About - Weitz

About /

Building a Better Way Since 1855

The Weitz Company is the sixth oldest Architectural/Engineering/Construction firm in the United States. Over the last 170 years, we have forged our reputation by constantly seeking new construction innovations and technologies that provide our clients with predictable, reliable and collaborative services. Our financial strength, longevity and stability through more than 170 years of economic cycles has positioned us as a recognizable leader in the construction industry.

Learn More About How We Build a Better Way

Core Values /

Our Core Purpose is
to Build a Better Way

Honesty
& Integrity

We Embrace the
“Light of Day” Test

Respect
for People

People Matter
& We Live It

Performance with
Absolute Reliability

We Amaze the Customer
at Every Opportunity

Long-Term
Perspective

We Deliver Today with
an Eye on Tomorrow

Nurturing
Personal Growth

We Give Opportunities
to Learn, Lead & Have Fun

History /

SHAPED BY LEADERSHIP & INNOVATION SINCE 1855

The Weitz Company began as a small carpentry shop in 1855 in Fort Des Moines, Iowa, by Charles H. Weitz, an entrepreneurial German immigrant. As the construction company grew, Charles Weitz handed down his craft, sense of values, and quality to his sons, who in turn continued to pass the family business on for four generations. Always an innovator, The Weitz Company pioneered the development of precast concrete exterior wall construction and became one of the largest producers of architectural precast concrete. During World War II, The Weitz Company supported the war effort by constructing ammunition plants in record time.

Weitz emerged as an employee-owned company in March 1995 and continued to grow to more than 300 employee stockholders in the mid-2000s. During that time, The Weitz Company grew from a $250 million general contractor to a $1 billion industry leader with an expanding national footprint.

In December 2012, Weitz was purchased by global engineering and construction contractor Orascom Construction PLC, positioning the company for even further growth and construction opportunities. Orascom Construction PLC is a global industry leader with a robust international portfolio, executing numerous large and complex projects in over 20 countries. As a member of the Orascom Construction PLC global group, Weitz leverages the group’s international expertise and leading innovative strategies to deliver premier results to our clients across market sectors.

Leadership /

Inspiring a Company to
Turn a Vision into Reality

Our executive leaders know more than just construction — they understand how to motivate and encourage excellence. These distinct qualities have been defining factors that have allowed Weitz to innovate and grow throughout its history. Learn more about our Global Leadership team here.

Kevin McClain

President & Chief Executive Officer

Shane Bauer

Chief Operating Officer

Jeremy Marron

Chief Financial Officer

Jim Wells

Executive Vice President, Business Development

Ryan Lamb

Vice President, General Manager

Karmyn Babcock

Executive Vice President, Strategy Execution

Krista Robinson

Vice President of Human Resources

Awards And Rankings /

Success Achieved
by Reputation

#78

2025 Rank in ENR
Top 400 Contractors

Best General
Contractor in
Des Moines

27 Straight Years (1997-2024)

46th

In 2024 BD+C
Top 150 Contractors

Engineering News-Record (2025)

Top 400 Contractors (78th) • Top 50 Contractors Working Abroad (33rd) • Top 20 Contractors for Telecommunications (20th) • Top 50 Program Management Firms (47th) • Top 100 Design-Build Firms (71st) • Top 100 CM-at-Risk Firms (72nd) • Construction Management/PM-for-Fee Firms (86th)

Building Design + Construction (2024)

Giants 400 – Top 150 Contractors (46th) • Top 50 Data Center Contractors + CM Firms (17th) • Top 40 Student Housing Facility Contractors + CM Firms (7th) • Top 40 Senior Living Facility Contractors + CM Firms (16th) • Top 100 Apartment and Condominium Contractors (45th) • Top 100 Healthcare Sector Contractors + CM Firms (81st) • Top 80 Hospitality Sector Contractors + CM Firms (31st) • Top 90 Hotel Sector Contractors + CM Firms (26th) • Top 110 Industrial Sector Contractors + CM Firms (42nd) • Top 100 Multifamily Sector Contractors + CM Firms (30th) • Top 80 Science + Technology Facility Contractors + CM Firms (50th) • Top 100 K-12 School Contractors and CM Firms (56th) • Top 70 University Contractors and Construction Management Firms (57th) • Top 60 Airport Terminal Contractors and CM Firms (29th) • Top 125 Design-Build Construction Firms (40th) • Top 100 Government Sector Contractors + CM Firms – All Government Work (27th) • Top 50 Federal Government Contractors + CM Firms (39th) • Top 90 Local Government Contractors + CM Firms (25th) • Top 50 State Government Contractors + CM Firms (12th) • Top 35 Military Facility Contractors + CM Firms (20th) • Top 20 Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) Construction Firms (17th) • Top 70 University Sector Contractors and CM Firms (57th) Top 20 Convention Center Contractors + CM Firms (8th) • Top 60 Cultural Facilities Contractors and CM Firms – All Cultural Facilities Work (32nd) • Top 50 Cultural Facilities Contractors and CM Firms – Museums and Galleries (22nd) • Top 40 Cultural Facilities Contractors and CM Firms – Performing Arts and Concert Venues (22nd) • Top 25 Cultural Facilities Contractors and CM Firms – Public Libraries (19th) •  Top 120 Office Sector Contractors and CM Firms (69th) • Top 110 Office Building Core+Shell Contractors and CM Firms (51st) • Top 90 Workplace/Interior Fitout Contractors and CM Firms (80th) • Top 40 Parking Structure Contractors + CM Firms (25th) • Top 50 Justice Facility/Public Safety Contractors + CM Firms (49th) • Top 150 Reconstruction Sector Contractors + CM Firms (67th) • Top 50 Religious Facility Contractors + CM Firms (42nd) • Top 90 Retail Sector Contractors and CM Firms — All Retail Buildings Work (87th) • Top 40 Retail Contractors and CM Firms — Entertainment Centers, Cineplexes, Theme Parks (34th)

“The friendships made through the project, the ethics of each individual working on the job, the 'can do' attitude all lead to separating The Weitz Company from others.”

Lennis Pederson
Director of Facilities Management, Creighton University

Giving Back /

Committed To Giving Back
to Communities Nationwide

The Weitz Company supports a variety of charitable and community organizations both on a national and local chapter level. Some of these organizations include:

Habitat for Humanity
Learn More

Affiliations /

Supportive & Engaged with
Outstanding Industry Affiliates

The Weitz Company is associated with many industry-related organizations both on a national and local chapter level. Some of these organizations include:

Associated Builders & Contractors; Associated General Contractors; American Institute of Architects; American Seniors Housing Association; American Society of Professional Engineers; American Subcontractors Association; Design-Build Institute of America; Lean Construction Institute; NAIOP; National Association of Women in Construction; United States Green Building Council; Urban Land Institute.

See All Affiliations