Shiel Sexton

What Shiel Sexton does

Shiel Sexton is a 100% employee-owned (ESOP) commercial construction company founded in 1962 and headquartered at 902 N. Capitol Avenue in Indianapolis, Indiana. The firm provides construction management, general contracting, and design-build services across the United States and Puerto Rico, with documented project delivery in higher education, healthcare, hospitality, industrial/manufacturing, science & technology, multi-family residential, K-12 education, entertainment/cultural, commercial interiors, and historic renovation. Notable institutional clients include Purdue University, Indiana University, Ball State University, Butler University, the University of Notre Dame, Eskenazi Health, Indiana University Health, Eli Lilly, Tempur Sealy, Rolls-Royce, Corteva Agriscience, the General Services Administration, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with individual project values ranging from under $10 million to $447 million.

The company operates an in-house technology stack comprising Virtual Design & Construction (VDC), Building Information Modeling (BIM), 3D trade coordination with clash detection, reality capture via laser scans/360 cameras/drones/time-lapse, and a branded employee intranet called SSConnect. Five wholly-owned subsidiaries — S3, Capital Management, Concrete Self-Performance, Anova, and BAM Equipment Rentals — extend capabilities into equipment rental, capital solutions, and self-performed concrete. Pricing is project-specific and quote-based, with no public rate cards, and the firm executes under four primary delivery methods: Construction Manager at Risk (CMc), Construction Manager as Agent (CMa), Lump Sum GC, and design-build.

Shiel Sexton commercializes through a direct enterprise field-sales motion built on long-term relationships with universities, healthcare systems, developers, and corporate clients, supplemented by LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and a corporate blog. The company reports 1,000+ professionals on staff (with 82 new hires added in 2024), is led by CEO/President Kevin Hunt and Executive Chairman Mike Dilts, and operates under a strategic plan wrapping in 2028. Revenue is not publicly disclosed.

Name

Shiel Sexton

Legal name

Shiel Sexton Company, Inc.

Website

https://shielsexton.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1962

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Shiel Sexton is a 100% employee-owned (ESOP) commercial construction company founded in 1962 that provides construction management, general contracting, and design-build services across the United States. It serves higher education, healthcare, industrial, hospitality, and multi-family residential clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Commercial Construction Services

NAICS

Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services (5413)

SIC

General Bldg Contractors - Nonresidential Bldgs (1540), Operative Builders (1531)

akta.pro primary industry

Construction Program Management (Multi-site/Portfolio) (IMAFAAAF)

Keywords

• Commercial construction services
• Construction management
• Design-build services
• General contracting
• Commercial building construction

Headquarters

HQ city

Indianapolis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Construction Management Services: Shiel Sexton provides construction management services as a commercial general contractor. Services span from preconstruction (analysis, schematic design, design development) through construction services to post-construction (warranty work, turnover documentation). The company offers multiple delivery methods including CM at Risk, Construction Manager as Agent (CMa), Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc), and Lump Sum GC. Revenue is generated through construction project fees, typically one-time project-based contracts.
2. Self-Performance Services (Concrete, S3, Capital Management, Anova, BAM Equipment): Shiel Sexton offers supplementary services through subsidiary companies: S3, Capital Management, Concrete Self-Performance, Anova, and BAM Equipment Rentals. These provide additional revenue streams including equipment rentals, capital management, and self-performed concrete work, complementing core construction management services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Shiel Sexton is a 100% employee-owned commercial construction company providing construction management, general contracting, and design-build services for enterprise and institutional clients across the United States. Engagements span preconstruction analysis, schematic design, design development, construction, and post-construction/warranty, delivered via CM at Risk, Construction Manager as Agent (CMa), Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc), Lump Sum GC, and design-build delivery methods. The firm's portfolio serves sectors including higher education, healthcare, hospitality, industrial & manufacturing, science & technology, multi-family residential, K-12 education, commercial office, historic renovation, interiors, and entertainment & cultural venues.

Product overview

Shiel Sexton is a 100% employee-owned commercial construction company (ESOP) providing comprehensive construction management services since 1962. The company operates as a unified construction firm offering diverse sector expertise across commercial office, higher education, healthcare, hospitality, industrial/manufacturing, science & technology/laboratory, multi-family residential, K-12 education, interior construction, historic renovation, and entertainment/cultural facilities. The company also maintains subsidiary operations including S3, Capital Management, Concrete Self-Performance, Anova, and BAM Equipment Rentals. Technology-enabled services include Virtual Design & Construction (VDC), Building Information Modeling (BIM), 3D Trade Coordination, Reality Capture, and Drone Technology. An internal employee platform called SSConnect provides company-wide information access. Projects are delivered through various methods including construction manager at risk (CMc), construction manager as agent (CMa), design-build, and general contracting.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SSConnect: The company's internal employee intranet platform launched in June 2025, providing access to company happenings, policies, resources, documents, and learning and development courses.

