Force participates in CANstruction for Gleaners Food Bank

A photo showing team members from Force Construction and RE Diamond building a structure from food items.

At Force Construction, innovation and collaboration are at the heart of our approach to every project—and these same values guide our community outreach efforts. This year, we were proud to participate in the 2024 CANstruction event to support Gleaners Food Bank. CANstruction is a unique competition that challenges teams to design and build large-scale structures using only canned goods, all in support of raising awareness and resources to fight hunger. Our involvement in this event reflects our commitment to making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.


For this year’s competition, our team joined forces with RE Diamond and Associates to create the "Tree of Hope," a whimsical structure designed to represent childhood joy and resilience. Over the course of several weeks, we worked collaboratively to design and plan the structure, ensuring it not only conveyed an important message but also met the technical requirements of the competition. The event gave us the opportunity to showcase the same blend of creativity and craftsmanship that defines our construction projects.


On build day, the Indiana State Fairgrounds was alive with excitement as teams worked together to bring their designs to life. After hours of collaboration, our structure was judged based on creativity, complexity, and the number of cans used. We were honored to win awards for "Most Cans" and "Most Structurally Sound," but the real reward was knowing that our efforts would directly support Gleaners Food Bank’s mission to combat food insecurity. All the canned goods used in the structures were donated, providing much-needed resources to families in need.


As we reflect on this event, we are reminded of the importance of collaboration, not just within our own team but with the broader community. At Force Construction, we believe that working together—whether on a construction site or in a community event—leads to better outcomes. CANstruction was a powerful example of how innovation, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose can come together to support a cause that truly matters. We look forward to continuing to participate in events like this, where we can put our values into action for the greater good.

