McCownGordon Construction
Founded: 1999
Founder: Pat McCown, Brett Gordon
Headquarters: 850 Main Street Kansas City, MO 64105 USA
Phone: 816-960-1111
Number of employees: 400
Website: www.mccowngordon.com
Overview
McCownGordon Construction, based in Kansas City, Missouri, is a leading construction services firm known for its collaborative building approach, superior project management, and dedication to client service.
Established in 1999, McCownGordon Construction was co-founded by Pat McCown and Brett Gordon. It was built on a strong foundation of values that promote integrity, relationships, and performance. These core tenets have been pivotal in shaping the company’s culture and driving its growth, enabling it to steadily climb the ranks of the construction industry in the Midwestern United States. The firm had grown significantly, with three locations, including its headquarters in Kansas City and regional offices in Manhattan, Kansas, and Wichita, Kansas.
A hallmark of McCownGordon’s services is its collaborative approach, wherein the company involves all stakeholders, including the client, designers, subcontractors, and other partners, right from the project’s inception to its completion. This approach aims to foster transparency, mutual respect, and collective problem-solving, leading to successful projects that meet or exceed client expectations.
Services Offered
McCownGordon Construction offers a wide array of services that span the entire construction process. The company’s services are designed to meet the unique needs of each client and project. These services include:
1. Preconstruction Services: McCownGordon provides comprehensive preconstruction services to help clients plan their projects effectively. These services encompass:
A. Estimating
B. Scheduling
C. Site Analysis
D. Logistics Planning
E. Constructability Reviews
2. Construction Management: This service involves managing all aspects of the construction process to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Key aspects of this service include:
A. Safety Management
B. Quality Control
C. Schedule Management
D. Cost Management
3. Design-Build: As a design-builder, McCownGordon serves as a single point of contact for clients, taking responsibility for both the design and construction phases. This approach streamlines communication, reduces client risk, and often accelerates project delivery.
4. General Contracting: As a general contractor, McCownGordon coordinates all construction activities, leveraging its network of subcontractors, vendors, and other partners to ensure projects are executed effectively.
5. Sustainable Construction: McCownGordon is recognized for its commitment to sustainable construction practices. The company has experience in building projects that comply with various green building standards, including LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
6. Building Information Modeling (BIM): The company uses BIM technology to create and manage digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of places. This helps in better visualization, improved collaboration, and reduced rework.
Completed Projects of McCownGordon Construction
McCownGordon Construction has been involved in several other significant projects across various sectors, demonstrating its versatility and competence. These projects are representative of McCownGordon’s wide range of capabilities and its commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable buildings. Here are some examples:
Children’s Mercy Research Institute: McCownGordon completed the construction of this 375,000-square-foot research facility in Kansas City, Missouri. The institute includes labs, administrative space, and a conference center.
Dykes Library, University of Kansas Medical Center: This project involved the renovation of a seven-story library into a state-of-the-art educational facility.
University of Kansas, Central District Development: As part of a large-scale development project for the University of Kansas, McCownGordon constructed new facilities for integrated science, student union activities, student housing, and a power plant.
Lenexa Civic Center: This project in Lenexa, Kansas, encompassed the construction of a new civic center, which includes a city hall, a public market, and a 200,000-square-foot parking garage.
Burns & McDonnell World Headquarters Expansion: McCownGordon completed a significant expansion project for the Burns & McDonnell World Headquarters in Kansas City, which added over 300,000 square feet of space to the facility.
K-State College of Engineering Expansion: This project involved a significant expansion of the engineering complex at Kansas State University.
Cerner Innovations Campus: McCownGordon constructed multiple new buildings for the Cerner Innovations Campus in Kansas City, featuring innovative workplace designs.
Olathe West High School: McCownGordon completed the construction of this 375,000-square-foot high school in Olathe, Kansas, that features advanced classrooms, labs, a gymnasium, an auditorium, and other amenities.
Garmin Expansion: This project entailed the expansion of Garmin’s Olathe campus, with McCownGordon completing a 720,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution center.
Saint Luke’s South Hospital Expansion: In this project, McCownGordon oversaw the construction of a new, 125,000-square-foot patient tower, expanding the hospital’s capacity to better serve the community.
