Loven Contracting is moving forward as an employee-owned company under the leadership of Jon Hansen.
After a career that began with Sonic Drive-Ins and most recently included modern medical facilities and one of the Southwest's top developments, Mike Loven is retiring.
Loven Contracting’s succession planning began eight years ago. Two years ago, Loven stepped down from his leadership role after leading the company's direction and growth for 40 years. With a new vision for time spent with his grandchildren and his Yuma farm, he leaves behind a legacy of high ethical standards, quality construction, valued relationships, an unwavering commitment to workplace safety, community service and iconic buildings throughout Arizona.
His proudest moment as CEO was watching the team he built complete the award-winning Downtown Connection Center, which opened in June as the new home of Mountain Line and is a state-of-the-art stone and wood monument to sustainability and craftsmanship.
“This was a great end to the project,” he said. “We are very proud to be a part of it and grateful to Mountain Line for the opportunity to be part of the revitalization of downtown.” It’s one of those projects that can take an area to the next step.”
““Working with Mike Loven and the Loven Contracting team to deliver our Downtown Connection Center project was an incredible experience, and the end result is a beautiful building that serves as a warm welcome to downtown Flagstaff,” said Heather Dalmolin, CEO and general manager of Mountain Line. “Mike’s contributions to this community will live on in our building and countless others throughout the city.”
Loven's journey was not always smooth and easy. After graduating from Flagstaff High School, he left Northern Arizona University just six weeks after starting classes. “In the next three and a half years it would no longer be sustainable,” he decided and began working as a carpenter.
“I was fired in 1982,” he said. “I expected it.”
From there, he went to First Interstate Bank, transferred his $5,000 from his savings into checking accounts and started his construction company. “We did a lot of small jobs and home remodels. Not all of them made money.”
The company was founded in 1985 as a six-person company. The next year, they remodeled the Northern Arizona orthopedic office. Since then, Loven Contracting has survived seven recessions and a global pandemic. “For me, the best thing about having a construction company is staying in business,” he laughed.
Joking aside, “It was a lot of fun,” he said. “Meeting and getting to know people is the best.”
Loven's appreciation for others developed when, as a young man, he worked in construction in Phoenix for a year. “My mentor, Vernon Christensen, taught me the value of quality and ethics. That was really crucial, and I loved working for Vernon. I would probably still be there, but I didn't like Phoenix. It wasn't the heat that bothered me, there were too many people.”
Today he offers this advice: Find a good mentor who will teach you what you need to learn properly and thoughtfully.”
“That's one of the great things about Mike,” said Jon Hansen, president and successor of Loven Contracting. “He's a mentor to so many of us.”
Hansen moved from Casa Grande to Flagstaff in 2003 to attend NAU. After graduating with a degree in civil engineering, he worked for Plateau Engineering and designed two parks in Coconino County: Raymond in Kachina Village and Cataract in Williams. Loven Contracting built both.
““I built a relationship with Mike and really admired and respected the values he represented for himself and the company,” said Hansen, who joined Loven Contracting in 2012. “It was fantastic and worked out much better than I could have ever imagined or planned.” I am extremely grateful for the opportunities that have arisen and look forward to the next decades.”
Loven says his greatest satisfaction is the successful implementation of the commercial construction company's succession plan. As a result, Loven Contracting is now 100% employee-focused.
owned, with a leadership and management team led by Hansen.
“The vision is to keep moving forward, building on the foundation that has been laid, knowing who we are and who we want to be, with a fundamental focus on good relationships and quality construction projects,” said Hansen.
“After more than 40 years, it's a mix of emotions,” said Loven. “It has been a privilege to lead a company that has created value for our customers and opportunities for the Loven team.” We’ve had a lot of great projects, but it’s time to pass new opportunities on to the next generation.”
Biggest superpower
Metal flash details.
Best advice I have ever received
You are never too big to fail.
Favorite place to visit
Ireland or any place with a golf course.
Guilty pleasure
A Michelin star restaurant.
Who I admire
My grandfathers for their wisdom and guidance. FBN
By Bonnie Stevens, FBN
Courtesy of the photo: Mike Loven has a reputation for excellence in construction, a value he instills throughout the company.