Meet Our Team
The team at H.A. Dorsten has decades of award-winning experience.
Ron Dorsten
CEO
Sean Dorsten
President
Steve Elsass
Project Manager & Estimator
Matt Bertke
Project Manager & Estimator
Joe Carte
Project Manager & Estimator
Eric Nelson
Project Manager & Estimator
Brandon Forsthoefel
Project Manager & Estimator
Gina Frick
Design Architect
Terry Bernholt
CAD Drafter / UAS Pilot
Derek Elliott
Safety Director
Sandy Dorsten
Director of Human Resources
Jan McGowan
Office Manager
Deb Homan
Administrative Assistant
Jerry “Bear” Schlarman
General Superintendent
Amber Riethman
Administrative Generalist
Ken Bertke
Superintendent
Kevin Huber
Superintendent
Brian Stammen
Superintendent
Joe Hess
Superintendent
Chris McGowan
Superintendent
Jason Deitsch
Superintendent
Ryan Hoying
Superintendent
Ken Freeman
Superintendent
Ron Dorsten
CEO
Ron received his B.A. from The Ohio State University in 1967 and joined his father in the family business shortly thereafter. With over half a century of experience in the construction industry, Ron has been instrumental in driving H.A. Dorsten forward. In his free time, Ron enjoys a good game of golf.
Sean Dorsten
President
Sean is a graduate of Heidelberg University, where he completed his B.S. in 1990. Sean continues to build on the prior successes of his father and grandfather as he brings H.A. Dorsten into the third generation. In his off time, he enjoys coaching junior high football, spending time with his family at the lake, traveling, reading, and sports.
Steve Elsass
Project Manager & Estimator
Steve completed his B.S. in Construction Management at the University of Cincinnati. He joined H.A. Dorsten in 2006, bringing over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, and has received training in Lead Hazard Awareness. Outside of work, Steve enjoys family activities (mostly spoiling his grandson), playing guitar, being Chairman of the Worship Team at his church, reading, gardening, and following the Cincinnati Reds and Ohio State football and basketball.
Matt Bertke
Project Manager & Estimator
Matt joined H.A. Dorsten in 2001 after graduating from Ohio Northern University, where he completed his B.S. in Engineering Technology and Construction Management. In addition, Matt is efficient in MBMA Energy Code and has attended Chief Builder School. In his time away from work, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife and their six children, participating in events around the Ft. Loramie community, and playing weekly league volleyball.
Joe Carte
Project Manager & Estimator
Shortly after high school, Joe enlisted in the military and spent five years on active duty in the U.S. Navy Seabees. The U.S. Navy Seabees provide wartime and humanitarian construction around the world. Joe received an honorable discharge in 2011 after deploying to both Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and to Japan for humanitarian assistance. He began working in the field as a carpenter while attending college in the evenings. Joe completed his B.S. in Construction Engineering Technology from The University of Southern Mississippi and his A.A. in Construction Management from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.
Joe joined H.A. Dorsten in 2018, bringing with him 13 years of construction experience. He is OSHA 30-Hour certified and has attended Chief Builder School. He holds his faith and family as his highest priority and enjoys spending time with his wife and their six children, woodworking, learning new skills, and spending time outdoors.
Eric Nelson
Project Manager & Estimator
Eric is a graduate of Wright State University, where he received his B.S. in Business Management. Eric came to H.A. Dorsten in 2015, bringing with him 10 years of experience in the construction industry. In addition, he has attended Chief Builder School. Eric enjoys hunting, fishing, spending time with his wife and kids, and coaching baseball in his spare time.
Brandon Forsthoefel
Project Manager & Estimator
Brandon completed his B.S. in Construction Management at Bowling Green State University and joined H.A. Dorsten in 2021. Brandon brings with him 2 years of experience in the construction industry and is OSHA 30-Hour certified. In addition, he enjoys spending time with friends outside of work, golfing, playing softball, and watching the Cincinnati Reds, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Gina Frick
Design Architect
Gina completed her B.A. from Florida State University in Art History and her Master of Architecture from Miami University. Gina joined our H.A. Dorsten team in 2022 and brought with her 28 years of experience in the construction industry with 26 1/2 years in commercial, industrial, municipal, and educational architecture. The remaining 1 1/2 years were spent in residential and consulting. Gina also has experience with interior design, project management, and construction administration.
