our story.
About US
ABOUT SMITH HAFELI
Located in Marion, Illinois, Smith Hafeli serves the Construction Management, General Contracting and Design-Build needs of the Southern Illinois Region as well as the Midwest United States. Led by Aaron Smith and former United States Air Force Col. Lance Hafeli, the company holds organization and the commitment to timeline and project budget in very high regard. From regional medical facilities to schools and private enterprises, Smith Hafeli projects all share the common fingerprint of excellence in build quality, design and the overall delivery of project goals.
Experience & Qualifications
our impact.
Smith Hafeli delivers complex projects with precision, discipline, and a deep sense of purpose. Our team has led construction efforts across VA medical centers, K–12 school districts, community colleges, and energy efficiency programs — consistently meeting the demands of mission-critical work.
Our President, a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, brings unmatched leadership to the field — having overseen facilities and infrastructure at U.S. Central Command during some of the most intense operational periods in recent history. That same clarity, accountability, and focus now drive every project we take on.
With over $120 million in project experience since our founding, we know how to perform under pressure and deliver results that last. From federal protocols to community expectations, we understand what’s at stake — and we build like it.
Average Project
Safety incidents
Years Field experience
why choose us.
Our Commitment
to Excellence
our team
Driven by Expertise,
Guided by Purpose
PRESIDENT
LANCE HAFELI
A retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, Lance Hafeli brings over 25 years of military leadership and infrastructure experience to the helm of Smith Hafeli. During his service, he oversaw critical construction and facility operations at U.S. Central Command, managing projects in some of the world’s most demanding environments. After transitioning to the private sector, Lance became a driving force behind Smith Hafeli’s disciplined, mission-focused approach to construction. His leadership ensures every project is executed with clarity, accountability, and purpose.
Education:
B.S. Architecture, University of Illinois (Champaign, IL)
M.A. Technical and Occupational Education, University of Southern Mississippi
M.A. Military Operational Art & Science, USAF Air University
M.A. Strategic Studies, USAF Air University
Executive Vice President
AARON R. SMITH
Aaron Smith is a seasoned builder, strategist, and public servant with a passion for creating spaces that serve real community needs. As co-founder of Smith Hafeli, he leads preconstruction, estimating, and business development efforts — bringing structure and vision to every opportunity the firm pursues. A longtime trustee at John A. Logan College and a champion of regional workforce development, Aaron understands how facilities shape outcomes. His leadership blends entrepreneurial drive with a deep commitment to doing meaningful work — for clients, for communities, and for the future.
Education:
B.S. History, Southern Illinois University
M.A. Business Administration, Southern Illinois University
VICE PRESIDENT OF PROJECTS
TIM THORSEN
As Vice President of Projects, I bring over 25 years of boots-on-the-ground experience to every job we take on. I believe in over-communicating, outworking the problem, and delivering results that speak for themselves.
our team.
employees
