History & Overview
Four Generations of Leadership and Vision
A stonemason by trade, Henry Weigand began installing and repairing many of Fort Wayne's brick sidewalks in 1906. In 1916, Henry's youngest son, Joseph, joined the business, helping it grow by including concrete repair and construction. Henry passed away in 1923.
After the Great Depression in the early 1940s, Joseph and wife Helen incorporated their business as Weigand Construction. Work increased, allowing the Weigands to build additional office space and storage for materials and equipment, thus allowing the company to win larger construction contracts. Joseph continued as president of Weigand Construction until his death in 1969.
The Weigands' sons, James and Robert, joined the business after graduating from college. Upon Joseph's death, James became president and operated as project estimator and manager; Robert, a journeyman carpenter, worked on-site as personnel supervisor and served as secretary/treasurer for the growing business. The Weigand brothers succeeded at large-scale construction with Carroll High School, St. Jude's Church, Lutheran Retirement Home & Chapel, Fort Wayne Community School Administration Building, and New Haven Lutheran Church among their portfolio.
James Weigand retired in 1984, selling his share of Weigand Construction to Robert, who became sole owner and president. The strong economy of the 1980s and 90s kept Weigand Construction busy with opportunities such as Huntington College's library, fine arts center, commons and dormitories; Adams County Hospital; and the Heart Center of Fort Wayne. In 1993, Robert retired and sold the business to his youngest son, Laurence (Larry).
Today, Weigand Construction employs an average of 250 skilled and professional workers and is recognized throughout the Midwest for its excellence in construction services. In 2001, Larry received an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award nomination—proof that Weigand Construction looks forward to continuing to build and improve our community over the next century.
