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Kansas City, MO – Garney hosted its inaugural Construction Camp to inspire and educate high school girls about diverse career opportunities within the construction industry. This two-week immersive program ran from June 3 to June 14 and provided hands-on experiences, mentorship, and invaluable insights into various facets of construction careers. 

“We believe it’s crucial to empower young women and introduce them to vast opportunities available within our field,” said Yvonne Waterman, Director of Human Resources. “This camp serves as a platform to foster interest, provide exposure, and ignite passion among high school girls toward construction careers, whether in the field or behind the scenes.” 

The students learned hands-on from several local industry leaders and female industry leaders like Brandy McCombs, President at IBC and Chairwoman of The Builders, a local chapter of the AGC. Camp Garney is not just about wielding tools; it’s a comprehensive exploration of the industry, covering everything from office work like marketing and graphic design to hands-on field activities. 

Participants engaged in a variety of enriching experiences, including: 

• CPR and First Aid Training: Essential life-saving skills crucial for any workplace. 
• Community Service: Building benches that transform into picnic tables for local elementary schools. 
• Hands-on Building Projects: From marshmallow rocket launchers to cement pavers, learning construction fundamentals.
• Financial Literacy: Budgeting exercises, ensuring they have the financial acumen for their future careers. 
• Equipment Operation: Insight into operating heavy machinery. 
• Virtual Reality Training: Participants immersed themselves in virtual environments, exploring water plants and gaining exposure to cutting-edge technology. 
• Graphic Design: Garney’s graphic design team taught about the importance of visual communication. 
• Marketing Education: Garney’s maketing team led training and development sessions, covering essential skills for promoting and managing construction projects. 
• HR, Training & Development, Accounts Payable: Insights from Garney’s HR and accounts payable teams offered a comprehensive understanding of construction projects’ administrative and financial aspects. 

“Our camp isn’t just about learning; it’s about empowerment,” added Waterman. “We’re grateful for the support of all our partners who share our vision of promoting diversity and inclusivity in the construction industry.” 

The camp received overwhelming support from the community, with around 30 volunteers joining to educate and mentor. The accredited program offered high school credit through Raytown School District’s Enrichment Program.

Want to learn more? View more coverage on the camp on KCTV5. 

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Garney’s public-private partnership (P3) business strategy continues to advance with the addition of David Bird as vice president of project finance and development. David will focus on growing Garney’s existing development pipeline of P3 water projects in North America.

Now with project finance and development capabilities, Garney can offer clients the entire spectrum of P3 capabilities through its own resources and those of its strategic partners to deliver water projects—from development to design, construction, operations, maintenance, and financing.

Climate change is driving the need for public water projects, including more creative projects involving reuse, regenerative farming, water banking, the use of currently non-potable water, and more efficiently treating solids in wastewater to reduce greenhouse gases. At the same time, there are public constraints in completing these projects—lack of upfront funds, low tolerance for risk, and little to no development staff at water agencies.

“Given that we’re solely focused on water, with several successful projects under our belt, and now the added expertise of financing, we’re uniquely positioned as the only construction firm in the water sector to provide an end-to-end offering,” said Garney CEO Mike Heitmann. Unlike most large concessionaires and contractors, Garney self-performs most of its work, making it a leaner organization while still maintaining the skills to help customers secure financing to successfully fund water projects, particularly large, complex projects.

Garney has completed more than $1.1 billion in P3 water projects since 2011, with numerous public-private projects currently in development. The award-winning Vista Ridge Water Supply project, the largest P3 water project in North American history, is an example. The new infrastructure expands San Antonio’s water supply by 20 percent. David Bird served as financial advisor to the Vista Ridge project.

The Garney P3 strategy is to partner with water rights holders, technology providers, water developers, and private equity to bring tailor-made projects to public and private sector clients, reducing their development risk. With the new financing services and the addition of David Bird to the Garney team, Garney is now a one-stop resource that brings seamless efficiency to every stage of a P3 project.

