Tyson Collins: Paving the Way as MAPA President

Early in his career, Tyson discovered a passion for heavy highway construction — a path that has led him to being the 2026 Missouri Asphalt Paving Association (MAPA) President. 

From Construction Roots to ESS Leadership 

Tyson got into bridge construction during his freshman year of college and never looked back.  

He joined Emery Sapp & Sons (ESS) as a project manager overseeing a single asphalt plant. Today, he’s Assistant Vice President, leading operations and 4 of 13 plants — a level of growth that shows both his leadership and the strength of the teams behind him. 

“Going from one asphalt plant to 13… that doesn’t happen without a strong team behind it,” Tyson says. 

 MAPA Journey  

Early in his career, he joined MAPA as a member, but after coming to ESS, he continued to get more involved alongside ESS Vice President Brandon Finn.  

“I’ve been a member of MAPA since 2006 but working at ESS really pushed me to get more involved,” says Tyson.  

Once he was committed, he didn’t take a passive role. Instead, he learned the organization from the inside out, serving as a board member, secretary, treasurer, vice president, and now president.  

Through MAPA, Tyson keeps ESS and Missouri contractors up to date with the latest DOT specifications, safety standards, and legislative developments.  

‘It’s about pushing the industry forward and making sure we’re set up for the long haul,’ Tyson says. 

Vision and Impact 

As MAPA President, Tyson is focused on lifecycle cost analysis, legislative initiatives, safety, and innovation. These efforts aim to create safer roads, smarter spending, and a stronger industry for everyone. This year, MAPA is advancing important legislative initiatives, including tort reform, sovereign immunity, and comparative fault. 

Tyson also mentioned the importance of embracing new technology. Whether it was purchasing the first concrete paver in the area or using GPS technology, staying ahead keeps ESS and its partners best in class. 

 Leadership beyond MAPA 

Tyson leads with a team-first, hands-on approach, earning respect by setting an example. When he’s not on the jobsite or guiding MAPA, he co-leads the Paisley Collins Memorial Foundation, created in honor of his daughter, who passed away at age two from leukemia. The foundation raises funds to support local pediatric cancer families in need. 

Tyson’s journey reflects what strong leadership looks like — investing in people, advancing the industry, and making a lasting impact beyond the work itself.