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Crossland Construction Red Iron Award Winner

Hard working, Passionate, Dedication – words to describe Brian Denney.

He exemplifies what it means to be a Crossland Construction employee.

So what do most people think of when they hear Brian Denney’s name? 

”His laugh,” DJ McClenny said. 

“His damn laugh,” Aaron Drain said. 

“You can’t mention Brian without thinking about his laugh,” Grant Goodwin said. 

Ok, so what’s up with this laugh?

“It’s this deep down belly laugh,” Goodwin, Project Manager, said. “It’s not like a deep voice kind of thing, but this cackling laugh.”

Drain, Superintendent, also described it as a “cackle” that “no one can imitate.”

“If you’ve ever heard it,” he said, “there’s definitely no denying, once you hear it, exactly who it is. We were at a restaurant one time, and he busted out laughing. This guy comes up to him and says, ‘Is your wife a nurse?’ He knew Brian from his laugh.”

His laughter and personable spirit, coupled with his boundless devotion to the Crossland team, earned Denney this year’s Red Iron Award. Each year, this honor is given to a single employee who represents the values and work ethic of our company’s founder, Ivan “Red Iron” Crossland Sr.

“The ultimate compliment here that someone could be given is that grandpa would have been proud of you,” said Mattie Crossland, Ivan Sr.’s granddaughter and Director of Crossland Realty. “Winning this award means that not only would grandpa have been proud of you, but he would have told you himself that you’re doing a hell of a job.”

“I was very excited and proud when I won the Red Iron award, said Denney. I know the quality of people who have received this award, so for me, it was truly a blessing and a milestone in my career. I can’t thank Crossland enough for what they have done for me to get me where I am today.”

McClenny, Vice President for Wichita, said Denney is deserving of the award for many reasons.

“First, it’s his ability to see the big picture,” he said. “He can step back out of a situation, analyze it, get into the details, and figure it out. At the same time, he has amazing attention to detail. He’s also a relationship builder, and that just helps the whole job go smoothly.” 

Drain said Denney is “super sharp in the field.”

“He wants to be the best at whatever he’s doing,” Drain said. “He wants to learn everything he can.”

Aaron Drain

Superintendent

To Drain’s surprise, that also includes tennis.

“The first time I met Brian, I thought that this guy is an athlete,” he said. “Come to find out, he may be the Roger Federer of Independence, Kansas. If it wasn’t for working at Crossland, he might be at Wimbledon.”

Of course, hearing that would probably make Denney laugh … err, cackle. Which, of course, would make everyone else laugh, too.

“It’s contagious,” Goodwin said.

When Brian isn’t hard at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Jennifer, and their three kids, Aiden (16), Allie (13), and Abbott (9). When they’re not busy with their kid’s sporting events, they like being outdoors hunting and fishing.

It’s All About The Concrete

“It’s all about the concrete. When you get to the jobsite, you hop out of the truck as soon as you hear that concrete truck coming. Concrete won’t wait for you.”

Communication is critical on any construction project. A crew has to talk and be on the same page. For the concrete crew of Octabio Arellano, Alberto Arellano, and Alfonso Sandoval, that part just comes naturally.

“We’re all from the same area,” Alberto said. “We all know each other, and we’ve got that chemistry. Sometimes you don’t even have to say anything, and you can just give each other a look, and you know what’s being said. We’re locked in.”

His brother, Octabio, said teamwork is driven mainly by the shared goal of doing their best while completing projects.

“We all give 100 percent no matter the circumstances,” he said. “Seeing the project completed is super rewarding.”

Ben Hill, Crossland’s Concrete Division Manager, praised the crew for their teamwork and dedication.

“Octabio and his crew are hard working, dedicated, and always willing to take on difficult projects. They do quality work and a fantastic job. I’m lucky to have them.”

Ben Hill

Concrete Division Manager

Alberto said the crew doesn’t have a “typical day” on a jobsite. It all depends on the project and, of course, the main ingredient.

“It’s all about the concrete,” he said. “When you get to the jobsite, you hop out of your truck as soon as you hear that (concrete) truck coming. Concrete won’t wait on you.” 

Octabio said he enjoys the variety of jobs that Crossland provides.

