Past, Present, Future: MZ's Family Legacy Continues to Grow as Grads Leave the Nest
At MZ Construction, building runs in the family. From the foundation laid nearly a century ago to the innovations shaping our tomorrow, the heart of our business has always been—and continues to be—people. And for us, that starts with family.
This month, as the Zombek family celebrates the high school graduations of son Drew Zombek and nephew Jackson Ruane (son of Operations Manager Shannon Ruane), we're reflecting on our roots and looking ahead to the legacy we continue to build together. There's a favorite photo that hangs in the Zombek home: Drew, Jackson, and a pack of cousins lined up on the family farm, faces sticky with corn on the cob and full of future promise. This summer, now that the kids are grown, we’re recreating that image-not just for nostalgia, but to honor the story it represents and the next generation of builders, leaders, and change-makers in our extended MZ family.
At MZ Construction, family extends beyond bloodlines: it includes our entire crew. We’re proud to celebrate Field Supervisor Frank Sultan’s son, Isaak, on his recent high school graduation, as well as Beverly Hourigan, who just graduated and joined our team as an intern. Congratulations are due to Tyler Kaelin, two-time intern at MZ who recently graduated from SUNY Alfred with a degree in Construction Management. Derik Gibb’s daughter Kennedy is celebrating her graduation from kindergarten and deserves a special recognition as well! All of our grads’ accomplishments remind us that supporting families means supporting futures and that’s something we take seriously at MZ.
The Past: A Foundation of Craftsmanship
Our story began in 1927 with W. R. Henderson, a craftsman whose work ethic and dedication to quality laid the groundwork for what would eventually become MZ Construction. Originally focused on lath and plaster, the company evolved over the decades under the leadership of the Martin family, with Lloyd Martin Sr. and Jr. continuing the tradition of excellence.
In 2009, a new chapter began with the partnership of Andrew "Slim" Zombek. Andy’s roots are in dairy farming, growing up on his family farm under the oversight of his father Stanley Jr. With Andy’s leadership, the company transformed into Martin-Zombek Construction Services, today known as MZ Construction, and began expanding its capabilities and reach, all while staying true to its legacy of quality and care.
The Present: Family-Run, Community-Focused
Today, MZ Construction stands as a beacon of innovation in commercial construction. We’ve proudly remained family-owned and operated, with multiple Zombek family members contributing to our growth and direction:
Andy Zombek serves as President, leading the company with a vision rooted in tradition and forward thinking.
Sheana Martin-Zombek, Accounting Assistant at MZ, wife of Andy Zombek and mother of the next generation of MZ leadership: Jaely and Drew Zombek
Shannon Ruane, Andy’s cousin, is our Operations Manager, focused on taking care of our people and upholding our values across every jobsite.
Ben Zombek runs BZDesign, the creative engine behind our brand, marketing, website and visual storytelling.
Stanley Zombek III leads Zombek Farms Custom Metal Work, a trusted partner on signature MZ projects.
Damian Zombek The eldest Zombek and big brother to all, works at C&S companies and was an integral founding contributor with his years of construction experience and project management.
Nate Zombek is a skilled wood worker and has partnered with MZ on custom projects.
From the jobs we complete to the partnerships we build, we remain committed to the values that define us: craftsmanship, integrity, and connection. And while our projects span healthcare, education, military, and cultural institutions, our true mission is to build up the people and communities around us.
The Future: Legacy in Motion
As we look ahead, the future of MZ Construction is bright. Our focus on prefabrication, innovation, and employee wellness reflects our belief that success is measured not only by what we build but by how we support those who help build it.
We’re creating programs that invest in our workforce, including training for union carpenters and ongoing education for our professionals. We’re also enhancing our employee experience through mental wellness initiatives and a commitment to safety and growth.
Most importantly, we’re preparing to pass the torch, not just within the Zombek family, but throughout our team. Watching our children grow into adults reminds us that every effort we make today is part of a bigger picture. We’re not just constructing buildings, we’re building a legacy.
Congratulations to ALL of the 2025 graduates. The future is in your hands and we can’t wait to see what you build next.