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Warfel Celebrates Women in Construction Week 2025

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Warfel Construction Celebrates Women in Construction Week with a Commitment to Empowering All Employees

East Petersburg, PA – In honor of Women in Construction Week, Warfel Construction celebrates its ongoing commitment to empowering women in the construction industry. Initiated in 1998 by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), Women in Construction Week highlights the vital role women play in shaping the future of construction. Warfel remains dedicated to fostering a culture of mentorship and support, ensuring that women thrive across every aspect of the organization—whether in the field, the office, or in leadership roles.

Supporting Women in the Workforce

According to a recent study by NAWIC, women make up just 11% of the overall construction workforce, with only 4% represented in the trades. Despite these numbers, women’s contributions to the industry remain invaluable. Warfel recognizes this and is committed to creating a workplace where women can excel and succeed. Over the past decade, Warfel has seen a 68% increase in female employees, underscoring their dedication to building a more diverse workforce.

“We are deeply committed to fostering an environment where every team member feels welcomed and valued,” said Conlan Swope, President of Warfel Construction. “Each of our employees plays a key role in our success, and as we look to the future, we will continue to advocate for more opportunities for women in construction.”

RISE: Empowering Women Through Connection

Warfel supports women through its internal group, RISE (Redefining Industry Standards for Equality). Open to all employees, RISE provides support and resources for those who consider themselves minorities in the construction field. The group organizes events throughout the year—ranging from community service to team-building activities—that foster personal and professional growth. RISE is instrumental in promoting community among Warfel employees, ensuring that all team members feel connected and supported.

Collaboration with NAWIC

In addition to its internal efforts, Warfel partners with organizations such as the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and Girls Inc. to further support women and girls in the industry.

During Women in Construction Week 2025, Warfel’s RISE group, in collaboration with the NAWIC South Central PA Chapter, hosted a special event for members of local construction firms. The event featured a tour of Warfel’s College Avenue project site in Lancaster, PA, offering attendees the opportunity to connect, share experiences, and strengthen their professional networks within the industry.

“Women in Construction Week is a time to celebrate and elevate the incredible women who are shaping the future of our industry,” said Rachel Quinn, President of the NAWIC South Central PA Chapter. “This year, our members truly embodied that mission by stepping into leadership roles, hosting insightful tours, and fostering valuable connections. A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors for their support—together, we’re breaking barriers, building stronger networks, and driving progress in construction.”

Celebrating Women Across All Departments

Warfel’s dedication to supporting women goes beyond recruitment. It incorporates mentorship, leadership development, and the cultivation of a workplace culture that values diversity at all levels.

“Women in construction bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table,” said Colleen Lynn, Director of Business Development at Warfel Construction. “We’re proud to support the growth of women leaders in all aspects of our business, and we’re excited to see how this impact will continue to grow.”

Looking Ahead

As Women in Construction Week concludes, Warfel reaffirms its commitment to empowering women within our organization and across the construction industry. Moving forward, we remain focused on strengthening our relationships with partners like NAWIC and continuing our efforts to build a workforce that encourages innovation and leadership for generations to come.

About Warfel Construction Company

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. Discover more at warfelcc.com.

Warfel Announces Alan Holeton as General Manager, Paoli

Posted on by marketing-admin@warfelcc.com

Paoli, PA — Warfel Construction is pleased to announce the promotion of Alan Holeton to the role of General Manager, Paoli. Al’s journey with Warfel has been one of continuous growth and dedication, underscoring the company’s commitment to cultivating talent and fostering an environment where people come first.

Al Holeton’s career at Warfel began fresh out of Penn State College of Engineering, starting as a Project Engineer and later exploring estimating roles. Although Al and Warfel temporarily parted ways, the relationship remained strong, with key connections maintaining the bond. After several years, Al’s return to Warfel marked a full-circle moment, reflecting the strong company culture that values relationships, growth, and loyalty. As he steps into his new role, Al reflects on how his journey has been shaped by Warfel’s people-first ethos.

“I’ve always appreciated Warfel’s culture — it’s a company with great people and a strong focus on teamwork,” Al shares. “Returning to Warfel was a no-brainer for me, and I’m excited to bring my experiences full circle.”

A Vision for the Paoli Office: People, Projects, Pursuits

As the new General Manager, Al is excited to bring his experience and vision to the Paoli office, where he plans to focus on three key areas: People, Projects, and Pursuits. The biggest thrill for me is being able to solve new challenges while focusing on our people and supporting our projects,” he explains. Al sees his role as a “force multiplier” for his team—an enabler who helps others thrive by bridging gaps for growth, both personally and professionally.

