At Straub, summer isn’t just a season—it’s an opportunity to invest in the future of our industry. Each year, our internship program brings together driven students eager to gain real-world experience in construction, and 2025 marked our largest and one of our most impactful intern classes yet.
This summer, our interns didn’t just learn about construction—they lived it.
Meet Our 2025 Interns
We were proud to welcome our largest intern class to date:
Left to right: Teddy Carr (KSU), Andrew Hogan (KSU), Derek Landis (KSU), Trenton Long (KSU), Connor Mayfield (PSU), Ryan Saverino (MSU), Hunter Taphorn (FHSU)
Their summer was filled with hands-on learning, meaningful projects, and opportunities to grow—and we’re excited to see where their careers take them next.
A Hands-On Experience from Day One
Our internship program is designed to provide a well-rounded, immersive experience that prepares students for a successful career in construction. From the start, interns are introduced to the full lifecycle of a project.
They kicked things off with a two-week mock estimate, diving into the fundamentals of preconstruction—reviewing plans, performing takeoffs, and building estimates alongside our preconstruction team.
“Seeing the start of a project through the mock estimate helped me understand how everything comes together and what it takes to get a job going.”
— Ryan Saverino
“Spending time in the office learning preconstruction was a great experience—I hadn’t had much exposure to that side before.” — Trenton Long
From there, interns spent the majority of their summer—about 80% of their time—
in the field, working side-by-side with superintendents on active job sites.
“I think I learned something new every single day on the job.” — Connor Mayfield
Learning Through Mentorship
A key part of the Straub internship experience is mentorship. Each intern is paired with experienced team members who guide them throughout the summer.
“Most of what I learned this summer came from working alongside my team in the field and seeing how everything is sequenced and put together.”
— Ryan Saverino
“The way my superintendent communicated—with clarity, respect, and composure—even in stressful situations, is something I’ll carry with me throughout my career.” — Hunter Taphorn
This mentorship provides more than just answers—it offers perspective and helps interns build confidence in their abilities.
Making an Impact in the Community
At Straub, we believe in building projects that matter—and our interns are a part of that mission.
This year’s intern project was completed in partnership with Parkville Women’s Clinic. Over two weeks, interns built a patio space including concrete work, planter boxes, and landscaping.
“I really enjoyed this project because I knew it was for more than money, but rather a cause.” — Trenton Long
“Seeing the joy on the Parkville employees’ faces after we finished was very rewarding.” — Andrew Hogan
“The intern project was my favorite part—it really showed what it’s like to run a project and work as a team.” — Teddy Carr
Their work left a lasting impact—not just on the site, but on the interns themselves.
Giving Back Together
Beyond the job site, interns also gave back through a volunteer event at One City Café.
“At first I was skeptical, but by the end of the night I had a completely different perspective on a lot of things in my life.” — Hunter Taphorn
It was a meaningful way to connect with the community and reflect the values that define Straub.
Real-World Challenges and Teamwork
Another highlight of the summer was the intern mock bid, where interns worked in teams to build estimates for a real project scenario.
“Working through the estimating process and the intern project gave me a real look into the responsibilities and challenges of the job.”
— Connor Mayfield
“It was cool to collaborate with the other interns—we all got along great and were able to solve problems together.” — Derek Landis
These experiences pushed interns to think critically, communicate effectively, and work as a team.
A Culture That Invests in You
What sets Straub apart is its people and culture.
“Everyone I met was fantastic—I could see myself working with anyone here.” — Trenton Long
“Everyone here wants to see you grow—not just get the work done, but actually learn and succeed.” — Teddy Carr
“This is the first company I’ve worked with where everyone is willing to teach not just what to do, but why we do it.” — Connor Mayfield
“I really felt at home here—for the first time, I didn’t dread coming into work on a Monday.” — Hunter Taphorn
Our merit-based culture gives interns the opportunity to take initiative, contribute meaningfully, and grow quickly.
Celebrating a Summer of Growth
To wrap up the summer, we gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of our interns. This year’s celebration at St. John’s bowling alley was a chance to recognize their hard work, reflect on their growth, and—of course—have some fun (including a few lessons in old-school scorekeeping).
Looking Ahead
By the end of the summer, each intern walked away with more than just experience—they gained confidence, skills, and a clearer vision for their future.
“I have a much better understanding of the construction industry and what it’s going to take for me to be successful.” — Ryan Saverino
“I’ve had a great summer and learned a ton—the people here are what truly make this company special.” — Derek Landis
“I could truly see myself being part of the Straub team in the future.” — Trenton Long
At Straub, we don’t just build projects—we build people. And this summer, our interns proved that the future of construction is in great hands.