Celebrating 55 Years of Combined Service: Andy Bechtold and Craig Hartz
This month, Warfel Construction is proud to celebrate two significant career milestones: Andy Bechtold’s 30 years of service and Craig Hartz’s 25 years with Warfel.
Together, Andy and Craig represent 55 years of craftsmanship, growth, mentorship, and commitment to the people around them. Both began their Warfel careers as laborers and built their careers by learning from others, taking on new challenges, and eventually passing that knowledge along to the next generation.
Andy Bechtold: 30 Years
When Andy Bechtold first joined Warfel 30 years ago, he didn’t necessarily expect it to turn into a career.
What began as a temporary job took a different direction when coworkers encouraged Andy to join Warfel’s apprenticeship program. He took their advice and began a career that would eventually include roles as a laborer, apprentice, carpenter, project engineer, acting foreman, and, once again, as a carpenter.
Over three decades in construction, Andy has also watched the way work gets done change considerably. Technology has become part of nearly every aspect of the industry, although Andy admits there are some things from earlier in his career he still misses, particularly paper blueprints.
Learning From Experience, Sharing It Forward
One thing that hasn’t changed is the value of learning from the people around you.
Two people Andy credits with having a significant influence on his career are Mike Wirth and Bobby Singer, who he describes as both exceptional carpenters and people. Working alongside them taught Andy the importance of doing things the right way and doing them well.
It’s a lesson he now hopes younger team members take to heart.
“When the experienced people around you take the time to teach you something, listen,” Andy shared.
After 30 years, some of Andy’s greatest pride comes not from one particular project, but from seeing the people he has helped along the way. Watching team members he has mentored grow into leadership roles throughout the company has become one of the most rewarding parts of his career.
His advice for those beginning their own careers in construction is equally straightforward: “Be ready to work. The reward will come, but you have to earn it.”
And while three decades have brought both rewarding and challenging projects, Andy says the people beside him have made the difference.
Craig Hartz: 25 Years
Craig Hartz’s Warfel story began in 2001. At the time, he was considering two very different paths: joining the United States Marine Corps or pursuing an opportunity at Warfel, where his uncle, Jeff Fishburn, worked.
He chose Warfel, beginning as a laborer on his first assignment, a residence hall project at Ursinus College.
Twenty-five years later, Craig has grown into roles he never imagined for himself when he first walked through the door.
“For me, it’s starting as a laborer and, through my own effort and a lot of help from great people around me, having the chance to grow into roles I never saw for myself when I started,” Craig shared. “Reaching this quarter-century milestone while still feeling excited about the work and the team is something I don’t take for granted.”
A Career Built on Craftsmanship
Among the projects Craig has contributed to, the Georgelis Law Firm office stands out as a particularly proud accomplishment. The project earned national recognition from Associated Builders and Contractors for the millwork installation completed by Warfel carpenters.
For Craig, however, the recognition was only part of what made the project special. It represented the quality craftsmanship, coordination, and attention to detail that went into creating a finished product the client could be proud of.
His perspective on what makes a project successful has also evolved throughout his career.
“It takes a team to do what we do and to do it well,” Craig said. “Technical skill matters, but the way you treat your team, trade partners, and clients determines long-term success.”
Learning, Leading, and Passing It On
Early in his career, Craig was heavily focused on getting the work done right. Over time, he learned that listening to, supporting, and developing the people around him can have an even greater impact. Today, that lesson influences his approach to hiring, training, and day-to-day leadership.
Craig credits many people with helping shape his career, including Matt Hartzler and Conlan Swope, whose trust and leadership have had a lasting impact. He also points to the superintendents, foremen, and teammates he has worked alongside who taught him the practical side of the trade and the importance of looking out for one another.
The Warfel Craig knows today also looks considerably different from the company he joined in 2001. He remembers an organization of roughly 50 team members and one office. Today, Warfel has grown to approximately 290 team members across four offices.
Through that growth, the value of learning from others remains central to the advice Craig would give someone beginning their career today.
“Show up every day ready to learn, work hard, and help the people around you,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions or take on the next challenge that will stretch you. The opportunities are here if you’re willing to put in the time and effort, and stay patient while you grow.”
Outside of work, Craig enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife, Alicia, and their son, Bryce.
Built Through Experience, Shared With Others
While Andy and Craig have taken different paths throughout their careers, their reflections share a common thread: neither career was built alone.
Both credit experienced coworkers and mentors with teaching them their craft, challenging them to grow, and helping them along the way. Decades later, they have become those experienced teammates for others — sharing what they’ve learned and helping the next generation build careers of their own.
Congratulations to Andy on 30 years and Craig on 25 years with Warfel. Thank you both for your craftsmanship, dedication, and the impact you continue to make on our team!
