2 023 Service Awards
The Building Contractors Association of Northeast Indiana proudly announces winners of the association's 2023 BCA Service Awards sponsored by Katz, Sapper & Miller.
BCA Summit and Gold Medal Awards recognize individuals who exhibit exemplary performance and strong ethics in business dealings. In addition, these individuals made significant contributions to the general advancement of the construction industry and have been involved in local philanthropic organizations.
The Centennial Award honors an emerging leader under 40 who is active in BCA, showing commitment to leadership in their company, and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for citizens of northeast Indiana through involvement in humanitarian groups.
Program Sponsor:
Summit Award Recipient
James Brunson
Retired from Ivy Tech
James retired in August 2018 after eight years at Ivy Tech, where he served as Program Chair for the Building Construction Management Program, and prior to that as Department Chair for all construction programs. During his time at Ivy Tech, he completed a Master of Arts degree in Career and Technical Education at Ball State University. He also served on the BCA Education and Project Awards Committees.
Prior to Ivy Tech, James spent ten years in heavy industry. He started this stint managing capital projects and quickly acquired additional responsibility for Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) Management. During this period, he became a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM).
James started his career in commercial, industrial, and institutional construction in 1981. His roles included sales, estimating, project management, and company leadership. His projects included everything from small industrial remodeling jobs to new schools and factories. He finished his last general construction project in 1999.
James graduated from Purdue University at Fort Wayne in 1975, with an A.A.S. in Architectural Technology and a B.S. in Construction Technology. He worked in construction trades before and during his time at Purdue. Upon graduation, he worked in a family-owned homebuilding and concrete subcontracting company. He also became a licensed real estate broker during those years.
These days, his most important roles are husband, father, and grandfather.
Gold Medal Award Recipient
Ben Hermann
President
Votaw Electric, Inc.
Ben is a native of Northeast Indiana, having lived most of his life in Allen County, where he currently resides with his wife, Robin, of 26 years. Ben and Robin built a life together in Fort Wayne & created a son and two daughters. Their son, Zachary & daughter, Maleah, currently serve in the Marine Corps overseas. Their youngest daughter, Lily, is a sophomore at Southside High School, who works very hard at school, dance, and sports and still maintains a part-time job. Ben couldn’t be prouder!
Ben graduated from Northside High School in 1991 and then enlisted in the Marine Corps, serving 4-years on active duty. Upon returning to Fort Wayne in 1995 and enrolling into the Engineering program at the former IPFW campus – while on hold for the fall semester to begin – Ben encountered Votaw Electric. Votaw was installing power and controls on a conveyor system installation at his former employer, Foamex. Ben was fascinated with the work, which spawned his interest in the trades. Ben immediately applied at Votaw Electric, was hired as an apprentice electrician, and dropped the idea of becoming a mechanical engineer. He completed his apprenticeship, successfully tested for, and earned his license as a journeyman electrician. “Never once have I regretted my choice of career,” says Ben.
Ben is a retired veteran with dual service in the Marine Corps and Army Reserves and retired after 25 years of time in service, with a total of 7 years on active duty and 18 years in the active reserves.
Ben enjoys spending time with his family and their dog, Mazie, gardening, making BBQ, cutting dovetails, traveling, and applying his hand skills on adventurous mission trips in the US and abroad.
Ben currently serves as President of Votaw Electric since 2017 and is a serving member of Votaw Electric’s Board of Directors. Ben is blessed and honored to serve and lead such an incredible group of people for a company that has served him and his family for 27 years. Ben attributes his accomplishments to faith, luck, sweat, the support of his wife, and his military service, which helped him grow professionally and filled his quest for adventure.
Centennial Award Recipient
Kyle Wilson
Vice President of Business Development
FCI Construction
Kyle was born and raised in Fort Wayne, where he graduated from Carroll High School. He then attended Tri-State, now Trine University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Design Engineering and an associate degree in CAD Design.
He and his wife Christina share two children, 16-year-old Keaton and 13-year-old Chloe.
He has been in the industry for 17 years. Kyle is a Member of the BCA Young Professionals Forum and Young Professionals Committee Member and current Vice-Chair.
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