High Companies Collaborate on I-495 NEXT Project
for your help in producing this edition of High Spirit.
Danielle Bannon
Sean Dixon
Abby Hess
Frank Fox
Sarah Maser
Lisa Masters
Kristen Munro
Rob Poli
Andrew Prevoznik
Stephanie Reese
Melissa Reid
Fran Richards
Laurel Rolle
Mike Shirk
Chris Snyder
Robin Stauffer
Delayna Taylor
Beth Tippett
Scott Werkheiser
Winter 2025/2026
High Companies Unite to Deliver Warehouse 424
Greenfield Architects Celebrating 35 years
Hampton Inn Lancaster Unveils Renovations
High Concrete Academy Denver Celebrates First Graduates
New Metalizing System Boosts Efficiency at Plant 3
High Companies Deliver on VDOT’s “Big Beam Weekend”
StructureCare Enhances Client Outcomes
HSSC Honored as Top Performer in National Steel Alliance
High Foundation 2025 Scholarship Recipients
Building Bridges to Opportunity in Williamsport, PA
High Foundation Hosts Deliberative Workshops
2025 Race Against Racism
Driving for a Cause - Make-A-Wish Convoy
United Way Trike Event
Mike Waltman Honored with Department of Defense Patriot Award
Submissions, comments, and suggestions are welcome and should be submitted to:
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Krista Merkelr
kmerkel@high.net 717.293.4545
High Honors & Achievements
Environmental Stewardship
High Concrete Sponsors Elizabethtown College
Engineering Capstone Project
MIKE SHIRK Chief Executive Officer
The High Companies
As we close the chapter on 2025, I want to extend my gratitude to every coworker across The High companies.
This past year was one of record financial performance, substantial progress on our strategic priorities, and continued momentum toward a future filled with growth and possibility. Because of your dedication, talent, and shared commitment to our values, the High companies are entering 2026 with confidence and excitement.
Across the company, our businesses had a successful year. High Industries continued to demonstrate strength and resiliency, generating the financial capacity we need to invest in bold ideas and long-term initiatives. High Real Estate Group advanced a robust pipeline of opportunities that positions us well for continued long-term value creation. And throughout the organization, our teams remained highly engaged and focused on delivering for our customers. Below are several highlights from 2025:
• Successfully rezoned 476-acre Armstrong property –We are planning a beautiful and exciting mixed-use development with lots of open space, recreation, and activation.
• Greenfield buildout and community building –The new 311-unit Ascend at Greenfield Community is progressing well. We completed another industrial building, leased up the recently acquired J&J property, and held over 180 events with 30,000 participants.
• New real estate projects – We are teed up to break ground in early 2026 on a new Tempo by Hilton hotel in downtown Bethlehem, PA, and in mid-2026 on an exciting new apartment community in Collegeville, PA.
• High Steel Structures is “making hay” – High Steel Structures achieved a record year financially, added a year of backlog, and continues winning in the market.
• Secured our first StructureCare national account – StructureCare now has coworkers in 13 states and is on the path to becoming our first national company.
• High Concrete worked on 18 data center projects – For the first time ever, our architectural revenue exceeded our parking garage revenue.
• Support and develop the best teams – We invested in leadership development, coworker well-being, and initiatives that strengthen High as a great place to work.
• First year of the High Health & Wellness Center – This has been a game-changer for coworkers and families. In 2025, the Center served over 700 unique patients for primary care services, plus many more for mental health counseling and health coaching. This innovative approach to healthcare is changing lives for the better.
One of the most exciting developments as we step into 2026 is the launch of Lancaster Housing Works, a new nonprofit supported by a $10 million commitment from the High Foundation. In late 2025, the organization acquired its first property, Stonecreek Court Apartments, a 60-unit community in Ephrata. This marked the beginning of an ambitious effort to create 325 – 360 new affordable workforce housing units over the next five years. This work will directly support residents earning 50 – 80% of Lancaster County’s median income and address one of the region’s most urgent needs.
