Garney empowers high school girls with its first-ever construction camp in KC Metro
Jun 2024
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.
Garney’s P3 offering expands with new financing expertise
Sep 2021
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.
Jeff Lacy retires after 27 years
Mar 2021
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.
Jordan Carrier and Matt Reaves appointed as Garney’s newest Directors
Mar 2021
Jordan Carrier and Matt Reaves have been promoted to Director over their respective regions, expanding Garney’s leadership team in the Eastern United States. As Directors, Jordan and Matt are responsible for project acquisition, contract management, staffing, safety, scheduling, and client satisfaction.
Jordan is Director of Virginia Pipe Operations, overseeing Garney’s Mid-Atlantic pipeline work. He has spent his entire career at Garney after graduating from Eastern Kentucky University, and has since managed more than $315 million worth of water and sewer pipeline projects. Jordan thrives in this industry and stays involved as an active member of WEF, AWWA, and NUCA, as well as being a certified Associate Design-Build Professional. Jordan is based in Fairfax, Virginia.
Matt is Director of Carolinas & West Tennessee Plant Operations. He joined Encore Construction (now Garney Construction) after graduating from the University of Central Florida. Matt has managed nearly $1 billion worth of water and wastewater utility infrastructure projects—including six collaborative delivery projects—throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida. He is Garney’s alternate board member of the Water Design-Build Council and is based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Learn more about Jordan and Matt and connect with them on LinkedIn:
Jordan Carrier, Assoc. DBIA
Matt Reaves
Kipp Connell promoted to Director of IT
May 2020
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.
Meggan Krase promoted to CFO
May 2020
Garney is pleased to announce the promotion of Meggan Krase to Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Throughout her career at Garney, Meggan has demonstrated tremendous work ethic and dedication, which has propelled her to achieve this important position. Her humility, service-minded orientation, and willingness to do whatever it takes demonstrates her commitment to Garney and her team. What’s even more impressive is her courageousness to blaze this trail in a traditionally male-dominated industry like construction. The respect and admiration she has garnered from her peers in operations is a testament to the type of leader she is. Jeff Lacy is leaving a tremendous legacy at the CFO position and replacing this leadership is no small feat. However, Meggan is fully capable of taking the reins and leading the financial side of our company into the future.
Celebrating the life of Steve McCandless
Jul 2019
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.
Garney enters Business Journal Hall of Champions
Jun 2018
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.
Building the ideal employee owned company
Jun 2018
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.
Garney promotes new leadership
Jun 2018
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.