Beneath the Hard Hat
C.D. Smith Company Blog

Generations of Building: A Legacy of Craftsmanship at C.D. Smith Construction

Date: May 6, 2024 8:09:08 AM | Author: Molly Haack

Generations of Pride + Craftsmanship

The Julka family has been a part of C.D. Smith Construction since Arlyn Julka was hired in the 1970s. Working on numerous projects across the Midwest, Arlyn played a key role as a site superintendent, culminating his career supervising the completion of the Fond du Lac Family YMCA in 2010.

Arlyn Julka retired site superintendent CD Smith Construction with woodworking tools and woodshop in background

Arlyn's son, Steve Julka, subsequently joined the Smith team, sharing, "I didn't start in construction. I worked in the service industry for years. As my family grew, I sought better work-life balance and benefits, so I joined C.D. Smith in 2006 and have enjoyed the challenge, learning, and working alongside family."

At age 19, Steve's son Sawyer Julka joined the C.D. Smith team, working alongside his father on projects such as UW-Madison Babcock Hall, various Grande Cheese projects, and the Fond du Lac High School Cardinal Stadium.

CD Smith Superintendent Steve Julka with retired father Arlyn posed together in a workshop wearing branded clothing

While Steve was involved in the renovation of UW-Madison Sellery and Witte Resident Halls, team members suggested repurposing the original natural birch wood walls to blend the 'old' with the 'new' in the new construction. Arlyn, who has been retired for 13 years, offered to assist with the woodworking project. He created Wisconsin logos, Badger paws, and other school emblems from the birch wood walls in his home woodshop. The Julka trio hung the plaques on the soffits in Witte and Sellery Hall. 

CD Smith Construction Superintedent Steve Julka and retired superintendent Arlyn Julka on a lift installing UW-Madison Badger logo in a residence hall

Annually you can find Arlyn at the C.D. Smith - Sleep in Heavenly Peace bed build. He enjoys giving back and reminiscing with colleagues.

Retired CD Smith Construction superintendent Arlyn Julka at Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bed Build with screw gun and volunteers assembling bed frames in the background

"It was a pleasure to work alongside my grandson and son. Our family's history and our employment at C.D. Smith has come full circle," remarks Arlyn.

Learn more about CONSTRUCTION CAREERS at cdsmith.com/careers.

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Date: Spring 2024 | Author: Molly Haack

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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, our team serves as a solutions provider throughout all phases of a project, from planning through construction. With veteran leadership and a dedication to our employees and clients, we proudly place our name on projects of all sizes across the United States.

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