H&H Builders Joins Forces with The KEO Group to Build a Stronger Future
Mendota, IL – April 25, 2025 — After more than 40 years of serving Central Illinois with dedication and integrity, H&H Builders is proud to announce a transformative new chapter: the company has officially joined forces with The KEO Group, a respected general contracting and construction management firm based in the Midwest.
This strategic partnership, finalized on April 25, 2025, marks a new era of growth, capability, and continuity for H&H Builders—while preserving the values and relationships that have defined its legacy.
“We found more than just a business partner in KEO—we found a team that shares our core values, honors our people, and is committed to carrying our legacy forward,” said Hank Grothen, Executive Vice President of H&H Builders.
Strength in Shared Values and Vision
The partnership was born from two years of thoughtful conversations between H&H Builders founder Hank Grothen and KEO President and CEO Chris Onwuzurike. United by a shared commitment to craftsmanship, dependability, and community impact, the firms bring complementary strengths to the table.
For H&H, this marks a smart step toward a long-term succession plan and operational efficiency. For KEO, it’s an opportunity to expand its reach into Central Illinois—adding highly skilled self-perform capabilities and a deeply rooted regional presence to its portfolio.
What’s Changing—and What’s Not
New Opportunities, Same Commitment
With the support of KEO, H&H Builders now gains:
- Expanded bonding capacity, enabling pursuit of larger and more complex projects
- MBE, SBE, and DBE certifications, opening doors to public and private sector opportunities
- Access to new markets and clients, particularly across Peoria, Springfield, Bloomington, and Champaign
“There’s a rising demand for certified, capable general contractors who can self-perform. Together, we’re ready to meet that demand and raise the bar for quality,” said Onwuzurike.
The two firms are already moving forward on new work, including the Compton Fire Station, a public sector project that KEO was able to help bring across the finish line by providing critical bonding support.
Same Name, Same People, Same Location
Despite the growth, what remains unchanged is just as important:
- H&H Builders will continue operating under its trusted name from 702 2nd Street in Mendota, IL
- The full team remains, this includes all union carpenters, painters, and laborers
- Hank Grothen will continue to lead day-to-day operations and business development as Executive Vice President
About The KEO Group
Founded in 1994 by Chris Onwuzurike in Detroit, Michigan, The KEO Group is a mid-sized general contracting firm with a bonding capacity in excess of $75 million. Known for its work in both state and federal public sectors, KEO brings decades of experience and a deep architectural and construction background to every project. The firm is MBE, SBE, and DBE certified, with award-winning projects recognized by the Construction Association of Michigan and the US Minority Contractors Association, which named KEO the 2023 Minority Contractor of the Year.
About H&H Builders
Founded in 1984 by Hank Grothen, H&H Builders has built a strong reputation across Central Illinois for quality craftsmanship, integrity, and a hands-on approach to building. Specializing in carpentry, design-build, and small-cap general contracting, H&H has proudly served clients such as OSF Health Care, Casey’s, and multiple municipalities across the region.
With a dedicated team of 7 office staff and 22 union tradespeople, H&H continues to deliver high-quality work across commercial, civic, and residential projects.
Looking Ahead
Together, H&H Builders and KEO aim to not just grow—but to lead with purpose. With discussions underway for a future collaboration with Core Construction, Power Construction, and Bear Construction, the new partnership is already positioning itself at the forefront of an evolving Midwest construction landscape.
“This is more than an acquisition—it’s a relationship built on trust, values, and a shared vision for what construction can be,” said Grothen. “We’re excited for what’s ahead, and deeply grateful for the trust our clients and partners continue to place in us.”
For more information or to inquire about upcoming projects, please contact:
🌐 www.hh-bldrs.com
📧 info@hh-bldrs.com
📍 702 2nd Street, Mendota, IL 61342