Feyen Zylstra’s E.B. Sonheim named “2026 West Michigan Young Professional of the Year”
(GRAND RAPIDS, MI) -- National construction trade association Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) Western Michigan chapter has named E.B. Sonheim, Director of Marketing at Feyen Zylstra (FZ), the 2026 West Michigan Young Professional of the Year (YPOY).
The Young Professional of the Year Award annually recognizes professionals under 40 who are top performers in their field and demonstrate a clear vision for the future of the commercial and industrial construction industries.
This year's YPOY award winner was announced live at the Excellence in Construction Awards on Thursday, Sept. 17, at GLC Live at 20 Monroe in downtown Grand Rapids. The runners-up were Bill Fryling of Buist Electric and Alaina Ekdom of EV Construction.
Sonheim has spent more than 13 years at Feyen Zylstra, located on Grand Rapids' west side, and has risen through the organization to her current role as Director of Marketing. In her role, she has played a key part in shaping FZ's brand voice, helping to communicate who FZ is to employees, customers, and the communities it serves. Known for her commitment to excellence, passion for the trades, and ability to tell meaningful stories, E.B.'s impact extends across FZ and throughout the construction industry.
E.B. is deeply committed to helping others and filling essential gaps in her community. Her ability to communicate the often overlooked story of the trades in a compelling and impactful way has increased visibility and influenced many to pursue a career in the trades. She "wants construction to be a first-choice career" when students consider options for their future and "…give parents confidence that their son or daughter is heading toward a career where they can be successful and self-sustaining.”
Actively involved with ABC for the past ten years and previously involved with the National Association of Women in Construction, E.B. has built strong relationships across the industry while mentoring and inspiring the next generation of construction professionals.
E.B.'s advice to emerging leaders is one she continues to practice herself: Take time to understand the system before trying to change it. “If you want to go far,” she said, “you have to go together.”
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