Kansas State University, Seaton Hall and AP Design: McCownGordon completed a significant renovation and expansion project for Seaton Hall, a main academic building on the Kansas State University campus.
Missouri Innovation Campus: McCownGordon was tasked with the construction of this innovative, 136,000-square-foot educational facility, a collaboration between the University of Central Missouri and Lee’s Summit R-7 School District.
Wonderscope Children’s Museum: This project involved the construction of a new 30,000-square-foot facility for Wonderscope, a children’s museum in Kansas City.
KU Medical Center, Health Education Building: McCownGordon constructed this 171,000-square-foot facility, which serves as the primary teaching facility for the University of Kansas schools of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Professions.
McCownGordon Construction Growth and Expansion
McCownGordon Construction has seen substantial growth and expansion since its founding in 1999. It began as a small firm based in Kansas City, Missouri, co-founded by Pat McCown and Brett Gordon, and has grown to become one of the leading construction services firms in the Midwestern United States.
Key indicators of McCownGordon’s growth and expansion include:
1. Regional Offices: To support its growing operations, the company has opened additional offices beyond its Kansas City headquarters. By 2021, McCownGordon had regional offices in Manhattan, Kansas, and Wichita, Kansas. These offices enable the firm to serve a broader geographic area and to better support its clients and projects across the region.
2. Expanded Services: Over the years, McCownGordon has significantly expanded its service offerings. Originally focused primarily on general contracting, the company now provides a broad range of services that cover all phases of the construction process, including preconstruction, construction management, design-build, and sustainable construction.
3. Staff Growth: McCownGordon has also seen considerable growth in its team size to meet the demands of its expanding business. By 2021, the firm employed several hundred professionals, including project managers, superintendents, estimators, and support staff.
4. Industry Recognition: The company’s growth has been recognized by industry publications. For instance, Engineering News-Record (ENR) has consistently ranked McCownGordon among the top general contractors in the United States. Such recognition is indicative of the firm’s increasing influence and prominence in the construction industry.
5. Increased Project Volume and Scale: The firm has seen growth in the volume and scale of its projects, a testament to its increasing capabilities. From small renovations to large-scale new constructions, the company has taken on a wide range of projects in various sectors, including healthcare, education, commercial, and civic.
6. Financial Performance: While specific financial data may not be publicly available due to the company’s status as a private entity, the indicators above — expanded geographic presence, increased service offerings, growth in staff size, and larger-scale projects — suggest a positive trend in McCownGordon’s financial performance.
McCownGordon Construction Awards and Recognition
McCownGordon Construction has been recognized with a number of awards and honors for its construction excellence, commitment to sustainable practices, and workplace culture. Some of these recognitions include:
1. Engineering News-Record (ENR) Rankings: McCownGordon has been consistently ranked among the top general contractors in the United States by ENR, a leading publication in the engineering and construction industry.
2. ENR Top 100 Green Building Contractors: In 2019, McCownGordon was recognized as one of the “Top 100 Green Building Contractors” in the United States by ENR. This recognition underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable construction practices.
3. Kansas City Business Journal’s “Champions of Business”: McCownGordon has been named a “Champion of Business” by the Kansas City Business Journal, an award that celebrates companies for their innovation, financial performance, and community involvement.
4. Ingram’s Magazine “Best Companies to Work For”: McCownGordon has been named a “Best Company to Work For” by Ingram’s Magazine multiple times, demonstrating the company’s commitment to creating a positive and supportive work environment for its employees.
5. ABC Heart of America Excellence in Construction Awards: The company has received several Excellence in Construction awards from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Heart of America Chapter, highlighting its commitment to high-quality construction and project management.
6. Capstone Real Estate Awards: McCownGordon has been honored with Capstone Awards by the Kansas City Business Journal. These awards recognize outstanding real estate development projects in the Kansas City area.
7. Kansas Preservation Alliance Preservation Stewardship Award: McCownGordon received this award for its renovation of the Eisenhower State Office Building in Topeka, Kansas.
