History

"When I started the company, we had nothing so there was nothing to lose. We took risks because that's how you grow. And we built relationships and sealed contracts with a handshake because we grew up with an understanding that your word is your bond." — Dick Ames, founder

After working 10 years alongside his mentor, Verdie Volden, owner of V. J. Volden Highway Construction Company, Dick Ames bought a used 1953 Cat D8 and went out on his own. Ames Construction started at a time when government programs were in place to assist farmers with soil conservation efforts, townships were beginning to expand into cities, and funding became available to help grow the infrastructure of the nation's highway system. One by one, Ames family members joined the company and were persistent in pursuing work to keep the small company going. By the mid-1960s, their contacts with community leaders and business people began to pay off.

• Dick Ames starts his contracting business in Minnesota as Richard J. Ames Excavating
• First road job: Grading two miles of township road
• Dick asks his brother, Raymond "Butch" Ames, to partner with him
• The company is renamed Ames Construction, Inc.
• Soil conservation work and residential site development gave a big boost to the small company; John, Tom and Larry Ames join the company
• Ames proudly joins Associated General Contractors

"We've had good years and bad years, but we got through them and are a stronger company for it. We owe a lot to the dedicated people who work for us. They go wherever we need them to go-never once asking what the company is going to do for them in return. Our employees don't just work for a paycheck; they put their whole heart into what they do." — John Ames

By the mid-1970s, Ames Construction had built strong business relationships and proved its capabilities locally in Minnesota. With a reputation for working both hard and smart, opportunities arose for pursuing work outside of their home state. Considered the company's "power plant years" of growth, geographic expansion uprooted family members to establish offices in different regions of the country. The company's visibility as an expert earthwork and underground utility contractor opened doors to multiple "firsts" and expanded market opportunities.

• First large out-of-state contract, South Dakota
• First industrial and heavy civil construction project, lowa
• First power plant project, North Dakota
• First soil cement job, lowa
• First underground piping job, Utah
• First Arizona project
• Formal safety program established
• First hydroelectric power plant project, Wisconsin
• First mining project, Utah
• Offices open in Colorado, Utah and Arizona with satellite office in Nevada

"We have strong client relationships because we know how to communicate and get along. Our clients count on us to be innovative and find ways to make difficult situations work; it's one of our core strengths. The livelihood of Ames Construction in the past and for the future is about keeping an unwavering commitment to our clients." — Mark Brennan

Entering the new millennium, the company's history of building solid relationships with engineering firms and other major contractors positioned the company to take another step forward. Ames broadened its reach and transitioned from being known as a high- volume earthmover to establishing a strong presence as a bridge and structures builder. By its fiftieth year in business, Ames had positioned itself as one of the largest heavy civil and industrial general contractors in the nation.

• First refinery project for private client in Utah
• San Manuel Mine reclamation project, Arizona
• Enters renewables market with wind power project in New Mexico
• All American Canal irrigation expansion in Southeastern California
• First $1 billion design-build highway contract: 1-15 CORE in Utah County
• First $1 billion design-build commuter rail project: RTD Eagle P3 in Colorado
• Office opens in Corona, California
• Ames celebrates 50 years in business