Episode 35 - Wichita Chamber Business Accelerator

There aren’t many companies that can claim they have been in business longer than electricity has been available in Wichita, but that’s what the four-generation Dondlinger Construction can hang their hard hat on. Tom Dondlinger and Raymond Dondlinger share with hosts Don and Ebony what has contributed to their long term success over a century in business.

It all began in 1898, when N.L. Dondlinger built the foundation for what would become one of the largest and most diversified construction companies in Kansas. For over a century, we have exceeded our clients’ expectations for safely delivering a quality product on time and within budget. 

The firm initially established operations in Claflin, Kansas and ultimately relocated to Wichita in 1925 and began building small commercial projects and in some of Wichita’s finer residential areas. The advent of World War II, coupled with Kansas’s growth, launched the company into larger commercial projects such as schools and hospitals. In the postwar boom, commercial building exploded and the company diversified by adding a utility division in 1956. Dondlinger & Sons soon diversified again, adding a heavy highway division in 1987 followed by an earthwork division in 2007. 

Dondlinger has grown from small commercial and residential projects into one of the most capable and trusted providers of construction services in the Midwest. Their portfolio features projects of all sizes, levels and complexities; from small office renovations to some of the most complex civil operations in Kansas. Their extensive experience and capabilities ensure that we are able to meet our clients’ needs on every project.

Dondlinger Construction

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On this episode we discuss:

• The history of a multi-generational business
• How people drive success in your business
• How diversification has helped growth
• The key of finding great people and developing leaders who can inspire
• Horizontal v. vertical growth
• Valuing your workforce
• How the team responded to the challenges of COVID
• Unexpected opportunities in the construction industry
• How technology is impacting the industry

Listen on popular podcast directories and aggregators, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, and ICT Podcast Network or using the player above. Send feedback on this show and/or suggestions for future guests or topics by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or emailing communications@wichitachamber.org.

Preview:

Wichita Chamber Business Accelerator is a weekly podcast devoted to supporting and learning from area business owners. Released every Wednesday, it's produced by Forge Podcast Co, managed by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Evergy. 

Learn more about this podcast series by visiting our January 7 blog post.