These awards and recognitions underscore McCownGordon Construction’s commitment to excellence in all aspects of its work, from construction quality and sustainability to workplace culture and community engagement.
McCownGordon Construction Commitment to Quality and Safety
McCownGordon Construction is recognized for its commitment to quality and safety in all aspects of its operations. The company has a reputation for delivering projects that meet high standards of quality, and it has established a robust safety culture to protect the well-being of its workers, subcontractors, and the public.
Quality
1. Quality Control System: McCownGordon has developed a comprehensive Quality Control System designed to ensure that all work meets or exceeds project requirements. This system involves rigorous preconstruction planning, continuous monitoring of work in progress, and thorough final inspections.
2. Training and Development: The company invests heavily in training and developing its team members to uphold its quality standards. This includes training in industry best practices, project management, and the latest construction technologies.
3. Collaboration: McCownGordon believes that quality outcomes are achieved through collaboration. The company works closely with clients, architects, engineers, and subcontractors throughout the project lifecycle to align expectations and resolve issues proactively.
Safety
1. Safety Programs: McCownGordon has implemented robust safety programs to create a culture of safety awareness and responsibility. These programs include regular safety training, job hazard analyses, safety inspections, and incident reporting.
2. Safety Leadership: Safety is a top priority for McCownGordon’s leadership. The company’s executives and managers are actively involved in promoting safety and ensuring compliance with safety policies and procedures.
3. Zero-Injury Philosophy: McCownGordon is committed to a zero-injury philosophy. The company believes that every accident is preventable, and it strives to achieve zero accidents on every project.
McCownGordon’s commitment to quality and safety has earned it recognition in the industry and trust from its clients. The company has received numerous safety awards from organizations such as the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) and the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP). It has also maintained a low Experience Modification Rate (EMR), a key measure of a company’s safety performance, demonstrating its success in minimizing workplace injuries.
McCownGordon Construction Commitment to Sustainability and Green Building Practices
McCownGordon Construction has shown a strong commitment to sustainability and green building practices. Several aspects of their sustainable approach are worth noting:
1. LEED Expertise: The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is a globally recognized certification for sustainable building. McCownGordon has a team of LEED accredited professionals who understand the requirements and processes involved in achieving this certification. They are equipped to guide projects towards achieving LEED certification, thus promoting energy-efficient, healthy, and sustainable buildings.
2. Sustainable Construction Practices: McCownGordon uses a variety of sustainable construction practices, such as waste reduction strategies, responsible sourcing of materials, and construction methods that minimize environmental impact.
3. Sustainable Projects: The company has completed several notable projects that achieved high levels of LEED certification. For instance, the Children’s Mercy Research Institute in Kansas City, Missouri, which was constructed by McCownGordon, achieved LEED Gold certification, demonstrating advanced energy efficiency and sustainability features.
4. Recognition: McCownGordon’s commitment to sustainable construction has been recognized by industry publications. For example, in 2019, it was named one of the “Top 100 Green Building Contractors” in the United States by Engineering News-Record (ENR).
5. Education and Advocacy: Beyond implementing sustainable practices in its own projects, McCownGordon actively promotes sustainability in the wider construction industry. The company is involved in educating clients, partners, and the community about the benefits of sustainable construction.
McCownGordon Construction Company Values and Culture
McCownGordon Construction has articulated a clear set of company values and has cultivated a company culture that promotes teamwork, integrity, and excellence. The following can be observed about the company’s values and culture:
1. Company Values: McCownGordon has outlined a set of core values that guide its operations and decision-making. These values include integrity, relationships, performance, and community.
A. Integrity: The company places a high premium on honesty, trustworthiness, and ethical behavior in all its dealings.
B. Relationships: McCownGordon values strong relationships with its clients, partners, and team members. It emphasizes collaboration, respect, and open communication.
C. Performance: The company strives for excellence in all aspects of its work. This includes delivering high-quality construction, meeting project timelines and budgets, and providing exceptional customer service.
D. Community: McCownGordon is committed to making a positive impact on the communities where it operates. This is achieved through a range of initiatives, from constructing sustainable buildings to supporting local nonprofits.
2. Company Culture: McCownGordon’s culture is characterized by a collaborative spirit, a focus on learning and development, and a commitment to work-life balance.
