Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Iowa Construction Solutions
Founded in 1934 as James Thompson & Sons, we have served Iowa for over 85 years as an employee-owned merit shop. Our Core Focus centers on building because people matter, delivering construction projects through general contracting, construction management, and design-build services. We specialize in commercial, industrial, manufacturing, warehouse, senior living, churches, schools, higher education facilities, research labs, government buildings, treatment plants, and food processing facilities. Since 2012, we have implemented the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to maintain clear direction and strategic planning. Our proprietary lean construction system, Construction Production 2.0, prioritizes employee retention, worksite safety, reduced waste, and enhanced project value.We embody values of positivity, caring, integrity, teamwork, helpfulness, and planning in every project. In 2022, we transitioned to 100% employee ownership through an ESOP, sharing financial success with all team members. Our approach combines deep industry experience with innovative methodologies to help clients focus on their core missions.
Services
General Contracting
Construction Management
Design-Build
Lean Construction
Employee-Owned Services
Details
- Year established: 1934
Highlights and features
- 85+ years of construction experience in Iowa
- 100% employee-owned company since 2022
- Proprietary lean construction system (Construction Production 2.0)
- Core values of integrity, teamwork, and community focus
- Serving diverse markets from education to government facilities
Services
General Contracting
We provide comprehensive general contracting services for commercial and industrial projects. Our team manages all aspects of construction from planning to completion, ensuring quality execution and adherence to timelines. Clients benefit from our 85+ years of experience and employee-owned accountability.
Construction Management
Our construction management services offer expert oversight for complex projects. We coordinate teams, budgets, and schedules while maintaining our core values of integrity and teamwork. Clients receive transparent communication and risk mitigation throughout the building process.
Design-Build
We deliver design-build services that streamline construction through single-source responsibility. This approach combines design and construction expertise to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. Clients benefit from faster project delivery and cohesive team collaboration.
Lean Construction
Our proprietary Construction Production 2.0 system applies lean principles to eliminate waste and improve value. This methodology focuses on safety, quality, and employee development while delivering cost-effective solutions for clients across multiple industries sectors.
Employee-Owned Services
As a 100% employee-owned company since 2022, we align our team's success with client satisfaction. This structure fosters accountability and innovation, ensuring every project reflects our commitment to excellence and community impact through construction expertise.
People
Mike Espeset
CEO
Leading Story Construction's strategic vision, Mike ensures alignment with our core values while driving innovation in construction delivery methods and client relationships.
Pat Geary
President
Overseeing daily operations, Pat focuses on maintaining quality standards across projects and fostering growth through our employee-owned culture.
Shane Hall
Chief Financial Officer
Shane manages financial strategy and sustainability, ensuring resources support both client needs and employee ownership benefits.
Brant Carr
Director of Preconstruction
Brant leads preconstruction efforts, delivering accurate estimates and value engineering solutions to optimize project outcomes for clients.
Russ Lewton
Director of Operations
Russ oversees project execution, ensuring safe, efficient delivery while maintaining our commitment to lean construction principles.
Questions
What construction services does Story Construction offer?
We provide general contracting, construction management, and design-build services for commercial, industrial, educational, and government projects across Iowa.
Is Story Construction employee-owned?
Yes, since 2022 we have been 100% employee-owned through an ESOP, sharing financial success with all team members.
What is Construction Production 2.0?
Our proprietary lean construction system focuses on reducing waste, improving safety, and enhancing project value through innovative workflows.
How long has Story Construction been in business?
We were founded in 1934 as James Thompson & Sons and have operated continuously in Iowa for over 85 years.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Iowa, with offices in Ames and Sioux City, handling projects across commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors.
What values guide Story Construction?
Our core values of positivity, caring, integrity, teamwork, helpfulness, and planning shape every project and client relationship.
