ESS Companies
The ESS Companies (ESSC) family of brands is united under a common mission — to change lives through ownership. As a 100% employee-owned organization, ESSC is redefining the employee experience. Our companies deliver best-in-class infrastructure by putting people first.
Emery Sapp & Sons
We are one of the Midwest’s top infrastructure contractors. We’re 100% employee owned and dang proud of it.
Since our founding in 1972, ESS has grown into a team of more than 1,600 employee-owners that are experts in grading, excavation, underground utilities, bridge construction, asphalt paving, concrete paving, and pavement preservation. We don’t just manage projects — we own them from start to finish.
Achen-Gardner Construction
Achen-Gardner Construction is one of the most successful heavy civil general contractors in Arizona specializing in wet utility, roadway, and water/wastewater facility construction. They have extensive experience in delivering complex infrastructure projects for public and private sector clients throughout the Southwest.
The Achen-Gardner team has a solid reputation for providing best-value preconstruction and construction services on infrastructure projects using the CMAR (Construction Manager at Risk), JOC (Job Order Contracting), and DB (Design-Build) delivery methods.
Five Brands. One ESOP.
Rummel Construction
Since its start in 1996, Rummel Construction has been providing top-quality heavy civil construction services in the Southwest. Backed by experience, a committed team, and advanced technologies, Rummel delivers safe and innovative solutions for their clients and partners in a broad range of markets.
Like ESS, Rummel Construction utilizes its substantial earthwork and mass grading expertise as well as a massive fleet of heavy yellow iron to serve the production needs of the Southwest.
Monks Construction
Since 1958, Monks Construction has been moving earth and building heavy civil projects across the West. Based in Colorado Springs, the Monks team specializes in earthwork and brings unique expertise in dam construction, mining, and landfill operations. From highways to critical infrastructure, Monks is built on experience, grit, and a commitment to getting the job done right.
Premier Testing Laboratories
Aggregate. Asphalt. Concrete. Premier Testing Laboratories is your premier construction materials testing expert. Premier proudly serves hundreds of clients across the country by providing high-quality construction materials that adhere to AASHTO and ACOE-stated testing methodologies and specifications.
Premier opened its state-of-the-art laboratory in 2012 in Northeast Missouri and services the Midwest, as well as the nation, as an independent testing facility for concrete, asphalt mixture and binders, and aggregate producers.
One ESOP. One Mission.
OUR GROWTH MODEL
ESS’s growth model is based on equal parts autonomous growth and strategic acquisitions. We never seek to expand our company’s footprint solely for the sake of increased profits. Instead, we consider every opportunity from the perspective of our employee-owners and our valued customers. We base our growth decisions on our vision of a sustainable future built on quality infrastructure.