Meet Our Team
The team at H.A. Dorsten has decades of award-winning experience.
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, LEED AP BC+D
Design Architect
Terry Bernholt
CAD Drafter / UAS Pilot
Sandy Dorsten
Director of Human Resources
Tori Ray, SHRM-CP
Human Resources Manager
Jenna Schmitmeyer, CPA
Accounting/Office Manager
Deb Homan
Administrative Assistant
Amber Riethman
Administrative Generalist
Cory Dufresne
Safety Manager
Jerry “Bear” Schlarman
General Superintendent
Ken Bertke
Superintendent
Kevin Huber
Superintendent
Joe Hess
Superintendent
Chris McGowan
Superintendent
Luke Mueller
Superintendent
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. Joe also serves as Vice President for our local area Chamber of Commerce.
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, LEED AP BC+D
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.
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.
Tori Ray, SHRM-CP
Human Resources Manager
A graduate of Franklin University with a B.S. in Business Administration, Tori joined our H.A. Dorsten team in 2024, bringing with her 10 years of experience in Human Resources within the construction industry.
Tori and her husband have three grown children and a really big fur baby. She enjoys spending time with family and friends; nothing beats a nice evening out on their deck.
Jenna Schmitmeyer, CPA
Accounting/Office Manager
Jenna completed her B.S. in Business Administration (specialization in Accounting) at The Ohio State University and joined H.A. Dorsten in 2024. Jenna brings with her 16 years of experience in public accounting with a focus in the construction industry and is a Certified Public Accountant. Jenna enjoys spending time with her husband, her four kids, and family. Most of her time outside of work is spent going to all the kids sporting events (baseball/softball, basketball, soccer, volleyball and swimming), but she wouldn't have it any other way! She said it's a lot of fun watching them grow and having fun with their friends and teammates.
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 grown children, getting together with family, traveling, biking, traveling, reading, traveling, baking, canoeing, traveling…did we mention Deb likes to travel?
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 degree in business administration and also 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 three children on the dairy farm, camping, biking, and visiting with family and friends.
Cory Dufresne
Safety Manager
Cory joined H.A. Dorsten in 2022 and is a dedicated member of our construction team, bringing 17 years of carpentry experience. He also serves as our Safety Manager and holds an OSHA 30 certification, along with certification as an Equipment Trainer. Outside of work, Cory enjoys spending quality time with his family, exploring the outdoors, and actively contributing to his community. His strong work ethic, commitment to safety, and passion for serving others make him an invaluable asset to our team.
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.
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.
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.
Luke Mueller
Superintendent
Luke joined H.A. Dorsten in 2008, spending 15 years with field crews before advancing to his current role as Superintendent. A graduate of New Bremen High School, he also holds a welding certification. Outside of work, Luke enjoys archery, bowling, and spending time with his wife and two children.
Generations of Excellence
Harold A. Dorsten
Ronald A. Dorsten
The former presidents of H.A. Dorsten, Inc. left a legacy characterized by innovation, growth, and a commitment to quality. Under their leadership, we completed projects that transformed our communities. They were known for fostering a culture of collaboration and integrity, which laid a strong foundation for future generations to continue their vision. Today, their influence still guides the company’s direction, inspiring all of us to uphold the high standards they established.
Generations of Excellence
HAROLD A. DORSTEN
RONALD A. DORSTEN
The former presidents of H.A. Dorsten, Inc. left a legacy characterized by innovation, growth, and a commitment to quality. Under their leadership, we completed projects that transformed our communities. They were known for fostering a culture of collaboration and integrity, which laid a strong foundation for future generations to continue their vision. Today, their influence still guides the company’s direction, inspiring all of us to uphold the high standards they established.
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
2024
Riverside LSD – Central Office & Health Clinic Addition & Renovations – De Graff, OH
Award of Excellence
Ohio Valley Associated Builders & Contractors
2023
New Office for Sponseller Group, Inc. – Sidney, OH
Award of Excellence
Ohio Valley Associated Builders & Contractors
2022
Brookside Laboratories – New Bremen, OH
Award of Excellence
Ohio Valley Associated Builders & Contractors
2022
Sales Exceeding $500,000
Award of Excellence
CHIEF Buildings
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