WHO WE ARE
Alexander & Bebout, Inc. is Northwest Ohio’s experienced professional design-build partner! We’re family owned and operated. Together, Sara Zura (President and granddaughter of one of our founders), as well as Vice President, Brad Ream (who joined the ownership team in 2022), ensure we’re known for our quality, integrity, reliability and honesty. Pillars that were important to founders Tom Alexander & Gene Bebout.
Located in Van Wert in Northwest Ohio, Alexander & Bebout was established in March of 1965 with a focused specialty in farm silos and structures. We quickly expanded into building fertilizer plants and larger general construction projects. Today, we employ over 50 full-time employees who are skilled within the commercial and industrial fields.
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In our pursuit of excellence, we recognize that growth and scalability require more than just hard work; they demand a structured approach that aligns every facet of our organization. That's where EOS comes into play.
EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) is a set of simple, time-tested tools and principles designed to help businesses achieve their vision, gain traction, and foster a healthy team environment. EOS aims to instill focus, discipline, and accountability throughout a company, enabling it to consistently achieve powerful results.
Our company's vision statement defines who we are, what we do, where we're going, and how we'll get there. It provides clarity, unifies our team around a common purpose and direction. It inspires motivation, guiding decisions, and fueling growth, ensuring we remain aligned with our core values and long-term aspirations as we navigate the business landscape.
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Our Story & History
We’ve been a design-build construction company for nearly all of our years in business. In 1970, Alexander & Bebout became a Butler Builder® – which makes our team your local, trusted (award-winning) Butler Career Builder for Butler Manufacturing and the pre-engineered building solutions that they offer. The strength of our relationship and our experience and expertise of their pre-engineered buildings has allowed us to service the needs of our clients wherever they arise. Although Alexander & Bebout, Inc. services primarily Northwest Ohio and Northeast Indiana regions; it has also provided buildings and projects in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, South Carolina, and New York.
We are proud of our many awards, but what we are most proud of is our staff. The Alexander & Bebout team recognizes and is committed to quality, integrity, reliability, and honesty. With an outstanding management team and outstanding seasoned skilled craftsmen, Alexander & Bebout, Inc. has grown continually for more than 60 years. Over 71% of our employees have been with the company for over ten years. We think that says a lot – about the experience you’ll receive while working with us and about the way we treat our team. Both are like family.
Meet The Team
We’re committed to growth – for the business, for our community and for our team! If you’re interested in joining our organization, we invite you to apply.
President & CEO
Sara Zura
Sara earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Toledo and is a licensed Professional Civil Engineer. She serves on the Community Improvement Corporation, Business Advisory Council, and Chamber of Commerce, and previously served on the Van Wert Forward board. Sara lives locally with her husband and two children and enjoys boating, crafting, and art projects.
Vice President & COO
Brad Ream
Brad earned his Bachelor Degree in Construction Engineering Technology from the University of Toledo in 2009. He started as a Project Manager for Alexander & Bebout in 2012 and has worked his way up to Vice President and Partner. Brad is active on the Convoy Sports Center board as treasurer, as well as volunteering as a Trustee in his Church. In his free time, he can be found watching or helping coach his kids on the ball field or court.
Director of Operations
Mike Cress
Mike was born and raised in Convoy and graduated from Purdue University in 2006 with a degree in Construction Management. He started at Felderman in 2006 as a Project Manager and returned to the Convoy area in 2020. Mike joined A&B in 2023 as a Senior
Project Manager before becoming Director of Operations in 2024. In his free time, he enjoys watching his kids play sports, traveling with his family to new ballparks to watch
the Atlanta Braves, woodworking and home projects.
Director of Pre-Construction
Ryan Guth
Ryan Guth was born in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, and has lived in the Van Wert and Elida, Ohio area for 41 years. He began his construction career after high school and founded his own construction company in 2002, operating it until 2019. Ryan later
worked at Trisco Systems and Elite Builders before joining Alexander & Bebout in 2025. He brings years of construction and estimating experience and enjoys spending time with his wife, Heather, and their children, Taylor and Parker.
Project Manager
Cory McMichael
Born and raised in Paulding, Ohio, Cory began his construction career in 1995 working for his parents’ residential design-build construction company, where he developed a
passion for the industry. He later attended the University of Cincinnati to study Construction Management and has continued his career in construction since. Cory’s motto is, “Do it once and do it right.” Outside of work, Cory & his wife (LeeAnn) have three children & three grandchildren. He enjoys golfing, the outdoors, Thoroughbred Horse Racing & Sprint Car Racing, and spending time with his family and friends.
Project Manager
Nick Bockrath
Nick resides in Kalida with his wife and three children. Bringing 27 years of construction experience in diverse roles, he serves as a project manager who loves collaborating
with clients. He finds the most fulfillment in bringing a customer's vision to light and guiding projects from concept to completion. Outside of work, Nick enjoys farming and hunting and sharing those interests with his children.
Project Manager
Eric Liles
Eric earned his Associate of Applied Science in Construction Technology from Ivy Tech Fort Wayne and his Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering from Purdue Fort Wayne in 2017. He began his career in 2006 as a laborer and has over 20 years of experience across roles including civil designer, estimator, and project manager. He now serves as a Project Manager for Alexander & Bebout. Outside of work, he enjoys time with his two sons, building Legos, and watching movies.
Project Manager
Rob Gillen
Rob is a Project Manager with Alexander & Bebout, bringing more than 25 years of diverse industry experience to his role. A graduate of Bowling Green State University, he has built a career spanning environmental remediation, glass and glazing, roofing, and—more recently—general construction. His diverse background and experience
support his ability to manage a variety of diverse projects. Outside of work, Rob enjoys spending time with family and friends and is an enthusiastic supporter of his favorite
sports teams.
