Stellar Celebrates 40 Years of Innovation, Growth and Excellence

Jacksonville, Fla. (March 31, 2025) — Stellar, an integrated design-build firm, proudly celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025, marking four decades of success, innovation, and industry leadership.

Founded in July 1985 in Jacksonville with fewer than 30 employees, Stellar began operations as a general contracting firm specializing in refrigeration contracting and maintenance for the perishable food sector. The renovation and expansion of Epping Forest's Yacht and Country Club marked one of Stellar's earliest projects and laid the groundwork for its future growth. 

Over the past four decades, Stellar has positioned itself as an industry leader, constructing the world’s largest pork-processing plant for Carolina Food Processors in 1993 and developing a groundbreaking 475,000-square-foot facility for Maple Leaf Foods in 2000. Stellar's dedication to excellence has been recognized with numerous awards, including the esteemed Food Plant of the Year award by Food Engineering magazine for the Keystone Foods facility and Starbucks’ first owned-and-operated soluble coffee plant. In 2021, Stellar designed and built Bell & Evans’ award-winning facility, integrating humane poultry practices with state-of-the-art food processing technology. 

With a dedicated team of over 750 employees and a presence throughout the United States, as well as design work globally, the company continues to set industry standards in safety, quality and innovation, recently winning its fifth consecutive National Safety Pinnacle Award from Associated Builders and Contractors. 

"After 40 remarkable years, we stand proud of our achievements and the incredible journey we have taken together as a team,” said Stellar’s Chief Executive Officer Brian Kappele. “This milestone is a celebration of our past and an acknowledgment of the exceptional talent and teamwork that fuels our daily success. Thank you to our dedicated employees and valued clients. Your trust and commitment have fueled our growth, and we will continue to innovate, collaborate, and pursue excellence for a future of shared success.”

Committed to enriching the lives of its employees, Stellar celebrates 40 years of business with professional growth opportunities, thriving wellness accommodations, and innovative programs.

Stellar combines business success with a strong commitment to social responsibility and community engagement. The company is recognized for its philanthropic efforts and environmental sustainability, notably achieving LEED Silver Certification for its Commercial Division headquarters with eco-friendly building materials and green technologies.

Stellar supports local nonprofits like the Jacksonville Zoo, the Museum of Science & History, and the YMCA while organizing initiatives such as Thanksgiving basket distributions and partnering with UF Health, Dreams Come True, and Community Hospice to aid those across Northeast Florida. 

As Stellar enters its next chapter, it is committed to the core values of trust, dedication, transparency, and accountability by investing in employees, expanding client relationships, and driving innovation. Through professional development, cutting-edge solutions, and a commitment to excellence, Stellar is building a future that strengthens its people, enhances its partnerships, and delivers lasting value to the industries it serves.

For more information about Stellar and its 40th-anniversary celebrations, visit History | Design-Build Construction Company | Stellar.