The Origin of NCW: A Leader in Construction Staffing
When our founder, Steve Wise, thinks on the past 25 years of NCW, one thing stands out. “Every day I walk near that place, it’s a proud moment,” he shares. What began as a one-man mission has grown into a company that now serves clients nationwide through expert construction staffing. From selling bowling balls to building teams on job sites, Steve’s path to construction staffing wasn’t linear—but it was intentional.
Where the Journey Began
Construction staffing was still in its early stages in the late 1990s. There weren’t many competitors or industry standards yet. Steve had his first experience with construction staffing while working for one of the country’s earliest skilled trades staffing companies.
The mission was simple but powerful: convince contractors that someone else could help them find the workforce they needed—and do it better. If they could deliver on that promise, growth would follow. Fortunately, it did. And quickly.
A New Idea
That early experience sparked a bigger vision. Steve wanted to reshape how construction staffing companies operated—by putting people first. His goal wasn’t just to build a staffing agency, but to create a place where tradespeople felt respected and valued.
After a few attempts and partnerships, he launched National Labor Contractors, Inc. in Indianapolis. The plan? Create a $30–50 million construction staffing firm that stayed grounded in culture and service. He wasn’t chasing scale. He was building something personal—and permanent.
Enter Dan Mattingly
In 2007, Steve received a cold call from 22-year-old Dan Mattingly, a financial advisor and recent Loyola University Chicago graduate. Their initial meeting was business-oriented, but it soon led to something bigger.
Steve saw in Dan the qualities needed to help lead and scale NCW’s construction staffing mission: drive, integrity, and curiosity. In 2010, Dan left his corporate job to join a three-person team, becoming an integral part of NCW’s evolution in construction staffing.
Growth Fueled by Integrity
Over the next 15 years, Steve and Dan navigated setbacks, slow seasons, and tough calls. The road to becoming a construction staffing leader wasn’t easy—but it was worth it.
“You do the right thing, no matter how hard it is,” Steve says. That principle shaped their leadership style and the way NCW approaches construction staffing today. People before profits. Relationships before transactions.
Why We Do It
Why stay in the industry after all these years? For Steve and Dan, the answer is simple: people.
Helping someone land a job that lets them buy their first home. Seeing an intern become a manager. Watching a project succeed because of the right crew—this is what fuels the team at NCW.
The impact of construction staffing goes far beyond filling a role. It’s about building futures, one opportunity at a time.
Learn More About Our Story
From humble beginnings to a thriving business, NCW’s journey in staffing has been rooted in grit, purpose, and people. Whether you’re a contractor looking for your next great hire or a tradesperson searching for your next opportunity, we’re here to help.
Want to learn more about NCW’s story and the people behind our success? Stay tuned to the blog—we’ve got more to share.