A Statement From McCownGordon's Leadership Team

Respect and inclusion for all.

McCownGordon condemns racism, discrimination and violence. Two of our core values—integrity and relationships—remain cornerstones for our company’s long-standing beliefs that all people be treated with respect and dignity.

We remain committed to providing opportunities for all. Our focus on diversity and inclusion remains unwavering because we know diverse thoughts, ideas and perspectives from people of different races, genders, beliefs and backgrounds, make our company stronger. They make our community stronger. And they make each of us a better human being.

There are no easy answers to this issue, but we pledge to work with the community, and business and civic leaders to support initiatives that advance peace and equality for all.

McCownGordon Mentor/Protégé Program

The McCownGordon Mentor/Protégé Program enhances the ability of underrepresented trade partners to be competitive in the construction industry.

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By strengthening our commitment to improving the representation of women and minorities, we’ve seen increased engagement and a focus on taking ownership and giving back.

We regularly communicate to create an awareness of the value of diversity and inclusion and engage groups and resources throughout the community to support the efforts. Our internal Diversity + Inclusion committee focuses on three main pillars: understand, include and inspire.

Hear from our associates

McCownGordon's Veterans BRG on a tour of the VCP.

Currently, five BRGs exist at McCownGordon, along with a Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Council and a DEI Advisory board, each made up of associates from various roles around the company. The BRGs include Black Heritage, Hispanic/Latinx, Pride, Veterans and Women in Leadership. Others may follow as the business grows.

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James Maiden, a McCownGordon Construction associate

John Gregory, a McCownGordon Construction employee

Caleb Skaggs, a McCownGordon Construction employee

McCownGordon Construction recognizes the need for advancement in DEI efforts in the construction industry. The company’s leadership team and associates, strive to build a culture where all people feel accepted, safe and engaged at work. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I feel empowered to express my identity and engage with coworkers just like any other associate within the company."

— James Maiden

Internal Communications Specialist

The ultimate goal is to help everyone at MGC feel that this is a safe place to come to, in the office or out in the field, where whatever characteristics beyond your control and choices you have made to define yourself are not weaponized against you. I would walk away right now if I felt that our culture could not withstand that kind of negativity. We all work together for the good of McCown Gordon, and we all should be working together for the good of each other and those outside of the MGC bubble too."

— John Gregory

Carpenter Foreman

McCownGordon prioritizes inclusion in the hiring process. They make sure to not just favor candidates that look, and talk like them. It is understood that McCownGordon being more diverse as a company makes us a more progressive and successful company."

— Caleb Skaggs

Scheduler

McCownGordon is committed to respect and inclusion for all associates.

To deliver the best building experience, we strive to build a team of professionals with diverse perspectives and varying life experiences that reflect the communities we serve.

Two McCownGordon associates talking at a computer in Manhattan Kansas

Instilled from our leadership

At McCownGordon, we look at diversity as the people with whom we associate, and inclusion is how we engage them. Diversity alone does not drive inclusion. We know the importance of ensuring that associates speak up and are heard, making it safe to propose ideas, empowering team members to make decisions, and sharing credit for team success.

Minority and Women Business Enterprises

McCownGordon has a proven record of meeting or exceeding MBE/WBE goals on projects. Our relationships with minority and women business enterprises are built on mutual respect and a commitment to our community.

Our diversity and inclusion engagement program begins with project outreach. Ensuring each and every trade partner has an equitable opportunity to work on a project is key to reaching goals.

The goal of our mentor-protege program is to bolster the area’s minority and women businesses. These companies often face challenges a company with a bit of experience can help them navigate. Our team partners with local MBE/WBE contractors, meeting regularly to provide guidance in every aspect of business, from project management and estimating to accounting and marketing. Our teams have found that this type of one-on-one relationship yields the most positive impacts on our trade partners.

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Brittany Svoboda, Project Manager at McCownGordon Construction

Jeff Clemmons, General Superintendent at McCownGordon Construction

Nate Goddard, Senior Project Manager at McCownGordon Construction

Brandon Perriman, a McCownGordon Construction associate

Flint Hills Discovery Center, a project McCownGordon completed in Manhattan, Kansas

Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship Training of Kansas

Embracing the opportunity to explore a new location, collaborate with a new team and foster new relationships has been a great opportunity for my professional career. The complex nature of this project has allowed me to expand my skill set with each challenge encountered. The invaluable lessons learned will undoubtedly shape my future career."

— Brittany Svoboda

Project Manager

I’ve been with McCownGordon for nearly two decades and I’ve had the privilege of working in numerous communities. What keeps me passionate about my job is the opportunity to immerse myself in different communities and build great connections along the way. Every project brings new challenges, but also new relationships and a sense of pride in contributing to the growth and development of various areas."

— Jeff Clemmons

General Superintendent

I’ve had the opportunity to work on projects in several states such as South Dakota and Arkansas. Embracing diverse landscapes and communities has not only broadened my skillset but enriched my career with invaluable experiences and insights. I enjoy having the opportunity to explore new places, meet new people and enhance communities along the way."

— Nate Goddard

Senior Project Manager

Since joining our Manufacturing team, I've had the privilege of traveling to various locations, connecting with new clients, design partners, trade partners, and visiting projects nationwide. The opportunity to travel in a Preconstruction role is beneficial as it breaks the office routine, offers on-site project insights, and the ability to engage face-to-face with owners. I firmly believe that personal meetings are essential for laying the foundation of a successful project right from the start."

— Brandon Perriman

Project Estimator, Manufacturing

The quality of the construction management services from beginning to end have exceeded our expectations. The communication from Project Managers and Superintendents was above and beyond so that I was always up to speed and was never left in the dark. They have proven to be a true partner invested in achieving what the district has put forth in goals in creating the highest quality facilities that will serve the students, teachers and staff for years to come."

— Trisha Brooke-Fruendt

USD 383 Manhattan-Ogden School District | Construction Owners Representative

McCownGordon managed a very fair, transparent process that ultimately allowed numerous local and regional contractors to share in the work. The Flint Hills Discovery Museum project was completed on schedule and under budget, and the quality of the work is second to none."

— Ron Fehr

City of Manhattan | City Manager

Working with the team at McCownGordon Construction helped to relieve some of the worry and stress associated with our project buildout. Knowing they had my back and performed with a very high level of professionalism put me at ease. Even though supply chains suffered due to the pandemic, their team continued to hit every goal and milestone which was set. I am proud to say that they were our preferred vendor."

— John Clark

Plumbers and Pipefitters | Training Director

Our Culture

WIlly Pegues IV diversity and inclusion executive leader in Kansas City, MO

The Press

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at McCownGordon in the news

Videos and Testimonials

Culture at McCownGordon

Two Project Engineers collaborating on a jobsite