Fanns of Giving

As a third-generation, family-owned business, Fann Contracting is deeply rooted in the Prescott community and Arizona as a whole. Led by father-and-son team Mike and Jason Fann, the company is a leader in heavy-civil construction across the state, specializing in highways and transportation, aviation, utility infrastructure, materials supply and hauling and private development.

Perhaps most visibly, Fann Contracting is deeply involved in the Interstate 17 realignment and widening project north of Phoenix, as part of the “Kiewit-Fann Joint Venture” with Kiewit Infrastructure West, which is the primary contractor for the project.

Despite its 60 years of helping to build Arizona, both Mike and Jason will tell you Fann Contracting’s true strength lies in its people. “Our employees are our family,” said CEO Mike Fann. “The people who come to work here aren’t just building projects; they’re building careers and communities.”

Through FEMAD, employees can choose how their contributions are allocated among six nonprofits, which were identified with employee input: Catholic Charities Community Services, Coalition for Compassion and Justice, Prevent Child Abuse/Yavapai Family Advocacy Center, Stepping Stones Agencies, Polara Health and YEI!/Prescott Charities.

Though he doesn’t like to choose favorites, the charity that touches Mike’s heart most is Yavapai Exceptional Industries (YEI!), which provides resources for adults with developmental disabilities. “They run programs for adults with mental disablities, provide them with jobs and employment, and give them a purpose and a challenge in life. Instead of looking at these people as a liability of the community, they see them as an asset. It’s a wonderful organization and the work they do is just phenomenal.”

“At our year-end FEMAD party, I always send a lot of gratitude to the employees who have the goodness to give and also to those who work and volunteer within those charitable organizations, giving of their time and implementing programs for such a meaningful impact,” said President and COO Jason Fann. “We often hear about the individual lives that have been changed and turned around because of the goodness of others.”

Beyond the FEMAD giving program, Fann Contracting reviews requests for funds on a monthly basis and supports other community organizations.

Mike says his parents, who moved to Prescott in 1959 when he was almost a year old, have been role models of giving. “They gave with their time and their treasure,” he said. Recently, the Fann family took his mom, Silvia, to Las Vegas to celebrate her 90th birthday. “She likes the slot machines and won back almost as much as she lost.”

With more than six decades in operation, Fann Contracting’s legacy of integrity, quality and generosity has made a lasting impact in the Quad Cities, in Arizona and within the company. As FEMAD approaches its 20-year milestone, this culture of giving has added up to more than a million dollars.

“Year after year, our employees step up to help some of the best nonprofits in our community,” said Mike. “I feel blessed to be part of a group that shares a passion for giving back to those in need.” QCBN

By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN

Courtesy Photo: Mike Fann, captured here in 2016, has been signing a big check for local charities for nearly 20 years on behalf of the Fann Employee Making A Difference program.