“It could be a quick and easy day, or it could be a long and exhausting day,” he said. “It just depends on the concrete.”

The brothers also praised Crossland for the care shown to employees.

“It’s a great company,” Octabio said. “They take care of you, just like family.”

Alberto said he’s motivated by how Crossland rewards employees for their hard work.

“If you try hard, try to improve, the raise is there,” he said. “There are lots of opportunities here. It’s a good job, man, and it’s a good living.”

Going Above & Beyond

Rachelle Camacho does not like to say no. There’s nothing she can’t figure out. And, she always gets the job done!

Rachelle was recently promoted to Real Estate Property Manager from her role of Special Projects / Talent Acquisition in the Wichita office. But ask anyone who knows her, and they’ll tell you her contributions go way beyond the titles. 

“Her ability and willingness to jump in and do something she hasn’t done before is what makes her special,” said DJ McClenny, Vice President for Wichita. 

“At Crossland, we’re always looking for someone to step in and fill gaps we may have in certain areas, and Rachelle has fit that role in so many instances.”

Camacho is not one to seek or even enjoy recognition, but that didn’t stop the Wichita Business Journal from naming her in their 2021 Women in Business list. This recognition spotlights the Wichita area’s top women professionals “who see to it that their companies succeed while also pushing through barriers in their careers to achieve.”

Mattie Crossland, Crossland’s Director of Real Estate, said Camacho is the prime example of someone who continues to push herself to grow and achieve at higher levels.

“Her tenacity really stands out,” Crossland said. “She can do absolutely anything she sets her mind to. And not only will she do it, but she’ll also go above and beyond every time. Her passion, persistence, and dedication are what really set her apart.”

That tenacity recently led Camacho to earn her Facility Management Professional (FMP) certification from the International Facility Management Association. She told us that conquering a challenging task like the FMP is the biggest reward.

She likes challenging work and learning new things. A “typical” workday isn’t for her, which is probably why she never has one.

“I like the diversity of my job,” she said. “No day is ever the same. It’s how I work, and it’s a challenge, but I love it. I feel like a sponge sometimes. I enjoy consuming as much information and responsibility as I can.”

We asked her to list a few things she works on in any given week—and the answer took awhile.

“Facility management, warranty management, works with our Realty Group, HR generalist, talent acquisition and recruitment, project staffing and manpower movements…,” she said, knowing there is more, but she’ll stop there. “It makes my job unique, and I juggle it all as it comes.”

McClenny praised Camacho’s willingness to wear different hats and her ability to do it all at the highest level.

“She understands the big picture,” he said. “She knows the general direction of things and is aware of the ins and outs. You don’t teach that. She just has that unique ability to understand everything put in front of her. She digs into it and helps solve problems.” 

Rachelle is definitely someone you want on your team. Thank you for mastering the art of multi-tasking and being the ultimate rockstar!

Pay It Forward

Jeremiah Schneiter proves that diligence, being a team player, and hard work can put you on a fast track in your career.

Jeremiah Schneiter heard all the catchy phrases about Crossland before he started here.

“Promote from within” was one. “Family-oriented” was another. The type of phrases you might see on a billboard. “What was really cool was seeing those phrases put into practice here,” stated Schneiter. At Crossland, you see their core values being lived out, and I saw it in how I was promoted.”

Schneiter, now a superintendent and mentor, started at Crossland six years ago as a carpenter. A hard worker who likes to learn, he quickly found himself wanting to know more and achieve more. Less than a year into his Crossland career, he tested out of the Crossland Academy Apprenticeship Program. 

The Apprenticeship Program provides educational opportunities to employees while they’re working full time. It aims to “fast track” employees to career advancement within the company. Mark Robinson, Crossland Trade Instructor explains that, “while you’re working through the coursework, you’re also using the knowledge you’re gaining to take on more responsibility on the job site. You get to apply what you’re learning through the Crossland Academy in real time.”

Schneiter is a prime example of the value and power of advancement through continuing education.

“Jeremiah quickly jumped into the culture of Crossland,” DJ McClenny, VP of our Wichita Division, said. “He already had a great skill set when he came here, but he needed a little education to fill some gaps. He dug right into it and at one time had the record for the most education hours in a single year.”

