PK-12 Education Archives - ��ý Construction

��ý Construction Presents NextGen Scholarships

nisaschmitz — Tue, 26 May 2026 14:46:08 +0000

��ý Construction awarded four $500 scholarships to high school seniors through the company’s NextGen program. Rooted in its Community Engagement Core Value and dedication to educating students and teachers about construction, ��ý Construction founded its NextGen community outreach program to support hands-on learning, student resources, and future workforce development.

“At ��ý, we believe early exposure to construction, along with hands-on learning, inspires students and supports the future of our industry and communities,” said Jon Carroll, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer at ��ý Construction. “Through NextGen, we’re blessed to support schools with resources that enhance student learning and to recognize the next generation of construction professionals. These grants and scholarships reflect our commitment to making a meaningful impact where we live and work.”

��ý prides itself on preparing the next generation of leaders. This year, ��ý awarded scholarships to the following high school students planning to pursue a college degree or trade school certification in construction or a related field:

Ethan Habermehl, Columbia High School

Ethan Habermehl, a senior at Columbia High School, received a $500 NextGen scholarship to put toward a degree in Civil Engineering from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Owen Menke, Columbia High School

Owen Menke, a senior at Columbia High School, received a $500 NextGen scholarship to put toward a Construction Management degree from Missouri State University.

Titan Hires, Litchfield High School

Titan Hires, a senior at Litchfield High School, received a $500 NextGen scholarship to put toward his Business Management degree at Rockford University.

Zachary Duffie, Freeburg High School

Zachary Duffie, a senior at Freeburg High School, received a $500 NextGen scholarship to put toward a Construction Management degree from Southeast Missouri State University.

NextGen also serves as a platform for educating students about the industry. ��ý hosts project site tours for students and faculty, engages students in hands-on STEM activities, drone demonstrations, and hosts important construction milestone events, such as groundbreakings and ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

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Eyes in the Sky: How drones support risk management on construction sites

nisaschmitz — Wed, 20 May 2026 16:58:50 +0000

Publication: , May/June 2026

On most construction sites, risk often hides in blind spots — on rooftops, behind façades, and within small misalignments that lead to costly rework or litigation. Contractors are increasingly turning to drones, not as a marketing tool, but as a component of their risk management strategy to reshape how projects are documented, monitored, and protected. Aside from capturing images, drones can also generate defensible data, reduce exposure, and provide visibility that traditional methods cannot match.

For many firms, the shift is deliberate. ��ý Construction’s drone program sits squarely within its risk management department.

“��ý’s drone program lives in our risk management department because its primary function is to to support our people and construction operations to drive safer and higher quality outcomes,” said Charles Wilson, vice president of risk management at ��ý, a member of multiple AGC chapters. “Given the increased demand for drone flights for safety, quality, and production needs, it made financial sense to invest in our own drone program.”

Data Collection

Drones generate measurable, timestamped, and verifiable data that can stand up in disputes, audits, and claims. Contractors using drones rely on 2D maps, 3D models, and geospatially accurate imagery to create precise project conditions. These datasets allow teams to quantify earthwork, verify installations, and compare progress against design without stepping foot in a hazardous area. Traditional inspections often require ladders, lifts, or scaffolding. Drones offer a safer alternative and allow teams to capture detailed data without putting people in harm’s way. In addition, drones give access to remote stakeholders who are not on-site every day but can sometimes hold up decision-making processes if they cannot see the reality on site.

“The amount of data collected in a short flight surpasses the amount that a person inspecting an installation can provide on their own,” said Wilson. “Anytime we can eliminate the need for a person to work at an elevated position is a win.”

Beyond safety, contractors can also document site conditions daily, creating a record that can resolve disputes before they escalate. Matt Daly, CMO for , an AGC of California and TEXO member, has hundreds of stories from contractors who have saved money because of their drone programs.

“Giving contractors one source of truth for what is happening on site is massively useful,” said Daly. “One contractor avoided a $250,000 delay claim by using drone imagery to prove materials were on site when claimed, invalidating allegations. Another contractor had a $45,000 backcharge withdrawn because aerial overlays proved that a driveway slab matched the plan.”

By providing high-frequency, sitewide visibility, drones enable remote owners, engineers, and inspectors to verify progress, assess conditions, and make faster decisions. This reduces information delays. In addition, consistent aerial data can help teams identify issues before they become costly problems.