We are proud that the High companies will play a leadership role, contributing development, acquisition, and property management expertise to support Lancaster Housing Works’ mission. Together with other investors, High Foundation and the High companies are going to tackle affordable workforce housing in an innovative way.
Creativity and talent run deep within the High companies, and our own band, The High Philosophers, reflects that spirit in a meaningful and memorable way. This incredible group of coworkers recently launched High’s first-ever music video, a milestone worth celebrating.
• Lead Guitar/Backup Vocals: Jamie Pinkerton
• Drums: Graham Weaver
• Bass Guitar: Jason Miles
• Lead Vocals: Greg Spaulding
• Vocals: Teresa Green
• Percussion: Darryl Gordon
• Rhythm Guitar: John McCormick
• Keyboards/Backup Vocals: Abby Hess
• Band Manager: Sarah Maser (not pictured)
Their energy and artistic talent showcase the creativity and passion that our coworkers bring to the High companies every day.
As we set our sights on a promising year ahead, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on all we accomplished together in 2025.
Scan the QR code to view a curated playlist of videos celebrating our 2025 accomplishments.
Thank you for all you do to propel High forward. Here’s to an outstanding 2026.
What began as a speculative warehouse project in Greenfield has quickly transformed into a success story of collaboration, efficiency, and adaptability. Warehouse 424, originally designed for leasing by High Real Estate Group, is now home to two dynamic tenants thanks to the coordinated efforts of High Real Estate Group, Greenfield Architects, and High Construction.
Greenfield Architects completed contract documents in May 2023, and High Construction broke ground just three months later in August, shortly after receiving building permits. From conceptual plans to the first tank of broth, High Construction completed the entire project in just 12 months, a testament to the team’s efficiency and coordination.
During construction, High Real Estate Group attracted strong interest from potential tenants, ultimately securing two:
• Amsoil, a distributor of motor oil products, now occupies approximately 45,000 square feet. Their space includes offices, restrooms, a breakroom, general warehousing, Class II storage, and a shipping and receiving area.
• KettleWorks, the production arm of Kettle & Fire Bone Broths, occupies the remaining 160,000 square feet. Their fit-out required significant structural and infrastructure upgrades to support specialized food production equipment. The result is a state-of-the-art food production facility featuring cooler and freezer space, employee breakrooms and locker rooms, offices, conference rooms, and shipping and receiving areas.
The fit-outs were completed in 2024 and 2025, respectively, and both tenants are now fully operational and thriving in their new spaces.
Armando Ramirez, a KettleWorks representative, praised the project as one of the top three in his 30+ year construction career. He credited the project’s success to the combined experience and collaboration between High Construction, High Real Estate Group, and Greenfield Architects, and expressed enthusiasm for future opportunities with the High companies.
Greenfield Architects Ltd. is proud to celebrate its 35th anniversary, a milestone that marks decades of innovation, growth, and impactful design. Since its founding in 1990, the firm has evolved from a small practice serving the High companies into a dynamic architectural leader with a diverse portfolio spanning multiple states and market segments.
Under the leadership of President Frank Fox, who joined the firm in 1994, Greenfield Architects has more than doubled in size and broadened its reach. What began as a team focused on internal clients has grown into a robust organization serving a wide range of external partners. The firm’s expansion is reflected not only in its headcount but also in the scale and complexity of its projects.
One of Greenfield Architects’ earliest external projects, a 1.3 million-square-foot distribution facility for American Stores Co., set the tone for the firm’s commitment to excellence. Designed for Acme Markets, the facility featured specialized zones for dry goods and temperature-controlled environments for perishables, showcasing the team’s ability to meet rigorous technical and regulatory standards.
Over the years, Greenfield Architects has diversified its portfolio to include education, hospitality, retail, corporate headquarters, multi-family residential, and religious facilities. Notable projects include
the Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship & Performing Arts at Messiah University, a cultural hub that enriches the region, and the Greiner Campus Advanced Manufacturing Center at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, which supports hands-on learning in modern production techniques.
