RINDGE — Andre Aho, owner of ATA Construction and this year’s choice for the Rindge Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of the Year, brings a literal definition to the term “community building.”

A lifelong Rindge resident, Aho, 36, has been involved with the community for many years. Acting Chamber of Commerce President Carlotta Pini listed Aho’s many affiliations with the town, including his participation with the Rindge 2020 group, the Economic Development Committee, Town Gown relations with Franklin Pierce University, where he was a graduate, and his church.

“He is available whenever we call on him to help out with town affairs,” Pini said. “He’s just a well-rounded individual.”

Most recently, Aho spearheaded construction efforts on a house for Larry and Judy Harris, Rindge residents who had fallen into a tough economic situation in which their current house was falling apart and contained hazardous mold and mildew. Neighbors G.I.V.E. (Group Involved in Volunteer Efforts) raised money and Aho gathered 17 professionals together, constructing the shell of the house in a single weekend in November to protect it from winter’s chill until more money can be raised to complete the interior.

“This has been about people coming together because they care,” Aho said at the construction site during a short break.

Caring is important to Aho as a business leader. He said Monday that he takes his cue from business philosopher John Maxwell, who writes, “People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

“That saying works with employees, with community members and with associates,” Aho said. “If people know you care then they may start to care about what you have to say and what you’re doing. As community members or leaders, we owe it to others to show them first and foremost that we care.”

Aho sees the construction industry as a part of his heritage. At the age of 14, he was involved in stay-away jobs building foundations for commercial concrete companies.

“In this community, most people grew up in construction,” Aho said. “It was what our fathers and grandfathers and great-grandfathers did.”

When Aho received the news he had been selected as business leader of the year, he was both surprised and humbled.

“It’s been a tough year,” Aho said. “Looking back, I don’t feel like there have been many great accomplishments. We just strive to do our best and let the chips fall where they may.”

A driving value for Aho is that of service. Not only does he feel it is his duty to serve his faith, his country and his community, he sees it as a motivating force for the people with whom he works.

During his work on the house for the Harrises, early morning showers threatened to lower morale, but Aho said this did not occur.

“It was refreshing for me to see that even though the weather was rainy and really not cooperating with us, people showed up and got right to work with a great attitude,” Aho said. “When people are there to help out for a good cause, it is not hard to motivate them. It just falls into place.”

Aho will be honored at the Rindge Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner on Jan. 23 at Hidden Hills at 6 p.m. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at GFA Credit Union on Sonja Drive.

The latest in a series of fundraising breakfasts for the Harris House will be Saturday from 8 to 10 a.m. at Applebee’s in Keene. Tickets are available at the door for $5.