President, Iowa Plains Signing, Inc.

What does a typical day at work look like for you?

• I try to plan my day the best I can, but with the industry we are in adjustments are always needed. I just try to be available for anything I can do to help my team succeed. Along with that reviewing bids daily, reviewing financials daily, and trying to keep the company running smooth.

What do you like most about your job?

• I enjoy winning close bids the most. When the team puts so much time and effort into something, it is always nice to win every now and then.

What aspect of your job do you find the most challenging?

• Getting the public to stop texting and driving.

How did you get into the heavy highway construction industry?

• It’s at least a 2-beer story 😊😊

What is your favorite moment of your career so far? 

• When we converted our company into 100% Employee Owned, the looks on our employees’ faces was by far the best.

What are your hopes for our industry?

• Keep improving the safety for our workers and the traveling public.

If you could provide one piece of professional advice, what would it be?

• Just listen, you always don’t need to be the one talking. Amazing how much you can learn by listening.

Who has been the most influential person in your career?

• My high school football coach, Coach Dvorak and my college professor, Mr. Clark.

What did you want to be when growing up?

• I was going to own hotels and restaurants. I went to school for travel and hospitality.

What was the first job you ever had?

• Picking rock and baling hay for the local farmers.

Before working at your current company, what was the most unusual or interesting job you have ever had?

• Working at the local meat locker in town, Polashek’s Locker; cutting up deer, pork and beef.

If you could go back and tell your 18-year-old self one thing, what would it be?

• Don’t drive on that snowmobile trail with your car. IT IS NOT A GOOD IDEA.

What is one skill/ability you wish you had?

• I wish I could sing, I am terrible at it.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

• Hunt, fish, spend time with my 3 girls.

Do you have any hidden talents? If so, what are they?

• Nothing here, pretty basic guy.

If you could be anyone (past or present) for just a day, who would you be?

• Warren Buffet.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

• My daughters on their phones when I am trying to talk to them.

Favorite restaurant?

• ​Sushi at the Waterfront.

Thank you to everyone who played, sponsored and participated in our 2022 Fall Golf Outing. We love being able to host so many of our members and their customers - yes, another full golf event! Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey regarding our Fall Golf Outing. If you didn't play, consider telling us a bit about why not in the comment boxes. 

Reception Sponsors: Contractor Services, Inc.
Drink Ticket Sponsor: Griffin Dewatering
Hole Sponsors:
Contractor Solutions
Enova Group, LLC
Graham Construction, LLC
Hahn Financial Group, Inc.
Holmes Murphy of Nebraska
K2 Construction, LLC/Great Plains Redi Mixed Concrete
Lutz
Nebraska-Iowa Supply Co., Inc.
NMC / NMC Cat Rental Store
Overland Ready Mixed
Prairie Wealth Advisors, Inc.
Purple Wave Auction
​Ready Mixed Concrete
RoadBuilders Machinery
Road Machinery & Supplies Co.
Rueter's
Sunbelt Rentals
Truck Center Companies

The day began with report outs to the membership from our Joint Committee Chairs, Environmental Committee, Technology Committee and Document Exchange Task Force. Members gained insight into what each committee had been working on over the past several months and were given the opportunity to ask questions.

After lunch, the Nebraska Department of Transportation employees joined us for meetings and a General Session. The General Session included a NDOT Panel Discussion with Director John Selmer, Khalil Jaber and Jim Knott. Notable topics of discussion included:

• Visiting with Governor regarding next 2-year budget
• Expressway system
  • Working hard on programming the US-77 & US-81 corridors
• Utility Coordination continues to be a priority
• IIJA Funds – working to obligate funds by end of fiscal year
  • 22 bridges programmed in the next 2 years
  • Committed to western I-80 replacement and 6-lane Lincoln West
  • Buy America rules are changing because of the IIJA; rules will take effect in the December letting
• GIS Map for Borrow Sites ​

The General Session closed with the announcement of our Future Leaders Council (FLC). The mission of AGC Nebraska's FLC is to channel participants who are not actively involved to network, socialize, promote and exchange construction industry ideas. The top priorities of the FLC are professional development, increased involvement, and enhanced leadership skills for those who are involved. A schedule of events, an informational brochure, and the FLC registration can be found on the FLC webpage. 

Katie Wilson, Tyler Chicoine, and Tom Crockett were also able to meet with Congressman Mike Flood on Thursday to discuss our industry and deliver a PAC check. 

Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend this event. We are very lucky to have so many active members. Please complete the post-event survey that we sent out on Tuesday afternoon or email Carly with any feedback you have regarding this event. Our next event is Fall Golf on September 16th at Quarry Oaks. After that, is our first ever Friday Afternoon Club / Tailgate Party in our parking lot. The FLC group will be hosting a cornhole tournament where the winning team will each receive a set of AGC Nebraska boards. There will also be a chili cookoff, food and drinks. This event is free for members and their families! Register or claim a spot in the tournament or cookoff by clicking here.