Our History
Interview with Mike Loven
Our Founder – Mike Loven
Read Mike’s interview in celebration of Loven Contracting’s 35 Year Anniversary here.
Mike Loven founded Loven Contracting in 1985. Decades later, Loven Contracting is an energetic and successful firm, servicing clients across the state of Arizona in a wide range of industry sectors. On every project, instilled into every Loven Contracting team member’s daily activities are Mike’s ethical standards and high-quality construction methods. Mike has always focused on client satisfaction at Loven Contracting and his active involvement in establishing and maintaining our valuable long-term relationships has been essential to our firm’s success.
Mike has also provided primary leadership in the development and implementation of our firm’s construction standards, including the Loven Exclusives, a defined and technologically advanced set of practical and regionally-relevant construction standards for the delivery of best-in-class projects, and our VPP Star Safety Program – the highest level of workplace safety certification available.
Mike led the establishment of the Loven Contracting Philanthropic Program and is personally a member of multiple boards and non-profit organizations across the state. His belief in the value of active citizenship drives community involvement within Loven Contracting.
As established by Mike’s leadership and guidance since our founding, our team members meet each of our client’s needs through clear, concise communication and collaboration. From our customers to subcontractors and employees, we work to establish long-lasting mutually beneficial partnerships. The success and longevity of Loven Contracting is based on our commitment to our core values, including safety, customer satisfaction, ethics, and quality.
TIMELINE
ROBERT LEE LOVEN STARTS CONSTRUCTION FIRM IN PARIS, TEXAS
The construction gene runs in Mike’s family. Robert Lee Loven, Mike’s great grandfather, was known for the dairies he built in this Texas town. Robert also started the family tradition of gifting boots to his staff at Christmas – a tradition that continues today.
JAMES LOVEN JOINS THE FAMILY BUSINESS
Mike’s grandfather, James Paul Loven joined the family business with his brother and they eventually founded their own construction firm. James loved construction, and continued working even after “retirement”. He took his last check at 80 years old as superintendent on the expansion of a hospital he originally built in years prior.
MIKE LOVEN, 4 YEARS OLD, MOVES TO FLAGSTAFF, AZ
When Mike was 4 years old, Mike’s parents, James and Patricia moved the family to Flagstaff, AZ.
11 YEAR OLD MIKE LOVEN STARTS HIS LAWNMOWING BUSINESS
Mike always liked working, earning his own pocket money, and not having to ask his parents for things. There are still folks who remember his days as a paperboy. In 1970, he asked his father for a loan, bought a lawnmower, and started his own business. He paid off the loan and ran a successful startup.
FIRST CONSTRUCTION JOB
Mike started working on the jobsite in the summers during high school. The combination of physical labor, fine motor skills, and critical thinking appealed to his sensibilities. He was still in school, but he had found his calling.
FIRST (AND ONLY) CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
After years of working for and learning from other people, Mike took $5,000 out of his savings, put it into his checking account and started Loven Contracting. Soon after, Mike sketched the first version of the Loven Contracting logo. Later iterations refine the look while retaining its distinctive shape and color.
LOVEN CONTRACTING, INC.
Loven Contracting was incorporated on October 21st, 1985. We regard this date as the official birthday of Loven Contracting!
OUR FIRST NATIONAL PARK SERVICE PROJECT
Loven Contracting completed our first National Park Service project, the Postmaster’s Residence, at the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. Our dedication to working with the National Parks and Monuments continues today and includes our award-winning historic preservation division. We are honored to help preserve America’s national treasures.
OUR FIRST HEALTHCARE PROJECT
LOVEN CONTRACTING’S HEADQUARTERS
Loven Contracting purchased property on Pinnacle Street in Flagstaff, Arizona. Formerly a sawmill, this was a transformative step for our company, and it’s where our headquarters remain to this day.
JENNIFER A. DEL GIORGIO, CFO
Jennifer A. Del Giorgio, Chief Financial Officer, joins Loven Contracting.
JON HANSEN, PRESIDENT
Jon Hansen, President, joins Loven Contracting.
PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR
On December 2, 2017, Mike Loven was awarded the Philanthropist of the Year Award at the Northern Arizona Healthcare Foundation’s 57th annual Turquoise Ball in Flagstaff, Arizona.
COMMITMENT TO SAFETY
On April 13, 2018, Loven Contracting was awarded VPP Star Status, a testament to our excellent safety standards. We are proud to be one of six firms in Arizona recognized with VPP Star Status.
CELEBRATING 35 YEARS OF SERVICE
October 21st, 2020 marks Loven Contracting’s 35th Year Anniversary. We are grateful for the support of our clients and communities where we work, and we look forward to another 35 years of high-quality, best-in-class construction services! Read Mike’s interview celebrating the occasion here.
Award-Winning Construction Services
Since its founding, Loven Contracting’s unending goal has been to provide a project of superior quality while meeting client’s expectations of excellence, customer service and best value. We have expanded our services across the Southwest, and our commitment to our core values has led to new and repeat customers alike.
We’re honored to be recognized with various accolades and awards, like America’s Safest Companies and a 2023 Top Company to Work For in Arizona.