HISTORY
The story of Hein Construction begins not in a boardroom, but on a farm and in a classroom.
After graduating from the University of Iowa, Jim Hein accepted a teaching position in Chillicothe, Illinois—just north of Peoria. To supplement his income, Jim relied on the carpentry skills he developed growing up on his family’s farm. What started as evening and weekend pole barn projects gradually became something more. With every completed building, Jim earned a reputation for quality workmanship, straight answers, and doing what he said he would do.
After several years of balancing teaching and construction, Jim made a defining decision: he stepped away from the classroom to pursue construction full-time.
Founded on Hard Work (1977)
In 1977, Jim officially founded Hein Construction with his brother, Russ Hein. The two worked side by side, building not only structures, but a company grounded in shared values—hard work, accountability, and pride in a job well done.
The early years required long days and steady determination. Through persistence and dedication, the brothers expanded their capabilities and began performing work as a General Contractor. Clients returned because they trusted the results—and the people behind them.
Hein Construction became known for being dependable. Projects were approached with careful planning, strong field leadership, and a hands-on commitment from ownership that ensured quality was never compromised.
Leadership Through Change (1996)
In 1996, Russ Hein passed away. It was a profound loss for the company and for Jim personally. Jim assumed full leadership, carrying forward not only the business but the principles he and his brother had established together.
Under Jim’s direction, Hein Construction continued to grow while remaining grounded in its founding values. He believed that if you showed up early, worked hard, treated people fairly, and stood behind your word, long-term success would follow. That philosophy shaped the culture of the company and the loyalty of both employees and clients.
The Self-Performing Advantage
Early in the company’s development, Jim made a strategic decision that would define its long-term strength: Hein Construction would be a self-performing contractor.
By maintaining control of its own skilled workforce, the company could ensure consistent quality, greater accountability, and reliable schedules. That decision has proven especially important in today’s construction environment. The ability to self-perform remains one of Hein Construction’s greatest advantages and a reflection of its commitment to craftsmanship.
Many of the company’s field leaders and project managers have spent decades with Hein Construction—a testament to the culture Jim built and the emphasis placed on investing in people.
Transition to the Next Generation (2013–2020)
With a clear eye toward the future, Jim began selling his shares in 2013 to a small group of dedicated management leaders. His intention was purposeful: to create stability for employees, preserve independence, and ensure that the company would continue to serve its clients with the same integrity that defined its beginnings.
On January 1, 2020, the ownership transition was complete. Jim officially passed leadership to the next generation of owners.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
Today’s ownership team remains firmly committed to the core values that built Hein Construction—hard work, commitment, and trust. At the same time, they continue strengthening the company to meet the evolving demands of the construction industry while staying true to the principles that have guided it since 1977.
Nearly five decades after its founding, Hein Construction continues to operate with the same practical mindset that started it all: take care of your people, take responsibility for your work, and deliver results clients can rely on.
The foundation hasn’t changed.
