Category: News

A new healthcare workforce training center in South Omaha officially breaks ground.

The groundbreaking ceremony for OneWorld Community Health Center’s new career and training center in Omaha, Neb. is Friday, March 21, 2025 at the project site located at 4920 S. 30th Street, Omaha, NE 68107. Construction is planned to be completed by October 2026.

“Today marks the first step in an exciting journey for the Omaha community,” said John Culver, Ronco’s project manager for the project. “We’re honored to partner with OneWorld on another project that has a lasting impact on the community.”

Speakers highlighted the vital role of community health centers in supporting the health and well-being of those in need. As Andrea Skolkin put it best, “We’re not only breaking ground but breaking barriers too.” It’s an honor to contribute to a project that makes a meaningful impact on our community.

The OneWorld Career and Training Center is a 30,000 SF, three-story mixed use building located across the street from the OneWorld Community Health Centers Livestock Exchange Health Campus. The first floor provides care for infants through Pre-K, featuring two infant rooms, two toddler rooms, two preschool rooms, office space, restrooms, breakrooms, storage, and a kitchen. The second floor serves as a hub for workforce training and development in various healthcare professions, offering a large 1,710 SF training room, a 741 SF learning lab, two smaller classrooms, storage, office space, and restrooms. The third floor focuses on outpatient behavioral health and administrative functions, with three large group therapy spaces, two consultation rooms, 15 private offices, and additional support spaces.

With Ronco Construction as the general contractor, OneWorld has assembled the following partners for the project including Blair Freeman, Leo A Daly and Lamp Rynearson.

Learn what it’s like to work in the construction industry. 

Each October there’s a nationwide campaign to inspire the next generation of professionals for the construction industry. Careers in Construction month brings awareness to the vast opportunities the construction industry has available. It’s one of those industries that offers great job stability, provides opportunities for advancement and pays well. And it’s not just those who want to build projects either. There are roles in accounting, human resources, technology, marketing, safety and more necessary to run construction companies and projects. 

From the office to the field, here’s seven different viewpoints of what a career in the construction is all about. 

Accounting Manager

“I was lucky enough to come across an entry level job early in my professional career. I even tried leaving for health care and came right back,” said Ashley Nelsen, Accounting Manager. “The people are great — laid back and fun, but still know how to work hard and be professional. My advice to anyone looking at a career in construction is to communicate well. Don’t be afraid to get on the phone to have a conversation, treat everyone with respect, and be excited (and willing) to learn from your peers and leaders.” 

Business Development

“The team dynamic necessary in the construction industry is my favorite aspect,” said Becky Hans, Director of Strategic Partnerships. “Everyone wears a different hat, and to be successful you must respect and appreciate each member that makes up the team. It takes many talents, skills and personalities to make a project successful. This industry has a lot to offer. If I wasn’t doing this though, I think being a sportscaster on ESPN or Fox Sports doing sideline interviews with some of the country’s most talented athletes. That as a career seems amazing. Maybe in the next life.”

Construction Foreman

“Construction is what I’ve wanted to do since it was little,” said Heath Hoefener, Foreman. “It’s what my dad does so I guess it runs in the family. It’s cool being able to build anything and there’s always something to build so there’s some security. But the best part is seeing the finished product and being able to take pride is something that’s really good.”

Field Engineer

“I like to say construction chose me,” explains Haba Manjoro, a field engineer who’s working toward a degree in Construction Management. “I originally wanted to be an electrical engineer, but ended up in some construction classes and loved it. You get to see people’s vision come to life and there’s a good balance between field work and being in the office.”

Project Engineer

“As someone who started in the construction industry later in my career, I wish I would’ve chosen it earlier,” said Ceri Klopp, Project Engineer. “I originally went into residential design but got bored doing the same thing over and over again. I like that my role now is so broad, and every day is a different day. The fast-paced work environment and deadlines keep me motivated.” 

Project Manager

“While construction has become a 24/7 occupation, I love watching my team and I’s efforts bring a structure to fruition,” explains Mark Lawlor, Senior Project Manager. “I’ve loved construction ever since I was a kid. And if asked to do it all over again, I’d still choose this career. It’s a constantly evolving industry and one where your effort dictates your success. So, whether you’re a designer working on the plans or a carpenter putting work in place, never stop learning and always put your best foot forward.” 

