“I always wanted to be in construction, and I don’t think there’s a program out there that is better suited to train the next generation of constructors than what we have at Purdue in the CEM program,” says John Frantz, one of the first graduates of Purdue’s Construction Engineering and Management program.

Frantz enrolled as a sophomore in the CEM program when it began in 1976 and is now the only living member of the first graduating class. As we celebrate CEM’s 40^th anniversary this academic year, he credits the program for the knowledge and field experience he gained that has pushed him to be successful in the construction industry over the last four decades.

“I started with Sidney Electric in 1977 in the warehouse as part of my first CEM internship,” Frantz explains. The Ohio-based electrical contracting company gave him many opportunities to develop throughout his three internships, including working in the field as well as the office. After graduating with a construction engineering degree, he accepted a full-time position with them and has been working there ever since.

Frantz is now the sole owner of Sidney Electric Company, fulfilling his childhood dream of following in his parents’ footsteps to own a business in the construction industry.

“I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a contractor,” he says. “I saw my parents and uncle build a construction company over the years, and I always saw the pride they took in their business and the opportunities that it presented their employees. They always felt like extended family instead of employees.”

This vision is what pushed him toward the pursuit of a degree in CEM. In addition to the standard civil engineering courses CEM students are required to take, Frantz also enjoyed the management, accounting, estimating, and labor relations courses. “These courses provided principles and lessons learned that I use every day,” he says.

However, some lessons can only come from outside of the classroom. The best lesson for Frantz was one learned over the course of his internships. “I believe the most important thing I learned is respect,” he says. “I was blessed to work with great people in the office and in the field, people that took the time to guide and foster my development.”

He carries this respect for others with him as the owner and leader of a company in the construction industry. His ultimate goal is to continue being involved in preparing his company for the next group of leaders. “I owe it to all my employees to look ahead for them,” he says, “to support and develop the company for the next generation.”

John Frantz is the perfect example of the type of engineering trailblazer we hope to produce with every class of graduates.

Over the past 40 years, we have engaged and educated over 1,300 students who have become construction engineering and management leaders in industry. We certainly look forward to celebrating the achievements of our alumni over the next 40 years.