Agape Construction
For Lamar Yoder, owner of Agape Construction, his dream started with a vision and a rusty old pickup that refused to leave his driveway.
Today, the Shipshewana-based construction company is one of the fastest-growing builders in the region, specializing in custom homes, barndominiums, pole barns, renovations and concrete work. A few years ago, Yoder stood at a crossroads, wondering whether he could turn a lifelong passion into a company of his own.
“I always wanted my own construction company,” Yoder says.
Growing up, Yoder spent summers working alongside his father on construction sites. He learned valuable techniques and developed an appreciation for the details that separate average work from exceptional craftsmanship. After his father’s business closed during the recession, Yoder continued building his experience, eventually serving as a foreman for another construction company. Later, he stepped away from construction altogether, pursuing automotive work and custom fabrication.
Still, the idea of owning a construction company never disappeared. Then came the moment he now looks back on as a turning point. Trying to generate cash, Yoder attempted to sell an old truck. The deal fell through, and the vehicle came back. Instead of seeing disappointment, he saw opportunity.
“It felt like a sign from God,” Yoder says.
With limited tools, no trailer and little startup capital, Yoder launched Agape Construction. He designed the company’s logo himself, filed the paperwork and began spreading the word. Thanks to years of experience and a strong reputation, projects began pouring in. Three years later, that momentum shows no signs of slowing.
Agape Construction handles everything from custom homes and additions to roofing, siding, renovations and commercial projects. Through its sister company, it has also expanded into decorative concrete and flatwork, keeping more services under one roof.
For Yoder, bringing more work in-house isn’t simply a business decision. It’s about maintaining quality. Many homeowners know the frustration of coordinating multiple contractors. One delay affects another trade. One mistake becomes someone else’s problem. Yoder wanted a different approach.
“We care about what it’s going to look like when it’s finished,” he says.
That attention to detail appears in places many clients never notice: proper flashing, water management, precision trim work and carefully aligned finishes. Small details can quietly protect a home for years after construction is complete. The goal isn’t simply creating a beautiful home. It’s building one that lasts.
While some builders chase every industry trend, Yoder is more interested in what serves the homeowner. Quality construction still requires quality materials, skilled labor and careful planning. Rather than competing to be the lowest bidder, Agape Construction focuses on delivering value.
“We’re worth what we price,” Yoder says.
That philosophy hasn’t won every project. Some customers choose lower-cost options, but many return later. Word-of-mouth referrals have become one of the company’s strongest growth drivers, helping fuel an expansion that has seen Agape Construction grow more than 100% over the past year and a half. That growth reflects both steady demand and a reputation built on quality and service.
The company was recently recognized among the top contractors in Elkhart County and earned recognition for its continued growth and customer satisfaction. Those honors underscore the momentum behind Agape Construction’s recent expansion.
The company’s name wasn’t chosen by accident. “Agape” refers to selfless, unconditional love, a concept that has shaped Yoder’s vision from the beginning. His goal extends beyond constructing homes. He wants to create opportunities to serve customers well and build a company known for integrity as much as craftsmanship.
Looking ahead, Yoder sees opportunities in larger custom homes, lake properties and high-end projects that allow his team to showcase its creativity and attention to detail. Yet even as the company grows, the mission remains unchanged.
“Our goal is to do the best that we can for people,” he says.
Perhaps that’s why Agape Construction’s motto feels less like a marketing slogan and more like a philosophy: “Your imagination is evidence of things unseen.”
For more information on Agape Construction and its services, call 574-524-6583, email agapeconstruction23@gmail.com, or visit AgapeConstructionLLC.com.