FAA Regulations and Airspace

Construction drone operations are governed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and compliance is a critical component of risk management. At a minimum, commercial drone operators must hold a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate by passing an FAA knowledge exam and staying current with ongoing training.

Airspace considerations can also add some complexity. Projects located near airports or in controlled airspace require
advance authorization through systems like LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability). However, many drone platforms include built-in airspace awareness tools that alert operators to restrictions and facilitate authorization requests.

The regulatory landscape continues to evolve, especially with the FAA’s proposed Part 108 rule on beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations. The proposed framework, outlined in a 2025 Federal Register notice, aims to normalize routine BVLOS flights by establishing requirements for detect-and-avoid systems, airspace coordination, and operational oversight. For construction, BVLOS restrictions are one of the biggest barriers to drone operations, so easing limitations could allow drones to cover larger sites more efficiently and enable automated, scheduled data capture.

“The FAA’s proposed Part 108 rule is a big deal because it would move drone flights beyond one-off approvals and into a clear, nationwide set of rules that allows companies to fly drones BVLOS on a regular basis,” said Logan Decker, ��ý’s drone operator. “Instead of needing special waivers each time, operators would have a consistent path to run larger, more efficient drone programs that can cover much bigger geographic areas per flight. This shift would reduce time and labor costs and unlock high-value use cases.”

Insurance: Coverage, Requirements, and Opportunities

While drone insurance is not mandated by the FAA, it is not optional in practice. Many project owners require contractors to carry specific liability coverage for drone operations, often through preauthorization requirements. Coverage structures can vary with some policies tied to individual operators and others that cover broader organizational use.

On the upside, drones can offer a path to reduced insurance costs over time. By improving documentation, reducing accidents, and enabling early issue detection, drones can lower the frequency and severity of claims.

Data Ownership and Security

As drones generate more sophisticated data, questions around ownership and control are becoming more prominent. In most cases, data ownership is defined by contract. Owners may require access to all documentation, while contractors may retain rights to use the data for internal purposes. Third-party providers may use anonymous data to improve their services, but they typically do not claim ownership or share project data externally without permission.

Security is equally critical. With sensitive project information at stake, providers are investing in certifications, access controls, and data governance protocols to ensure that only authorized users can access information.

Policy, Procurement, and Geopolitical Risk

Beyond project-level considerations, broader policy shifts also shape the drone landscape. Federal scrutiny of foreign-made drones, for example, has introduced new considerations around procurement and cybersecurity. In December, President Trump banned the sale of new foreign-manufactured drones amid growing concerns surrounding data security and supply chain integrity. However, the FCC recently exempted some of those models. For contractors, it is important to stay up to date with changing policies to ensure they maintain compliance since these policies can influence equipment selection and vendor relationships.

Less Adoption Challenges

Some contractors remain hesitant to adopt drone technology because of perceived complexity, regulatory hurdles, and safety risks. However, many of these barriers are diminishing. Contractors can choose to build in-house drone programs or use third-party providers who handle compliance, data capture, and processing. Training resources are widely available, and the technology itself has become more reliable and user-friendly.

“The biggest challenge with launching a drone program is getting employees to adjust to conducting safety inspections and other protocols in a new way,” said Decker. “Forming new habits takes time. Once our team experienced the advantages of the drone program, flight requests dramatically increased.”

Automation and AI

Looking ahead, the next phase of drone-enabled risk management is already taking shape.

Automated “drone-in-a-box” systems can capture data on a schedule without human intervention, ensuring consistent documentation throughout the project. At the same time, artificial intelligence is transforming how that data is analyzed. AI-powered tools can now identify safety hazards, track progress, and compare conditions against schedules and design models in real time.

“We’ve only just begun integrating drones’ asset capture with AI’s safety monitoring,” said Wilson. “It is possible someday AI will use drone imagery to predict and prevent accidents from occurring.”

A New Standard of Care

As regulatory frameworks evolve, technologies mature, and usage expands, drones are becoming more than a competitive advantage — they are becoming a standard of care.

Having eyes in the sky may be one of the most effective ways to keep risk under control.