David joins Garney from Societe Generale, where he was a managing director focused on infrastructure finance and advisory. He spent the last 15 years raising debt and equity capital for infrastructure projects in a variety of sectors, including water, roads, ports, airports, and digital infrastructure. Through this work, David forged relationships with lending institutions, equity providers, developers, and rating agencies, which he now leverages on behalf of Garney clients to help them realize successful projects.

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Garney’s former Chief Financial Officer and long-time employee-owner Jeff Lacy retired March 26, 2021, after nearly 27 years with the company.

Jeff graduated from Westminster College with a degree in Accounting, Economics & Business Administration. He was an auditor with McDonnell Douglas and then spent several years as Vice President of Finance at a grocery company in Kansas City. Jeff joined Garney in May 1994 as Controller. In addition to overseeing all accounting, human resources, and information technology personnel, Jeff developed, implemented, and administered long-standing accounting policies and internal controls at Garney. His business acumen brought computers and email to Garney as well as a keen strategy for using data. Jeff’s recommendations and guidance allowed the company to do more with less effort—a Garney trademark.

Throughout his career at Garney, Jeff was a key player in the acquisitions of Grimm Construction, Encore Construction, Weaver Construction, Warren Environmental, and A&W Maintenance. He worked to integrate these firms’ accounting systems as seamlessly as possible while also embracing the new employee-owners and educating them on Garney’s ESOP and benefits. Jeff was also instrumental in helping secure the Vista Ridge Water Supply Project—Garney’s largest project to date and the largest public-private partnership (P3) water project in North America. Jeff made a tremendous impact on the company, guiding decisions on Garney’s ESOP, insurance, and other benefits for its employee-owners.

Jeff’s mantra has always been, “You will get all you want in life, if you help enough other people get what they want.” (Zig Ziglar) Jeff’s legacy is so much more than what he accomplished throughout his career—he has profoundly impacted Garney’s employee-owners for the last three decades and for future generations to come. His infectious laughter will be missed around here!

Jeff is succeeded by Meggan Krase, Garney’s current Chief Financial Officer. Read more about Meggan and her background on our Leadership page.

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Garney is pleased to announce the promotion of Kipp Connell to Director of Information Technology (IT). After serving as Garney’s IT Manager for the last five years, Kipp’s promotion creates the new role of Director of IT. In this role, Kipp will continue to oversee Garney’s responsive and agile IT team as well as maintain our backend security. Kipp’s integrity, positive attitude, and approach to problem-solving have facilitated improvements in the behind-the-scenes systems that support and protect Garney’s employee-owners. Kipp joined Garney in 2015 after working in IT for the Lawrence, Kansas, Police Department for 11 years. He attended Washburn University and holds degrees in information technology and business administration.

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From our Garney family, it is with great sadness that we share the passing of Steve McCandless – a legacy and friend. Throughout Steve’s 39 years of service, he epitomized Garney’s goals and philosophies. Steve embodied exceptional work ethic, long-term commitment to his clients, partners, and fellow employee-owners, diligence for continuous improvement, and an unwavering passion to Garney. He was truly one of a kind.

Steve started his Garney career in 1979 and was quickly named Vice President. He was integral in shaping an employee-ownership culture of honesty, integrity, and excellence. Steve retired in June of 2018, leaving a profound impact on the company’s success.

“There is a tacit understanding that no future player could ever live up to the number of a legend, whether it be on the field or off.”

It was an honor and a privilege to know Steve. Our thoughts and prayers are with the McCandless family during this incredibly difficult time.

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JUNE 2018 – Garney was honored with the Kansas City Business Journal’s 2018 Champions of Business award. The program recognized 15 companies based in the Kansas City area that are committed to the community, innovators in their industry, and strong financial performers. This year, Garney was inducted into the Hall of Champions as a three-time award recipient.

Garney’s success story begins in 1961, when Charles Garney left his father’s Kansas City plumbing business to start his own pipeline and utility construction company. Nearly 60 years and several acquisitions later, Garney is recognized as one of the nation’s leading contractors in water and wastewater systems, working with municipalities, private developers, and industrial users nationwide.