The firm also designed the national headquarters for the Antique Automobile Club of America and the Members 1st Corporate Headquarters. Both projects required a thoughtful blend of modern aesthetics and functional design. The Members 1st headquarters, in particular, reflects the organization’s values while providing a contemporary workspace for its employees.
As Greenfield Architects looks to the future, the firm remains committed to the values that have defined its success: innovation, quality, trustworthy relationships, and a passion for creating spaces that make a lasting impact. The next 35 years promise continued growth, creative challenges, and meaningful contributions to the places where people live, work, learn, and connect.
Greenfield Architects extends heartfelt thanks to its clients, partners, and dedicated team members whose talent and collaboration have made this journey possible. With gratitude for the past and enthusiasm for what lies ahead, the firm is ready to continue building a legacy of excellence for many years to come.
Hampton Inn Lancaster completed a $2.5 million renovation of its 129-room property located in Greenfield. The renovation spans every area of the property, including redesigned guest rooms, updated public spaces, and enhanced amenities.
“This renovation reflects both our commitment to excellence and to the Lancaster community,” said Rene Morales, General Manager, Hampton Inn Lancaster. “We’ve reimagined the entire property to create an environment that feels fresh, functional, and inviting, whether guests are visiting for business, leisure, or something in between.”
Highlights of the renovation include a vibrant new lobby with contemporary furnishings, soft seating, and locally inspired artwork showcasing Lancaster County’s charm. The 24-hour Treats shop has been expanded, and the redesigned breakfast area offers more space and seating for guests to enjoy Hampton’s signature complimentary breakfast.
Fitness-minded guests will enjoy an upgraded wellness space featuring a Peloton® bike, and the refreshed meeting room now comfortably accommodates up to 25 attendees for business or social events.
All guest rooms and suites have been fully modernized with new carpeting, sleek, updated furniture, including a customized closet providing more storage space, and plush bedding, including brand-new Serta® mattresses. Each room is equipped with a new 55-inch HDTV with streaming entertainment, free Wi-Fi, microwave, mini-refrigerator, coffee maker, and ergonomic work desk for comfort and convenience.
Guests will also enjoy pet-friendly accommodations, an outdoor pool with patio seating, and EV charging stations.
Congratulations to the Hampton Inn Lancaster team for delivering a beautifully updated space that continues to reflect High’s commitment to quality and hospitality.
High Concrete Academy Denver has officially launched with great enthusiasm, already marking a significant milestone with its first graduate, Kyle Hornberger. With two successful classes completed, the Academy is off to a strong start, reflecting High Concrete’s commitment to investing in the growth and development of its coworkers, both current and future.
More than just a training program, the Academy represents a strategic investment in people. By equipping coworkers with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in the precast industry, the Academy is laying the foundation for long-term success and innovation, offering classes in both English and Spanish.
“We’re incredibly proud of our first graduate and the momentum we’re building,” said Mike Clark, VP of Operations for High Concrete. “This is just the beginning of a journey that will empower our workforce and strengthen High Concrete as we look to our future.”
The excitement doesn’t stop in Denver. Curriculum development is already underway for the launch of High Concrete Academy Springboro, further advancing our vision of cultivating excellence across all locations.
With a focus on hands-on learning, mentorship, and continuous improvement, High Concrete Academy is shaping the future one class at a time.
High Steel Structures’ commitment to continuous improvement is paying off in Williamsport, where a newly upgraded metalizing system at Plant 3 is already delivering results.
A decade ago, High Steel launched in-house metalizing operations at Plant 3 in Williamsport. Metalizing, a coating process that protects structural steel from corrosion, is applied through a thermal spray of molten zinc or a zinc-aluminum alloy.
“Today, metalizing is specified for approximately 40% of the bridge projects we bid,” notes Rich Truxel, High Steel Vice President of Sales. “This demand has been driven by project owners in New England and New York, and we’re seeing more metalized projects in Maryland and New Jersey.”
To meet this growing demand, the team at Plant 3 recently reimagined its blasting and metalizing processes with an innovative approach that reduces waste and improves the working environment.