“Construction firms that haven’t adopted drones should explore the technology. The potential is significant: safer jobsites, stronger quality control, more accurate estimating, and smoother operations that can drive savings and set them apart competitively,” said Wilson.

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��ý Construction Awards NextGen Grants to Schools

nisaschmitz — Thu, 07 May 2026 19:55:31 +0000

��ý Construction awarded six community impact grants to its Construction Management education clients through its NextGen program. Applying its Community Engagement Core Value to one of its primary markets, ��ý Construction created NextGen to support local schools and their mission to prepare the next generation of leaders.

Aviston Elementary School’s Accessible & Inclusive Literacy Library

��ý Construction awarded $500 to Aviston Elementary School to support establishing an accessible and inclusive library that can provide literary services to students with physical, communication, and developmental disabilities.

Central School District 104’s Girls Emerging as Women Leaders

Central School District 104’s Girls Emerging as Women Leaders (GEWL) received $500 from ��ý’s NextGen program to fund its store, which provides essential toiletries and supplies to students in need.

Lichfield Elementary School’s Science Olympiad Program

In support of STEAM learning, Litchfield Elementary School’s Science Olympiad program received $500 from NextGen. The competitive team includes 15 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders who complete science projects in preparation for an annual competition against surrounding schools.

Litchfield Early Childhood Center’s STEM Kits

��ý Construction’s $500 NextGen community impact grant will fund Litchfield Early Childhood Center’s STEM kits for kindergarten and first grade. The kits will enable students to experiment with the concepts of force and motion toward learning basic science concepts.

Richland County Early Learning Center’s STEM Bridge Building Project

Richland County’s Early Learning Center will apply its $500 NextGen community impact grant from ��ý Construction toward its STEM bridge building project, which demonstrates to its students how engineers build bridges while considering structure, balance, and strength.

Pana Elementary School’s Science Olympiad & Family Literacy Night

��ý Construction’s $500 NextGen community impact grant will support both Pana Elementary School‘s family literacy night and its competitive Science Olympiad team.

��ý Construction’s NextGen program also provides scholarships to students and educational opportunities to its Construction Management clients, including site tours for teachers and students; hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) activities; drone demonstrations; steel topping celebrations; and presentations on the many career opportunities in the construction industry.

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6 Essentials for Successful Education Summer Construction

nisaschmitz — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 19:06:23 +0000

Preparing Your School Facility for the Summer Build Window

For many school districts, summer represents the most critical construction window of the year. Whether addressing Health & Life Safety requirements, completing renovations, or advancing multi-year bond programs, the months between the last bell and the first day of classes is very compressed and leaves little wiggle room.

Successful summer construction doesn’t begin in June. It is the result of disciplined planning, early coordination, informed decision-making, and proven construction management practices implemented well before summer kicks off. When supporting PK–12 districts through both single-campus projects and district-wide improvement programs, the following essentials separate smooth summer projects from those that struggle to be delivered on schedule and within budget.

1. Start Planning Earlier Than You Think

Districts often underestimate how much groundwork is required before summer construction can begin. Long-lead material procurement, early bid packages, permitting timelines, and Health & Life Safety reviews all impact whether work can truly start on day one of summer break.

Preconstruction planning with a enables districts to:

Validate budget assumptions and alternates before bidding
Identify scope items best suited for summer completion versus future phases
Sequence work strategically to maximize the limited student-free window

Projects that move into summer without these decisions being finalized reduce predictability and place added pressure on both schedule and contingency.

2. Define Clear Summer Priorities

Not all scopes are created equal when time is limited. The most successful districts clearly define what must be completed before students return versus what can continue during the school year.

High-priority summer scope typically includes:

Safety and security upgrades (secure entries, fire protection, alarms)
Major MEP shutdowns or tie-ins
High-impact interior renovations
Floor, ceiling, and finish work in unoccupied spaces
Driveway/parking lot enhancements that impact traffic patterns

Establishing these priorities early allows the construction team to align manpower and sequencing accordingly.

BEFORE

AFTER

3. Align Phasing With Educational Operations, Not Just Construction Logic

While summer provides temporary relief from daily occupancy, many campuses still host summer school, athletics, maintenance programs, or community use. Effective summer plans reflect how the facility actually operates, not just how drawings are organized.

