Mike Fann really means it when he says we should give back to our community.
Fann and his Prescott-based Fann Contracting company are donating a $40,000 prize he received this spring to charitable organizations in the Quad Cities.
Upon learning his company had been selected for the prize, Fann responded that he wanted those dollars to be used to support a community outreach program he is developing. He hopes other businesses and organizations will be inspired to increase their charitable activity in the greater community.
The prize – one of two given for the first time ever – was awarded to Fann this spring by the Arizona Community Foundation’s Pakis Center for Business Philanthropy.
Called the BOOST! Prize, the funds came from the Scottsdale-based JDA Software company. It was founded by Fred Pakis, who serves on the board of director for the Arizona Community Foundation and asked that organization to administer the prize recipient process.
The other $40,000 recipient was Goodman’s Interior Structures, an office furniture dealer that has firms in Phoenix, Tucson and Albuquerque, New Mexico.
“I love Prescott and everything the community and its citizens have done for me,” said Fann. “I grew up here, played sports, went to school and made friends who are yet a part of my life. It’s only fair and fitting that I give back what I can, when I can. The same is true of my company.”
Fann, 58, said that as a youngster, he learned from his parents, Sylvia and Jim Fann, that he needed to be socially responsible in everything he did. His parents founded the company in 1960. Mike worked part-time for the company through school and college. He began full-time work after he graduated from Arizona State University in 1980. He bought the company in 1990 and has guided its growth to what is now one of Arizona’s major heavy construction companies.
His son, Jason, also an ASU graduate, serves as the company’s project manager.
Fann Contracting now has about 250 full-time employees. Its bright red, block-shaped FANN logo is visible on equipment throughout Central and Northern Arizona. The company is involved in roadway construction and public works projects, landfills, underground utility installation and commercial site development.
Fann Has Long Record of Community Support, Service
Fann, in Prescott since 1958, has been active in the community virtually all his adult life. He has been involved in organizations such as the Central Arizona Partnership, Yavapai County Community Foundation, Prescott Chamber of Commerce, Greater Prescott Regional Economic Partnership, Silent Witness, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and Prescott Charities. He also has been named Man of the Year in 2013 for Prescott Area Leadership.
The Mike Fann Skateboard Park near Gurley Street in downtown Prescott is one example of Fann’s community support. It was constructed in 2005 at a cost of more than $250,000. Funds came from the City of Prescott, the Yavapai Tribe and others, with the largest contribution coming from Fann.
Fann says he takes special pride in having founded FEMAD – Fann Employees Making A Difference – in 2006. It is an internal non-profit organization within Fann Contracting where employees can choose to make contributions from their paychecks to support local charities and non-profit organizations.
Kerri Vaughn, who serves as charitable donations coordinator for FEMAD, said that through the years, the company has contributed more than $460,000 to local organizations.
“Our employees are generous throughout the year,” she said. “When they find out about a need, they step up and contribute – sometimes, snack money and other times, major amounts.”
Vaughn said the company particularly supports charities that help those with health-related concerns, assist adults with disabilities, and provide backing to programs in child development and helping families. QCBN
#1-2 Mike Fann, owner of Fann Contracting, takes pride in being able to give back to the community where he lives, as evidenced by the dozens of certificates, citations and plaques on display at the main office.
By Ray Newton, QCBN
Photo by Ray Newton
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