“Our proactive approach and problem-solving mindset with our customers, our non-confrontative approach with our suppliers and subcontractors, and the sharing of our success with our employees distinguishes us from our competitors,” President and CEO Mike Heitmann said.

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JUNE 2018 – In partnership with the Employee-Owned S Corporations of America (ESCA), Garney participated in two videos featuring the role that private, employee owned companies play in the American economy. Across every major industry, S corporation companies are comprised of more than 800,000 employee-owners, reaping the benefits of employee ownership through an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). Garney is fortunate to share in this powerful solution for economic growth.

Thank you to all of our employee-owners and clients who help make Garney the ideal employee owned company.

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JUNE 2018 – With continued growth, Garney’s succession planning is a priority for the company over the next several years. Meet Garney’s recent leadership promoted to join the next generation of leaders:

MEGGAN KRASE, VICE PRESIDENT

After graduating from the University of Kansas with a degree in Accounting, Meggan went to work for Grant Thornton where she obtained her CPA license. She spent five years there as a Staff Auditor and Audit Senior before joining Garney Construction in 2006. Meggan was promoted to Controller in 2012, where she assisted Jeff Lacy, Vice President of Finance and CFO. She was then named Director–Corporate Controller in 2014 and Vice President in 2018. In this role, Meggan is responsible for managing the company’s accounting team, including the development, implementation, and administration of accounting policies and maintaining internal controls. Meggan is also Chair of the Technology Council. 

DAVID BURKHART, DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL PIPE OPERATIONS

David has spent his entire career with Garney, after graduating from the University of Kansas with a degree in Civil Engineering. He has constructed projects in Colorado, Florida, Wisconsin, Kentucky, and Texas, specializing in large diameter waterline installations and the CMAR project delivery method. In total, David has built more than $1 billion worth of construction projects during his career in the water industry, including several high-profile CMAR projects. As Director of Central Pipe Operations, David is responsible for overall management of the pipeline projects built in his area.

JOEL HEIMBUCK, DIRECTOR OF WESTERN PLANT OPERATIONS

Joel joined Garney in 2005 as a Project Engineer with six years of previous experience in the power and distribution market for a national general contractor. He was promoted to Regional Operations Manager in 2013, responsible for facilitating and administrating traditional bid and alternative delivery water/wastewater infrastructure projects in the Western United States. Joel is a certified and active member of DBIA and graduated with a degree in Construction Management from Colorado State University. He was promoted to Director in 2018.

ERIC WAGNER, DIRECTOR OF ESTIMATING

Eric’s entire career has been focused solely on water/wastewater construction since building a wastewater treatment plant in 1997 as a co-op. Eric graduated from University of Akron-Ohio with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and started working for a national treatment plant contractor. In 2004, Eric joined Encore Construction (now Garney Construction) as a Project Manager. In 2010, Eric transitioned to an estimating role. During this time, Eric has combined his field experience with estimating and considers it a true privilege to be working with the best estimators in the country. Together, this team has worked to develop estimates on many of Garney’s most prominent traditional bid and collaborative delivery projects. Eric was promoted to Chief Estimator in March 2013 and Director in May 2018.

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AUGUST 2017 – Dan Smolik, Jeff Seal, Scott Reuter, and Bill Williams were recently named as Directors, expanding Garney’s leadership team in three markets. With continued growth, Garney’s succession planning program is a significant priority for the company over the next several years.

“Currently, we’re in our third generation of leadership and we’re preparing for the fourth generation,” said Mike Heitmann, President and CEO of Garney Construction. “One of the most important things we can be doing right now is preparing the next generation of leaders.”

These new Directors will be working closely with Garney’s executive team and board of directors to implement strategic planning and growth within their respective markets.

“Each of these new Directors have proven their operations capabilities and leadership potential,” said Heitmann. “Throughout this succession process, Garney’s Directors will continue to develop the leadership skills to prepare them in shaping the future of the company.”