“These upgrades bring our entire coatings department under one roof,” explains Rusty Wynegar, Vice President of Operations at High Steel. “This consolidation will support cross-training initiatives and strengthen teamwork.”
Additional benefits include:
• Reduced non-value-added material handling
• Increased operational flexibility
• Expanded fabrication capacity in Main Bay North, where the old metalizing system was located
The new system is already being put to the test with fabrication underway for Amtrak’s new Connecticut River Bridge. The girders, measuring 11 feet deep and 155 feet long, are the largest High Steel has ever metalized in-house. Metalizing for the project began in August 2025, setting a new benchmark for capability and scale.
In a remarkable feat of design, engineering, and coordination, High Steel Structures, High Transit, and High Structural Erectors joined forces to successfully execute the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)’s “Big Beam Weekend,” a pivotal milestone in the I-495 Express Lanes Northern Extension (495 NEXT) project.
Over a single intense weekend in late January 2025, crews worked tirelessly for 72 consecutive hours in freezing conditions to deliver and install 10 massive steel girders for a new express lane ramp in Tysons, Virginia. The girders, designed and fabricated by High Steel Structures, measured up to 180 feet long, 11 feet high, and weighed as much as 80 tons each.
Transporting these oversized loads from Lancaster required special permitting and careful coordination by High Transit. Due to their size, the girders had to be hauled on their sides across multiple states.
The installation, led by High Structural Erectors, was the result of 18 months of planning. Crews used custom lifting devices and rigging to lift and splice the girders mid-air and secure each one with over 600 bolts per beam. Lateral cross frames were installed to stabilize the structure in preparation for the concrete deck. Despite the project’s scale, complexity, and tight timeline, the installation was executed successfully, and the interstate reopened ahead of schedule.
“Big Beam Weekend” showcased the technical expertise, resilience, and collaborative spirit of the High team. Robert Poli, Vice President and Managing Director of High Structural Erectors LLC, said, “I take great pride in the High Structural Erectors team’s ability to successfully execute complex plans and consistently meet customer expectations. While the weekend presented its share of challenges, every team member on site rose to the occasion, ensuring we met our tight deadlines. This project’s success was made possible through the outstanding communication, collaboration, and coordination among the three High Companies—High Steel, High Transit, and High Structural Erectors.”
The 495 NEXT project aims to relieve traffic congestion and increase safety on one of the nation’s busiest highways. The new express lanes are on track to be operational by the end of 2025.
Congratulations to everyone involved in “Big Beam Weekend.” Your dedication and teamwork made this achievement possible!
StructureCare has taken a major step forward in how we operate, both in the field and in the office. The business has consolidated several technology programs into a single, powerful platform – Procore, the world’s most widely-used construction and project management solution.
This cloud-based system now serves as the operational backbone, enabling coworkers to seamlessly manage every phase of our work: from inspecting parking structures and designing repairs to requesting vendor bids, preparing client proposals, managing active projects, and delivering final reports.
By centralizing operations with Procore, StructureCare has not only streamlined daily tasks but also enhanced our ability to manage risk and improve resiliency. The platform captures and tracks project data with exceptional accuracy, giving us better control and insight while offering our clients more robust information about their real estate assets. This helps them make smarter, more informed decisions, and sets StructureCare apart as a trusted, tech-enabled partner.
The move to Procore was inspired by feedback from the 2022 Coworker Engagement Survey, in which many coworkers expressed a desire for fewer, more integrated systems. In response, a cross-functional team from StructureCare, IT, and Finance came together to design and implement a solution tailored specifically to the company’s needs.
“At StructureCare, we believe in leveraging technology to build trust and deliver exceptional value to our clients,” stated John McCormick, President, StructureCare. “Procore is revolutionizing our operations, enabling us to work more efficiently and provide our clients with the insights they need to make informed decisions. This integration not only enhances our service delivery, it also strengthens our business resilience.”
