History

Schaefer General Contracting: Confidence through the Decades

1950s — Foundations & Beginnings

In 1954, Frank Schaefer Sr. left his role as a district salesman for Jefferson Lumber Co. to pursue his passion for construction. With $2,500 borrowed from his father-in-law, a single truck, and the support of his wife Chile—who also served as the company’s first bookkeeper while raising three children—Schaefer General Contracting Services was born.

The company began with self-performed carpentry, subcontracting the major trades, and focused primarily on residential renovations and insurance restoration work.

1970s — Jim Schaefer Joins and Transitions the Company to Commercial Construction

After serving in the Army Reserves, Jim Schaefer returned home and began working as a lineman for BellSouth. Seeking a more purpose-driven career outside of the corporate environment, he joined the family business in 1976 as a carpenter — later becoming the second Schaefer to lead the company.

Drawing on the strong relationships he had built with architects and engineers during his time at BellSouth, Jim helped springboard the company into commercial construction—marking a turning point in Schaefer’s evolution.

Under Jim’s leadership, Schaefer expanded its capabilities and clientele, laying the groundwork for a larger operational footprint. At the heart of this transformation were the values that shaped every project: work hard, keep your principles, deliver quality work at a fair price, and always keep your word–foundational values that remain central to how we Build Confidence today.

1980s — Growth Through Relationships and New Markets

Schaefer’s growth accelerated under Jim’s leadership during this period as his commitment to a client-focused approach helped expand the company’s commercial portfolio and national presence.

During this decade, Schaefer built a portfolio of historic preservation projects—including local landmarks like The Actors Theatre, Casa Grisanti’s, the Hilliard Lyons Building, and multiple restorations along Main and Market Streets in downtown Louisville. Schaefer has played a meaningful role in preserving the city’s architectural heritage.

As a result of this success, Schaefer came highly recommended by a valued trade partner to serve as the renovation construction partner for a skilled nursing operator entering the region. That opportunity became our first senior living project and set the course for a growing portfolio that would eventually take us to a national scale.

The 1980s laid the foundation for Schaefer’s reputation as a trusted partner in delivering complex, high-impact projects across the country.

1990s — Partnerships & Preservation

As senior living continued to evolve, shifting from institutional, clinical designs to more residential, person-centered environments that offered a full continuum of care. Schaefer responded to these changing expectations with complex renovations and adaptive construction solutions, helping elevate our portfolio to a national scale. This shift not only reflected broader trends in the industry but also showcased Schaefer’s ability to evolve alongside our clients.

During this decade, Schaefer continued to gain prominence in the institutional and historic renovation markets—most notably through our longstanding partnership with Spalding University.

These projects required balancing architectural preservation with modern functionality—an expertise that distinguished Schaefer in complex renovation work.

During this decade, long-term relationships became a hallmark of our approach. Collaborations with institutions like Spalding not only solidified our standing in new markets but also showcased our ability to deliver thoughtful, high-stakes projects with lasting impact.

The 1990s laid the groundwork for Schaefer’s continued success in restoration, preservation, senior living, and institutional work nationwide.

2000s — National Expansion & New Leadership

As market demands shifted, Schaefer evolved its approach to include construction management services, emphasizing collaboration, communication, and integrated delivery. This strategic shift allowed us to take on larger, more complex projects and positioned the company for long-term, scalable growth.

In 2006, Eric Schaefer returned to the company, representing the third generation of Schaefer leadership and initiating a period of modernization, expansion, and operational discipline. The following year, Tyler Kovarik joined the team, and together, Eric and Tyler helped lead the company’s national portfolio—working side by side on out-of-state projects for nearly a decade.

Building on the strong relationships formed in previous decades, this period solidified Schaefer’s transition from a regionally known contractor to a nationally capable construction partner—laying the groundwork for the company’s next chapter of leadership and expansion.

2010s — Rebranding & Diversification

The 2010s were a transformative decade for Schaefer, marked by leadership transition, brand evolution, and strategic growth.

With a strong national presence in senior living and historical renovations already established, Schaefer focused on expanding its services and deepening its impact.

In 2016, Jim Schaefer formally transitioned leadership to Eric Schaefer and Peary Wilson, passing the torch to a new generation poised to guide the company forward. With deep respect for the company’s legacy and a shared vision for the future, Eric and Peary focused on expanding Schaefer’s capabilities while preserving the values that built its reputation.

Recognizing the momentum and maturity of the company, Schaefer underwent a pivotal rebrand in 2017, adopting the rallying message of “Building Confidence.” This new identity reflected our commitment to client success, team empowerment, and purpose-driven growth—ushering in a new era focused on clarity, trust, and performance.

In 2018, following the acquisition of SouthCo, Tyler Kovarik relocated to Florida to launch Schaefer’s operations in Tampa—laying the foundation for a growing presence in the Southeast. His leadership helped extend Schaefer’s culture, quality, and client-first mindset into new markets, reinforcing the company’s regional strength.

2020s — Momentum & Multi-Regional Growth

Schaefer entered the 2020s with steady momentum, marked by operational excellence and a focus on regional expansion. Key relationships and project success stories continued to fuel the company’s trusted reputation in new markets across the Midwest, Southeast, and a growing presence in the East Coast.

2025 — A New Chapter of Leadership, Building the Future of Confidence

As Schaefer celebrates more than 70 years in business, the company enters a defining new era—anchored in legacy and driven by a vision for the future.

Eric Schaefer is named President, marking the third generation of family leadership. His forward-thinking approach continues to push the company toward operational excellence, market expansion, and meaningful partnerships.
Peary Wilson retires after a transformative career that shaped decades of client success.
Tyler Kovarik is promoted to Senior Vice President of Florida Operations. A recognition of his critical role in establishing and growing Schaefer’s Southeast footprint since launching the Tampa office in 2018.
Schaefer Service Solutions is launched—expanding service offerings to include building & facilities maintenance, dock and door repairs and installations, and smaller TI projects. This evolution strengthens Schaefer’s ability to support clients well beyond construction completion.

Together, these strategic milestones mark the beginning of Schaefer’s next chapter of Building Confidence—one built on purpose, performance, and people, and positioned for decades of continued growth and impact.