Meet Garney’s latest Directors:

Dan Smolik – Director of Florida Pipe Operations

Dan has been with Garney his entire career and brings 17 years of experience focused on pipeline operations, primarily in Florida. During this time, Dan has elevated Garney’s alternative delivery, industrial, and power presence throughout the state. He has provided leadership on notable projects including the Regional Integrated Loop System Interconnect (Venice and Punta Gorda, FL), Wet Weather Monitoring & Pumping System (Largo, FL), and the 48-Inch Water Transmission Main for Area N (Miami, FL). Dan has delivered more than $280 million in water and sewer pipeline projects in Florida and will continue to expand Garney’s presence in this market. In 2000, Dan graduated from Missouri Western State University with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering Technology.

Jeff Seal – Director of Nashville Pipe Operations

A graduate of Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering, Jeff has 14 years of experience in the construction industry, with 12 of those years spent overseeing pipeline operations at Garney. Since joining the company in 2005, Jeff has managed the construction of more than $300 million in water and wastewater pipeline projects throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Jeff has expanded Garney’s mid-South operations in the private and power markets, and will continue to shape this growing market sector to explore additional opportunities in Southern Indiana and Southern Ohio. Jeff has spearheaded some of the company’s largest projects in the area including the Cumberland City Low Transmission Main (Nashville, TN), Logan CSO Interceptor (Louisville, KY), Virginia-Highland Water Main (Atlanta, GA), and the Decatur to Limestone County Water Transmission Line (Decatur, AL).

Scott Reuter – Director of Nashville/Florida Plant Operations

Scott’s 19-year career has been focused on constructing more than $400 million in water and wastewater treatment facilities. In 2003, Scott joined Encore Construction, which was acquired by Garney in 2012. Scott has expanded Garney’s facility operations in Florida and Tennessee, in addition to recent growth within the federal market sector. He will continue to guide operations in these markets and leverage his experience to drive success in the Southeast. Scott obtained his Professional Engineering license and is a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University with a degree in Civil & Environmental Engineering. Major projects led by Scott include the Peace River Water Treatment Plant (Arcadia, FL), Regional Water Treatment Facility at Yankee Lake (Sanford, FL), and Holston Army Ammunition Plant (Kingsport, TN).

Bill Williams – Director of Western Pipe Operations

Bill has been working on pipeline projects since graduating from the University of Southern Colorado as a Civil Engineer. He spent the first 20 years of his career building both small and large infrastructure projects along the front range, before joining Garney in 2010 as a Project Manager. Bill has helped maintain one of Garney’s strongest client relationships by contributing on more than half of the projects completed for Colorado Springs Utilities, including the $112 million Southern Delivery Water System Program. In addition, Bill has been a part of Garney’s management team, supporting more than $215 million of pipeline projects. Upon Garney’s award of the Vista Ridge Water Supply Project in San Antonio, Texas, Bill became the project’s Operations Manager and enjoys the challenges as a part of the management team for the largest P3 water project in the history of the United States.

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AUGUST 2017 – Legislation was passed in the state of Oklahoma supporting design-build and public-private partnerships (P3s). This is a large step for Oklahoma’s local governments and state agencies as public design-build projects must be authorized by law.

According to the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), only three states were using design-build delivery when the organization was founded in 1993. Today, more than 40% of the nation’s projects are delivered using design-build with widespread or full design-build authority provided in 42 states.

Enacting these alternative delivery methods further affirms Oklahoma’s commitment to finding better ways to deliver infrastructure projects for taxpayers, and encourages the future of design-build and P3 in the Midwest.

P3 projects are also growing rapidly in popularity in many states across the country. Private funding is an attractive option for governments, and for private parties, as state and local governments serve as reliable partners on projects that make for secure long-term investments.

For more information on the bill and its impact on the future of public infrastructure in the state, visit the Design-Build Institute of America State Advocacy.

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