Al also recognizes the importance of enhancing Warfel’s visibility and brand awareness in the Greater Philadelphia region. His vision for the Paoli office includes ensuring that the Warfel name is synonymous with quality and reliability, expanding the company’s presence across Chester, Bucks, Montgomery counties, and the surrounding areas.

Supporting Employee Growth Through Collaboration and Engagement

Al’s leadership philosophy centers on collaboration, accountability, open communication, and mutual support. He emphasizes the importance of contributing to the Paoli office identity while aligning it with Warfel’s overall culture of empowerment and innovation.

“I strive to be involved and present for my teammates, always advocating for them and guiding them in ways that support both personal and professional growth,” says Al.

Building Clients for Life with a People-First Approach

As part of Warfel’s ongoing mission, Clients for Life, Al aims to strengthen relationships with clients, subcontractors, and industry partners. By strategically aligning the right people with the right opportunities, Al plans to help the company expand its presence in the region while continuing to prioritize exceptional service and strong client relationships. His focus on brand awareness and fostering partnerships will drive Warfel’s long-term success in the area.

Outside of work, Al is an avid sports enthusiast who enjoys coaching his kids’ teams, powerlifting, and boating. He is also passionate about giving back to his community, helping coach within Downingtown West Little League and Downingtown Young Whippets, and seeks to foster relationships with Habitat for Humanity and the Chester County Economic Development Council.

Warfel’s Culture of Growth

Al’s promotion highlights Warfel’s ongoing dedication to fostering growth within its team. The company believes that its success is built on the strength of its people, and Al’s journey is a testament to that philosophy. Warfel’s unique culture of prioritizing people, developing leaders, and fostering collaborative work environments ensures that all team members are provided the opportunity to thrive and grow.

“We’re incredibly proud of Al and all that he’s accomplished here at Warfel,” says Conlan Swope, President of Warfel Construction. “His promotion reflects not only his dedication and hard work, but also the core values that define our company. Al’s leadership exemplifies our culture of growth and development, and he will play a key role in fostering that same commitment to excellence within the Paoli office and beyond.”

About Warfel Construction Company

Established in 1911, Warfel Construction Company provides general construction and construction management services to clients throughout Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and surrounding states. Learn more at warfelcc.com.

 

 

Warfel Welcomes Barbush as Director of People Engagement & Support

Posted on by marketing-admin@warfelcc.com

East Petersburg, PA—Warfel Construction is excited to announce Garret Barbush as its new Director of People Engagement and Support. This strategic hire aligns with the company’s continued focus on nurturing a dynamic and supportive culture. With 15 years of experience in leadership, business development, and relationship-building, Garret will be key in fostering employee well-being and enhancing the Warfel experience for its growing team.

Garret’s career is a testament to his dedication to people and organizational development. Prior to joining Warfel, Garret served as President and CEO of Men of Iron, a nonprofit organization focused on leadership and mentoring. In this role, he led strategic planning, fundraising, and program development. Additionally, he held leadership roles at BCF Group, where he was responsible for business development, and began his career as a Loan Officer at MidAtlantic Farm Credit (now Horizon Farm Credit).

With a degree in Business Administration from Malone University and an MBA from Lebanon Valley College, Garret is deeply passionate about fostering personal connections and building strong relationships. This dedication to people aligns with Warfel’s mission of creating lifelong client relationships while maintaining a thriving and supportive company culture.

In his new role, Garret will focus on strengthening relationships across the organization by meeting one-on-one with employees to understand their roles, challenges, and career aspirations. This foundation of personalized support will empower the team to thrive professionally and personally. He is particularly excited to enhance Warfel’s culture through mentorship and providing opportunities for employees to grow in all aspects of their lives.

“I’m thrilled to join the Warfel team,” said Barbush. “The company’s core values of honesty, integrity, accountability, teamwork, and initiative deeply resonate with me, and I’m excited to contribute to a culture that prioritizes relationships, both within the organization and with our clients. I look forward to working with the team to create an environment where people feel supported and empowered to live their best lives, both at work and beyond.”

Garret is actively involved in several community organizations, including serving as Director and Head Coach of Manheim Mat Club, a youth wrestling program. He also volunteers with Men of Iron, leading retreats and mentoring others, and supports Harbor Ministries as the Northeast Representative, recruiting participants for their various programs. Garret enjoys golfing, hunting, working out, camping, and watching NCAA wrestling in his spare time.

