On Friday, February 20, 2026, the Daviess County CEO Cohort had the opportunity to visit Wagler Commercial Framing and learn firsthand about the company’s growth, leadership, and approach to doing business. The visit was led by owner Larry Wagler along with members of his team including Wilbur Raber, Danny Wagler, David Swartzentruber, and Phil O’Haver. Together they welcomed the students and shared insights into how the company operates and what has helped drive its success over the years.
One highlight of the visit was the chance for the Cohort to sit in on the end of a staff and sales meeting. Students were able to observe how communication and collaboration play a role in running a successful company. Larry emphasized that hearing “no” in business is not necessarily negative—it often becomes an opportunity to rethink ideas and find better solutions.
Founded in 1992 as a small family business with just two employees, Wagler Commercial Framing has grown into a major operation that now employs nearly 500 people and works alongside more than 550 subcontractors. Larry walked the students through several key areas of the company including bidding, purchasing, design layout, and financial management, helping them understand how each department contributes to the overall success of a project.
Quality workmanship and delivering strong value to customers remain central to the company’s mission. Larry explained that maintaining high standards on every job has helped the company grow steadily while building long-term relationships across the construction industry. Wagler Commercial Framing focuses heavily on reliability, making sure commitments are kept and projects stay on schedule and within budget.
Throughout the discussion, Larry shared several guiding principles that have shaped his leadership style. He stressed the importance of treating people fairly, communicating promptly, treating employees like family, and understanding the financial side of business. He also emphasized the value of relationships and living by the Golden Rule.
Additional lessons he shared included always doing what you say you will do, answering the phone when customers call, paying employees promptly when the company has the funds to do so, and making sure projects stay on schedule and on budget. One message he repeated several times was, “Our people are our strength.” Larry encouraged the students to always look for solutions and to “figure out a way” when challenges arise.
The visit to Wagler Commercial Framing gave the Daviess County CEO Cohort a valuable look into the construction industry and the leadership principles that help a company grow and succeed. Larry’s willingness to openly share his experiences and advice made the morning both educational and inspiring for the students, leaving them with practical insights about business, leadership, and the importance of strong relationships.