Celebrating Garry Gross: Honoring 44 Years in Construction and a Well-Earned Retirement
After more than four decades in the construction industry, Construction Supervisor Garry Gross is officially hanging up his hard hat. As Garry prepares to retire on July 31, Warfel Construction Company is proud to celebrate his remarkable career and thank him for the leadership, dedication, and experience he has shared over the past five and a half years.
Although Garry joined Warfel in 2021, his construction career spans an impressive 44 years. He began as a laborer before advancing through the trades as an apprentice carpenter, journeyman carpenter, foreman, and ultimately construction supervisor — a role he has held for the last 30 years.
A Career Built on Experience
Reflecting on his time at Warfel, one experience stands out above the rest. Garry recalls completing an Acadia Geisinger Behavioral Health Hospital and then having the opportunity to construct a mirror-image version of the same facility alongside many of the same teammates.
“It’s not often you get the chance to build the same project twice with nearly the same construction team,” Garry shared. “That was a unique experience.”
While projects come and go, Garry says his greatest accomplishment has simply been finishing his career with the Warfel team.
“Being part of Warfel Construction Company for the last five-plus years to finish my career is something I’m especially proud of,” he said.
Looking Ahead to Retirement
When asked what he’ll miss most, Garry’s answer was immediate: the people.
“The great people I have worked with in the short time I was here.”
As retirement begins, Garry is looking forward to spending more time with his wife, traveling, and camping at some of their favorite destinations. Most of all, he’s excited for the flexibility to enjoy life on their own schedule.
“We’ll be able to do whatever we want, whenever we want,” he said. “If we want to head out camping during the week, we can just go.”
A Message for the Warfel Team
Before stepping into this next chapter, Garry shared one final piece of advice with his coworkers, one that reflects both Warfel’s culture and his own approach to life.
“I encourage everyone to not only live by Warfel’s core values at work, but to carry them into your daily lives at home as well,” Garry said. “I also try to approach every task by asking, ‘What if?’ Working safely every day is important so that we all make it to the finish line and can continue enjoying life long after our working careers are over.”
Garry’s commitment to safety, teamwork, and living out Warfel’s core values has left a lasting impact on those who have worked alongside him.
Congratulations, Garry, on an incredible career and a well-deserved retirement. Thank you for your years of service, and best wishes as you begin this exciting new chapter. We hope it is filled with many camping trips, new adventures, and plenty of time with family.