Thanks to this collaborative effort, StructureCare is not just adopting new technology, we’re enhancing value for our clients and reducing risk to our business.
High Steel Service Center has been a charter member of the North American Steel Alliance (NASA) since it was founded in 1997. NASA is a member-owned steel cooperative made up of more than 120 privately owned metal service centers, making it one of the largest steel purchasing entities in the United States.
Andrew Prevoznik, Supply Chain Manager
By pooling collective buying power of its members, NASA attracts preferred suppliers, including flat rolled, tubing, and plate mills, as well as operational vendors offering forklifts, machinery parts and steel packaging components. HSSC benefits from this partnership through annual rebates on purchases made from these preferred suppliers.
Beyond financial advantages, NASA membership provides HSSC with valuable networking opportunities and direct access to senior leadership at many of the mills they source from.
At the 38th Annual NASA Meeting in April 2025, members and suppliers gathered to discuss economic and market trends. During the event, High Steel Service Center was honored as one of the 2024 Top Performing Members, having increased co-op purchases by more than 50% compared to 2023.
Since joining the alliance, HSSC has seen continued benefits through rebates, relationship-building, and access to a broader supply base. Since 1998, the company has earned an impressive $2.8 million in rebates, underscoring the long-term value of its NASA membership.
High Foundation is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 High Scholarship Awards: Matthew Crider of Lancaster, PA, Lilian Mahonski of Springboro, OH, and Kaycee Sontheimer of Williamsport, PA. Each student has been awarded a $20,000 scholarship, distributed as $5,000 per year over four years, to support their pursuit of higher education.
For 42 years, High Foundation has been committed to supporting the educational goals of High coworkers’ children, encouraging secondary education in the form of college or trade school. The recipients were honored at a special luncheon on June 11, 2025, where students, parents, and members of the High Foundation Board came together to celebrate their achievements.
Kaycee Sontheimer
Daughter of Neil Sontheimer, Maintenance Supervisor at High Steel Structures LLC, who joined High in 2000
Kaycee graduated from Hughesville High School, where she was an officer in Student Council, a member of the National Honor Society, and participated in Scholastic Scrimmage, Ski Club, and the Constitutional Convention. Kaycee is also a dedicated dancer at LKW Dance Center, where she not only performs but also volunteers as a teacher-intraining and supports Princess Camp for younger dancers. One of Kaycee’s most defining experiences has been training her horse, Wiki, a journey that took more than two years of perseverance, patience, and grit. With a passion for animals, community, and lifelong learning, Kaycee plans to pursue a degree in Animal Science and Pre-Veterinary Medicine from Penn State University.
Lilian Mahonski
Daughter of Matthew Mahonski, Vice President, Managing Director of High Transit LLC, who joined High in 2011
Lilian (Lily) graduated from Springboro High School, where she was a four-year member of the swim team, served as team captain her senior year, and competed for a nationally ranked swim club team. Lily was a member of the National Honor Society and actively involved in the Ski and Snowboard Club. She was a founding member of the Pickleball Club and engaged in Springboro Young Life and Student Council. Her commitment to service includes volunteering with the Adventure Crew Fundraiser and tutoring fellow students.
Inspired by her close relationship with her grandfather, who became disabled when Lily was seven years old, Lily plans to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering from Rose-Hilman Institute of Technology, where she also plans to compete in swimming.
Matthew Crider
Son of Matthew Crider, Leadperson – Mechanic with High Associates Ltd.’s Property Services Team, who joined High in 2002
A graduate of Donegal High School, Matthew is a National Honor Society member, varsity football team captain, and track and field athlete. Matthew discovered his love for computer science through his programming classes where his teacher stated that Matthew is a “model student who is extremely motivated and will never settle for satisfaction; he is always aiming for outstanding.” Matthew plans to pursue a degree in Computer Science from Penn State University.
It’s always inspiring to see the next generation of learners take bold steps toward their futures. Congratulations to Matthew, Lilian, and Kaycee on their well-deserved awards! We wish you all the best as you begin this exciting new chapter. Your hard work, passion, and dedication are already making us proud.
