On Wednesday, August 27th, the Daviess County CEO Cohort had the privilege of visiting Graber Construction, a well-known leader in Midwest construction and crane operations. Tony Graber, the company’s President, and his wife, Mikki, welcomed the group and shared the company’s impressive history and focus on excellence.
Founded in 1969, Graber Construction has built a strong reputation for dedication to its customers, employees, and vendors. Tony, a long-time supporter of the CEO program, shared valuable lessons from his 50-plus years in business. One of his biggest takeaways: the importance of diversification—branching out and adapting to change to stay successful through difficult times.
Tony also shared wisdom from his father: “Have no fear of failure.” He emphasized having a “go” attitude when tackling challenges and described entrepreneurship as both exciting and unpredictable.
The group learned about the company’s focus on preparing the next generation of Millwrights and the importance of passing down skills and leadership. Tony compared running a business to operating a crane—both require patience, precision, and consistency. He reminded the Cohort to value their people-we impact them,
The students also got a firsthand look at Graber Construction’s commitment to innovation. Tony showcased advanced technology, including 3D laser scanning, and highlighted the importance of always staying ahead. Innovation, always trying to stay ahead. As a special surprise, Tony and Mikki presented the CEO Cohort with a custom metal sign made with their new plasma cutter—a thoughtful gift that showcased their craftsmanship.
The visit was a memorable experience, and the students walked away inspired by Tony and Mikki’s story, advice, and generosity. Their dedication to excellence and willingness to invest in the next generation of entrepreneurs is a shining example of leadership and legacy.