General Superintendent
Shawn Hovlid
Shawn Hovlid, originally from Wonder Lake, Illinois, is our General Superintendent who began his construction career in 2018 as a superintendent. He is a dedicated husband and father who values hard work, accountability, and teamwork. Outside of work, Shawn
serves as a high school baseball coach, where he focuses on leadership, discipline, and developing young athletes.
Project Engineer
Austin Smith
Austin is from Newark OH, and graduated from Ohio Northern University in 2025 with a degree in Construction Management. He began his construction career in 2020 and enjoys being part of the building process from start to finish. Outside of work, he enjoys playing golf and pool and spending time with family and friends.
Project Engineer
Sunny Starcher
Sunny is from Sagamore Hills, Ohio. She holds a degree in civil engineering from Ohio Northern University and began her construction career in 2022. She enjoys being part of the building process and helping projects come together from start to finish. In her free time, you’ll likely find her on the golf course, hunting, snowboarding, or planning the next trip.
Architect
Kasey Corbet, AIA
Kasey Corbet is a registered architect in Ohio and Indiana with over 20 years of commercial design and construction experience. Originally from West Virginia and a
graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Architecture, Kasey has worked in both private architectural practices and public-sector building administration. That
experience brings a unique perspective to design—balancing creativity, constructability, and code expertise to move projects from concept through construction.
Safety Manager
Denny Salway
Denny was raised in southern Van Wert County and began working in construction at 15, building custom homes with a neighbor. After graduation, he joined Alexander & Bebout in 1978, following in the footsteps of his father and two brothers. He has held multiple roles and now serves as Safety Manager. He is a certified OSHA construction
trainer and enjoys mentoring young workers through ABU and BYF. Denny appreciates the family atmosphere here at A&B and Christian values of the leadership team.
Staff Accountant
Ann Ream
Born and raised in Van Wert County, Ann graduated from the University of Saint Francis in 2003 with an Accounting Degree. In 2004, she joined Alexander & Bebout Inc, working with Tom and Sylvia Alexander to learn accounting in the construction industry. Currently she is a staff accountant working in payroll and accounts payable. Ann enjoys working with the hard-working employees that make Alexander & Bebout Inc. a great
place to work. Over the years Ann has enjoyed watching her children and now her grandchildren play sports and show animals at the fair. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, crafting and crocheting.
Project Coordinator
Sara DeVore
Sara grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and began her career in construction in 2015. Over the years, she has built a strong foundation in the industry while balancing life at home with her husband and their three kids. Outside of work, she enjoys playing golf and volleyball, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Staff Accountant
Jill Cress
Jill holds a degree in Office Administration from International Business College. Shortly after graduation, she began her construction career in 2000. She has held a variety of roles in the industry and currently serves as a Staff Accountant. Jill joined A&B in 2024. Originally from Indiana, she moved to Convoy in 2020 and enjoys spending time with her husband and three children.
Administrative Assistant
Kassidy Reindel
Kassidy started her career in Construction in 2025. She grew up in Convoy, Ohio, and now lives in Middle Point with her husband, daughter, and their three dogs. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors and hanging out with friends whenever she gets the chance—She’s always angling for a good time.
CAD Designer
Ella Wehri
Ella is a proud Bowling Green State University alum who carries the Falcon spirit with her wherever she goes — Talons Up. A Northwest Ohio local from Kalida, Ohio, she values the strong sense of community she grew up with and keeps family at the center of her life. Ella finds her greatest joy in spending time with family and friends, creating memories, sharing laughter, and staying connected to the people who matter most. Rooted in her hometown pride, she’s passionate about improving her community and helping Northwest Ohio continue to grow and thrive.
Project Engineer
Evan Hopkins
Raised in Columbus Grove, Ohio, Evan has been in the construction industry for six years and has worked as a construction estimator for the past year. He enjoys the challenges of the construction industry and working with others to help bring projects together. Outside of work, he enjoys watching Buckeye football and spending time with friends and family.
Community Commitment
Our team currently serves on the Business Development Corporation, the Community Improvement Corporation, the Business Advisory Council, and the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce, the Community Health Professional Board.
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We love what we do and who we get to serve while doing it. We believe that educating and inspiring future generations will recruit them to learn and love our craft too. Alexander & Bebout is closely aligned and partnered with The Build Your Future organization. Our goal is to provide information about our industry and promote careers in construction. We do that by hosting tours, inviting local students to shadow our team and attend and sponsor events. We mean it when we say that we love what we do here at Alexander & Bebout.
Career Opportunities
At Alexander & Bebout, we believe success starts with having the right people in the right seats, all working toward a shared goal. Our vision is simple—everyone on the same page. We foster an environment of open, honest, and respectful communication, where ideas are welcomed and challenges can be addressed as a team. With clear processes, defined scorecards, and accountability at every level, we ensure everyone understands their role and how they contribute to the bigger picture. We set meaningful goals, support each other’s growth, and stay aligned so we can continue moving forward—together.
If you’re interested in joining our organization, we invite you to apply to one of our openings below. If there isn’t a position listed here that fits your skillset and your values align with ours, we’d love to hear from you – please send your application to hr@alexanderbebout.com.
We Believe
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You have a voice, deserves to be treated well.
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You have earned the right to be paid competitive wages.
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You deserve to have access to growth opportunities and skills refinement as well as career advancement.
We Offer
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Competitive pay
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401K
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Medical insurance
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Dental insurance
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Vision insurance
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Life insurance
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Paid holidays
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Paid time off