Estes Construction
ICONS

WORK HARD.

WIN BIG.

People want to work at Estes. The projects are challenging. The culture collaborative. Expectations are high to develop solutions that deliver a successful client outcome. The reward comes when clients ask us to collaborate a second, third or fourth time. Estes is a recognized leader in construction in Iowa and Illinois and is the leading K-12 school builder in Iowa.

THE PREFERRED CHOICE

Being the best is our true desire. The best builder. The best employer. Achieving this standard of excellence drives us and reminds us daily that being average isn't the Estes way.

Company founders Jim and Lori Estes started their company nearly 50 years ago with the guiding principles of advocacy, value, responsiveness and leadership. These four tenets are still the foundation of everything we do and define our culture.

ADVOCACY

Our unique project approach called Client Centered Collaboration® focuses on client advocacy and collaboration within the entire project team. Whether it's the Estes pre-construction specialists developing cost savings options for you called Smart Choices® or the site superintendent phasing work to meet a tight deadline, everybody is involved and working as a team from concept to completion to deliver a successful outcome.

As your advocate, Estes is transparent in presenting all available options, including those that might help you spend less. This client centered approach is a key differentiator and the reason clients often cite as their influencing factor in selecting Estes.

VALUE

Maximizing the team approach and turning collective IQ into savings for you, Estes utilizes a project delivery method called integrated project delivery (IPD). This approach multiplies the effects of client centered collaboration and can typically save Estes clients over 10%.

The Smart Choices® you are offered during the planning stage allow you to evaluate the short and long-term costs and functionality of materials and systems, giving you greater control over costs during your building's lifecycle. And during construction, costs are closely monitored and you receive a monthly report, including your contingency balance. No surprises at the end of a job. This approach to the budget helps Estes deliver the best value.

RESPONSIVENESS

We can't control the weather, but we can control the schedule, costs, quality and safety during construction. And if an issue comes up during planning or construction, we'll quickly offer solutions and guide you through options. Frequent and honest communication resolves many issues and you always have direct access to your Estes team.

"I could not be happier about the work of your team in making this happen and neither could my board. You have set up a process that not only is efficient, but has been communicated from the beginning."

Deborah A. Olson, Superintendent
Clinton Community School District

LEADERSHIP

Learn. Lead. Advance. This phrase captures the educational and advancement opportunities that are available to everybody within Estes. Everybody is a leader and is expected to step forward with ideas to improve a process, project or their own performance.

Leadership and advancement opportunities drive Estes' high employee engagement and help ensure dedicated people are working on your project. Each person is valued and appreciated and the recognition received from a national company that measures engagement is evidence that our leadership and education initiatives are among the best in the industry.

BUILDING A TEAM

Estes President Kent Pilcher was interviewed by Strategic Coach, the leading workshop program for entrepreneurs looking to multiply their success, and spoke on the podcast about the role a great team plays in achieving business growth.

COMPANY FOUNDERS JIM AND LORI ESTES

INCLUSIVE CULTURE

We value every voice and know diverse experiences and opinions make our work stronger. Estes is a champion of women in construction, supporting the career advancement of the talented women who work in field and office roles. We include female and minority-owned businesses in bidding because we want the best partners working on our projects.

Our work reflects the diversity found in every community. Churches of many denominations partner with Estes. Non-profits that serve minority at-risk youth partner with Estes.

Our communities matter to us. We provide financial support to non-profits dedicated to helping small businesses thrive. The Black Business Loan Program Estes supports taps into the potential of black business owners and entrepreneurs who are making a difference by creating jobs and stabilizing neighborhoods.

We strengthen our communities and broaden our experiences by volunteering to serve those who are under represented. These actions make Estes a better company. And make us better as humans.

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT

Jim and Lori Estes generously committed their time and resources as advocates for the community. Continuing their legacy of giving, Estes is actively involved in organizations that promote talent development and retention, welcome diversity and drive economic growth in our communities.