Rodney Gunter, owner of GP Construction, got his start out of what you might call necessity. As a young man without even a high school diploma, Rodney found himself working in fast food, but he knew deep down he was capable of so much more.

One day, when a new building began going up across the street, Rodney saw his chance. He went to the job site every single day asking for an opportunity until, finally, his persistence paid off. The job supervisor gave him a shot and Rodney never looked back.

He quickly picked up the trade, mastering the skills of construction and spent the next ten years perfecting his craft. Eventually, Rodney stepped into a new role not only as a carpenter but also running projects as a supervisor.

By 2000, Rodney realized he could take the next leap and become a contractor himself. That decision led to an exciting chapter traveling across the Midwest building new McDonald’s restaurants. The travel was rewarding, but soon he found his calling closer to home in the Sweetwater Lakes area of central Indiana. There, his dedication to quality craftsmanship built his reputation and before long, word-of-mouth referrals allowed him to step away from corporate projects and focus on custom homebuilding full-time.

Today, GP Construction is known for its high-end, custom-built homes — some even featured on HGTV. Rodney remains humble, saying he “does not rely on his past”. He credits much of his success to the mentors and loyal sub-contractors who guided him along the way, especially his best friend Jack Juneman, who helped him make wise financial decisions through the years. He even when back to school and got his diploma in a program that was expected to take years, he finished in 6 months.

A few years ago, GP Construction was introduced to Bender Lumber through our, at that time Customer Sales Rep Drake Donely. When Drake moved on, CSR Brian Swim stepped in and continued building that strong relationship. Rodney says Brian makes his job easier by solving problems quickly and providing accurate material quotes, a partnership built on trust and reliability.

When asked about the future, Rodney smiles and says he has “plenty left in the tank,” adding, “God will not put more on you than you can handle.” His drive, adaptability, and commitment to his clients have made him a trusted builder and Bender Lumber is proud to be part of that journey.

Thank you to GP Construction for your continued trust in Bender Lumber.