Strong phasing strategies to consider:

Student, staff, and visitor access points
Temporary circulation and egress paths
Protection of completed areas
Clear separation between construction zones and occupied spaces

This alignment supports safety, reduces disruption, and builds trust with administrators and staff who are preparing for the upcoming school year in parallel with construction.

4. Lock Down Procurement & Early Subcontractor Engagement

Summer schedules are short. A proactive Construction Management approach emphasizes early subcontractor involvement, bid timing, and material procurement, especially for systems with extended lead times.

Proactive procurement planning:

Reduces exposure to supply-chain and price volatility
Allows work to start immediately when summer begins
Creates clearer coordination across trades during compressed schedules

When procurement decisions are guided by constructability reviews and real-world delivery timelines, summer execution becomes far more predictable.

5. Maintain Consistent, Predictable Communication

Summer projects move fast, and communication gaps quickly turn into field conflicts or schedule impacts. Clear roles, consistent updates, and transparent reporting across all stakeholders are essential.

Effective summer communication includes:

Weekly look-ahead schedules that reflect real progress
Daily coordination among trades and facilities staff
Early identification of issues requiring owner decisions

When administrators check in on the progress, there should be no surprises — only confirmation that the plan is working.

6. Plan Turnover with the First Day of School in Mind

Substantial completion dates don’t always align with operational readiness. The best summer projects plan backward from the first day students return and include adequate time for inspections, facility start-up training, furniture installation, and staff setup.

Turnover planning should account for:

Phased inspections and commissioning
Technology and security system testing
Custodial access and cleaning
Staff orientation to new or renovated spaces

A successful summer project isn’t just finished; it’s ready for learning on day one.

Setting the Stage for Long-Term Success

Summer construction is about more than speed. It’s about safety, stewardship of public funds, and minimizing disruption to the educational mission. With early planning, disciplined phasing, and strong collaboration, educators can take full advantage of facility upgrades over summer break while reducing impact to the learning environments they so carefully curate for future generations.

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��ý Construction Advances 15 Education Projects in 2025

nisaschmitz — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 20:23:10 +0000

Breese, Ill., January 30, 2026 – ��ý Construction, an award-winning, family-owned construction management firm, built 15 education projects in 2025 toward preparing Greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois for the 2025-2026 school year.

Drawing on their deep understanding of the educational environment, the ��ý Construction team tailors their services specifically for schools by minimizing disruption to learning, prioritizing safety, monitoring every penny, and completing projects before the academic year begins.

��ý’s stellar education performance motivated Mascoutah CUSD #19 to hire the company for a fourth project. ��ý built a 24,000 SF addition to Mascoutah Middle School to support a new library, esports media lab, art room, 10 classrooms, and an outdoor classroom. The school’s leadership personally thanked ��ý’s crew for maintaining such a clean and safe site, which they said helped alleviate parent concerns during construction.

“At Mascoutah, we pride ourselves on providing our students and community with some of the finest educational and extracurricular resources and facilities,” said Dr. David Deets, Superintendent of Mascoutah CUSD #19. “Therefore, when improving, updating, or increasing capacity of our facilities, our decision on what companies we work with are extremely important. During the past three years, we have completed multiple addition and renovation projects together, and at every step, ��ý demonstrated that they are not just a construction company but are true partners and friends of the district who understand the importance of trust, communication, and responsiveness. Thank you to the team at ��ý for all you’ve done and all you’ll continue to do for Mascoutah CUSD19.”

Schools that hire ��ý as their Construction Manager benefit from ��ý’s expertise in the planning phase, well before construction begins. In a Construction Management capacity, ��ý Construction meets with school leadership and architects to understand the goals of the project. ��ý advises its education clients throughout the project and involves them in decision-making. As the construction lead, ��ý reviews the project documents for quality, cost-saving opportunities, constructability and ultimately to satisfy the client’s goals.

Columbia High School engaged ��ý as their Construction Management partner in the construction of a 110,900 SF addition housing a state-of-the-art auditorium, classrooms, gymnasium, and athletic support facilities. “(The ��ý team) has worked tirelessly on this project,” said Greg Meyer, Columbia Community Unit School District #4 Board President. “The solicitation was very well done. Our response was overwhelming, and we got a lot of competitive bids, which really kept our prices down. Thank you all for your hard work.”

