Who We Are - Company History

Sargent Construction Company was founded in 1973 by Donald and Barbara Sargent. Don was an iron worker by trade since the early 60’s. His career had allowed him to work on such projects as Tom Sauk reservoir, Pea Ridge mine, St. Louis Arch and many projects across the country when he traveled as far as South Dakota and Wyoming. The early 70’s were a tough business climate with high interest rates and inflation. However Don started the company in March 1973 signing as a representative with Star Metal Building Systems and purchasing a new Allis Chalmer’s 21’ straight mast forklift. The office was not elaborate but conveniently located in the basement of their residence.

The 70’s and early 80’s the company grew and by 1981 a new office was built on Business 67 S. The house and yard was once again occupied by flowers and grass in lieu of steel and metal panels. The new office was an improvement to the small staff (Don Phipps, Dan Tilk (part time), Don and Barbara Sargent) but was built with left over materials from past jobs. A habit of always looking for ways to save money and never throwing anything away was part of what we were. Don was also a very capable welder, fabricator and craftsmen and very hands on with his projects.

During the late 70’s a relationship was developed with Casey’s General Stores and we began to travel all across Missouri building their stores. The crew became so efficient that the turn around time was 30 days. The early 80’s again brought traveling but this time out of state to government jobs as far away as Texas, Louisiana, and Kentucky. The local area business environment began to rebound in 1982 and Sargent began working closer to their home base. The 80’s were a time of recognition for Sargent Construction as a General Contractor that specialized in pre-engineered metal buildings.

The practice of design/build construction became a company trait. Tragically in April of 1987, Don Sargent, President and founder of Sargent Construction was killed in an automobile accident. The Sargent family and employees never questioned that the company should continue. Don had established a tremendous work ethic in his employees and a good reputation with clients. Renee his daughter, a civil engineer working with a construction company in St. Louis returned to run the business and continue her fathers work.

The late 80’s filled Sargent Construction’s schedule with lots of metal building work and a new relationship with a large company called Gilster Mary Lee Corporation. Gilster a private labeling food manufacturer based in Chester, IL was expanding plants and warehouses in both Missouri and Illinois. Our average jobs prior to this time were 10 to 15,000 square feet. The buildings for Gilster ranged in size from a few hundred square feet to a 250,000 square foot distribution center.

The 90’s through present have been tremendous years for our company. We have honed our skills as a General Contractor specializing in design/build construction. Our customers have been successful during these years and continue to add on to their buildings and expand their business.

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