As a board member at Providence Academy and someone with more than two decades in the engineering and construction industry, I’ve worked with countless contractors over the years.
Some are builders. A few rise to the level of partners.
But it’s rare to find a company that can fully embrace your vision, take your mission as their own, and lead with integrity that leaves a lasting impact, not just on the building, but on the people who will use it.
This is what we found in Catalyst Construction.
When Providence Academy began planning to expand our facilities in 2021, we knew we weren’t just pouring concrete and erecting walls.
We were building spaces to shape young minds, nurture faith, and foster a sense of community. This required a team that understood what was at stake, not only logistically, but emotionally and spiritually.
Catalyst brought more than expertise to the table. They brought alignment.
A Partnership Built on Trust
My involvement with Providence began during the completion of Phase I, a pivotal season for our school. With my engineering background, I joined the board to help guide facility planning and construction decisions. Catalyst had already been selected as our builder, and from the very first interaction, it was clear why.
They earned our trust early.
Phase I wasn’t without its challenges, no major project ever is, but Catalyst’s responsiveness, transparency, and ability to solve problems without complication set them apart. They didn’t simply “deliver the building.” They became an extension of our team.
That experience gave us the confidence to bring Catalyst back for Phase II in 2024.
This fast-tracked expansion added approximately 28,000 square feet, including six classrooms, a full gymnasium, performing arts and music rooms, locker rooms, and athletic facilities.
Catalyst didn’t just deliver on time; they finished a whole month ahead of schedule, enabling us to welcome students into the new space without missing a beat.
Leadership That Makes the Difference
One of the most critical decisions in any project is selecting the right superintendent.
During Phase I, Steve Anhalt set a high bar with his leadership and attention to detail.
For Phase II, Catalyst introduced us to Tyler Techlin. Tyler not only met that bar, he raised it.
From day one, Tyler approached the project with energy, ownership, and a deep sense of care. He didn’t just oversee the work; he championed it. His proactive mindset, coupled with an eye for detail, meant he often identified improvements before we even had to ask. He implemented thoughtful changes, sometimes even at no additional cost, because he cared about delivering a space that would serve our students for decades to come.
This wasn’t just a job for Tyler. It was personal. And that made all the difference.
More Than a Contractor
What sets Catalyst apart is that its strength doesn’t rest on one individual. It’s embedded in their company culture.
From the earliest stages of Phase II, before a contract was signed, they came alongside us as trusted advisors. They provided budget guidance, weighed in on design considerations, and helped frame the project in ways that supported both our vision and our fundraising efforts.
Throughout construction, they navigated the unique challenges of building on an active school campus with professionalism and care. They maintained strict boundaries between work zones and student areas, communicated clearly, and ensured our operations continued safely and smoothly.
Their use of tools like Procore gave us real-time visibility into schedules, submittals, and punch lists, allowing us to stay engaged and informed every step of the way.
Results That Speak for Themselves
Since the first construction project, Providence Academy has more than doubled its enrollment. With the new addition, we now have the capacity to serve up to 400 students, a milestone that reflects not only our school’s growth but also the foundation Catalyst helped us build.
As someone who’s worked with many contractors over the years, I can say with confidence: Catalyst stands apart. Their ability to build strong teams, cultivate trusted relationships with subcontractors, and stay mission-focused sets them in a league of their own.
Looking ahead, I can say this without hesitation: we wouldn’t consider another construction project without Catalyst.
They’re not just our builder, they’re a key part of our story.
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