We’ve come a long way since our founder, Frank Schipper, was building homes in the 1960s with a simple goal: to run his own company. In 1982, he realized his vision with the launch of Frank Schipper Construction Company.
After decades of serving Santa Barbara County, Frank began thinking about the future of the business and of the people who helped to build it. He wanted the company to stay in the hands of its team and rooted in the place it calls home. That goal led to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), which gives our employees a stake in the company over time. In the mid-2000s, Frank began setting aside pre-tax profits each year, and by 2015, we officially became 100% employee-owned!
Becoming employee-owned has connected the work we do every day to our long-term success. For clients, being employee-owned means we bring strong accountability, local expertise, and top-tier leadership to every project.
Accountability On The Jobsite
Employee ownership changes how we approach every detail. When the company’s success is tied to our own, we make it our personal priority to deliver on quality, follow-through, and client experience. As our General Manager and COO, Paul Wieckowski, puts it: “Our day-to-day work is actually part of our profit margin”. Our clients notice the difference: stronger accountability, consistent communication, and craftsmanship that reflects real pride of ownership.
Experienced People, Better Projects
One of our greatest strengths is the stability of our team. Many of our employee-owners have been with FSCC for decades, bringing invaluable experience and local knowledge to every project. Leaders like Paul Wieckowski (since 1987), Don Dietz (1988), Warren Stanton (1990), Jose Lopez (1991), Gary Quick (1995), and Erwin Villegas (1998) have built their careers in the Santa Barbara region. That longevity translates into a clear understanding of what it takes to run successful projects here.
Our team has worked together on a wide range of projects, including healthcare, education, commercial interiors, cultural and historical buildings, and hospitality. Notable projects include the UCLA Medical Center Office renovation, sitework for the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, and the renovation of Santa Barbara Inn, among many others. For our clients, this range of experience means fewer surprises and smoother projects. You’re working with top talent who know the region, collaborate effectively, and can anticipate challenges before they arise.
Reinvesting In People
As an employee-owned company, our success is shared. Profits support the ESOP, but they also go right back into the business through funding training, tools, technology, and better ways of working. Just as importantly, employee ownership strengthens our culture. We look out for each other, take pride in what we build, and stay committed to doing the job well.
How Our Clients Benefit from ESOP
Our ESOP structure doesn’t just benefit our team. It directly benefits our clients, too. When you hire FSCC, you’re hiring a team of owners who treat your project like an investment, because in a very real sense, it is. That mindset shows up through stronger accountability, high-quality craftsmanship, and a true partnership approach. When the people building your project have skin in the game, you’ll see the difference.
Ownership drives everything we do. If that’s the kind of partner you’re looking for, we’d love to hear from you at info@schipperconstruction.com.