Products and services

• Higher Education Construction Services Construction management, design-build, and general contracting services for colleges and universities, including residence halls, dining facilities, research labs, athletic facilities, and academic buildings delivered on active campuses.
• Healthcare Facility Construction Services Construction management services for hospitals, ambulatory care centers, skilled nursing facilities, and specialized healthcare environments including operating rooms and treatment centers, with LEED certification capability.
• Hospitality Construction Services Construction and renovation services for hotels, boutique properties, conference facilities, and urban high-rise and campus-oriented lodging.
• Industrial & Manufacturing Construction Services Construction management of industrial facilities, manufacturing plants, distribution centers, and warehouses with specialized mechanical systems and equipment-centric designs, including greenfield site delivery.
• Science & Technology / Laboratory Construction Services Construction management of research laboratories, biotech facilities, technology centers, and laboratory buildings with specialized MEP systems and sterile environment requirements.
• Multi-Family Residential Construction Services Construction management of market-rate apartments, student housing, senior living facilities, and mixed-use developments with structured parking.
• K-12 Education Construction Services Design-build delivery of elementary, middle, and high schools, including renovations and new construction on active school campuses.
• Commercial Office Construction Services Construction management services for commercial office buildings and corporate facilities, including market-rate to Class A office spaces.
• Interior Construction & Design Services Interior renovation and build-out services for office spaces ranging from small tenant renovations to multi-tenant high-rise tower completions.
• Historic Renovation & Restoration Services Historic preservation and restoration services for nationally registered buildings, landmark structures, and properties requiring compliance with historical integrity standards.
• Entertainment & Cultural Construction Services Construction of entertainment venues, museums, performing arts centers, cultural facilities, and special event spaces such as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and Commission Row.
• Concrete Self-Performance Services Self-performed concrete construction services delivered through Shiel Sexton's Concrete Self-Performance subsidiary for enhanced quality control and scheduling.
• BAM Equipment Rentals Construction equipment rental services delivered through the BAM Equipment Rentals subsidiary to support project execution.
• Capital Management Services Capital management services delivered through the Capital Management subsidiary, offering financial solutions related to construction projects and development.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $22 million in potential savings identified through value engineering for University of Notre Dame McCourtney Hall project, using only schematic designs
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments9 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered notable, core and minor.

