From project leaders to rising stars, The Faces of Horwitz celebrates the individuals who drive innovation, excellence, and success, starting with Sam—a testament to what’s possible at Horwitz.
Sam Augspurger’s journey at Horwitz truly reflects his dedication and growth in the industry. Since joining the company in 2016, he has steadily advanced from project manager to his current position as preconstruction manager. With a total of 14 years in the industry, 8 of which have been spent at Horwitz, Sam has earned a reputation as a trusted leader. His technical expertise, combined with his authentic leadership style, has made him a key figure at Horwitz, valued for both his deep knowledge and his ability to foster strong, genuine connections with clients and colleagues alike.
A Journey Defined by Growth
Sam was initially drawn to Horwitz because of his connections with firm leaders Stu McIntosh and Todd Matelski, whom he had kept in touch with after working together at another firm. After requesting a meeting with then – President Bill McKoskey, Sam was thoroughly impressed by Bill’s leadership and Horwitz’s growing presence in the design-build space. That meeting solidified his decision to join the firm. Since, Sam’s tenure at Horwitz has been a journey of continuous growth and opportunity. From his early days as a project manager, Sam showcased an exceptional ability to collaborate with clients and project teams. Leveraging his expertise as a licensed professional engineer, Sam was able to consistently provide responsive mechanical system solutions that met his clients’ needs. “There are a thousand ways to heat, cool, and pipe a building. Our task is to sort through the options and figure out what works best for our clients and end-users,” he shares.
Sam’s unwavering enthusiasm and drive to deliver results earned him the trust to manage a diverse range of projects, from small, intricate tasks to large-scale design-build initiatives. His exceptional ability to cultivate strong client relationships and consistently achieve successful outcomes led to growing responsibilities. In 2021, Sam was promoted to partner, a milestone he considers one of his proudest achievements. “Looking back, earning the respect of my peers and building relationships with clients who want to work with me—both in the field and office—has been incredibly rewarding,” he shares.
Throughout his tenure at Horwitz, Sam has played a pivotal role in several landmark projects that have driven the company’s success. As project manager for one of the largest undertakings in Horwitz’s history—Upsher-Smith Laboratories, a 260,000 SF pharmaceutical manufacturing facility—he demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise. Sam continues to manage multiple projects for clients like Seagate and Donaldson, addressing complex challenges in cleanroom and advanced manufacturing environments. His hands-on approach remains integral to ensuring successful outcomes, from preconstruction through project execution.
In his current role as preconstruction manager, Sam is focused on fostering client relationships and driving business growth. He views this as a natural extension of his work as a project manager, where sales and client trust were already central to his responsibilities. “My job is to deliver on the promises we make, ensuring clients are safe and happy. I aim to instill trust by proactively addressing their needs and guiding projects from concept to completion,” he says.
Beyond the Office
Outside of work, Sam is equally passionate about his family and community. He lives in South Minneapolis with his wife and two young children and remains active in the rugby world, both as a player and a coach. Sam also serves on the Board of Trustees for Local 539’s Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee and is involved with the Minnesota Mechanical Contractors Association.
Looking Ahead
As Sam looks to the future, he’s excited to help clients bring their visions to life and continue shaping Horwitz’s success. His leadership, technical knowledge, and commitment to Horwitz’s core values have made him a vital part of the team.
