Universal Contracting Corporation

10/20/2026

We couldn't be prouder of our very own Project Manager, Hayden Steele, for being named a finalist for the ACI Early Impact Champion Award! 👏

In just five years in the industry, Hayden has made an incredible impact through his leadership, strong relationships, and willingness to step up wherever he's needed. From leading projects to mentoring the next generation, Hayden represents so much of what makes Universal special.

Congratulations, Hayden! This recognition is well deserved, and we're proud to have you on our team! 💛🖤

🏆 Congratulations to the 2026 ACI Awards finalists!
From skilled tradespeople and apprenticeship programs to educators, community partners and industry icons, these finalists are building the future of construction in our region. Congratulations to each and every one!
We'll celebrate together on November 12 at Kenwood Country Club.
See the full list of finalists: https://aci-web.com/aci-awards/

10/15/2026

Universal is representing in Atlanta this week at the 2026 Lean Construction Institute Congress!

At Universal, we take a Lean approach to construction by improving efficiency, reducing waste, strengthening collaboration, and delivering greater value to our clients.

The conference brings together construction professionals from across the country to share ideas, discuss industry challenges, and explore new approaches to building better.

We're looking forward to bringing some of those ideas back to the team and continuing to strengthen the way we work.

10/14/2026

Two Jobsites. Two Unexpected Discoveries. 🚂

You never know what you'll uncover when you start moving dirt!

Earlier this fall, our crews were working on two unrelated projects when they made the same unexpected discovery: old railroad tracks buried underground.

Two different locations. Two different projects. The same piece of the past.

While we're focused on building what's next, sometimes the work gives us a glimpse of what came before.

10/12/2026

Great work takes all of us.

At Universal, we believe in We Over Me. Our people bring different skills, experiences, and perspectives to the table. Together, those differences make us stronger.

Construction Inclusion Week reminds us to look out for one another, do what’s right, and help create an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and encouraged to grow.

It’s the people, the relationships, and the way we show up for one another that make us Universal.

10/08/2026

👷 UNDER THE HARD HAT | ALEX

Alex got his start in construction at age 18 as a third-generation carpenter, following in the footsteps of his dad. A recommendation from a good friend eventually brought him to Universal, a move he says was one of the best decisions he’s made.

Today, Alex is a foreman working on a pharmaceutical project, where he helps coordinate daily tasks, manage layouts, read blueprints, and keep the work moving safely and efficiently. One project he’s especially proud of is the renovation of Cincinnati Music Hall, where he spent nearly two years working on one of the city’s most historic landmarks.

We’re glad to have Alex on the Universal team!

10/05/2026

Today, we celebrate the architects and design partners who turn ideas into places that serve our communities.

Great projects are built on shared vision, collaboration, and strong relationships. We’re grateful for the partners who trust us to help bring those ideas to life.

To our friends in architecture, we’re proud to build alongside you.

10/02/2026

Celebrating our Q3 Core Values Award winners!

These awards are especially meaningful because the nominations come directly from the teammates who see these guys living our values every day.

🏆 Unwavering Integrity | Alex Hilton
Recognized for being someone his team can count on. Alex consistently steps up, takes ownership, supports those around him, and leads by example.

🏆 Continuous Improvement | Jeff Alwell
Recognized for continually seeking ways to learn, grow, take on new challenges, and help make our team better.

🏆 Culture Champion | Jeff Reamer
Recognized for the energy, positivity, and genuine care he brings to our team and for always finding ways to bring people together.

Congratulations, Alex, Jeff, and Jeff! We’re lucky to have you on the Universal team. 👏

09/30/2026

You don’t have to know exactly where you’ll end up. You just have to start.

Throughout our “What I Wish I Knew at 18” series, our team has shared lessons learned from careers built in different roles, on different paths, and through years of experience.

For our final installment, Amanda Peterson and Brandon Okel remind us that making an impact in construction can look a lot of different ways.

It can happen in the field or behind the scenes. It can come through accounting, marketing, project management, estimating, safety, or the skilled trades. And it doesn’t have to come from building the biggest project on the skyline.

Sometimes, impact is found in the work you do, the communities you serve, the relationships you build, and the people you grow alongside.

To anyone just starting out: stay open to where the road takes you. There are more opportunities in this industry than you may realize.

You don’t need the whole plan today.

Just start building.

09/28/2026

SEPTEMBER WORK ANNIVERSARIES

This month, we’re celebrating three members of the Universal team!

🔨 Chad Conley | Foreman — 4 Years
🔨 Alex Hilton | Foreman — 2 Years
📣 Shellie Cornell | Marketing Lead — 1 Year

From leading the work in the field to sharing the stories behind what we build, each brings something important to the Universal team.

Thank you, Chad, Alex, and Shellie, for your hard work, commitment, and everything you contribute. We’re glad to have you on the team!

Happy work anniversary! 👏

09/25/2026

A career doesn’t just happen. You build it.

In our third “What I Wish I Knew at 18” installment, Charles Carpenter, Sonny McBerry and Ben Whitlock share lessons about what it takes to turn a job into a career.

Be intentional. Stay driven. Take on responsibility. And make the most of every opportunity to grow.

Construction can open a lot of doors—but what you do once you're through them is up to you.

Build your career on purpose. Keep learning. Keep growing.