American Companies – A Contributor to the EDWC Mission

American Companies started in 1980 with one and a half employees and a simple commitment: do whatever it takes to get the job done. Today, the West Bend-based company has grown into a full-service design-build and development firm with 31 employees and experience across multifamily, retail, commercial, medical, industrial, senior-living, and hospitality projects.

But for American Companies, a successful project is about more than the building itself. It’s about what happens there afterward: businesses growing, jobs being created, and communities benefiting from the investment.

A Partnership That Makes a Difference

American Companies’ relationship with EDWC dates back to Kraig Sadownikow‘s time as mayor of West Bend, from 2011 to 2019. During those years, the City of West Bend and EDWC worked together to encourage investment and economic growth. Those relationships continue to shape the partnership today.

One example is the former Gehl factory site along the Milwaukee River in West Bend. With EDWC’s guidance and support, American Companies helped transform the property into a functional, thriving part of the community. A similar redevelopment effort is underway in the Village of Kewaskum.

These projects show why local economic development matters. Bringing an underused property back to life takes investment, collaboration, and a willingness to work through challenges. When it succeeds, the entire community can benefit.

Creating Economic Development Opportunities for the Future

American Companies sees a direct connection between its work and EDWC’s mission to create quality jobs and economic prosperity throughout Washington County.

As CEO Kraig Sadownikow explains, “EDWC helps turn possibility into progress. We have seen firsthand how the right guidance, strong partnerships, and private investment can transform a challenging property into something that creates lasting value.”

For American Companies, that is what economic development is all about: helping businesses succeed, encouraging private investment, and creating places that serve their communities for years to come.

Giving Back Beyond the Job Site

Community involvement is also an important part of American Companies’ culture. Each year, employees take part in a team-building challenge to see who can contribute the most volunteer hours. Last year, the team logged 650 hours of community service.

Employees also serve on boards and support local churches, nonprofits, civic organizations, and causes that matter to them. The company sees this involvement as a way to give back while bringing its team closer together.

One Phrase That Says It All

“Whatever it takes.”

It’s more than a company motto. It reflects American Companies’ commitment to finding solutions, following through, and leaving the communities where it works better than it found them.

We’re grateful to American Companies for its continued support of EDWC and its commitment to making Washington County a stronger place to live, work, and do business.