Blue Bloods 2025: Living our Core Values, Every Day

Six years ago, Emery Sapp & Sons (ESS) established the Blue Blood Award as a way to recognize employee-owners who really go the extra mile and raise the bar (for themselves and the people working alongside them), who are dedicated to making ESS truly best-in-class.

Each spring, we honor three employee-owners who “bleed ESS blue” and exemplify the ESS core values, the 5 Ps: People, Purpose, Partnership, Passion and Performance.

Award Criteria

A minimum 5 years of service
Display a talent for mentoring and developing their colleagues
Embody our core values (the 5 Ps)
Nominated by leaders

Passionate. Dedicated. Loyal. Inspirational. Great mentors. These are just some of the words used to describe this year’s winners.

Congratulations to our ESS Blue Bloods Class of 2025!

Don Abell

Estimating Manager

“Don is one of the most dedicated people I’ve had the honor of working with. He has a ‘never quit’ attitude and strives for excellence and accuracy in everything he does. His care and passion for ESS has spilled over into his family, as several of his kids are valuable ESS employee-owners today. His commitment to excellence has inspired many of our newer ESS employee-owners in their careers.” -Josh Doerhoff, Executive Vice President

“Don exemplifies ESS’s core values every day not only at the office, but in everything that he does. He has been with ESS since it was just one shop/office serving the greater Columbia area, and he’s been heavily involved in the evolution of the company. This award was made for people like Don. Honest, hardworking, always looking out for others and – most importantly – he BLEEDS BLUE … ESS BLUE.” -Austin Abell, Project Manager (and Don’s son)

Charlie Dowell

Field Operations Manager

“Charlie excels at all the 5 Ps. He’s good with people, is patient and understands their strengths. He’s passionate about his work and wants everyone to succeed. He takes time to help his coworkers grow and learn; he always answers any questions, no matter the time or day. He sets goals high and does whatever he can to achieve them.” -Zach Bruemmer, Foreman

“Charlie consistently goes above and beyond, showing an exceptional level of care, collaboration and drive in all he does. He exemplifies the best of what it means to be an employee-owner. His contributions to Emery Sapp as a whole have been nothing short of extraordinary. I wholeheartedly believe he deserves to be recognized for his dedication, hard work and unwavering commitment to our values.” -Amanda Lee, HR Business Partner

Brad Lindsey

Manager, Equipment

“Brad continues to put ESS first in everything that he does. His passion reflects the core of what makes ESS great.” -Shaun Brown, Vice President, Equipment

“Brad is one of the ESS ‘OGs.’ He knows our roots and how far we’ve come, and he’s a great mentor for his fellow employee-owners. He demonstrates a solid commitment to Emery Sapp’s core values in everything that he says and does. He has consistently gone above and beyond to make a significant impact on day-to-day operations in the equipment department and the long-term success of ESS overall. Brad is passionate about this company – he owns everything he does. He bleeds blue.” -Angie Regan, Executive Coordinator

Learn more about how this year’s Blue Bloods “bleed blue.”