��ý Construction prides itself on providing excellent communication throughout the process. Stakeholders receive weekly reports of the project schedule, a recap of recently completed work, project photos, a budget update, and what the team plans to work on next. To keep projects ahead of the start of the school year, weekly coordination meetings are held with ��ý, school staff, the design team, and subcontractors.

Every school, regardless of the size of the project, receives individual attention. Under its multi-year Bond program with the Parkway School District in St. Louis County, ��ý served eight different schools on a range of projects this summer, including everything from extensive renovations and expansions, playground upgrades and swimming pool renovations to installing fire suppressions systems and repairing parking lots. ��ý’s Project Director overseeing the Parkway projects personally met with every school principal to ensure their needs were met before school began.

“Schools are designed to provide students with a safe and accessible place for teaching, learning, and experiences to occur. ��ý Construction understands this,” said Dr. Jaime Otto, Principal, Parkway River Bend Elementary School. “Our young students had a front-row seat to the design process and trade professions, which we believe are assets for teaching the whole child. The people of ��ý Construction were a pleasure with which to work. The site superintendent, project manager, and project director became a part of our school family. Construction of such magnitude comes with challenges, but this team’s communication and collaboration kept us moving positively toward the goal. We now have two beautiful classroom additions and added safety features so that River Bend students can continue to learn and grow.”

What education clients remember most is the team’s personal touch. In addition to construction, ��ý assists with school events, such as tours of new schools or additions during construction, drone demonstrations, STEAM learning, and supporting teachers during move-in. One Project Manager even created custom supply boxes with wildflowers for every teacher.

“Throughout this process, I’ve been consistently impressed and genuinely enjoyed working with several members of your team,” said Dr. Kevin M. Martin, Principal of Parkway Northeast Middle School. “They’ve been approachable, communicative, collaborative, and I believe they’ve gone above and beyond to make sure everything runs smoothly.”

###

About ��ý Construction: Established in 1980, ��ý Construction is an award-winning, family-owned business specializing in construction management, design/build, general contracting, and self-perform services with an emphasis on exceeding the client’s expectations. ��ý Construction is dedicated to providing safe, quality, sustainable, and technology solutions to clients in a diverse portfolio of markets. The company prides itself on building long-lasting relationships with their clients, business partners and the communities in which they work, with an impressive 88 percent of ��ý’s revenue stemming from repeat clients.

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Columbia High School Nears Completion of Phase 1

nisaschmitz — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:30:38 +0000

Publication: , January 6, 2026

Columbia High School’s large-scale school construction project has reached a significant milestone as Phase 1 work in the main school building addition nears completion and Phase 2 construction on the new gymnasium continues to move forward. The updates, provided by Project Manager Ryan Fuhler of ��ý Construction, highlight steady progress across both phases and showcase the rapid transformation taking place on campus.

Phase 1 focuses on the construction of a new wing within the main school building, including classrooms, science labs, fine arts spaces, and a new auditorium. Much of this work has now entered its final stages, with crews transitioning from structural and installation work to cleaning, finishing, and technical setup.

On the second floor of the new addition, classrooms are in various stages of final cleaning, an indication that construction work in these areas is largely complete. The new science rooms have also reached an important benchmark, with casework installation finished and the cleaning process now underway. These spaces are being prepared to support hands-on learning in modern, purpose-built environments.

Progress continues on the first-floor classrooms as well. Flooring and ceilings have been installed, and finish work at the walls is complete. With these elements in place, the layout and functionality of the new classrooms are clearly visible as the spaces near readiness.

Fine arts areas within the new wing are also taking shape. The band and choir rooms now have paint on the walls, and flooring installation is currently underway. These dedicated spaces are designed to enhance acoustics, rehearsal efficiency, and student performance experiences.

Construction of the new auditorium remains a major focal point of Phase 1. In the auditorium lobby, flooring is being prepped and ceilings have already been installed. Inside the auditorium, walls have been painted, and crews are preparing the stage floor for installation. Technical work is progressing as well, with cable being pulled for all theater lighting and sound systems. Stage rigging equipment installation is approximately 75 percent complete, bringing the performance space closer to full functionality.

While Phase 1 approaches the finish line, Phase 2 construction on the new gymnasium and locker room facilities continues to gain momentum. This phase represents a major new addition to the campus, expanding athletic and physical education spaces.