A. Collaborative Environment: The company fosters a collaborative environment where team members are encouraged to work together, share ideas, and support each other to achieve common goals.
B. Learning and Development: McCownGordon values continuous learning and development. It provides training and professional development opportunities to help its team members grow and succeed in their roles.
C. Work-Life Balance: The company recognizes the importance of work-life balance. It offers flexible work arrangements, wellness programs, and other benefits to help its team members maintain a healthy balance between their work and personal lives.
3. Recognition: McCownGordon’s values and culture have earned it recognition as a great place to work. For instance, the company has been named a “Best Company to Work For” by Ingram’s Magazine multiple times.
McCownGordon Construction Community Involvement
McCownGordon Construction has a strong commitment to community involvement as part of its core values. The company recognizes the importance of giving back to the communities where it operates. As of my last update in September 2021, several aspects of McCownGordon’s community involvement stand out:
1. McCownGordon IMPACT: This is a community involvement initiative that encourages employees to engage with local nonprofits. The IMPACT program is based on four pillars: Education, Wellness, Sustainability, and Community Building. Employees are given the opportunity to volunteer their time, talent, and resources to a variety of causes aligned with these pillars.
2. Community Partnerships: McCownGordon partners with numerous local organizations and nonprofits in the regions it serves. This includes partnerships focused on education, health and wellness, the environment, and community development.
3. Charitable Giving: The company supports various charitable organizations through financial contributions. This support often extends to the clients and communities it serves, enhancing its relationships and impact in these areas.
4. Employee Volunteering: McCownGordon encourages its employees to volunteer their time and skills in the community. The company supports these efforts with policies that allow for flexibility and provide opportunities for team-based volunteer activities.
5. Sponsorships and Event Participation: McCownGordon is often involved in sponsoring and participating in community events. This can include events such as charity runs, local festivals, educational events, and fundraising galas.
McCownGordon’s community involvement is part of its broader commitment to corporate social responsibility. This commitment is recognized in the industry and has contributed to the company’s strong reputation.
McCownGordon Construction is a respected player in the construction industry, known for its collaborative approach, comprehensive services, and commitment to client service. Despite remaining a privately held entity, the company has demonstrated impressive growth, marked by the establishment of multiple regional offices, the forging of strong industry partnerships, and the consistent delivery of high-quality, sustainable projects. Its numerous awards and recognitions are a testament to its ongoing success and its enduring commitment to excellence, both in terms of its construction practices and its corporate culture.
Disclaimer: Please note that the names and positions of employees mentioned may be subject to change, as individuals may move to different roles or organizations. While we make every effort to keep our information accurate and up-to-date, we cannot guarantee that all employee details are current or complete. We encourage you to verify the identity and positions of any individual mentioned and check their Linkedin Profile before taking any action based on their role.
Employees
Ramin Cherafat – Chief Executive Officer
Nancy Whitworth – Chief People Officer
Steven Levy – Chief Operating Officer
Jeff Placek – CFO & Corporate Secretary
Sheri Johnson – Chief Marketing Officer
Ryan Manies – Senior Vice President and General Counsel
Brandi Riggs – VP, Human Resources
Charles DeVoe – Senior Vice President, Regional Leader
Chris Stanton – Senior VP, Preconstruction
Chris Tschida – Vice President, Health Safety and Environment
Chris Vaeth – SVP, Regional Leader
Daniel Lacy – Vice President, Business Unit Leader
Dustin Burns – Vice President Information Technology
Emily Brown – Vice President, Learning & Development
Emily Tilgner – Vice President of Building Performance Solutions
Freddy J. Allison – Vice President, Construction Operations
Jeff Roy – Senior Vice President, National Manufacturing
Luke Deets – Vice President, Business Unit Leader
Todd Knight – Senior Vice President, Regional Leader
Willy Pegues IV – Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Zach Lang – Vice President of Finance
Pat Contreras – Vice President, Business Development
Sara Holmes – Vice President, Business Development
Krista Kutter – Marketing Director
Jo Meyerkord – Marketing Director
Erin Seghers – Regional Marketing Director