Some retirements mark an ending. Paul Koons’ marks a beginning. On July 31st, more than a hundred people gathered in Columbus to celebrate the well-earned retirement of Paul Koons, known to most as PK, at the newly dedicated Paul Koons Development Center—a space built to train the next generation of builders.
From First Job to Namesake
The renovated facility is a fitting tribute, because “The Shop” once stood in its place. The newly renovated space is a fitting tribute, as it was one of Paul’s first projects at Crossland. Back then, the company needed a simple space to store tools, service equipment, and organize crews. That shop quickly became the daily huddle spot, where teams gathered each morning to gear up, get their marching orders, and head out to job sites. Today, in its place stands a brand-new learning center, a symbol of how far we’ve come and a lasting reminder of the man who helped build it.
A Work Ethic Built Early
Before there were Crossland job trailers and company trucks, Paul and the Crossland brothers were learning how to work. As teenagers, they spent summers at the lake painting houses, shingling roofs, and cutting weeds with sickles. It wasn’t glamorous, but it taught them to roll up their sleeves and get the job done.
That hands-on, figure-it-out mentality became Paul’s trademark. He didn’t start with a title. He started on the ground floor as a laborer, project manager, and eventually, General Superintendent. But titles never defined him. What did was his willingness to do the work, teach others, and stay humble every step of the way.
Taking a Chance on Crossland
Paul grew up in Columbus, Kansas, right alongside the Crossland brothers. They shared the same small-town grit, spending their early years working odd jobs and learning the value of hard work long before job titles and company logos entered the picture.
In 1984, Paul was a couple of years out of college, working at Ace Electric, when Curt Crossland gave him a nudge. One night, over a game of pool and a few beers, Curt said, “You need to call the old man.” Paul picked up the phone, and the next day, he and Ivan Sr. sat down at Turner’s Dairy Belle, a little burger joint in town. Senior didn’t sugarcoat anything. He told Paul about a $2.2 million project at a nearby elementary school, a big job for Crossland at the time. “I don’t know where this is going,” Senior said. “We might lose our ass. But I can promise you one thing, it’s going to be a hell of a lot of hard work.”
“And it was,” Paul laughed.
The Calm in the Chaos
Every job has its challenges. Things go sideways, tensions rise, and chaos takes over. That is when people called Paul. He was the steady hand, the calm in the storm. The one who showed up, no matter how tough the situation, and quietly brought things back in order.
His leadership wasn’t loud, but it was always heard. Paul answered the phone when no one else did. He solved problems without making them bigger. Over time, it became clear that if Paul Koons was on your job, you had a fighting chance, no matter how rough it got.
Leading by Example, Not by Volume
By 2008, Paul officially took on the role of General Superintendent. But the truth is, he had been leading long before anyone gave him the title. His job was to support the supers, keep the jobs moving, and be there for the field. He did that the only way he knew how, by showing up.
If you visited one of Paul’s jobs, you would find him with a notepad in his left hand and a pen in his right, quietly walking the site. He would jot down a note here, give a quick piece of advice there. He didn’t bark orders or micromanage. He listened. He taught. He pulled people up the hill instead of pushing them. He set the bar through his actions.
Where Paul Left His Mark: People
Paul had a reputation for taking on the toughest jobs. The bigger the challenge, the more likely it was that Paul was leading the charge. But his real legacy lives in the people, not the projects.
Over the years, he quietly mentored hundreds of field engineers, laborers, supers, project managers, and company leaders. Whether it was someone stepping into their first role or someone who just needed backup, Paul was the steady voice beside them. He didn’t push people forward. He walked with them until they were ready to lead on their own.
The respect he earned was evident. Subcontractors who had worked with Paul for years made the trip to celebrate his retirement. Their presence said it all, PK had a lasting impact on everyone who worked with him.
A Legacy That Lives On
Over four decades, Paul didn’t just witness Crossland’s growth—he helped build it. From that first $2.2 million school job to becoming a $2 billion company, Paul’s fingerprints are on every milestone. He built the teams, set the standards, and protected the culture through it all. Crossland didn’t grow by accident. It grew because of people like Paul Koons, who showed up every day and made sure the work got done the right way. He never wanted the spotlight. But he earned it. That’s why we proudly dedicate this space as the Paul Koons Development Center—a place where the next generation of leaders will learn to show up, do the hard work, and do it the right way.
Ivan Jr. ended his dedication speech with these simple words: “Paul, thank you for 41 years of building this company. And more importantly, thank you for 41 years of friendship.”
What’s Next
As Paul steps into retirement, his legacy continues through the next generation. His son, Eric Koons, is already taking the reins, carrying forward the same steady leadership, work ethic, and people-first mindset that defined his father’s career. Just like Paul, Eric isn’t chasing titles—he’s focused on building the right way, leading by example, and making sure the Crossland culture stays strong. The foundation has been poured. Now it’s time for the next Koons to build on it
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