Precast concrete walls for the gymnasium have largely been set, with two panels intentionally left off to allow access into the building during ongoing construction. Inside, mezzanine steel has been installed, and crews are preparing to place the concrete slab in the coming week, a key step in defining the interior structure.

Masonry work is also progressing steadily. The masonry walls along the west corridor have been completed, while work is currently underway on the east corridor walls. In addition, roofing work on the gymnasium is scheduled to begin next week, which will allow construction to continue efficiently as the building becomes enclosed.

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��ý’s Drone Program Is Redefining Jobsite Innovation

nisaschmitz — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 20:28:03 +0000

Publication: , December 18, 2025

Drones provide excellent aerial video and images of construction projects, but their applications far surpass marketing purposes. ��ý Construction launched its drone program in 2024 to support preconstruction, safety, quality, operations and communication in addition to marketing efforts.

“Keeping at the forefront of industry trends is imperative to business growth and meeting customer expectations,” says Ryan ��ý, President of ��ý Construction. “But we don’t adopt new technology simply because it’s trendy. We built a successful drone program because of its wide applications and numerous benefits across our operations.”

Preconstruction

Drone technology can provide benefits even before boots hit the dirt. With drones, ��ý Construction can survey potential project sites or examine prospective buildings for a renovation project. Drones can evaluate the grade of the site and obstacles to construction.

For renovation projects, drones can ascertain existing roof conditions, building envelope tightness, quality of exterior building materials and site conditions, all within a fraction of the time it would take for a survey by foot.

When the client brings ��ý Construction into the project early enough in the planning process, the team can aid site selection and help the client avoid costly change orders through more precise planning.

For these reasons, drone technology also benefits ��ý Construction in building more accurate bids. ��ý recently bid on a project where the location of the build was identified; however, important property grading details were missing from the project documents.

“The more information we have, the more accurate and detailed we can be in our estimate,” says Ryan Diekemper, VP of Preconstruction at ��ý. “We need to know utility locations, if the site is balanced, if the layout requires retaining walls, and if obstacles necessitate removal. We engaged our drone team to provide this data so we could develop an ideal floor elevation, determine site earthwork needs, and calculate cut and fill.”

The drone readings, enhanced by the aid of geolocation, save the estimating team time as well. “If the ��ý team had to plot the site by hand, it probably would have taken four to eight hours to gather the data in the field and another four to eight hours to plot the data.

“Even after eight to 16 hours of effort, my calculations wouldn’t even come close to the precise measurements provided by the drone,” says Justin Dulle, Lead Estimator at ��ý Construction. “Drone technology enables us to seamlessly transfer the data points to the design team as measurements they can use and integrate into their programs.”

Safety

With Safety as a primary core value, ��ý Construction invests in on-site safety representatives who collaborate with the drone team to maximize protection for the company’s project teams and subcontractor partners.

Drone technology enables ��ý to monitor parts of the project site that are otherwise difficult to inspect or unsafe to access. “Drones are essential for monitoring safety, especially in areas not visible from the ground,” says Peter Ratermann, Senior Project Manager at Construction of the Old Monroe Distilling Co. Wedding & Tasting Venue in Columbia, Illinois. “I frequently check drone footage to verify that roofers adhered to safety protocols for working at heights since it’s difficult to assess from the ground.”

Through a digital interface, ��ý employees can review all the project’s drone footage and images in a single location, including examining all the photos ever captured at a specific location on the project site. Increasing project visibility provides another safeguard for identifying and remedying potential hazards before they become a problem.

Avoiding existing utility lines is a key safety concern for construction projects. Colin Kuhn, Project Manager at the renovation of Alton Mental Health Center’s Willow Building says projects like this that span more than a year will have the painted utility line markings eventually wash away. “We used the drone to record the utility locations so that we can identify their locations even after it rains.”

Quality

In this thermal image captured by a drone, the yellow spots on the solar panels suggest inconsistent energy performance. Drone technology also benefits Quality, another Core Value of ��ý Construction’s.

The architectural plans can be overlaid onto drone footage to ensure the definitive placement of the building on the project site. It can also be used to document product inconsistencies.

The ��ý team noticed that some of the black engineered wood siding was actually a different shade from the rest. It received a bad batch with two different shades of black. The difference was very deceiving and difficult to tell from the ground.

