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Month: April 2025

Warfel Expands Leadership Team to Support Strategic Growth

Posted on by marketing-admin@warfelcc.com

East Petersburg, PA—As Warfel Construction nears the close of its current strategic plan and prepares for the next chapter, the company is proud to announce a significant expansion in its leadership structure—one that reflects a deep commitment to unity, transparency, and putting people first.

The expanded Senior Leadership Team now includes representation from all facets of the business. This collaborative, cross-functional model breaks down traditional silos and brings more voices to the table, ensuring every perspective—from operations to marketing to people engagement—contributes to key decisions. The result is greater alignment across teams, a more cohesive culture, and continued delivery of Warfel’s Clients for Life mission.

New Senior Leadership Team Announced

Warfel’s Senior Leadership Team now includes:

  • Conlan Swope, President
  • Sean Cotter, Executive Vice President (Promoted)
  • Brad Shulenberger, Executive Vice President (Promoted)
  • Steve Davis, Vice President of Virginia
  • Colleen Lynn, Vice President of Client Experience (Promoted)
  • Craig Hartz, Vice President of Field Operations (Promoted)
  • Dylan Keller, Vice President of People (Promoted)
  • Gina Bonafede, Vice President of Marketing (Promoted)
  • Mike Monaco, Vice President of Risk (Promoted)

In addition, CEO Matt Hartzler will continue to guide Warfel’s strategic direction and financial leadership. The company also welcomes Drew Johnson as Chief Financial Officer, while Don Banzhof, Vice President of Real Estate, remains focused on real estate development efforts.

Leadership Grounded in Feedback and Team Empowerment

This structural evolution is based on direct feedback from Warfel’s team members. The company strongly emphasizes listening and actively seeking input on how to better support employees and how the organization can evolve to meet their needs. The result is a leadership approach that empowers, includes, and reflects the full spectrum of the Warfel team while holding itself to the highest standards of excellence and accountability.

A Better Experience for Clients

While these promotions are exciting, they represent something far more impactful: a long-term investment in clarity, collaboration, and continuity. Defining the Senior Leadership Team marks the beginning of a broader initiative aimed at bringing full organizational clarity to every level of the company. This effort will be introduced in phases, each designed to strengthen internal alignment, empower teams, and support Warfel’s continued growth. As this initiative unfolds, the focus remains on providing growth opportunities for employees and delivering exceptional service to clients.

This leadership shift brings measurable benefits to clients, enhancing their overall experience and fostering stronger, more effective partnerships. With representation from every corner of the business, leadership fosters greater alignment across teams, ensuring streamlined communication, innovative solutions, and shared accountability from preconstruction through closeout. The result is a consistent, high-quality experience built on trust, transparency, and responsiveness.

“This evolution in our leadership structure is rooted in the belief that the best decisions come when every voice has a seat at the table,” said Conlan Swope, President of Warfel Construction. “By expanding leadership across departments, we’re not only creating new opportunities for our people—we’re creating a more unified and forward-thinking organization for our clients. This isn’t just about structure—it’s about building deeper trust, both internally and externally, and continuing to deliver an exceptional experience at every stage.”

Looking Ahead

As the company grows, its commitment remains the same: to ensure every client experience reflects the care, consistency, and integrity that define the Warfel experience.

Warfel congratulates its newly promoted leaders and extends appreciation for their continued guidance and dedication. Together, they are helping to lead the company into a new chapter—one driven by unity, shaped by our people and communities, and a commitment to high standards and excellence.

About Warfel Construction

Established in 1911, Warfel Construction is a leading provider of general contracting and construction management services, specializing in senior living, healthcare, education, and commercial construction. Headquartered in Pennsylvania, Warfel proudly serves clients across Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and neighboring states. To learn more, visit warfelcc.com.

Warfel Earns Platinum in ABC STEP Safety Program

Posted on by marketing-admin@warfelcc.com

Warfel Construction Achieves Platinum Level in ABC’s STEP Safety Management System

East Petersburg, PA—Warfel Construction is proud to announce that it has achieved Platinum Level in the Associated Builders and Contractors’ (ABC) STEP Safety Management System for 2025. This prestigious recognition underscores Warfel’s unwavering commitment to safety and dedication to fostering a culture where safety is prioritized at every level.

Established more than 30 years ago, STEP (Safety Training Evaluation Process) is a leading safety benchmarking and improvement tool that helps construction firms strengthen their safety programs.

STEP participants consistently outperform industry standards, with top-tier companies achieving incident rates nearly six times safer than the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) construction industry average.

“Safety is more than policies and procedures—it’s embedded in our culture here at Warfel,” said Conlan Swope, President of Warfel Construction. “It’s a shared responsibility, from the field to the office, and this recognition reinforces our ongoing efforts to protect our employees, clients, and partners.”

What It Takes to Achieve Platinum STEP Status

Earning Platinum Level recognition in the ABC STEP program requires companies to meet rigorous safety standards and demonstrate a lasting commitment to workplace health and safety. This includes being an ABC member, achieving a minimum Key Component self-score, and maintaining an incidence rate at least 25% below the national BLS industry average.

Additionally, Platinum-level companies must report zero fatalities or in-patient hospitalizations, maintain a clean OSHA record with no serious, repeat, or willful citations, and sign the Drug- and Alcohol-Free Workplace Pledge. They must also submit their OSHA Form 300A, reinforcing transparency and accountability in workplace safety.

A Culture of Safety and Continuous Improvement

At Warfel Construction, safety is not just a set of rules—it’s a core value that shapes daily operations, decision-making, and long-term success. The company continuously enhances its safety protocols through innovation, training, and leadership-driven accountability.

“This recognition reflects the hard work of our entire team in making safety a core part of our culture. While we celebrate this achievement, we are even more focused on the road ahead, continuing to enhance our safety programs, embrace new innovations, and ensure that every person on our job sites goes home safely,” said Jason Beiler, Safety Manager.

Key elements of Warfel’s safety-first approach include:

  • Safety Integration in Every Meeting – Ensuring open communication and hazard awareness.
  • Ongoing Training and Education – Equipping employees with the knowledge to recognize and mitigate risks.
  • A Dedicated Safety Committee – Reviewing incidents and recommending proactive improvements.
  • Stop Work Authority – Empowering employees at all levels to halt unsafe operations.
  • Technology-Driven Safety Measures – Predicting hazards and streamlining reporting processes.
  • Total Human Health Approach – Addressing not just physical safety but also mental well-being, financial security, and work-life balance.

“Safety is a journey, and that journey is possible because of systems like STEP, which enables ABC member contractors to build health and safety into their culture actively,” said Greg Sizemore, ABC Vice President of Health, Safety, Environment, and Workforce Development. “Warfel Construction’s achievement reflects their strong commitment to protecting their workers and delivering excellence for their clients.”

For more information about the STEP Safety Management System, visit abc.org/step.

About Warfel Construction

Established in 1911, Warfel Construction is a leading provider of general contracting and construction management services, specializing in senior living, healthcare, education, and commercial construction. Headquartered in Pennsylvania, Warfel proudly serves clients across Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and neighboring states. To learn more, visit warfelcc.com.