Gina is a registered architect in the State of Ohio, is an NCARB certificate holder (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards), and is a LEED AP, BC+D Accredited Professional (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). She also belongs to several professional organizations, including the Lima Ohio/Ft. Wayne NAWIC Chapter #374 (National Association of Women in Construction), the Ohio Chapter USGBC (Green Building), and various local organizations within her community.
Gina is the mother of two sons and enjoys hiking, traveling, supporting local high school sports, good books, podcasts, attending concerts, and attending all sorts of sporting events, especially football.
Terry Bernholt
CAD Drafter / UAS Pilot
Starting with computer-aided drafting and design in 2003, Terry is proficient with the Autodesk platform, Sketchup, and various other Photo & Vector graphic software. Terry started with H.A. Dorsten in 2017 and spent 5 years in the construction industry before his arrival.
Terry holds a B.Th, from Covington Seminary, he has his Part 107 Remote Pilot license, and he has earned his CompTIA CSIS stackable certification, comprised of the CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications.
He holds his faith and family as the highest priority and enjoys technology, reading, learning, and spending time outdoors.
Derek Elliott
Safety Director
Derek joined H.A. Dorsten in 2020, filling the role of Assistant Safety Director. While serving as Assistant Safety Director, Derek was trained to fill the role of Safety Director in anticipation of an upcoming retirement and was moved into the Safety Director position in 2021. Derek carries OSHA 10-Hour, OSHA 30-Hour, and OSHA 510 certifications. He enjoys boating with family, hiking with his girlfriend, and hanging out with friends in his free time.
Sandy Dorsten
Director of Human Resources
A graduate of the University of Dayton with a B.S. in Marketing, Sandy joined H.A. Dorsten in 1995 and currently acts as our Director of Human Resources. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends in her off time, staying active outdoors, and being an active community member.
Jan McGowan
Office Manager
Jan joined H.A. Dorsten in 1971 and has dedicated over half a century to keeping our front office running like a finely tuned machine. In her spare time, Jan enjoys training and showing dogs, quilting, sewing, gardening, music in the forms of singing and playing the French horn, and enjoying the outdoors.
Deb Homan
Administrative Assistant
Deb has been performing duties in the front office of H.A. Dorsten since 1998. In her time away from work, she enjoys spending time with her 3 children, getting together with family, traveling, biking, traveling, reading, traveling, baking, canoeing, traveling…did we mention Deb likes to travel?
Jerry “Bear” Schlarman
General Superintendent
Bear started with H.A. Dorsten in 1988 and served as a Superintendent before being named General Superintendent in late 2021. As General Superintendent, Bear is responsible for coordinating and overseeing all of our other superintendents and field crew. In addition, Bear has completed Chief Builder School, is OSHA-30 Hour certified, and enjoys beekeeping, hunting, and restoring old John Deere tractors in his off time.
Amber Riethman
Administrative Generalist
Amber joined our H.A. Dorsten team in 2021 as an Administrative Generalist and brings with her over 16 years in customer service. She graduated from the University of Northwestern Ohio, where she completed her associate's in business administration and received her diploma in word processing.
Amber holds her faith and family as high priorities in her life. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two children on the family dairy farm, camping, biking, and visiting with family and friends.
Ken Bertke
Superintendent
Ken joined H.A. Dorsten in 1977. Ken has completed Chief Builder School and is OSHA-30 Hour certified. In his free time, Ken enjoys watching high school sports and spending time with his grandkids.
Kevin Huber
Superintendent
Kevin arrived at H.A. Dorsten in 1999. Kevin has completed Chief Builder School and is OSHA-30 Hour certified. When not busy with work, Kevin enjoys watching Ohio State football.
Brian Stammen
Superintendent
Brian joined our H.A. Dorsten team straight out of high school in 1998. Brian has completed Chief Builder School and is OSHA-30 Hour certified. While away from work, Brian enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, and boating.
Joe Hess
Superintendent
Joe joined our H.A. Dorsten team in 2008, bringing with him 19 years of experience in the construction industry. He has completed his OSHA-30 Hour, is First Aid, CPR certified, and is an ACI Certified Concrete Flatwork Finisher. Joe enjoys spending time with family and friends in his free time.
