Recognition

Overview

The Build Iowa Award was initiated in 1989 as a vehicle to honor MBI members and to bring public attention to excellence in the construction industry. Each year, the Build Iowa Award is presented to a general contractor or an associate member employee who best exemplifies the tenets of our organization; Skill, Responsibility, and Integrity. The nominees are judged by the way they have performed both within the construction industry, as well as in their communities.

For any questions, please contact Laurie Delmott at LDelmott@MBI.Build. 

2025 Build Iowa Award Recipient

Don Woodruff

• Woodruff Construction

Past Recipients

• Darrell Ball

  Ball Construction Services

• Max Bowman

  Star Equipment, Ltd.

• Woodrow "Woody" Buck

  Story Construction Co.

• Dick Bulkeley

  Oakview Construction Co.

• Mike Conlon

  Conlon Construction Co.

• Tim Conlon

  Conlon Construction Co.

• Orville E. Crowley

  Ringland-Johnson-Crowley

• Ralph E. Emerson

  Cardinal Construction Co.

• Gerald Friauf

  Rinderknecht Associates

• Scott Friauf

  Rinderknecht Associates

• Ken Gethmann

  Gethmann Construction Inc.

• Bob Gleeson

  W.A. Klinger, Inc.

• John W. Gleeson

  W.A. Klinger, L.L.C.

• James Grabau

  R.H. Grabau Construction, Inc.

• Craig Hansen

  The Hansen Company

• Gene Leonhart

  Cardinal Construction, Inc.

• Dave Holtze

  Holtze Construction

• Richard Johnson

  Story Construction Co.

• W.A. Klinger

  W.A. Klinger, Inc.

• Louie H. Kuepper

  Carl A. Nelson & Co.

• Marshall G. Linn III

  Neumann Brothers Inc.

• Robert Maddox, Sr.

  Allied Construction Services

• Robert M. McCline

  Chris Hansen Construction

• Dave Peters

  Peters Construction Corp.

• Kent Pilcher

  Estes Construction

• Norman Riis

  Story Construction Co.

• Jim Russell

  Russell

• Ron Sande

  Sande Construction & Supply Co.

• Reuben Schaefer

  Henkel Construction Co.

• Bill Seedorff

  Seedorff Masonry, Inc.

• Jim Simmons

  Russell

• Mike Simpson

  Neumann Brothers, Inc.

• Steve Skold

  Skold Construction Services, Inc.

• Jack Taylor

  Taylor Construction Group, Inc.

• Mike Tousley

  The Weitz Company, Inc.

• David Ward

  Breiholz Construction Co.

• Fred W. Weitz

  The Weitz Company, Inc.

• Thomas Werderitsch

  Selzer Werderitsch Associates

Overview

The Masters Award recognizes the exceptional efforts of a construction team in executing the process of completing a project. Although an aesthetically pleasing and functional design is always part of a successful project, it is not a criterion for selection of this award. This award is meant to recognize the role of the project team. As such, projects should reflect good management skills, imagination, perseverance under unusual and challenging conditions, and/or innovative construction techniques. The Masters Award was created to bring a sharper focus to the high degree of professionalism and skill in our industry. For 2025 the categories will be changed to reflect the following $0-$15 Million, +$15 Million - $40 Million, +$40 Million and Over. There will also be a Master Builders of Iowa Award of Excellence that will be awarded to the "Best of the Best" of all submissions received. 

For questions, please contact Tara Rinehart at TRinehart@MBI.Build. 

2025 Masters Award Recipients

Hubbell Construction Services

• On With Life Long-Term Care Facility
• $0-$15 Million Category

Neumann Brothers, Inc.

• The Farm Bureau Campus
• $15-$40 Million Category

The Weitz Company

• Southeast Polk 6-7 Middle School
• $40+ Million Category

Graham Construction - A 3G Company

• Adair County Health Systems
• MBI's Award of Excellence - "Best of the Best"

Past Recipients

• 2024

  Ryan Companies US, Inc. | Jewel & Jim Plumb Heart Center at Mercy Medical Center

• 2024

  Graham Construction - A 3G Company | Stanley Center for Peace and Security

• 2024

  The Hansen Company | Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines C3 Center

• 2023

  Henkel Construction | Iowa State University - Jack Trice Stadium East Gateway Bridge

• 2023

  The Weitz Company | Grinnell College - Norris Hall Renovation

• 2023

  Russell | University of Iowa - Stanley Museum of Art

• 2022

  The Hansen Company | Graceland University Morden Center Renovation

• 2022

  Peters Construction Corporation | Lincoln Savings Bank @ Techworks

• 2022

  Neumann Brothers Inc. | ISU Stark Performance Center North End - Zone Renovation & Albaugh Family Plaza

• 2021

  J.E. Dunn Construction | ISU Student Innovation Center

• 2021

  Neumann Brothers, Inc. | Edna Griffin Building

• 2021

  Story Construction Co. | ISU - Gerdin Business Building Expansion

• 2020

  Graham Construction - A 3G Company | UnityPoint Health St. Luke's Hospital General Replacement

