Kolacia’s pride and joy, though, will always be the family members who have been by his side every step of the way. They also serve as a reminder of what matters most when it comes to the business he owns and operates.

“I couldn’t be luckier,” the 77-year-old Kolacia said. “My wife (Rosemary), our four kids (Carolyn, Craig, Sherry and Keith) and their families just mean the world to us. We’ve been blessed to have Craig and Keith working for us all these years, and spending time with the grandkids and going to all of their (events and activities) … There isn’t anything I’d rather do, and there’s no place I’d rather be.”

Kolacia Construction Inc. is one of the area’s busiest and most recognizable organizations. The company specializes in general contracting, land development, designing and building, construction management, site procurement and estimating services. Schools, churches, warehouses, offices, health-care facilities and countless other buildings and projects have been stamped with Kolacia’s trademark name for decades in this region.

Kolacia, a life-long Fort Dodge resident who grew up on the south side of town, founded the company in 1963 — two years after he graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High, where he was a standout athlete.

“I was working for my dad (Joe Kolacia) in high school,” Vince said. “He was a home builder. When I started (Kolacia Construction) a few years out of school, he and I became partners and we turned our focus to the commercial field.

“I didn’t necessarily plan or envision anything big at the time. Rosemary and I got married, and we were just looking to start a family and settle into being (in Fort Dodge). Dad and I wanted to work hard, build and establish strong relationships, help the community, and take on whatever jobs we could. It didn’t really go beyond that. We knew the rest would take care of itself.”

The focus on integrity and craftsmanship became an unofficial hallmark of the business as the years passed. Kolacia admits the company probably could’ve grown even bigger and more profitable, but the family-owned, family-focused operation took more pride in earning the trust of their clientele through quality work and good, old-fashioned sweat equity.

“We wanted to make sure every job was done right,” Kolacia said. “We were going to be honest, affordable, and build (a rapport with) the people we were doing business with. We saw them every day. That was the idea behind establishing roots here: we were trying to help Fort Dodge grow, because we were directly invested in the community ourselves.”

One of the company’s breakthrough moments came in 1978, when Kolacia Construction was tabbed to build the Iowa Central Community College indoor athletic complex — now known as Hodges Fieldhouse and its ancillary buildings — as well as the performing arts venue later named Decker Auditorium.

“That was definitely a highlight for us,” Kolacia said. “It got the ball rolling even more commercially, and opened the door to bigger jobs.”

Craig and Keith extended the family legacy by becoming project managers under their dad nearly 30 years ago, after learning the tools of the trade themselves in high school.

“That’s still the best part of my job,” Kolacia said. “Seeing my sons almost every day and having the opportunity to work with them has kept me going.”

Even at 77, there are no immediate retirement plans on Kolacia’s docket. In fact, he still keeps a full-time schedule.

“I’m sure I’ll get out of it at some point,” Kolacia said. “But it keeps me active, and as long as I’m still physically able to do the work and enjoy what I’m doing for the most part … I have some plans (to be done) at some point, but nothing is set in stone.”

Kolacia’s other passion is being a part of his grandkids’ lives. He joked, “they won’t start a game or (an activity) until I’m there.”

“Really, I’m not sure what could be more important,” Kolacia said. “You settle down in a community, you get to know the people and you (establish) a group of friends. Everyone has kids. And then a lot of them settle down themselves (in or around the area), and you get to follow the grandkids — not just your own, but the others you’ve known your whole life.

“Fort Dodge is a close-knit town, and Iowa is a great place to raise a family. We’ve always prioritized bringing that attitude to our business. Being safe, reliable and dependable first and foremost, but also recognizing each project has its own identity — its own personality. So we get to know them. These are our neighbors, and we want to improve the quality of life around us by working hard and giving back.”