Chris McGowan
Superintendent
Chris came to H.A. Dorsten in 2003. He has completed Chief Builder School and is OSHA-30 Hour certified. In his free time, Chris enjoys fishing, pontoon boating, running with his dog, and hanging out with family and friends.
Jason Deitsch
Superintendent
Jason came to H.A. Dorsten in 1996. He has completed Chief Builder School and is OSHA-30 Hour certified. In his spare time, Jason enjoys camping, fishing, and racing.
Ryan Hoying
Superintendent
Ryan came to H.A. Dorsten in 2020 as a former Project Manager looking to spend more time in the field and less time in an office. Ryan brought with him 5 years of experience in the construction industry, with 4 years as a Project Manager. He completed his bachelor's degree in Construction Management from the University of Cincinnati. He is OSHA-10 Hour certified and has completed ABC Crew Leadership Training. Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife, and hanging out with friends and family.
Ken Freeman
Superintendent
Ken came to H.A. Dorsten in 2021, bringing with him 35 years of experience in the construction industry. Ken enjoys spending time with his son, hunting, and fishing in his free time.
Awards and Recognition
H.A. Dorsten is proud to have received significant recognition from many different trade associations and industry professionals.
We believe that success is driven by the commitment of our workforce.
YEAR
PROJECT/DESCRIPTION
AWARD TITLE
AWARDING AUTHORITY
2021
Lima Memorial Medical Office Building — Wapakoneta, OH
Award of Excellence
Ohio Valley Associated Builders & Contractors
2019
Sales Exceeding $250,000
Volume Builder
CHIEF Buildings
2019
H.A. Dorsten, Inc. — Company Award
Community & Business Pride Award
Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce
2019
Arcanum-Butler Multi-Purpose Building
Educational Winner
CHIEF Buildings
2019
Gongoozlers Brewery — New Bremen, OH
Brewery Honorable Mention
CHIEF Buildings
2018
Minster Capital Training Center Barn — Auglaize County
Award of Excellence
Ohio Valley Associated Builders & Contractors
2018
Sales Exceeding $250,000
Volume Builder
CHIEF Buildings
2017
Komminsk Legacy Park — New Bremen, OH
Award of Excellence
Ohio Valley Associated Builders & Contractors
2016
Sales Exceeding $1,000,000
Volume Builder
CHIEF Buildings
2015
Crown Opera House — New Bremen, OH
Award of Excellence
Ohio Valley Associated Builders & Contractors
2015
Sales Exceeding $250,000
Volume Builder
CHIEF Buildings
2015
Cedarville University — Cedarville, OH
Educational Honorable Mention
CHIEF Buildings
2014
Sales Exceeding $500,000
Volume Builder
CHIEF Buildings
2014
Private Barn — St. Marys, OH
Components Winner
CHIEF Buildings
2013
Napa Auto — New Bremen, OH
Retail Honorable Mention
CHIEF Buildings
2012
Otterbein St. Marys — St. Marys, OH
Award of Merit
Ohio Valley Associated Builders & Contractors
2012
Hoosier Pride Egg Farm — Bryant, IN
Award of Excellence
Ohio Valley Associated Builders & Contractors
2012
Hoosier Pride Egg Farm — Bryant, IN
Building of the Year
CHIEF Buildings
2012
PCS Nitrogen – Lima, OH
Award of Excellence
Ohio Valley Associated Builders & Contractors
2012
PCS Nitrogen – Lima, OH
Members Building Together
Ohio Valley Associated Builders & Contractors
2011
Various Metal Building Projects
Top Volume Builder
CHIEF Buildings
2010
St. Lawrence O’Toole Gardens — Ironton, OH
Award of Excellence
Ohio Valley Associated Builders & Contractors
2010
St. Lawrence O’Toole Gardens — Ironton, OH
Members Building Together
Ohio Valley Associated Builders & Contractors
2010
New Bremen Athletic Facility — New Bremen, OH
Educational Winner
CHIEF Buildings
2010
PCS Nitrogen: Blue Building & Dewatering Pad — Lima, OH
Manufacturing-Industrial Honorable Mention
CHIEF Buildings