• 2020

  Ryan Companies US, Inc. | 111 East Grand

• 2020

  The Hansen Company, Inc. | MAE - DMU1

• 2019

  Ball Team, LLC | Des Moines Community Playhouse - Act II

• 2019

  City Construction | UIHC Pediatric Specialty Clinic Expansion & Conference Center Development

• 2019

  Ryan Companies US, Inc. | Krause Gateway Center

• 2018

  DCI Group | Principal Financial Group - Corporate 1 Renovation

• 2018

  Graham Construction - A 3G Company | Weaton Franciscan Healthcare Covenant Medical Center - Surgery Renovation

• 2018

  Peters Construction Corp. | SingleSpeed Brewing Co.

Overview

Through the MBI Master Builder Designation program, credits are awarded in the areas of Leadership, Project Management, Ecological Construction, Ethics, and Safety. Virtually every course or education program that is offered through MBI receives credits in at least one of these critical areas. The Master Builder Achievement Award is earned when an individual surpasses 150 credits and fulfills the requirements in each area. 

For questions, please contact Tara Rinehart at TRinehart@MBI.Build. 

2025 Master Builder Achievement Award Recipients

Nate Belcher

• Hubbell Realty Co.

Eli Berry

• Graham Construction - A 3G Company

Samantha Blettner

• HRTLND Companies

Ray Breeding

• Graham Construction - A 3G Company

Matt Chumbley

• Elder Corporation

Madie Churchill

• IMAG Construction Services, Inc.

Ryan Dean

• Bush Construction Company, Inc.

Leilani Hammel

• McGough

Kingsley Jewett

• Neumann Brothers, Inc.

Lydia Jones

• Veit & Company, Inc.

Ryan Koopmann

• Conlon Construction Co.

Scott Lewis

• Elder Corporation

Michael Martin

• Boyd Jones Construction

Paige Naber

• Synergy Contracting, LLC

Chad Orr

• US Erectors, Inc.

Kelli Paskert

Monty Potter

• Hy-Vee Construction Co.

Gavin Scroggin

• Graham Construction - A 3G Company

Nick Sieck

• Henkel Construction Co.

Brandon Stevens

• Elder Corporation

Owen Teeling

• Schumacher Elevator Company

Brian Vize

• Conlon Construction Co.

Heidi Warren

• The Hansen Company

Aaron Willard

• Turner Construction

Cody Woiwood

• HRTLND Companies

Nate Womble

• HRTLND Companies

Jacob Zenor

• HRTLND Companies

Past Recipients

• Corey Anderson (2024)

  Baker Group

• Travis Benz (2021)

  Russell

• Rachel Breuer (2024)

  Cardinal Construction, Inc.

• Matt Bulkeley (2019)

  Conlon Construction Co.

• Nate Burgod (2023)

  Elite Glass & Metal

• Krista Carter (2023)

  HRTLND Companies

• Jim Comisky (2023)

  The Weitz Company

• Shawn Corey (2024)

  Story Construction Co.

• Chuck Danner (2024)

  Hy-Vee Construction Co.

• Adam Day (2018)

  Eick & Day Construction, LLC

• Tyler Edgington (2021)

  Hubbell Construction Services, LLC

• Mike Egenberger (2024)

  Estes Construction

• Major Ennen (2024)

  Murray Company

• Joey Esser (2024)

  Graham Construction - A 3G Company

• Jason Eveland (2021)

  The Hansen Company, Inc.

• Matthew Frandsen (2023)

  Keen Project Solutions, LLC

• Dane Gerlich (2024)

  Graham Construction - A 3G Company

• David Halbrook (2020)

  Reilly Construction

• Jeremy Harder (2022)

  Venter Spooner

• Tony Herring (2019)

  Woodruff Construction

• Erin Hiscox (2019)

  Hy-Vee Construction

• Lee Hollatz (2017)

  The Hansen Company, Inc.

• Austin Horner (2024)

  Ball Team, LLC

• Michael Huff (2023)

  Dean Snyder Construction

• Brandon Johnson (2023)

  Lang Construction Group

• BJ Kelly (2024)

  Bush Construction Company

• Doug Kumm (2019)

  Baker Group

• Kevin Larsen (2018)

  Woodruff Construction

• Braxton Lewis (2024)

  The Hansen Company

• Chris McMullen (2019)

  Hubbell Construction Services, LLC

• Bill Miller (2021)

  J.E. Dunn Construction

• Brian Mulcahy (2020)

  Hubbell Construction Services

• Phill Nieman (2024)

  Schumacher Elevator Company

• Michael Norris (2021)

  A.J. Allen Mechanical Contractors, Inc.

• Jacob Pesek (2021)

  The Hansen Company, Inc.

