Why Leadership Lancaster Matters to Benchmark Construction

Lancaster County is home for me. I grew up here, graduated from Manheim Township High School, and my father started Benchmark Construction here in 1985. Because of that, I have always felt a strong responsibility to this community, not just through the buildings we construct, but through the people we develop and the way we show up as a company.

That is why Leadership Lancaster has been such a meaningful part of Benchmark’s story. I was Benchmark’s first Core Class graduate in 2011, and since then, 12 of our employees have completed the Core Class, and four leaders have also participated in the Executive Series. I am proud of those numbers because they reflect something we believe in deeply: growing our people from within and encouraging them to become more engaged, thoughtful leaders.

Leadership Lancaster gives our teammates the opportunity to better understand the county we work in, build relationships with people across the community, and strengthen skills that matter in any leadership role: listening, communicating clearly, following through, working as a team, and caring about the people around you. Those are qualities we value at Benchmark, and they help our people make an impact beyond the workplace.

Two of my teammates shared what they gained from their time with Leadership Lancaster:

Emily Pfeiffer, Senior Project Accountant, shared, “The nine months I spent in the program were a unique and humbling experience. We explored the diversity and opportunities within Lancaster County, engaged with community leaders on current issues, partnered with local non-profits to address community needs, and built meaningful relationships with my classmates along the way. I came away with a deeper awareness of my community, along with tangible ways to give back and stay connected to the people and organizations that make it thrive. I’m grateful to Benchmark for making this experience possible.”

Chris Flynn, Vice President of Healthcare, said, “Leadership Lancaster provided historical context and helped us better understand the significance of this community to Pennsylvania. It allowed me to connect with other local leaders and appreciate the many challenges facing our region. I am truly thankful for the inclusion of my wife, Alicia, in this program, as she is a visible and influential personality as well.”

At Benchmark, we believe leadership and service go hand in hand. We encourage our teammates to give back through volunteerism, board service, and community involvement because strong communities don’t happen by accident; people build them by investing in them. We are grateful for our continued relationship with Leadership Lancaster and look

forward to supporting the growth of leaders within Benchmark and throughout the broader Lancaster community.