Our History
Built on local experience. Ready for what comes next.
Benchmark Construction brings nearly seven decades of eastern Ohio construction heritage to every commercial and industrial project — with the personal attention, problem-solving and craftsmanship clients expect from a local contractor.
A Legacy That Started in 1957
Experience passed forward, one project and one generation of leadership at a time.
Benchmark Construction’s story began with the founding of Gundy Construction in 1957 and grew into the Benchmark name in 1984.
In 1992, Gundy Construction officially transitioned into Benchmark Construction, bringing the operations together under one name. Ownership later passed to longtime employee Tom Haugh in 2010 and then to employee Josh McKenzie in 2025 — continuing a tradition of leadership from people who know the company, the work and the communities Benchmark serves.
That continuity matters. It means clients work with a contractor whose standards have been shaped over decades: communicate clearly, solve problems early, respect the schedule and budget, and do the work right.
Crew photo from Benchmark’s early roots, when the company’s history began as Gundy Construction.
years of local construction heritage
of work generated through referrals
sq. ft. headquarters facility in New Philadelphia
self-performed trade categories
Company Milestones
Nearly seven decades of construction roots in eastern Ohio.
Gundy Construction is founded
Leo Gundy establishes Gundy Construction, laying the groundwork for the construction legacy that would become Benchmark.
Benchmark Construction is established
Len Gundy launches Benchmark Construction, expanding the family’s vision and capabilities.
Operations unite under the Benchmark name
Gundy Construction officially transitions into Benchmark Construction.
Leadership passes from within
Ownership transfers to longtime employee Tom Haugh, continuing Benchmark’s tradition of internal leadership.
The next chapter begins
Benchmark Construction is sold to employee Josh McKenzie, carrying the company’s experience, relationships and standards forward.
Why Clients Choose Benchmark
Quality, consistency and craftsmanship are only part of the story.
The way a project is managed matters just as much as the finished building.
Plan Ahead
Benchmark focuses on solving problems before they become problems, helping keep work moving instead of waiting for issues to become delays.
Work as Partners
Strong communication is central to the process. Benchmark works closely with clients and trade partners to address obstacles quickly and keep priorities aligned
Stay Accountable
Every commercial and industrial project has unique requirements. Benchmark keeps quality, schedule, scope and cost in view from planning through completion.
A restored Benchmark Construction team photo from a later chapter in the company’s history.
Local Capability
Large enough to deliver. Small enough to stay personal.
Headquartered in New Philadelphia, Benchmark operates from a 10,000-square-foot facility on four acres, with additional storage capacity available. The company serves commercial and industrial clients throughout Tuscarawas, Carroll, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison and Stark counties.
Benchmark is fully insured and bondable, and its ability to self-perform key trades gives the team greater control over quality, coordination and responsiveness in the field.
The company’s history is ultimately a story about people — local crews, field leaders and employee ownership transitions that have kept Benchmark’s values and knowledge moving forward.
- Self-performed trades
- Masonry
- Carpentry
- Finish carpentry
- Drywall & finishes
- Labor services
Our job isn’t done until you are completely satisfied.
Benchmark Construction mission statement
Selected Work
A history you can see in the communities we serve.
Benchmark’s portfolio includes commercial, financial, civic, educational and community projects throughout eastern Ohio.
Parkway Ford
Geib Funeral Home
Tuscarawas County Humane Society
Woody Hayes Quaker Stadium
Sacred Heart
Claymont City Schools
Public Sector Experience
Trusted by schools and public institutions across the region.
Benchmark’s public-sector experience includes K–12 school districts, career education and higher education — work that demands careful coordination, schedule discipline and accountability to many stakeholders.
- New Philadelphia City Schools
- Dover City Schools
- Claymont City Schools
- East Guernsey Local Schools (Buckeye Trail)
- Buckeye Career Center
- Indian Valley Local Schools
- Carrollton Exempted Village Schools
- Martins Ferry Local Schools
- Kent State University Tuscarawas
Planning your next commercial or industrial project?
Talk with a local construction team built around experience, communication and personal attention.