About the Business:
White Oak Construction
Sam Luppino, President
Founded in 1982
Located in Indianapolis, Lafayette, Sellersburg and Warsaw. IN
124 employees
BBB Accredited for 33 years
whiteoakconstruction.com
“Rooted In Experience, Built on Trust”
Questions and Answers
Questions and AnswersWhat’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in business that you wish you’d known earlier?
Success without happiness simply doesn’t work. You need balance in order to thrive. There’s an old English proverb from the 1600s that says, “All work and no play make Jack a dull boy.” It’s a reminder that you must balance your career with your family and make time for the people and priorities that matter most.
What do you consider your business’s proudest accomplishment so far?
Our proudest accomplishment has been developing training processes that allow us to take someone with zero experience in our industry and give them a true career path — not just a job.
Who has been a mentor or inspiration for you, and how did they shape your leadership?
The founder of White Oak Construction and my business partner, the late Jerry Sobota, has been one of my greatest inspirations. Before his passing, Jerry showed me that leadership can be lived out in a Christ-like manner. He led with humility, integrity and genuine care for others. Jerry’s example shaped the way I approach leadership — focusing on service, compassion, and doing what is right, even when it’s not easy.
How do you foster trust with your customers and employees?
I foster trust with both customers and employees by being fair and honest at all times — even when the news isn’t always positive. Trust is built through consistency, transparency and character, so I focus on three key principles:
- Do what’s right.
- Always give 100%.
- Treat others the way you would want to be treated.
How do you see your industry evolving?
As technology and AI advance, the home improvement and construction industry will evolve through smarter tools, better data and more automation to improve efficiencies. Digital design, virtual consultations and AI-assisted estimating will help us deliver higher-quality, more transparent work.
What’s something you’re passionate about outside of work?
I’m passionate about music. I’m a lover of all genres, and I especially enjoy playing the drums. It’s a creative outlet that helps me relax, stay focused and even inspires my problem-solving and rhythm in life and work.
