For five decades, Ken Spears Construction has been known for more than exceptional craftsmanship—we’ve been part of the fabric of DeKalb County. From local schools to nonprofit boards, our work has always extended beyond the jobsite. As we celebrate 50 years in business, we’re taking time to reflect on the lasting relationships we’ve built with our community and how those connections have shaped who we are today.
Investing in the Next Generation
Our first major community initiative came not from a boardroom decision but from a heartfelt desire to invest in local youth. In the early years, we donated proceeds from aluminum recycling—scrap siding, building materials, even cans—to help Shabbona Elementary’s fifth grade attend the Lorado Taft Outdoor Education program. As school districts merged, our support expanded to ensure every student who wanted to go could do so. It was never about recognition—it was about opening doors for the next generation.
These efforts reflect our broader community involvement, which has always been central to our mission.
“We tended to gravitate toward projects that impacted youth. We felt it was a sort of investing in the future.”
Laying a Foundation Through Education
In 1986, recognizing a gap in educational support for small-town students, we established one of the first personal scholarships for Shabbona High School graduates. At the time, financial aid systems often overlooked rural families with low income but high assets, such as farmers. Kathy, who worked full-time while attending college herself, knew how tough it could be.
What started as a $500 scholarship evolved into two annual $1,000 awards for Indian Creek High School seniors, now covering students from Lee, Paw Paw, Shabbona, and Waterman. These scholarships, which Ken and Kathy personally fund, are more than financial aid—they’re a symbol of belief in the potential of local youth. It’s a legacy that continues through the DeKalb County Community Foundation and has touched the lives of countless families.
“I worked full time and went to school full time. If there’s any way we can make someone else’s path a little easier, we’ll do everything we can.” – Kathy Spears
Our NIU Connection
As a company deeply rooted in the region, our DeKalb County service area has always been central to our growth. Our proximity to Northern Illinois University has always felt like a gift. Kathy earned her master’s degree at NIU and later taught in the College of Business, which helped foster a natural connection to the university. From Huskie football tailgates to classroom mentorship and business advisory roles, NIU has been both a community partner and a reminder of the incredible resources available right in our backyard.
Building Community From the Ground Up
Ken Spears Construction has long collaborated with local contractors and volunteers to enhance public spaces. As Ken notes, our construction skills have been put to use in several community projects:
“We built the original softball and baseball dugouts (one now replaced), stairs from the stage, a display case for FFA, playground equipment at Shabbona Elementary, and batting cages and pitching machines for the high school. For the community, we and other contractors built the shelter at Water Tower Park.”
These projects reflect our belief in using our tools—both literal and metaphorical—to create something lasting. But it doesn’t stop with kitchen and bathroom remodeling. Ken has coached recreational leagues for years, served as a trustee for the Shabbona Fire Protection District, and been active on several local boards. Kathy has contributed her leadership as a board member for educational institutions and nonprofits, including Kishwaukee College and Opportunity House.
Each role, each project, and each relationship helps us grow—not just as a business, but as neighbors.
Choosing Projects That Make a Difference
When selecting community initiatives to support, our guiding principle has always been impact. Kathy’s approach has always been about helping those who are overlooked: “We look at those who may have an unfilled need, the underserved.” This has often meant prioritizing youth and young families, finding ways to meet needs that might otherwise be overlooked. Kathy’s decisions are shaped by a philosophy learned early in life, growing up in a large family where the desire to help often outpaced available resources.
“That made a lasting impression on the importance of helping in any way you can.” – Kathy Spears
This quiet generosity runs through our business, ensuring that we don’t just operate in DeKalb—we belong to it. To this day, Ken and Kathy’s contributions extend to their active roles in local organizations:
| Kathy Spears | Ken Spears |
| Opportunity House Board Member | Shabbona Fire Protection District Trustee |
| Indian Creek School District Board Member | Opportunity House Board Member |
| Oak Crest Retirement Center Board Member | DeKalb County Community Foundation Community Grants Committee |
| Kishwaukee College Board of Trustees | DeKalb County Community Foundation Land Use Committee |
This level of involvement reflects their commitment to supporting underserved areas and ensuring that community needs are met.
Our Strongest Legacy
After 50 years, it’s nearly impossible to choose the one community initiative we’re most proud of—but our scholarship program stands out for its longevity and its personal significance. More than a donation, it’s a commitment to ensuring our local students have a fair shot at a future they can build for themselves.
It’s one of many ways Ken Spears Construction has chosen to give back—not because it’s expected, but because it’s right. And that’s a legacy we hope to carry forward for the next 50 years.
Why Community Matters at Ken Spears
Community outreach isn’t a marketing strategy for us—it’s the heart of who we are. Our work in DeKalb is built on relationships, not transactions. We’ve seen firsthand how even small acts—installing a set of bleachers, sponsoring a scholarship, repairing a dugout—can ripple outward in meaningful ways.
More importantly, it keeps us grounded. Amid industry changes and company milestones, our community work reminds us why we do what we do: to make life better, not just for our clients, but for our neighbors. It ensures that as DeKalb grows, we grow with it—and that our legacy isn’t just about what we build, but about who we build it for.
Looking to Partner With a Community-First Company? Call Ken Spears Construction.
From remodeling local spaces to supporting community-driven projects, we’re proud of the work we do in DeKalb. Whether you’re planning a whole-home remodel, organizing a local event, or starting a youth initiative, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to the team at Ken Spears Construction and discover how we’re building with purpose.
