Timing has always played a role in The Korte Company’s story, but perhaps no moment shaped our path more than a day in 1969, when Vern Eardley stopped by Ralph Korte’s new Highland, Illinois, office.
A young local upstart, he wasn’t coming to apply for a job. Vern just stopped in to say hello to our company founder, but he left as Ralph’s second-in-command. That chance visit helped define the next half-century of The Korte Company.
Before that fateful day, Vern had earned his Bachelor of Science in civil engineering and a master’s in construction management from the University of Illinois. He’d already helped build Interstate 70 as a project engineer for the State of Illinois. And when he saw a new opportunity at The Korte Company, he took it, ready to hit the ground running.
From that first bid he turned in — one day before his official start date — Vern’s dedication never wavered. He came prepared with a sharp engineer’s mind and a steady belief that hard work, fairness and innovation could turn a small-town construction outfit into something special.
Over the next three decades, Vern helped guide The Korte Company through incredible growth, pioneering new technology, new ways of managing projects and a culture built on integrity and respect.
Vern served as president and CEO for many years, helping Ralph shape a company that valued people first — customers, partners and employees alike. That philosophy remains at the heart of The Korte Company today.
Ralph often said this company wouldn’t be who we are without Vern’s insight, loyalty and steady hand. And anyone who worked alongside him would say the same.
On Oct. 16, 2025, we said goodbye to our friend and colleague, but we also gave thanks. Vern didn’t just help build a company — he helped build a way of doing things the right way. His fingerprints are on every project we touch, every handshake we honor and every person who carries forward The Korte Company spirit.
