Held each year during the MBI Winter Conference, the awards programs are a celebration of the Iowa commercial construction industry and everything that has been achieved over the previous twelve months. The awards recognize companies, teams and individuals who deliver outstanding results in the industry through collaboration and innovation. These prestigious awards provide one of the most effective platforms for leading companies to maximize their industry exposure for excelling in the Iowa construction industry. This recognition helps attract new clients, bolster existing relationships and raise overall company morale. 

Master Builders of Iowa takes great pride in recognizing individual and organizational achievements in the Iowa construction industry.  Through MBI’s annual awards programs, members can receive recognition for excellence in construction. The annual awards are presented at highly visible events and all members are encouraged to submit nominations. 

The awards presentations continue to break records, elevating the profile of the companies involved. In order to be awarded for all your efforts you must take part in the awards process - plan now to submit in one, or multiple award programs.

2025 Awards & Recognition Brochure 

  • Build Iowa Award

  • Masters Award

  • Master Builder Achievement Award

  • Outstanding Company Safety Achievement Awards

  • Safety MVP

  • WORKSAFE Project of the Year Award

Build Iowa Award

  • Overview
  • Latest Recipient
  • Past Recipient

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

2024 Build Iowa Award Recipient

Scott Friauf

  • Rinderknecht Associates

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

  • 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

Masters Award

  • Overview
  • Latest Recipient
  • Past Recipient

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 - $40Million, +$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

2024 Masters Award Recipients

The Hansen Company

  • Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines C3 Center

Graham Construction

  • Stanley Center for Peace and Security

Ryan Companies US, Inc.

  • Jewel & Jim Plumb Heart Center at Mercy Medical Center

Past Recipients

  • 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 Co. | 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 Co. | Weaton Franciscan Healthcare Covenant Medical Center - Surgery Renovation

  • 2018

    Peters Construction Corp. | SingleSpeed Brewing Co.

Master Builder Achievement Award

  • Overview
  • Latest Recipient
  • Past Recipient

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

2024 Master Builder Achievement Award Recipients

Corey Anderson

  • Baker Group

Rachel Breuer

  • Cardinal Construction Inc.

Shawn Corey

  • Story Construction Co.

Chuck Danner

  • Hy-Vee Construction Co.

Mike Egenberger

  • Estes Construction

Major Ennen

  • Murray Company

Joey Esser

  • Graham Construction Co.

Dane Gerlich

  • Graham Construction Co.

Austin Horner

  • Ball Team

BJ Kelly

  • Bush Construction Company

Braxton Lewis

  • The Hansen Company

Phill Nieman

  • Schumacher Elevator Company

Shamus Stephens

  • Skold Construction Services, Inc.

Stephen Van Beek

  • Hy-Vee Construction

Mike Wiedman

  • Elder Corporation

Past Recipients

  • Travis Benz (2021)

    Russell

  • Mike Bonewitz (2021)

    Knutson Construction Services Inc.

  • Matt Bulkeley (2019)

    Conlon Construction Co.

  • Nate Burgod (2023)

    Elite Glass & Metal

  • Krista Carter (2023)

    HRTLND Companies

  • Jim Comisky (2023)

    The Weitz Company

  • Adam Day (2018)

    Eick & Day Construction, LLC

  • Tyler Edgington (2021)

    Hubbell Construction Services, LLC

  • Jason Eveland (2021)

    The Hansen Company, Inc.

  • Matthew Frandsen (2023)

    Keen Project Solutions, LLC

  • David Halbrook (2020)

    Reilly Construction

  • Jeremy Harder (2022)

    The Hansen Company, Inc.

  • Tony Herring (2019)

    Woodruff Construction

  • Erin Hiscox (2019)

    Hy-Vee Construction

  • Lee Hollatz (2017)

    The Hansen Company, Inc.

  • Michael Huff (2023)

    Dean Snyder Construction

  • Brandon Johnson (2023)

    Lang Construction Group

  • Doug Kumm (2019)

    Baker Group

  • Kevin Larsen (2018)

    Woodruff Construction

  • Chris McMullen (2019)

    Hubbell Construction Services, LLC

  • Nic Merfeld (2022)

    HRTLND Companies

  • Bill Miller (2021)

    J.E. Dunn Construction

  • Brian Mulcahy (2020)

    Hubbell Construction Services

  • Michael Norris (2021)

    A.J. Allen Mechanical Contractors, Inc.

  • Jacob Pesek (2021)

    The Hansen Company, Inc.

  • Chad Reineke (2021)

    Elder Corporation

  • Cory Reierson (2023)

    Woodruff Construction

  • 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

  • Brent Thompson (2021)

    Elder Corporation

  • Joshua Thrap (2018)

    Hy-Vee Construction

  • Nick Tometich (2022)

    Elder Corporation

  • John Williams (2020)

    HPC, LLC.

  • Garrett Young (2022)

    HRTLND Companies

  • Tom Yung (2022)

    Hubbell Construction Services, LLC

  • Justin Stanley (2023)

    Point Builders, LLC

Outstanding Company Safety Achievement Awards

  • Overview
  • Latest Recipient
  • Past Recipient

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 Joe Melton at JMelton@MBI.Build

2024 Outstanding Company Safety Achievement Award Recipients

Graham Construction Co.

  • General Contractor Category

Elder Corporation

  • Subcontractor Category

Past Recipients

  • 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 Co., General Contractor Category

  • 2018

    The Waldinger Corporation, Specialty Contractor Category

  • Overview
  • Latest Recipient
  • Past Recipient

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 Joe Melton at JMelton@MBI.Build

2024 Safety MVP Recipient

Scott Lewis

  • Elder Corporation

Past Recipients

  • 2023

    Pat Crosby | Hubbell Construction Services, LLC

WORKSAFE Project of the Year Award

  • Overview
  • Latest Recipient
  • Past Recipient

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 Joe Melton at JMelton@MBI.Build

2024 WORKSAFE Project of the Year Award

Graham Construction Co.

  • Broadlawns Medical Center at Drake

Past Recipients

  • 2023

    Lang Construction Group | Boone CSD Early Childhood Center