Superintendent

“This job can be very demanding, but there’s nothing like the satisfaction of seeing your project come to life and be able to drive by it for years to come,” explains Travis Robertson, Superintendent. “I’ve always enjoyed creating things in my head, putting it on paper and building it in real life. This career is what I’ve always wanted to do. If you’re looking at this industry for a career, a trade school is a great place to get started. But if school isn’t your thing, there are plenty of opportunities to get the on-the-job training and experience you need to succeed.”

Many Paths, One Mission  

Women in Construction (WIC) Week, March 5-11, 2023, recognizes the roles and contributions of women in the construction industry. The 2023 theme — Many Paths, One Mission — focuses on the different journeys women have taken. And while different, each works toward one goal: strengthening and amplifying the success of women in this industry.  

At Ronco Construction, we’re building a diverse workforce with 7% of our workforce as female in both office and field-based roles. We sat down with each one to gain their perspective on WIC Week and the industry itself. 

Here’s what they said.  

Ashley N. | Accounting and Strategic Initiatives Manager  

In accounting, numbers are numbers and the job itself doesn’t really change. But in the construction industry, accounting processes connect to a project that’s literally built before my eyes. And even though I’m not physically building the structure, I get to be a part of the team, and can say, “I helped on that project.” In my position, I get to see both sides of the business and get the big picture view of how everything connects. For me personally, the construction industry has made me – a self-proclaimed introvert – come out of my shell and embrace my inner assertive self. I love the casualness of the culture, and I also love we’re all working toward the same goals – safety, strengthening our people and building up our communities.  

Becky H. | Director of Strategic Partnerships

While I have experience on the creative and design side of construction, in my new role, I’m able to experience all phases of a project – from initial concept and preconstruction, through to the design and build phases. It’s amazing the number of individuals and roles involved to bring projects to fruition and be successful. No one person makes a project successful. But rather everyone who touches the project is vital to its outcome. The construction process is complex, so having established relationships and partnerships is crucial. This truly is an industry where, “teamwork makes the dream work.” And I’m excited to be a role model and empower the younger female generation. You don’t have to swing a hammer to make a name for yourself. There are many opportunities for females that are overlooked. This industry wasn’t in my “career plan” so I want to inspire women to be confident and let their strengths create opportunities. 

Kaylee T. | Project Engineer  

When people ask me what I do, the response is always the same. “That’s so cool.” And it totally is. I get to feel like a bada$$. When I drive around town, I get to say, “I built that,” and know I’m making a lasting impact in my community. As another plus, there’s job security because there’s always going to be a need to build something. And, because it’s a male-dominated field, there are plenty of scholarships available. To anyone considering entering the construction field with your eyes wide open. Be humble and curious — always be asking questions. People want to teach the next generation so use that to your advantage. Know that you might feel out of your element at first, but that’s ok. As a young 20-year-old, it might be hard to make small talk with the older generation, but find the common ground and build on that. There are endless opportunities for women in construction, so do it. Be the bada$$ and build cool stuff.  

Kerrie A. | Senior Accountant  

I never wanted to do anything other than teaching. My degree is in elementary education, and after college I started out in the field. But plans change and I’m so fortunate this path landed in my lap because I enjoy working with numbers. The theme this year (Many Paths, One Mission) rings true because so many people don’t think an accounting department is a crucial part of building a structure. It’s all field work, right? But the fact is, someone paid for or needs to be paid for everything that goes into a project. While the field is building the structure, the accounting team is on the other side making sure the numbers are right. 

Steph O. | Communication Manager  

People in the construction industry are some of the smartest and hardest working individuals I’ve had the privilege to work with. And I love that I get to tell their story. Our staff — from preconstruction to the field — take complex, challenging projects and make them a reality. They’re literally building our future from the ground up, preserving our history or breathing new life into existing spaces. And they do it all with the same level of creativity, tenacity, and heart. It’s amazing to see what they make happen day in, day out. Marketing and communication tactics are similar across industries. It’s the right message, to the right people, at the right time. But it’s the story and the people that can make your job go from work to passion. And this industry has good stories to tell and amazing people to know.  

Women in construction are making significant strides and leaving their mark on the industry, just like the five women at Ronco. From sales and relationship building, to marketing and communications, to employee relations and accounting, there are endless opportunities. On top of the obvious ones like project management, project engineers, jobsite superintendents and trades workers. Organizations like the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and awareness initiatives like WIC Week supply resources, networking opportunities, and mentorship programs so women can continue to make an impact and succeed in this field. By celebrating Women in Construction Week, we can recognize the achievements and contributions of every woman who blazed the trail and encourage more women to consider careers in this exciting and rewarding industry.