With a heart of service and a spirit of collaboration, High Foundation is proud to support organizations in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, that are creating pathways to opportunity and fostering a more equitable world of beauty, prosperity, and peace. In 2025, we were honored to fund four impactful initiatives that align with our mission to uplift individuals, strengthen organizations, and empower communities.
We were pleased to award a grant to the Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity in support of its Home Preservation Program (HPP). This initiative helps homeowners remain in safe, stable housing by providing essential repairs and maintenance. By preserving existing affordable homes and reducing neighborhood blight, HPP builds bridges to long-term housing security and community revitalization.
Equity in education is a cornerstone of opportunity. Our support of Lycoming College’s Learning Commons Phase I will help create a centralized, accessible space for academic support services. By enhancing visibility and access to tutoring, writing, and math centers, this project ensures that all students, regardless of background, can thrive and succeed.
Through our support of Project Lifesaver, led by the Lycoming County United Way, we are helping families protect their loved ones with cognitive disabilities. This program equips participants with wearable tracking devices, enabling emergency responders to quickly locate individuals who wander. It’s a powerful example of community collaboration and compassion in action.
We are proud to support the expansion of The Salvation Army’s “Golden Agers” Program, which offers fellowship, food, and enrichment to seniors and adults with disabilities. By fostering intergenerational connection and inclusion, this program brings joy, dignity, and community to those who need it most.
Each of these initiatives reflects our belief that lasting change is built through service, collaboration, and a shared commitment to equity. We are inspired by the work of our partners in Williamsport and honored to walk alongside them as they create inclusive, thriving communities where everyone has the opportunity to flourish.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
• $5,000/year for up to 4 years ($20,000 total).
SCAN HERE >> FOR MORE INFO
• Eligible for use at any accredited 2- or 4-year U.S. college/university.
We’re excited to announce that the application window for the High Coworker Scholarship Program is now officially open! This is your opportunity to help your children access up to $20,000 in college funding through our competitive scholarship program.
Is Your Dependent (biological or adopted) Child Eligible?
• You are a High companies coworker (salaried or hourly) working at least 1,000 hours per year
• You have been employed for at least two years prior to September 1
• You are currently on active payroll
• Your child has completed or will complete high school requirements
• Your child is no more than 20 years old
• Your child plans to enter college as a freshman in September 2026
The High Foundation Scholarship Program, established in 1983, maintains the highest standards of fairness and transparency:
• Independent Selection Process: Applications are reviewed by outside college admission directors, not High Family members or High Company employees
• Anonymous Review: All applications are assigned numbers to ensure unbiased evaluation
• Comprehensive Evaluation: Recipients are chosen based on their overall academic performance and accomplishments, recommendations from their school, demonstrated leadership, financial need, and meaningful participation in a wide range of academic, extracurricular, and community service activities
Application Deadline February 28, 2026
Award Notification April 2026
Eligible students can apply online through the application link available on the High Foundation website or by scanning the QR code on page 17.
• Completed online application
• High school transcript (upload required)
• Letter of recommendation (upload required)
• Financial questionnaire (completed as part of the application submission)
Scholarship winners can maintain their awards for up to four years by meeting these GPA requirements:
• First year: Minimum 2.35 GPA
• Second year: Minimum 2.50 GPA
• Third year: Minimum 2.70 GPA
Contact Chris Snyder at csnyder@high.net
The High Foundation Scholarship Program is administered independently by outside college admissions directors and not by members of the High Family or anyone employed by the High companies to ensure fair and equitable selection of recipients based on merit, need, and achievement. Financial need is determined and ranked by the Financial Aid Department at Elizabethtown College.
High Steel Structures is proud to announce that Mike Waltman, High Steel Lancaster Yard Lead Supervisor, has been recognized with the prestigious Patriot Award by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense office.
Mike was nominated by Sammy Sandoval, an equipment operator at High Steel and a member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, in recognition of his unwavering support for coworkers who serve in the military. Sammy shared, “Mike has been my supervisor for seven years and has never had any issues when I needed military leave for annual training or monthly drills. He, and High Steel Structures LLC, are very deserving of recognition for their support.”
