Celebrating Jason Rode’s 20 Years at ESS

Twenty years ago, Jason Rode joined Emery Sapp & Sons. This year we’re celebrating two decades of leadership, growth, and impact from the company’s Senior Executive Vice President.   

Jason’s career in construction began over 31 years ago, pouring concrete for a foundation and flatwork company. Those early years working in the field helped shape his approach to leadership and gave him an appreciation for the people who do the work every day. 

In 2006, Jason joined ESS and worked his way through estimating, project management, and operations before eventually leading the Springfield branch. Along the way, he had the opportunity to be involved in several high-profile and challenging construction projects across Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. 

During his time in Springfield, the branch more than tripled in size and was recognized as one of Biz 417’s Best Places to Work. Jason also helped establish ESS’s Northwest Arkansas office, continuing the company’s growth into new markets. Those accomplishments were made possible by strong teams and good people who took pride in what they built. 

Today, Jason holds company-wide responsibility for all ESS operations, providing leadership and alignment across an organization that continues to grow in size, complexity, and reach. Despite the changes in roles and responsibilities over the years, his approach has remained much the same: do what you say you’re going to do and do the right thing – always.  

Through all of it, one question guides his decisions: “Is this good for our people?” It’s a simple test, and it reflects the employee-owner mindset that runs through everything he does. Whether you build the work or support those who do, Jason’s focus is on making sure you have what you need to succeed.  

Jason has been fortunate to work alongside some great people over the past 20 years, and it’s those employee-owners who make ESS what it is today. 

Congratulations on 20 years, Jason, and thank you for your continued commitment to ESS and its employee-owners.