Business Details
Your Iowa General Contracting Experts
Merit Construction has been Iowa's premier general contractor for over 140 years, built on a foundation of employee ownership and community investment. Our team approaches every project with unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship, safety excellence, and client satisfaction. Through our unique employee-owned structure, we ensure every team member shares in our collective success while delivering exceptional value to clients across diverse industries. Our comprehensive services span the entire construction lifecycle, from initial design and pre-construction planning to final execution and maintenance. We maintain rigorous safety standards that exceed industry norms while fostering innovation through technologies like Building Information Modeling.With a proven track record in both simple and complex projects, we combine historical expertise with modern methodologies to meet evolving client needs. Our community-focused approach extends beyond construction sites through active employee volunteerism and strategic charitable contributions. This holistic commitment to clients, team members, and the communities we serve has established us as Iowa's most trusted construction partner. Our legacy of excellence continues to grow alongside the regions we've helped develop for over a century and a half.
Services
Building Information Modeling
Design-Build Services
CM At Risk Negotiated
Pre-Construction Planning
Value Engineering
Scheduling Services
Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings
Estimating Services
Safety Compliance
Community Development
Highlights and features
- We are employee-owned with 140 years of continuous service to Iowa communities
- Our safety standards consistently exceed industry requirements
- We offer comprehensive construction lifecycle services from design to maintenance
- Our team includes certified pre-engineered metal building experts
- We maintain a 3-week look ahead scheduling system for project precision
What people say
Exceptional safety standards
Transparent communication
Community-focused approach
Reliable project delivery
Experienced team
Services
Building Information Modeling
Our Building Information Modeling (BIM) services utilize advanced 3D modeling to coordinate all project phases from design through maintenance. This technology enhances collaboration, reduces errors, and improves cost predictability for both simple and complex construction projects. Our BIM implementation ensures better decision-making throughout the entire building lifecycle.
Design-Build Services
Our Design-Build approach unifies design and construction teams under one contract, reducing project risk while accelerating timelines. This method streamlines decision-making and maintains consistent quality standards from concept through completion. Clients benefit from single-source accountability and cost transparency throughout the construction process.
Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings
We specialize in pre-engineered metal building solutions that reduce construction time and maintenance costs. As certified Varco Pruden dealers, our experts design flexible, durable structures that accommodate future expansions. These energy-efficient buildings offer cost-effective solutions for commercial and industrial applications across Iowa.
Safety Compliance
Our comprehensive safety program exceeds industry standards through continuous training and proactive risk assessment. We maintain dedicated safety officers and implement rigorous protocols to protect workers and project integrity. This commitment has earned us recognition as one of Iowa's safest construction firms.
Community Development
Through employee volunteer programs and strategic donations, we reinvest in Iowa communities where we operate. Our team actively supports organizations like Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity, strengthening local economies through both financial contributions and hands-on participation.
People
Kelly Edmonds
President & CEO
Leading Merit Construction's strategic direction with over 25 years of industry experience, Kelly champions employee ownership and client-focused innovation while maintaining our 140-year legacy of excellence.
Gordon Parker
Executive Vice President
With three decades at Merit, Gordon oversees major project execution and client relations, ensuring our construction services consistently meet the highest standards of quality and safety.
Miranda Von Ahsen
Chief Financial Officer
Managing financial operations since 2015, Miranda brings extensive construction accounting expertise, maintaining fiscal responsibility while supporting our employee-owned business model's unique requirements.
Scott Friauf
Chief Executive Officer
Scott provides executive leadership across operations and strategic growth initiatives, leveraging his deep understanding of Iowa's construction landscape to maintain our industry leadership position.
Chandler DeWees
Business Development Manager
Focusing on client acquisition and relationship building, Chandler connects Merit's capabilities with Iowa businesses' construction needs, emphasizing our unique employee-owned approach to service delivery.
Questions
What makes Merit Construction different from other Iowa contractors?
As Iowa's only employee-owned general contractor, we combine 140 years of experience with a unique business model that aligns our team's success with client satisfaction.
Do you handle both commercial and residential projects?
While we specialize in commercial construction, our expertise extends to institutional and industrial projects across Iowa, with notable experience in pre-engineered metal buildings.
How does your safety program benefit clients?
Our rigorous safety protocols reduce workplace incidents, minimize project delays, and lower insurance costs, delivering better value and predictable timelines for all stakeholders.
Can you manage complex construction projects?
Yes, our team has extensive experience with complex projects using advanced methodologies like BIM and design-build delivery systems to ensure successful outcomes.
What industries do you serve?
We work across diverse sectors including healthcare, education, manufacturing, and commercial development, adapting our expertise to meet each industry's specific requirements.
How do you support Iowa communities?
Beyond construction, we invest in local communities through employee volunteer programs and strategic charitable contributions that strengthen the regions where we operate.