The Patriot Award celebrates employers who go above and beyond to support Guard and Reserve members, and Mike’s leadership is a great example of how we live out our values at High — respecting service, supporting flexibility, and fostering a culture of care.
The award was presented by James Astor, South Central Pennsylvania Area Chair for ESGR.
Congratulations, Mike, and thank you for your outstanding support of our coworkers in uniform!
Madeline Guyton,
High Company LLC
Graduated May 2025
Masters Business Administration
Lebanon Valley College
Bradley Dillman
High Steel Structures LLC
Graduated May 2025
Masters Business Administration
Arizona State University
WP Carey School of Business
Certifications and Licenses: Jeff Fisher
Earns Safety Management
Professional Certification
We’re proud to recognize Jeff for earning his Safety Management Professional (SMP) certification on May 19, 2025. This prestigious credential, awarded by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), highlights Jeff’s leadership, expertise, and commitment to excellence in safety management. Congratulations, Jeff, and thank you for your continued contributions to safety and leadership!
Bob Cisneros
Earns Professional Land Surveyor License
Congratulations to Bob Cisneros of High Steel, who recently passed both the National and New York State Land Surveying Examinations. Bob is now a licensed Professional Land Surveyor, adding to his credentials as a licensed Professional Engineer. His achievement brings licensed surveying capabilities in-house to High Steel. Congratulations again to Bob on this impressive achievement. Your dedication and expertise continue to elevate High Steel!
To address Lancaster County’s growing housing challenges, the High Foundation partnered with Franklin & Marshall College’s Center for Politics and Public Affairs and Hourglass to host two Affordable Housing Deliberative Workshops in late 2024.
The goal? To bring together municipal leaders, those directly involved in zoning, planning, and development, to examine local barriers to affordable housing and identify promising solutions.
Twenty-five of Lancaster County’s 60 municipalities participated. Attendees engaged in structured, small-group discussions after hearing from housing experts, developers, and nonprofit leaders. The workshops sparked meaningful dialogue and surfaced several key insights:
• Zoning reform is critical. Participants overwhelmingly agreed that outdated local zoning codes hinder the development of affordable and workforce housing.
• Public education matters. Leaders noted that stigma and misunderstanding about affordable housing remain significant barriers to community support.
• There is momentum. After the workshops, participants were more likely to view housing as their community’s top issue and to believe there are meaningful actions they can take.
High Foundation is sharing these findings with local and state housing leaders to inform broader planning efforts, including Lancaster County’s new Housing & Homelessness Plan and Pennsylvania’s Housing Action Plan.
These workshops are part of the Foundation’s broader commitment to fostering thriving communities through strategic investments in affordable housing and the environment.
To learn more and access the final report, visit highfoundation.org/impact.
Each spring, the YWCA’s Race Against Racism brings the Lancaster community together to stand up for inclusion and belonging — and High continues to show up in a big way.
For over six years, High has proudly supported this powerful event as a sponsor, aligning with the YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism and empower women. And in 2025, our team reached a new milestone: 53 coworkers, family members, and friends participated in the annual 5K!
Participation has grown steadily over the years, from 20 team members in 2022 to 44 in 2024, and now a record-breaking turnout in 2025. This momentum reflects the passion and commitment of our coworkers to making a difference in our community.
Thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of our coworkers and their loved ones, High was recognized as the largest large-business team at the 2025 event. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who showed up to support this important cause.
Couldn’t make it last year? No worries, you can join us for this year’s race on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Check out ywcalancaster.org to learn how you can get involved. And remember, you do not have to be a runner. Walk, jog, or even skip your way through the race. The important part is that you show up.
Let’s keep the spirit alive and continue building a future rooted in respect, inclusion, and community.
