THE ESS WAY

INFRASTRUCTURE INNOVATORS

Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. (ESS) is all about owning what we do. We’re a 100% employee-owned multi-faceted contractor who thrives on delivering complex heavy civil projects by developing innovative infrastructure solutions. Since our founding in 1972, ESS has grown into a team of more than 1,200 employee-owners that are experts in excavation, grading, underground utilities, bridge construction, and asphalt and concrete paving.

ENTREPRENEURS WITH PURPOSE

Even as we grow, adapt within changing built environments, and continue to push the boundaries of technology, we stay true to our values. We build and invest in employee-ownership, relationships, innovation, adequate reserves, and profitability. Most of all, we do things the ESS way.

  • 1972

    In 1972, Billy Sapp Founded ESS and named it after his father Emery Sapp. Emery Sapp & Sons began with a single piece of construction equipment and just one employee.

  • 1999

    Billy Sapp sold the company to the employees creating a 100% Employee Owned ESOP.

  • 2007

    ESS opened a new office in Springfield, Missouri.

  • 2016

    ESS completed our largest project to date. The $140M K-10 bypass in Lawrence, Kansas.

  • 2019

    Achen-Gardner Construction merged with Emery Sapp & Sons.

  • 2019

    Chester Bross Construction is acquired in Hannibal, Missouri. This expands the company’s asphalt capabilities in Mid-Missouri, and ESS begins providing pavement preservation to clients across the country.

  • 2021

    ESS expands Springfield, Missouri office.

  • 2021

    ESS acquires Tom Boyce Excavating (TBE) and elevates market position in Branson and across the Ozarks region.

  • 2022

    ESS celebrates 50 years in business.

  • 1990’s

    Glen Robertson sold 4M Bridge to ESS expanding our capabilities into bridge work.

  • 2003

    ESS opened a new office in Kansas City, Missouri.

  • 2012

    ESS opened a new office in Joplin, Missouri.

  • 2016

    Named ESOP company of the year.

  • 2019

    Hutchens Construction merges with Emery Sapp & Sons.

  • 2020

    Premier Testing Laboratories (PTL) joins the ESS family.

  • 2021

    ESS opens new asphalt plant in Springfield, Missouri.

  • 2022

    ESS opens a new office and shop in Springdale, Arkansas.

  • 2022

    ESS opens new asphalt plant in Ft. Smith, Arkansas.

100% EMPLOYEE-OWNED

Being an employee-owned firm is integral to our company identity. It’s the foundation of our values, our culture, and the way we serve our clients. Most importantly, being 100% employee-owned means everyone who works for ESS is a part-owner of our company. We’re proud to say that the profits of our company stay right where they should – with the people that work hard to build it.

OUR CORE VALUES

We have new core values! We call them the 5Ps. These values represent what we stand for and the excellence we bring to every dang table across the country.

 

PEOPLE

We are employee-owners. Driven to create best-in-class experiences, we put people first. It starts with us.

PURPOSE

We exist to change lives through employee ownership and transform communities through the infrastructure we build.

PARTNERSHIP

We build and invest in long-term relationships. We are accountable partners to each other, our clients, and the communities where we live and work.

PASSION

Powered by employee ownership, we are inspired leaders and innovators determined to deliver our best to every project.

PERFORMANCE

Safety, quality, and speed of delivery are at the core of what drives us. We work together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

PARTNERS WITH THE COMMUNITY

ESS takes many opportunities to partner with organizations that are close to our employee-owners and their families. Every year, we’re privileged to support a variety of nonprofits and special causes that benefit the communities where we live, work, and play.

OUR PARTNERS

Building and investing in the development of our current and future workforce has always been a part of ESS’ DNA. At ESS, our workforce outreach is managed by the ESS Foundation, an employee-owner-led, pending 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of the ESS foundation is to promote careers in construction; provide career opportunities through education, mentorship, and training programs; and benefit community development projects throughout our region.
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