That dedication to learning and the company helped Schneiter quickly advance into an assistant superintendent role. A year later, he was promoted to superintendent. He is now paying it forward by serving as a mentor to new employees who want to advance, just as he did.

“It’s rewarding getting to work with guys in the same position I was in,” he said. “I enjoy getting to guide them along and watch their journeys progress. It’s a long path that takes constant effort, but you get out what you put in. It’s all about keeping yourself motivated and keeping your eye on the end goal.”

Schneiter said the educational opportunities Crossland provides are rare in the construction industry.

“You can learn and grow so quickly here,” he said. “I’ve never seen anything like this at another company.”

McClenny said Schneiter has been essential to helping new Crossland employees in Wichita succeed.

“He’s leading people and has been instrumental to new employee onboarding,” he said. “That’s a big deal for new employees. He’s also been great in making sure we have local mentors in the Wichita division.”

McClenny said that Schneiter’s story is used to motivate employees in our apprenticeship and mentorship program.

“If you’re looking for advancement, stick with it,” McClenny said. “It works.” 

The Sky’s The Limit

The number of women working in the construction industry has steadily grown over the past 5 to 7 years. However, women still only make up ten percent of the construction workforce. 

Madison Ford understands that. She knows she may be one of few, if not the only woman on some job sites. But don’t think for a minute that’s going to stop her.

“I know that there are a lot of men who still aren’t used to seeing women on the jobsite,” Ford, an ironworker at Crossland, said. “That just means you have to step up and prove yourself, and it strengthens you as a person and at work.”

Ford is working at Crossland while also pursuing a construction management degree. Her goal is to one day be a project manager.

“I want to take the knowledge I’m gaining and move up here,” Ford said. “I want to keep growing and become more of an asset to the company. The key is just to come to work and do your best every single day.”

The construction industry appeals to Ford, she said, because she loves the sense of accomplishment that comes with finishing a project.

“My favorite part of the job is starting something from the beginning, watching the process unfold, and seeing the end result,” she said. “When it’s done, you can step back and know that you built that. That’s awesome to me. There’s no better feeling than driving by something you helped build yourself.”

Jake Doss, Steel Division Manager, said Ford has a tremendous work ethic and is primed to have a successful career in the construction industry.

“Madison has a ton of potential and is an excellent worker. I wish I had a dozen more like her. I can’t wait to see where she goes here,” stated Jake Doss, Steel Division Manager.

When she’s not helping erect steel on the job site, Ford said she spends a lot of time listening to music. She also likes to hunt and has her own photography business.

Her words to live by are: 

“Don’t underestimate yourself. You can always do a lot more than what you think.”

We’re proud to have Madison as part of the Crossland family and believe the sky’s the limit for her.

Crossland Heavy Contractors Hires New Director of Engineering

LOWELL, ARKANSAS – Crossland Heavy Contractors is proud to announce the recent hire of William (Bill) Hagenburger, Director of Engineering.

Hagenburger brings over 30 years of industry experience to Crossland Heavy, working alongside us for the last 15 of those. We met Bill in 2006 when Crossland Heavy landed its most significant deal to date, a $26 million water treatment plant expansion for Beaver Water District. That project, fortunately, came with a committed partner in Beaver Water District and in their Chief Operating Officer, Bill Hagenburger.

“Any time you have a construction project and the opportunity to work with an invested client, that project tends to be more successful,” Dan Thompson, Crossland Heavy Arkansas VP, and Division Manager said.

Hagenburger will significantly grow what our company can offer to municipalities.

“Bill will bring the perspective of an owner which will help our team have a more comprehensive approach in pursuing, designing, and managing a collaborative delivery project,” Thompson said. “Up to this point, CHC has brought the constructability review to a design. Bill will bring the operation and maintenance know-how to that design as well, to show the client that we are concerned about their project from more than just the construction of it, but also to the long-term life cycle cost and ease of operation.”

Hagenburger’s arrival marks a turning point for Crossland Heavy as we continue to solidify our place in the market. We are committed to bringing in the best people to render the highest quality for our clients.

“I have been lucky to work with a lot of people from Crossland in my previous job,” Hagenburger said, “I look forward to working with this great group of people here and building great things.”