Meet Scott Dwyer, the business development manager at Dean Snyder Construction.
Tell us a little about your business. – Dean Snyder Construction (www.deansnyder.com) is a full-service industrial and commercial general contractor that specializes in food and beverage processing, industrial manufacturing, and a wide variety of commercial projects. The company has been established for more than 60 years. We are committed to exceeding our client’s expectations, which has led to long-term customer satisfaction. Today, Dean Snyder Construction has grown to include ATURA architecture, providing design and architectural services to the public and private sectors in Iowa. We have locations in Omaha and Clear Lake and Ankeny, IA, and approximately 230 employees and projects throughout the Midwest. Dean Snyder Construction recently started an Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) which has been a great vehicle to reward our employees for their hard work and in recruiting talent for future growth.
How did you get started in the business? – I started working construction in the summers growing up and always enjoyed seeing things being built from start to finish. After college, I took a role in the construction staffing industry which gave me more insight to the different sectors within the construction industry. Years of building relationships in the Greater Omaha area led me to joining Dean Snyder Construction and then helping lead the expansion to this market.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Omaha is a booming market and has lots of opportunities for work. I think finding the right balance of projects that are a good fit for the work we do while also being mindful of schedules. Lead times on material and the fluctuating cost can be a major strain on our customers, so we try to help find the best solutions to keep moving forward while controlling rising cost the best we can.
Tell us a little about your family. – I’m blessed to have two children, Rex (2) and Stella (8 months), and my wife Anna. Can’t forget our doggo Riley as well!
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – A good round of golf and wrapping the day up with the family at the pool.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – I had an old coach tell me that you’re either moving forwards or backwards, there’s no staying still. So, make sure you know which direction you’re heading. I always thought that was a great outlook at life. This also ties in well with a quote from J.P. Morgan: “The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.”
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – I’d love to say a professional golfer, but I couldn’t be further from one. So, being a pilot would be a great profession. I grew up with aviation in the family as my grandfather was the FBO back home and owned a charter business, and my father sold planes for years.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Memories for Kids. I just got involved with the organization, but I love the work they do to fulfill and document family memories for people with terminal cancer that have children. I’ve unfortunately experienced cancer in my family, so I really feel passionate about helping with this cause.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – My last read was Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 660-5305; sdwyer@deansnyder.com; www.deansnyder.com.