“We used the drones to record the siding progress, which more clearly captured the difference between the two colors and provided a great visual we could send to the manufacturer,” Ratermann says. “Using these photos, we were able to get a representative on site to evaluate, and they agreed to cover the cost of replacement. The drone shots helped significantly to reduce confusion.”

��ý’s drone fleet includes a model specifically used to create thermal maps. The drone can capture footage for the team to better assess infrastructure deficiencies of renovation projects, such as possible roof leaks or heat loss from insulation gaps, and can even evaluate the effectiveness of solar panels.

“When conducting a solar panel inspection, we’re looking for hotspots,” says Logan Decker, drone operator at ��ý Construction. “Areas that display as hotter than the surrounding space indicate malfunctioning individual grids within the panel not converting the solar energy as efficiently as the rest of the panel. As long as a panel isn’t partly shaded, the entire panel should display the same color.”

Decker recently provided images of problematic solar panels to a client so that they could rectify the issue.

Operations

At a Planet Fitness in Missouri, ��ý Construction used a drone to measure the site’s current subgrade elevation, which informed the team how much more dirt was required to achieve the desired grade. With many other projects in the area, the client requested to bring in excess crushed concrete and dirt from their other sites.

Drone technology also can be used to measure the height of concrete pads, as well as evaluate stockpile quantities. Another client needed to know how much product they had on site, and ��ý’s drone team assisted—one of the many benefits to hiring a team with advanced resources.

��ý Construction’s clients, their design teams and other business partners can monitor project progress by accessing drone footage on a digital platform. These images inform the design team when it’s time to visit the site to perform inspections. The inspection findings can then be overlaid onto a site map captured by drones to aid ��ý’s team in remedying any findings.

Community

��ý’s drone program gives the company an avenue for engaging the local community. The company founded NextGen, a program designed to connect students and teachers to the construction of their facilities and broaden their understanding of the career opportunities available in the construction industry. Drone demonstrations are always well-received by ��ý’s education clients.

Drone technology improves ��ý Construction’s efficiencies, operations, and bottom line — all of which improve clients’ experience — the ultimate goal of any ��ý Construction investment.

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��ý Construction Completes 2025 Without a Lost-Time Incident

poettker2025 — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 01:31:01 +0000

Breese, Ill., December 16, 2025 – ��ý Construction, an award-winning company specializing in construction management, design-build and general contracting services, finished 2025 without a lost-time incident. The company earned national recognition as a Top 400 Contractor by Engineering News-Record and Top Performer honors by the Associated Builders and Contractors.

Keith ��ý, Chairman & CEO of ��ý Construction, said, “2025 was particularly special for ��ý Construction as it marked the 45th year of the founding of our family business. We credit our longevity to our quality relationships. That’s the reason 88 percent of our clients return a second, third, or even 20th time to work with ��ý Construction again.”

��ý Construction self-performed 21% of its workhours on 70 projects in 2025 across seven industries and seven states. In the education market, Pana Elementary School earned ��ý a Quality Concrete Award from the Concrete Council of St. Louis. Education projects also included the 204,000 SF Cahokia High School, the 3-phase addition and renovation of Columbia High School; and continuation of the company’s six-year Bond Program with the Parkway School District spanning eight schools in 2025.

In higher education, ��ý Construction completed Kaskaskia College’s 1,400-seat gymnasium and the three-story, state-of-the-art Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Health Sciences Complex.

Significant contributors to ��ý’s 5.5 million square feet of construction in 2025 include the 472,960 square-foot Innovation Logistics Center, 701,000 square-foot Gaston Commerce Center in North Carolina and the 66,500 square-foot KW Cross Dock in Columbia, Mo.

As the 8^th largest defense contractor in the area according to the St. Louis Business Journal, ��ý Construction’s most notable 2025 military project includes the 170,000 SF Scott Air Force Base Joint Operations & Mission Planning Center. ��ý also recently kicked off the construction of two child development centers, one at Scott AFB and the other at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio.

In the corporate sector, Old Monroe Distilling Co. Wedding & Tasting Venue and Southern Bus & Mobility celebrated their grand openings.

