As we celebrate 50 years of excellence, we are proud to recognize the people who helped build DESCCO Design and Construction into what it is today. Few individuals have witnessed and contributed to DESCCO’s growth quite like Tim Heffner during his 45-year career with us.
Humble Beginnings
Tim joined D.E. Stoltzfus Construction Company in 1980 during a difficult economic period. At the time, he was unemployed and building his own home when an unexpected opportunity changed the course of his career.
After visiting one of Dwight Stoltzfus’ model homes, Tim and his fiancée Kathy met Dwight, who learned about Tim’s construction background and offered him a job. Tim accepted and began working as a concrete worker on one of our two concrete crews at the time.
In those early days, DESCCO focused heavily on concrete subcontracting work, including footers, foundation walls, and large concrete floor slabs. Crews regularly placed between 50 and 100 cubic yards of concrete per day while supporting our growing residential construction projects.
Growing Alongside DESCCO
As DESCCO expanded, so did Tim’s role within the company. His carpentry skills quickly became an asset, helping us move beyond subcontracting and into performing more of the residential construction work in-house. Tim became involved in framing, roofing, kitchen installation, and interior finish work as DESCCO continued to grow its capabilities.
By 1984, Tim had stepped into the role of project coordinator for DESCCO’s residential division. Over time, he advanced into a vice president position, taking on responsibilities in sales, estimating, and project management for large-scale carpentry and construction projects.
Projects That Left a Lasting Impact
Throughout his career, Tim worked on many significant projects, but a few stand out as defining moments.
The construction of Tarsus Manor and Cardinal Ridge retirement communities marked a turning point in his career, as DESCCO began planning and building larger projects.
However, the project Tim is most proud of is Fleetwood Bible Church. Tim was involved with every phase of the process, from land development and design to final construction.
“It is a building I pass on a regular basis,” Tim shared, “and acts as a constant reminder of the required work needed to provide a successful project for the client and DESCCO.”
Lessons Learned Over 45 Years
When reflecting on his career, Tim credits Dwight Stoltzfus as a mentor who helped shape his leadership style and approach to project management. One of the biggest challenges he faced early on was developing strong people skills.
Over the years, he learned that successful construction projects require more than technical knowledge. They require communication, trust, problem-solving, and staying calm.
“Every project requires a challenge at some point,” Tim says. “The secret is to remain calm and ask God for assistance in resolving whatever arises.”
Built on Commitment
Over the past five decades, DESCCO has grown in ways that might have been hard to imagine in those early days, but the heart of the company has never wavered.
“The assistance, commitment, and delivering a final product that everyone can be proud of has not changed,” Tim reflected.
That unwavering spirit is what kept Tim coming back, year after year, for 45 years. He credits company ownership for always standing firmly behind him, and that loyalty has meant the world. As he looks back on nearly half a century with DESCCO, Tim doesn’t just see a career. He sees a community he helped build and a legacy he’s proud to be part of. For Tim, the greatest reward is knowing that the work he put in, day after day, helped shape something truly lasting.
Looking Ahead
As DESCCO celebrates its 50th anniversary, Tim remains excited about the future and its continued growth. His advice for the next generation entering the construction industry is simple:
“Everything we do is based upon common sense and trusting your gut feelings.”
Tim’s story is more than a career reflection. It is part of DESCCO’s history. His dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence helped shape our legacy over the last 45 years, and his impact will continue to influence DESCCO for years to come.
As we celebrate 50 years of DESCCO, we proudly celebrate the people like Tim who made it possible.