. Smith proudly places its name on projects of all sizes across the United States.

Visit www.cdsmith.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

Beneath the Hard Hat® offers an inside look at the people and stories that make C.D. Smith Construction. With industry news, project updates and career features, it shares insights on the superior spaces being safely delivered year-round.