• Cory Reierson (2023)

  Woodruff Construction

• Chad Reineke (2021)

  Elder Corporation

• Thomas Remus (2023)

  Hy-Vee Construction

• Tim Sarver (2023)

  Woodruff Construction

• Jeff Scandrett (2018)

  Keen Project Solutions, LLC

• Rod Schumacher (2019)

  Conlon Construction Co.

• Mike Sherman (2019)

  Hy-Vee Construction

• Andrew Snyder (2020)

  Dean Snyder Construction

• Shamus Stephens (2024)

  Skold Construction Services Inc.

• Brent Thompson (2021)

  Elder Corporation

• Joshua Thrap (2018)

  Hy-Vee Construction

• Nick Tometich (2022)

  Elder Corporation

• Stephen Van Beek (2024)

  Hy-Vee Construction Co.

• Mike Wiedman (2024)

  Elder Corporation

• John Williams (2020)

  HPC, LLC.

• Garrett Young (2022)

  HRTLND Companies

• Tom Yung (2022)

  Hubbell Construction Services, LLC

Overview

The Outstanding Company Safety Achievement Award is an Iowa OSHA and Master Builders of Iowa sponsored award that has become one of the most prestigious safety awards in the state of Iowa for the construction industry. The overall goal is to encourage and recognize significant achievements in workplace safety. The process solicits the best practices in accident prevention and promotes the sharing of the industry’s best achievements to advance safety at all levels. The award is presented in two categories: General Contractor and Specialty Contractor. You must be a member of Master Builders of Iowa in order to submit for these awards.

For questions, please contact Tara Rinehart at TRinehart@MBI.Build. 

2025 Outstanding Company Safety Achievement Award Recipients

Graham Construction - A 3G Company

• General Contractor Category

Elder Corporation

• Subcontractor Category

Past Recipients

• 2024

  Graham Construction - A 3G Company, General Contractor Category

• 2024

  Elder Corporation, Subcontractor Category

• 2023

  Keen Project Solutions, General Contractor Category

• 2023

  Elder Corporation, Subcontractor Category

• 2022

  Cardinal Construction, General Contractor Category

• 2022

  Elder Corporation - Specialty Contractor Category

• 2021

  Baker Group, Specialty Contractor Category

• 2020

  The Waldinger Corporation, Specialty Contractor Category

• 2020

  Russell, General Contractor Category

• 2019

  Ryan Companies US, Inc., General Contractor Category

• 2019

  Tri-City Electric Co., Specialty Contractor Category

• 2018

  Graham Construction - A 3G Company, General Contractor Category

• 2018

  The Waldinger Corporation, Specialty Contractor Category

Overview

Every successful team has an MVP, this award highlights the leadership, passion, and effectiveness of an individual either directly leading the safety program or influencing the program in an indirect role within an organization. Safety, like other disciplines, an individual who stands out for their positive efforts in exceptional performance and for leading others in their commitment to excellence on the job. The panel of judges will look for an individual that goes above and beyond the call of duty in regards to safety, through their devotion to preserving the quality of life in the workforce. This award spotlights the most dedicated and innovative safety MVP and their achievements in safety both within their company and in the construction industry

Nominees must be an employee of a Master Builders of Iowa associate or general contractor member, who have been employed with the member company for at least one year, and who are currently working in the Iowa construction industry. A nominee may not have received an individual safety award from MBI in the past three years. Third-party safety consultants whose clients are MBI members are not eligible for either of these awards. The panel of judges is made up of a variety of safety professionals from the industry, as well as representatives from Iowa OSHA.

For questions, please contact Tara Rinehart at TRinehart@MBI.Build. 

2025 Safety MVP Recipient

Mike Berry

• Graham Construction - A 3G Company

Past Recipients

• 2024

  Scott Lewis | Elder Corporation

• 2023

  Pat Crosby | Hubbell Construction Services, LLC

Overview

The WORKSAFE Project of the Year Award highlights projects in Iowa that have been enrolled in the WORKSAFE program. Annually approximately 80 projects are enrolled and can range from $5 Million dollar to $100 Million-dollar projects. Each is unique and enrolled for very different reasons. It could be an owner requirement; the General Contractor is seeking additional safety support for the project or an overall enhancement and desirability for increased focus on safety for the specific project. Projects are nominated based on a site that reflects proactive safety measures; safety procedure buy-in from all trades; safety pre-planning with communication; and adequate documentation of certified and competent level accreditations. The contractor that is awarded this distinction is one where ultimately – they have gone above and beyond compliance while pursuing safety excellence by all trades on the project. These nominations are made by CSSI professional staff, outside recommendations from OSHA consultation, and the Iowa Board of Regents. All nominations are reviewed and selected by a selection committee of industry experts.

For questions, please contact Tara Rinehart at TRinehart@MBI.Build. 

2025 WORKSAFE Project of the Year Award

JE Dunn Construction

• UIHC at Forevergreen Road

Past Recipients

• 2024

  Graham Construction - A 3G Company | Broadlawns Medical Center at Drake

• 2023

  Lang Construction Group | Boone CSD Early Childhood Center