“We are thrilled to welcome Garret to the Warfel team,” said Conlan Swope, President at Warfel. “His extensive leadership and organizational development background will be invaluable as we continue to grow and evolve. We are confident he will have a positive impact on our culture and support our employees in meaningful ways.”

About Warfel Construction Company

Established in 1911, Warfel Construction Company provides general construction and construction management services to clients throughout Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and surrounding states. Learn more at warfelcc.com.

 

Warfel Ranks Nationally in ABC’s Top Performers 2023

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Warfel Construction Company is excited to announce that the firm has been named one of ABC’s Top Performers 2023. This prestigious recognition given by Associated Builders and Contractors indicates a firm’s excellence in safety, quality, talent management, education, and community relations. Warfel’s inclusion in this list is a testament to the company’s dedication to its mission of Clients for Life.

“We are thrilled to be included among the top performers for 2023, and I think it speaks to the work that our employees do every day,” says President and CEO Matt Hartzler. “Through our company culture of innovation and our core values of Honesty, Integrity, Accountability, Initiative, and Teamwork, we’re able to be confident leaders in our industry.”

Warfel’s ranking in the top 100, top 50, and top 20 in three separate categories is a significant achievement. The company was ranked #78 in overall Top 250 Performers, #38 in Top General Contractors, and #16 in Top Healthcare Contractors.

One critical aspect that sets Warfel apart from its competitors is a focus on safety. To be considered for the Top Performers list each year, a firm must achieve ABC STEP Gold status or higher based on the previous year’s safety data. “Creating safer workplaces and limiting liability and risk are increasingly shared goals of not just Warfel, but that of our clients as well,” says Jason Beiler, Safety Manager at Warfel.

“ABC’s Top Performer program, in particular the STEP program component, gives us something tangible to show our clients that we are looking out for their interests as well. Participation in the STEP program ensures that we are continually evaluating and evolving our corporate safety program,” he notes.

 

A Commitment to Excellence

The Top Performers designation is based not only on safety, but also excellence in quality, talent management, education, and community relations. These four categories are outlined in the Accredited Quality Contractor (AQC) program through ABC, which Warfel earned once again in December 2022.

“We believe that Warfel provides value in many ways that are outlined in the AQC program, and it’s evident in how we complete projects and treat our clients,” says Brett Calabretta, VP of Work Acquisition.

A commitment to quality and talent management often go hand in hand. Warfel has a reputation for delivering projects on time and within budget while maintaining the highest standards. A major factor in this achievement is ensuring that the right team is assembled for each project. By having a diverse mix of experiences, they provide a balance of knowledge and understanding from similar projects, along with new and innovative ideas.

The company also prioritizes educating the next generation of construction leaders while focusing on community relations. Through job shadowing and co-op programs with local trade schools, Warfel identifies talent early and helps create a path toward rewarding opportunities in construction. They also ensure that as each team member is brought on board, they receive the necessary training and support to perform their best. This focus on early and continued education is another major way in which Warfel provides values to their clients.

Warfel would like to thank its dedicated clients and employees for being the driving forces that set the firm apart as a construction leader across the Mid-Atlantic region.

Bachert Joins Warfel as Project Manager

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Warfel Construction Company is happy to announce that Matt Bachert has joined the team as Project Manager. In his new role, Bachert will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of cost, schedule, coordination, and owner correspondence for projects in the Construction Services department. He will ensure that each project is completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality.

“We are excited for Matt to be joining the team,” said Brad Shulenberger, Vice President of Construction Services. “He’s a great fit and brings all the necessary experience needed to help Warfel’s Construction Services team succeed in every project we take on.”

Bachert graduated from Penn State Harrisburg with a degree in Structural Design and Construction Engineering Technology. His educational background, combined with practical experience, has equipped him with a deep understanding of the construction process and the skills necessary to successfully manage projects.

Bachert and his wife, Mary, live in Harrisburg, PA, where they enjoy spending time with their dog, Mia. Outside of work, Bachert is an enthusiastic outdoorsman who keeps active through motorcycle riding, kayaking, snowboarding, and mountain biking.

O’Malley Transitions to Safety Engineer

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Warfel Construction Company is pleased to announce that Brian O’Malley is moving into the role of Safety Engineer. He started with Warfel in 2018 as an apprentice and was promoted to journeyman carpenter in 2019. He brings with him more than 10 years of residential and 10 years of commercial construction experience, and has also held other safety roles prior to joining the company. In his new role he will support project teams in the field, providing ongoing support, training, and oversite to ensure jobsite safety, as part of the company’s Clients for Life mission.