• Cunningham Restaurant GroupnotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerShiel Sexton partnered with Cunningham Restaurant Group on the Commission Row project with Pacers Sports & Entertainment, building a three-story, 30,000 SF upscale restaurant venue in downtown Indianapolis.
• Pacers Sports & EntertainmentnotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommission Row project — a three-story, 30,000 SF upscale restaurant venue directly north of Gainbridge Fieldhouse, referencing Herb Simon's family and history.
• Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerShiel Sexton partnered with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) for the sixth consecutive year for their Beyond the Build Day of Service community improvement program. Projects have included planting trees, building playground equipment, constructing pavilions, and creating pocket parks. Shiel Sexton built KIB's Fletcher Avenue headquarters in 2008.
• SLAM (national design and engineering firm)notableStrategic or Co-development PartnerSLAM is Shiel Sexton's partner on the Shields Family Hall project at University of Notre Dame, applying structural engineering philosophy alongside Shiel Sexton's construction management.
• FaisonnotableChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorShiel Sexton constructed 511 Queens, a 64-unit luxury apartment community (125,000 SF) in Charlotte, NC's Myers Park neighborhood for investment firm Faison.
• The Pizzuti CompaniesnotableChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe Pizzuti Companies selected Shiel Sexton to construct The Residences at The Sutton — a six-story, 100-unit residential tower with adjacent parking structure in Columbus, OH's Short North Arts District.
• Core Properties and UP CampusnotableChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCore Properties and UP Campus partnered with Shiel Sexton for The Hub Plus on State Street — an 11-story, 233-unit, 608-bed student housing complex (347,000 SF) in West Lafayette, IN for Purdue University students.
• Scannell Properties and Pittman InvestorsnotableChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorShiel Sexton is construction manager at risk for The Farm / Sylo Apartments — a 225,000 SF three-building luxury multifamily complex on 17 acres in Zionsville, IN, developed by Scannell Properties and Pittman Investors.
• Harmon ConstructionnotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerShiel Sexton entered a joint venture with Harmon Construction for the simultaneous renovation of three Washington Township elementary schools (Greenbriar, Nora, and Fox Hill — 260,584 SF total).
• Skillman CorporationnotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerShiel Sexton was design-builder in a joint venture partnership with Skillman Corporation for the $85 million Hamilton Southeastern Schools Senior Academies project (240,000 SF addition and expansion at two high schools).
• Cockram ConstructionnotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerShiel Sexton and joint venture partner Cockram Construction completed the Seed Research and Development facility — a 1,600-acre, 16-building flagship corn and soybean breeding and parent seed facility in Puerto Rico (Guayama), covering over 87,700 SF.
• Sunbeam DevelopmentnotableChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSunbeam Development, a long-term client of Shiel Sexton, partnered on multiple projects including I-70 West Commerce Park Buildings 2, 3, 4, and 5, and the build-out of Building 1. Shiel Sexton managed construction of Building 5 (531,713 SF warehouse and manufacturing facility) in the 685-acre industrial park.
• Gershman Partners and Deylen RealtyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorShiel Sexton was selected by developers Gershman Partners and Deylen Realty to construct The Ardmore — a high-end mixed-use project with five residential stories, 135 apartments, 20,000 SF retail, and a 312-vehicle parking structure.
• Browning Investments and ShrewsberrynotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn a joint venture with Browning Investments and Shrewsberry, Shiel Sexton completed the adaptive reuse project of Eskenazi Community Health Center at 38th Street, converting a former 33,000 SF Circuit City building into a 74,500 SF healthcare center.
• OrigaminotableTechnology or IntegrationOrigami (Origamiconnect.com) helped Shiel Sexton design beyond SharePoint's capabilities to provide an aesthetically pleasing and branded intranet site (SSConnect).

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Turner Construction Company: One of the largest commercial construction managers in the United States, delivering similar CM-at-Risk, design-build, and general contracting services across higher education, healthcare, hospitality, and commercial office sectors. Highly comparable business model and delivery methods to Shiel Sexton, though at materially larger scale.
• Walsh Construction: Chicago-based national general contractor and construction manager serving higher education, healthcare, hospitality, and multifamily clients. Comparable delivery model, geographic footprint (Midwest-centric), and project size profile to Shiel Sexton.
• Pepper Construction Group: Chicago/Midwest-based commercial construction manager with comparable service offerings (CM-at-Risk, design-build, general contracting) across higher education, healthcare, hospitality, industrial, and multifamily sectors. Closely aligned in size, geography, and sector mix.
• The Weitz Company: National commercial construction manager that is also 100% employee-owned (ESOP), making it a particularly close structural peer. Delivers similar CM-at-Risk, design-build, and general contracting services across commercial, healthcare, education, and multifamily sectors.
• Gilbane Building Company: Privately held, family-owned national construction manager offering CM-at-Risk, design-build, and general contracting across higher education, healthcare, hospitality, and multifamily—highly aligned with Shiel Sexton's service mix and ownership profile (private/family).
• Boldt Group: Midwest-based construction management and general contracting firm serving industrial, healthcare, education, and commercial clients. Similar geographic footprint and project size to Shiel Sexton, with comparable use of self-perform trades and integrated services.
• Hensel Phelps: Employee-owned national construction manager offering CM-at-Risk, design-build, and general contracting across higher education, healthcare, hospitality, multifamily, and aviation. Closely comparable to Shiel Sexton's ESOP ownership structure and service delivery model.
• Clark Construction Group: Large privately held commercial construction manager delivering similar services across higher education, healthcare, hospitality, and multifamily. Comparable delivery methods and project scale to Shiel Sexton, though with a broader national footprint.
• Messer / Balfour Beatty US: National construction manager (operating as Messer in many regions and as Balfour Beatty in others) delivering CM-at-Risk, design-build, and general contracting services across commercial, healthcare, education, and multifamily. Similar in size and service mix to Shiel Sexton.

Broad incumbents

• Skanska USA: US arm of Swedish-based Skanska, a large public-company commercial construction manager serving higher education, healthcare, hospitality, and commercial sectors. Overlaps with Shiel Sexton in service offerings and delivery methods but operates at materially larger scale and with public-company capital backing.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/shielsexton
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/shiel-sexton
• Instagraminstagram.com/shielsexton
• Xx.com/shielsextonco

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Shiel Sexton