��ý expanded its industrial portfolio with the completion of a new manufacturing campus and warehouse for SUL4R-PLUS and an office and shop for TDK Consulting, Inc. The company’s performance in this sector earned it the number 40 spot on Building Design+Construction’s list of the country’s top Industrial Sector Construction Firms.

In the retail sector, loyal clients Walmart, Amazon, Planet Fitness, and Food Lion brought ��ý Construction both new construction and renovation opportunities.

To show its support for the communities in which ��ý serves and operates, the company prioritizes fundraising for charities and creating learning opportunities for area youth. In 2025, ��ý Construction raised $61,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois through its annual golf classic and $43,000 for Dream On 3 Carolinas with its annual clay shoot. The company also held drone demonstrations, project tours, and personal protective equipment relay races for the students of the schools ��ý is building as part of its NextGen initiative.

Perhaps the best testament to ��ý Construction’s success is earning Best Places to Work honors in both St. Louis and Charlotte, NC.

“From building quality facilities to strengthening relationships with loyal clients and developing new partnerships, we are honored to continue the legacy of our father and the company’s founder, Charles ��ý,” said Ryan ��ý, President. “We are grateful to our employees, clients, and partners who make our success possible. Thank you for being part of our family, and we look forward to the next 45 years.”

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Keith ��ý Shares Leadership Best Practices on CharacterPlus Podcast

nisaschmitz — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 14:14:04 +0000

Publication: , September 3, 2025

CharacterPlus interviewed Keith ��ý, Chairman & CEO of ��ý Construction, on their cSUITE podcast.

Keith embodies what this series is all about — leading with purpose, values, and deep personal conviction. Over the course of two generations of ��ý leadership, ��ý Construction has earned a national reputation as a respected firm known not just for what it builds, but how it builds — with integrity, trust, and heart.

Under Keith’s leadership, ��ý Construction has grown in both prestige and reach. by the Charlotte Business Journal — an honor that reflects more than just business performance. It reflects character.

��ý Construction was founded by Keith’s father, the late Charles “Chuck” ��ý — a decorated Army veteran and a man remembered as much for his humility and values as for his accomplishments. Today, Keith carries forward that legacy, shaping not just the future of the company, but helping redefine what principled leadership looks like in today’s world.

Click below to watch the podcast and learn how Keith and his siblings carry on their father’s legacy, how purpose-driven leadership contributes to the company’s success, and how today’s educators play a vital role in instilling these principles in tomorrow’s leaders.

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��ý Wins Quality Concrete Award

nisaschmitz — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 18:34:45 +0000

��ý Construction won a Quality Concrete Award from the for its work as Construction Manager on Pana Elementary School.

The celebrate innovation and inspire excellence throughout the global concrete design and construction community. Now more than ever, concrete design and construction projects must integrate creative techniques and technologies to keep up with ever-evolving economic, environmental, and aesthetic demands. The ACI Excellence in Concrete Construction Awards provides a platform to recognize concrete projects at the forefront of innovation and technology and showcases these projects to inspire excellence in concrete design and construction around the world.

“The Pana Elementary project showcases durability and longevity by using concrete as a primary component,” said Jay Timmermann, Director of Corporate Quality. “From the visually appealing precast concrete walls to the concrete parking lot that requires less lighting in comparison to asphalt pavements, this new campus will provide educational opportunities for generations.”

Construction of the new 2-story, 67,000 SF elementary school included 2,140 tons of precast concrete panels with stained colors and 3,445 cubic yards of poured-in-place concrete. The school includes administrative offices, a commons and cafeteria area for up to 400 people, an ICC-rated gymnasium with enough space for two physical education classrooms, art, music, library, media center, and STEM areas. The outdoor learning environment includes a 1/8 mile walking path and 3 playgrounds.

The ��ý Construction team accepted the award at the American Concrete Institute of Missouri Quality Concrete Awards Dinner on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Bogey Hills Country Club in St. Charles.

As a winner at the chapter level, ��ý Construction will compete at the international level through the national American Concrete Institute organization. Winners will be announced at the ACI Excellence in Concrete Construction Awards Gala on Monday, October 27, 2025, during the fall ACI Concrete Convention in Baltimore, MD. The event will conclude with the presentation of the most prestigious award in the concrete design and construction community, the “Overall Excellence” award.

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PK-12 Education Archives - ������ý Construction

������ý Construction Presents NextGen Scholarships