“Brian’s passion for safety has been clear since day one,” said Jason Beiler, Safety Manager. “We’re excited to have him join our team. His prior field experience will serve him and Warfel well in providing actionable safety solutions across our projects, expanding Warfel’s commitment to safe and productive jobsites.”

Prior to transitioning to Safety Engineer, O’Malley had been serving on the Warfel Safety Committee to increase safety awareness and to recommend new ideas. His input and observations as a member of the committee have been instrumental in driving changes in policy, procedures, and equipment that produce safer and more compliant jobsites.

He lives in Landisville with his wife, Lauren, and his two boys, Connor and Dylan. In his spare time, he coaches his sons’ baseball and football teams.

Director of Healthcare Earns CHC Designation

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Warfel Construction Company is pleased to announce that Robert “BJ” Allen, PE, has earned his Certified Healthcare Constructor (CHC) designation. The CHC certification program, through the American Hospital Association and in conjunction with the American Society of Healthcare Engineering (ASHE), provides a national standard of knowledge required for professionals focused on healthcare construction. This assists employers, the public, and members of health professions in assessing healthcare contractors.

To achieve the CHC designation, an individual must pass a comprehensive exam that tests healthcare construction terminology, code requirements, and general knowledge. It demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and commitment to healthcare.

“At Warfel, we are committed to patient safety and continued learning with our clients, and we understand the risks associated with healthcare construction,” said Vice President Brett Calabretta. “BJ’s CHC credentials further supports our leadership in delivering facility solutions in the healthcare market.”

Allen graduated from Pensacola Christian College with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and has spent more than two decades as a design consultant focused on the healthcare market prior to joining Warfel.

Allen lives in Palmyra, PA with his wife, Amy.

Ciarrocchi Promoted to Project Manager

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Warfel Construction Company is excited to announce that Nick Ciarrocchi has been promoted to Project Manager. Ciarrocchi started with Warfel in 2017 as an intern and was promoted to Project Engineer in 2019. In his new role, he will be responsible for project oversite, budget, coordination, and schedule for a variety of projects throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

“Nick is a staple of our core values,” says Conlan Swope, Vice President of Operations. “His ability to run at adversity, and inspire those around him in the process, has allowed him to gain confidence with clients, trade partners and teammates. I am so excited to see Nick’s continued growth and potential at Warfel.”

Ciarrocchi attended Temple University’s College of Engineering for Construction Management and brings with him 10 years of residential construction experience before joining Warfel. Throughout high school and college, he worked for his father’s residential masonry company, learning the intricacies of construction and how to get things done.

He lives in Drexel Hill, PA with his fiancé, Amanda and his two-year-old son, Domenic. In his free time, he enjoys running and training for ultramarathons.

Lynn Promoted to Director of Business Development

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Warfel Construction Company is pleased to announce that Colleen Lynn has been promoted to Director of Business Development. In her new role, Lynn will be responsible for providing leadership to Warfel’s business development team, activities, and strategies to develop relationships with new Clients for Life.

“Colleen has shown high initiative and teamwork as she quickly developed new Client for Life relationships for us,” said Brett Calabretta, Vice President. “We look forward to her growth and leadership in this new role.”

A graduate of West Chester University, Lynn joined Warfel in 2022 as an Account Executive. She brings 21 years of experience in business development to her new role.

She lives in West Chester, PA with her husband, Micha, and three children, Patrick, Joseph, and Haleigh.

Hoffman Promoted to Project Executive

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Warfel Construction Company is pleased to announce that Rusty Hoffman has been promoted to Project Executive. In his new role, Hoffman will be responsible for complete project oversight, ensuring client satisfaction while establishing and leading a high-performance project management team.

“Rusty’s character and team-first mentality has been integral to fostering strong team dynamics and success for both clients and teammates on his projects,” said Conlan Swope, Vice President. “We are excited for his organic growth through the organization and to cheer him on in this next chapter.”

A graduate of Penn State University, Hoffman joined Warfel in 2007 and has since been an integral force in expanding our behavioral healthcare portfolio. He is currently managing three behavioral health projects for Acadia Healthcare in Moosic, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, and New Castle, DE.

He lives in Boyertown, PA with his fiancée, Ariel, and their four dogs, Riley, Kona, Ziva, and Brody.