Written by Josie Benson, Marketing Intern
This summer, Straub welcomed our largest intern class yet, giving nine students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build relationships, serve our community, and see firsthand what it means to Believe in What You Build.
From company events and volunteer opportunities to estimating exercises, project tours, and hands-on experiences, our interns spent the summer learning both inside the office and outside jobsites.
Here’s a look back into their summer…
Kicking Off the Summer at the Straub Company Picnic
Straub interns joined employees and their families for an afternoon of food, games and fun at the 2026 Straub Company Picnic
Our interns had the opportunity to join the Straub team and their families for the annual Company Picnic. With great food, ice cream, games and raffle prizes, the afternoon gave our interns a chance to connect with employees outside of the typical workday and experience the welcoming, family-oriented culture at Straub.
“It was really amazing. I love how Straub and Ernie take the time to make sure every employee, even the interns, feels welcomed. I love the family friendly feeling and the fact that Dan prayed for us before the meal. It is exactly the kind of company culture I’m looking for as I look for where I want to pursue my future career!”
– Andrew Casey, 2026 Straub Intern
Giving Back at One City Cafe
Straub interns volunteered together at One City Cafe, helping serve meals to members of the Kansas City community.
This summer, our nine interns spent time volunteering at One City Café at Bishop Sullivan Center, where they helped serve meals to members of the Kansas City community. As a longtime partner of Straub, Bishop Sullivan Center made the experience even more meaningful, giving our interns the opportunity to serve together while supporting an organization that continues to make an impact in our community.
“My personal experience at the One City Cafe was amazing! I enjoyed helping everyone who showed up get a meal. It was a great opportunity to help serve our fellow community members, as well as help us volunteers do some self-reflection and think about how grateful we are to be able to help. Overall, it was a great experience that we can look back on and be thankful that we were able to help and support our community.”
– Caleb Baar, 2026 Straub Intern
Putting Their Estimating Skills to the Test
Straub interns worked in teams during the annual Mock Estimate, gaining hands-on experience with the preconstruction and estimating process.
During Straub’s annual Mock Estimate, our interns stepped into the preconstruction side of the industry and put their estimating skills to the test. Split into two teams, they reviewed plans and specifications, evaluated subcontractor bids, and developed their own project estimates. At the end of the exercise, the teams compared their bids and discussed what they did well, what they could improve, and the details that can make a difference when developing an accurate estimate.
“I thought it was a good learning experience. Getting to see that side of construction was very interesting. One thing I learned for the future is paying attention in the specs to see if certain manufacturers are called out, then making sure those manufacturers are listed in the subcontractor’s bid. The biggest challenge we faced was not just reading over the specs and drawings, but actually being able to understand them and pay attention to the information they are trying to provide. What I enjoyed most was seeing the other group’s bid and understanding the differences between them.”
– Wyatt Hilson, 2026 Straub Intern
Seeing the Finished Product at Benedictine College
Straub interns toured the new library addition at Benedictine College, getting a firsthand look at the details and craftsmanship behind the completed project.
Our interns joined the Straub team for a visit to Benedictine College, where they toured the new library addition and experienced the finished space firsthand. The tour gave them an opportunity to see the thoughtful design, craftsmanship, and attention to detail that went into bringing the project to life. It also provided a valuable look at the finished product and the lasting impact Straub’s work can have on the communities we serve.
Putting their Skills into Action
One of the highlights of the summer gave our interns the opportunity to take what they had learned and put it into practice through two meaningful projects at Lakemary Center and St. James Academy. The interns took on hands-on construction work, problem-solving, scheduling, coordination, and communication while making improvements that will continue to serve both organizations long after the summer.
Making an Impact at Lakemary Center
Mason Hicks, Cade Austin, and Andrew Casey worked together to construct a new pergola and ADA-accessible ramp and refresh the surrounding fencing at Lakemary Center.
At Lakemary Center in Paola, interns Mason Hicks, Cade Austin, and Andrew Casey worked together to demolish and rebuild an existing pergola and ADA-accessible wheelchair ramp, along with repainting the surrounding fencing. Lakemary’s mission is to empower children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their individual potential, making the opportunity to improve a space used by those they serve especially meaningful.
“This project meant a lot to me because we weren’t just building a couple things for the patio, we were making a real difference for people who deserve it. Seeing how much the staff and residents appreciated our work made all the hard work worth it. It was awesome knowing that something we built will be used and enjoyed for years to come. It was a very cool experience and certainly one I’ll never forget.”
– Mason Hicks, 2026 Straub Intern
“The Straub interns did an outstanding job, bringing care, energy, and pride to their work. Their efforts created something truly meaningful for the adults we serve, and the impact of their time and talent will be appreciated for a long time.”
– Lakemary Center
Transforming Classrooms at Saint James Academy
Wyatt Hilsdon, William Muench, Ryan Saverino, Logan Sharpnack, and Caleb Baar transformed two classrooms at St. James Academy while gaining firsthand experience managing a project from demolition through completion.
At St. James Academy, interns Wyatt Hilsdon, William Muench, Ryan Saverino, Logan Sharpnack, and Caleb Baar renovated two classrooms that will serve as pilot spaces for potential future classroom renovations throughout the school. The team removed existing finishes and casework, installed new windows and flooring, completed framing and painting, and worked through unexpected challenges along the way.
The project gave the interns more than hands-on construction experience. They were responsible for coordinating work, communicating with trades, managing the schedule, solving problems, and adjusting when unexpected conditions affected their original plans.
“Communication is the biggest thing that I took out of this project. It helped develop my skills and be able to speak effectively with other trades. What this project meant to me was that I was helping other kids have a whole new classroom and environment to learn in. Being able to do this with just us interns was a cool thing to experience, and it meant even more seeing the final product.”
– Ryan Saverino, 2026 Straub Intern
“The project also meant a lot to me because it was at my old high school, and I had classes in the same rooms we were renovating. Being able to come back and help improve those spaces made the experience even more meaningful. I’m grateful Straub gives interns the opportunity to be involved in a real project like this because it’s an experience that a lot of companies don’t offer.”
– Logan Sharpnack, 2026 Straub Intern
A special thank you to KD Christian, Electrical Associates, and Shaw Contract for donating materials and services that helped make the work at St. James Academy possible. We’re grateful for their partnership and support of our interns.
More Than a Summer Internship
Believe in What You Build
Straub’s 2026 summer interns celebrate the completion of a summer filled with learning, teamwork, service, and hands-on experience.
From jobsites and estimating exercises to volunteer opportunities and company events, the summer was about more than gaining construction experience. Throughout their time at Straub, our interns also participated in QC/Warranty training, joined the team for the annual State of Straub, completed CPR training, and celebrated the end of the summer together with an intern bowling outing.
Each experience gave our interns another opportunity to learn, build relationships, and experience the people and culture behind Straub. Whether they were developing new skills, serving the community, tackling challenges on their own projects, or simply spending time together as a team, they brought hard work, curiosity, and enthusiasm to every opportunity.
As our interns head back to school and take what they learned into their next chapters, we’re grateful for everything they contributed to Straub this summer. We’re proud of what they accomplished, the relationships they built, and the impact they made along the way. We look forward to seeing where their experiences take them next!