THE LATEST NEWS AND JOB OPENINGS

October 24, 2025
Company name: Force Construction Company, Inc. Job Title: Project Estimator - Civil Division Location: Columbus, IN Overview The Project Estimator, Civil Division, is responsible for the timely response to requests for bids on civil projects, including heavy-highway, DOT or Department of Public Works projects. Must be able to review plan quantities, independently complete quantity take-offs, source suppliers and subcontractors, meet DBE/MBE/WBE requirements, build preliminary schedules, strategize on construction means and methods, suggest equipment selection in the pursuit of both plans and specification and design-build project pursuits. Essential Job Skills & Qualifications Previous managerial and supervisory experience in the construction industry. Demonstrate good computer skills. Advanced knowledge of, and experience with, construction or project management software is preferred. Professional demeanor and appearance Advanced knowledge of heavy-highway construction methods and materials, costing, scheduling, and estimating. Working, practiced knowledge of heavy-highway construction management, construction sequencing and field conditions. Develop, maintain, and foster a positive Company image with customers, potential customers, subcontractors, and suppliers, while maintaining ethical standards. Strong, self-motivated team player with excellent attention to detail and a strong sense of personal ethics Knowledge of Microsoft Word/Microsoft Excel/Microsoft PowerPoint Ability to work well with many positions/co-workers Maintain confidentiality with all customer and company information Job Responsibilities Review proposal specifications and drawings to determine scope of work, required contents, and time constraints of the project to be estimated. If necessary, investigate the site before bid, identifying items necessary for the bid, including waste area, borrow pits, dump sites, etc. Maintain a multiple-accessed, current database of diverse range of suppliers and subcontractors for various construction-related processes. Oversee, request, and review the entire process of receiving bids from subcontractors and suppliers. Carefully review terms and conditions of subcontractor and supplier quotes. Use estimating software program to prepare accurate, timely, and professional estimates by calculating complete takeoff of scope of work. Work with Company management personnel to develop risk assessment and pricing/profit strategies for bids. Maintain files of back-up documentation for estimated projects, including current/accurate pricing from suppliers and subcontractors. Assist Marketing and participate in Pre-Bid and Bid Review meetings with owners or owner’s representatives, as required. Assist in conforming to safety, EEO, insurance, and labor relations requirements. Partner with Health, Safety and Environmental personnel to ensure projects follow safe working conditions and practices. Support the achievement of EEO goals. Other duties, as required. Educational Requirements 4-year Engineering or Construction Management degree Working Conditions Physical Demands: Some lifting (up to 50 lbs.), keyboarding, writing, and reading. Environmental Conditions: Primarily indoor, controlled environment. Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt Compensation: $75,000 - $95,000 How to Apply Please send your detailed CV to humanresources@forceco.com
October 2, 2025
Company name: Force Construction Company, Inc. Job Title: Project Manager - Civil Division Location: Columbus, IN Overview The Project Manager, Civil Division, is responsible for Planning, organizing, and controlling all resources (people and materials) for the successful execution of a project. This position will lead project teams in the construction of projects, ensuring project quality, schedule, cost control, safety and customer satisfaction objectives are met and is the primary contact for owners. Essential Job Skills & Qualifications Previous managerial and supervisory experience in the construction industry. Advanced knowledge of, and experience with, construction or project management software. Professional demeanor and appearance Working, practiced knowledge of heavy-highway construction means and methods, DOT specifications and field conditions. Develop, maintain, and foster a positive Company image with customers, potential customers, subcontractors, and suppliers, while maintaining ethical standards. Strong, self-motivated team player with excellent attention to detail and a strong sense of personal ethics Knowledge of Microsoft Word/Microsoft Excel/Microsoft PowerPoint Ability to work well with many positions/co-workers Maintain confidentiality with all customer and company information Job Responsibilities Review project specifications and drawings to determine scope of work, required contents, and time constraints of projects during bidding phase. Create/maintain/monitor project schedule and performance. Assign duties, monitor, and evaluate performance of Assistant Project Manager. Review and act on contractor pay requests and approve invoices. Work with Accounting for continuous cost analysis for each project. Work with General/Project Superintendents to schedule material deliveries. Establish and maintain a positive relationship with owners, customer personnel, subcontractors, vendors, etc. Upon being awarded the contract, develop the initial project schedule, budget, manpower requirements and sequence of work. Oversee all pre-construction services such as purchase orders, subcontracts, job cost set-up and project pre-planning. Secure permits as required. Direct and ensure timely completion of project close-out activities, including punch list, final billings, etc. Verify substantial completion and 100% completion of project. Ensure accurate project drawings are turned over to customer at completion of project. Assist in conforming to safety, EEO, insurance, and labor relations requirements. Partner with Health, Safety and Environmental personnel to ensure projects follow safe working conditions and practices. Support the achievement of EEO goals. Other duties, as required. Educational Requirements 4-year Engineering or Construction Management degree Working Conditions Physical Demands: Some lifting (up to 50 lbs.), keyboarding, writing, and reading. Environmental Conditions: Primarily indoor, controlled environment. Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt Compensation: $75,000 - $95,000 How to Apply Please send your detailed CV to humanresources@forceco.com
December 6, 2024
We are thrilled to announce that Mike Shanks, Director of Health, Safety & Environmental at Force Construction, has been honored with the Indiana Constructors, Inc. (ICI) Paragon of Safety Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates a safety professional who exemplifies excellence and serves as a model for others—a true "paragon" in the industry. With an incredible 38-year career at Force Construction, Mike has been a leader, innovator, and tireless advocate for safety. For over 20 years, he has been an integral part of the Indiana Constructors, Inc. (ICI) safety program, contributing his expertise and vision to advance safety standards across the industry. Since the inception of the safety partnership between the Indiana Department of Labor, Indiana OSHA, Indiana Constructors, and the AGC of Indiana, Mike and Force Construction have been inaugural participants, driving collaboration and innovation to create safer worksites statewide. Mike’s peers, who nominated him for this award, recognize the profound influence he has had not only on our company but on the construction safety community at large. His leadership and dedication have set a high standard, inspiring others and shaping the collective efforts of safety professionals across Indiana. We are deeply grateful for Mike’s exceptional contributions, which have made a lasting impact on our industry and our team. This well-deserved award highlights his passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to protecting workers and elevating safety in construction. Thank you, Mike, for being the embodiment of excellence in safety and for inspiring us all to aim higher every day. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement!