Crooker Construction, LLC, a Topsham, Maine-based general construction contractor with a 90-year history of family and private ownership, has announced its transition to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), making all 175 current employees owners of the company.

The company was founded in 1935, by Harry Crooker with a shovel and a dump truck. His sons Franklin and Theodore Crooker later joined their father, and it became a true family-run business. Upon retiring, Franklin and Theodore took over operations and in 2014 long-term employee and Chief Engineer at the time, Thomas Sturgeon, P.E., purchased the business with a group of partners. In 2016, Crooker Construction, LLC purchased Precast of Maine making the company even stronger. With a goal of being able to continue the legacy set-in place by Harry at the beginning, the current owners decided the best future for all employees was to reward them for their daily contributions to the company’s success by selling directly to them. This transition reflects the company’s belief that the people who built Crooker Construction and Precast of Maine should also share in its future.

For 90 years the company has built a reputation in the Midcoast area of being family focused, completing jobs with a high level of quality and safety, offering industry leading benefits, and more. The establishment of an ESOP ensures the company will remain locally rooted and will be able to continue on this path and work to grow even stronger by honoring current traditions, fostering relationships, and relying on the dedicated employees who are now owners.

An ESOP transition protects the culture and creates a long-term path for the company to thrive while remaining independent and based in Maine. Employee ownership also supports stability for clients and partners while strengthening the investment in workforce, equipment, and local communities.

As part of this milestone, Crooker Construction has announced a leadership evolution designed to support continuity and long-term growth. Thomas Sturgeon, P.E., who has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since 2014, will move solely into the role of Chief Executive Officer. Ian Messier, P.E., previously Chief Engineer, will step into the role of President. Ian has been an integral part of the company for over a dozen years and the team is confident he will successfully lead the ESOP into this next chapter.