Luke Terpstra
Pre-Construction Manager
Ritsema Associates
Every industry needs passionate, innovative leaders who want to make a real impact. That’s exactly who Luke Terpstra is. As Pre-Construction Manager at Ritsema Associates, Luke has been nominated for the Young Professional of the Year award by ABC—and it’s no surprise why. From his dedication to advancing the construction industry to his commitment to mentorship and community, Luke leads by example.
A Journey of Hard Work and Achievement
Luke’s career has been all about taking on challenges and thriving in every role he’s stepped into. He started out as a young professional with tons of potential and quickly worked his way up, landing a management role by 26. Along the way, he’s secured multi-million-dollar contracts, built strong relationships for his company, and even helped launch new divisions at Ritsema Associates.
For Luke, the biggest highlight of all his achievements was being asked to mentor someone in their career. That moment was a powerful reminder of how far he’s come and the impact he’s had in the industry. Having had such a positive experience with mentorship himself, Luke has fully embraced the role. Now, he’s all about helping others grow, both in their careers and in their personal lives.
Luke’s education is a true testament to his perseverance. One of his proudest moments was earning his college degree. He came from a family where no man in four generations had reached this milestone, but that didn’t stop him. Luke juggled full-time work, night school, and family life to make it happen. When he finally graduated, his infant daughter was right there in the audience—a memory he’ll always treasure.
Leading with a Vision for the Future
Luke isn’t just all about his own career growth. He’s passionate about shaping the future of the construction industry. Over the next 10 years, he plans to keep mentoring young professionals, opening doors for success, and making it easier for people to break into this tough field.
Luke is currently creating a curriculum at Ritsema Associates to help younger employees grow and learn faster. He’s using his experience to give the next generation of construction pros the tools and skills they need to succeed.
Luke’s passion for education and mentorship doesn’t stop at work. Through the ABC WMC Emerging Leaders Peer Group, he’s teaming up with other rising leaders to take on the industry’s biggest challenges. For Luke, it’s all about building a supportive community where peers can guide each other and help keep the industry strong and adaptable for the future.
Championing Safety Through Innovation
Safety is at the heart of construction, and as Pre-Construction Manager, Luke makes it his priority. He knows how important it is to protect workers, both on a personal and professional level, and ensures safety is front and center during the pre-construction process.
One of Luke’s big priorities has been putting more funds into top-notch safety gear. From high-quality helmets to advanced equipment, he makes sure everyone has what they need to stay safe on the job. For Luke, it’s not just about meeting safety rules—it’s about creating a culture where everyone’s well-being comes first.
His time on job sites and his personal commitment to getting home safely to loved ones drive his passion for safety. He doesn’t just embody this principle in his work. It’s the standard he sets for everyone around him.
Giving Back to the Community
Luke’s impact goes way beyond his work. He’s all about giving back and building real connections in his community. From volunteering at Kids’ Food Basket to organizing his daughter’s soccer team logistics, Luke is always finding ways to pitch in and make a difference.
As Education Director on the ASAM Executive Board, he’s been behind some incredible educational events that inspire growth and learning in the construction community. On top of that, his work with the MCOY Awards Planning Committee gives him the chance to help create an event that celebrates the achievements of his peers and industry colleagues.
Luke has been a huge supporter of the West Michigan Construction Institute (WMCI) and its efforts to inspire the next generation of construction pros. He’s jumped in to help with everything from rallies to summer camps, whether it’s prepping materials or giving hands-on instruction. Thanks to his involvement, he’s made a real impact on students and young professionals considering careers in construction.
A Voice for Free Enterprise
Luke is a passionate advocate for ABC’s commitment to free enterprise and the merit shop philosophy. He’s always putting in the time and effort to support these values. Whether it’s through committees, events, or outreach, Luke shows his dedication to advancing ABC’s mission every step of the way.
Whether it’s getting young professionals involved in ABC’s Young Professionals group or reaching out to government representatives about policies impacting the merit shop, Luke shows that supporting free enterprise and standing up for the industry means taking action whenever you can.
A Lifetime Learner
For Luke, professional development is an ongoing journey, and he’s all about growing and evolving as a leader. He loves diving into books like Good to Great, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Add in some leadership-focused podcasts, and he’s always finding new ways to sharpen his skills and stay on top of his game. Luke picked up some great insights through coaching and collaborating with his peers through ABC’s Emerging Leaders Peer Group.
A Much-Deserved Recognition
Luke Terpstra’s dedication to mentorship, safety, and community involvement sets him apart as a true leader in the construction industry. His work as Pre-Construction Manager at Ritsema Associates reflects not just professional excellence but a genuine commitment to leaving a lasting impact on those around him.
From growing the next generation of industry professionals to ensuring the highest safety standards on projects, Luke’s efforts demonstrate his belief in building a stronger, more connected construction community.