High Transit LLC was honored to participate in the 36th Annual Make-A-Wish Mother’s Day Truck Convoy, a heartwarming tradition that brings joy to children with critical illnesses and their families. The event, held at the Manheim Auto Auction, marked a record-breaking turnout with 426 trucks rolling in to support the cause, and High was right there among them.
We were proud to have six dedicated drivers representing the High companies in the convoy:
• Rich Daughtrey “Smiley” drove the High Structural Erectors LLC Boom Truck, bringing smiles and strength to the event.
• Justin Gehman hauled a trailer accompanied by a High Transit LLC Escort truck, showcasing our commitment to safety and support.
• Alex Kuhl transported a Yellow High Steel Structures LLC girder, a bold symbol of our engineering excellence.
• Joe Ciabattoni featured a High Steel Structures LLC picture girder, highlighting 12 remarkable projects that reflect our legacy of innovation.
• Zach Moyer carried a High Construction Company groundbreaking ceremony display and a pickup truck, celebrating the start of great things to come.
• Sammy Santiago showcased High Concrete Group LLC mockup concrete pieces, representing the solid foundation we build for communities.
Each truck told a story, not just of the work we do, but of the pride and purpose we bring to it. The convoy is more than a parade of trucks; it’s a powerful show of support for children and families facing unimaginable challenges, and we’re honored to be part of it.
A huge thank you to our drivers and everyone who helped make this event a success. We’re incredibly proud to be part of this meaningful event and look forward to continuing our support for Make-A-Wish in the years to come.
The wheels were spinning and spirits were high at Greenfield as a team of High coworkers joined 33 other teams in the United Way of Lancaster County’s 2025 Trike Race on May 7, 2025. Held right in our backyard, the annual event raised $24,400 to support United Way’s mission to improve education, economic mobility, and health across the county.
Since 1999, the Trike Race has been a signature fundraiser, bringing together teams of five to compete in a bracket-style relay on adult tricycles. In 2025, the race featured a diverse mix of local businesses and nonprofits, all rallying for a good cause.
High’s team delivered a strong performance, pedaling their way to a proud third-place finish. The event was energized by music, food from local vendors, and lively commentary from WGAL meteorologist Ryan Argenti, who emceed the race and kept the crowd engaged throughout the afternoon.
Congratulations to all High coworkers who participated and helped showcase our commitment to community impact — on and off the track.
In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, High Concrete proudly sponsored an engineering Capstone project with Elizabethtown College’s School of Engineering during the 2024–2025 academic year. This exciting partnership marked a first for both organizations, Elizabethtown College partnering with an external company, and High mentoring students throughout the Capstone process.
The initiative began when John Peiffer, High’s Career Liaison Manager, was approached by the college to explore sponsorship opportunities. John quickly connected with Scott Werkheiser, P.E., Senior Environmental Specialist, and together they developed a meaningful project focused on sustainability and innovation.
The team from Elizabethtown College consisted of five senior engineering students: two environmental engineers, two structural engineers, and one industrial engineer. The goal of the Capstone was for the sponsor, High Industries, to guide and mentor the students through a real-world challenge, allowing them to apply their education while equipping them with the tools needed to complete the project.
John and Scott approached High Concrete with an idea focused on waste concrete. The project, titled “Concrete Waste Management: Drying the Future,” aimed to reduce the amount of waste generated and, in turn, the cost of landfill disposal.
Under Scott’s mentorship, the students conducted extensive research throughout the fall and spring semesters. Their study evaluated technical and financial feasibility, scalability, and included lab analysis. After months of work, the team concluded that reducing moisture content in waste concrete using heaters and mechanical mixing was the most effective and economically viable solution. This approach would significantly reduce the weight and cost of landfill disposal.
In spring 2025, the students presented their findings to High Concrete’s management team, who enthusiastically received their work and insights.
We’re also proud to share that all five students secured positions in their respective fields. Two of them will be working for High partners: Whiting Turner Construction Company and JD Eckman Construction.
Congratulations to the student team on their achievements, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone at High Concrete who supported this impactful collaboration. Your mentorship and engagement helped shape the next generation of engineers!
