Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership: Eric Schaefer

This month, Schaefer General Contracting (Schaefer) proudly celebrates a major milestone as President Eric Schaefer marks his 20th anniversary with the company.

Stepping into the role of President in 2025, Eric represents the third generation of leadership, carrying forward the more than 70-year legacy built by those before him—including his father and predecessor, Jim Schaefer. 

Over the past two decades, Eric has helped guide the company through periods of meaningful growth, geographic expansion, and the continued strengthening of Schaefer’s people-first culture. Today, he leads the organization with a clear focus on building strong teams, lasting partnerships, and a future that honors the company’s history while continuing to move it forward.

A Third-Generation Schaefer Steps Forward

Eric Schaefer joined the family business in the mid-2000s, determined to make an impact through hard work. Over the past 20 years, he’s done just that—earning trust, leading complex projects, and guiding the company through rebranding and expansion initiatives that serve as just several examples of the legacy Eric hopes to leave in the company.

“For Schaefer—for me—it’s legacy. It’s my family. It’s something my grandfather started, and it was very important to me to make sure I earned everything I was able to take on,” Eric shares.

“We’ve gone from what I’d consider a mom-and-pop shop to a more structured construction firm. With every generation, you have to find a way to make the business better than you found it—to add something meaningful to the legacy you’re now responsible for.”

The Leader Behind the Next Chapter of Schaefer

As a leader, Eric’s passion lies in supporting the people who make the work happen. He sees his role as keeping the lights green for the teams on the ground—removing barriers, offering support, and staying visible and engaged. Through his humble, people-first leadership, he continues to champion a culture of integrity, collaboration, and accountability.

Eric has played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s geographic footprint, including the acquisition of SouthCo in Florida and the launch of the Florida operations in 2018. He remains focused on Building Confidence in the teams that reach across both offices while preserving what makes Schaefer unique; a shared commitment to do good work with good people, for good people.

For Eric, Building Confidence means building a company that’s even stronger tomorrow—by investing in people, honoring tradition, and always striving to leave things better than he found them.

Fostering the Next Decade of Confidence 

As Schaefer looks toward the future, the commitment that has defined the company for more than 70 years remains the same: deliver exceptional work with care, craftsmanship, and integrity.

As former President, Jim Schaefer reflects on the company he led for decades, the next chapter is one he views with confidence.

“I’m not worried about them messing up the culture,” Jim shares. “I know they’ll stay on the path we’ve established—just making it better. I think they’re going to do quite well.”

With every generation comes the responsibility to strengthen what came before it. As Eric continues leading Schaefer into its next era, that philosophy remains at the center of the company’s vision: honoring the legacy, investing in people, and leaving the business stronger for the generations that follow.

Here’s to 20 years of leadership—and to building an even stronger future together.