PEOPLE

DON CRABTREE

President
Bachelor of Science, Construction Sciences
Kansas State University – May 1983
26 years in the construction industry

Don Crabtree founded Merit in 1991 and has been a major force behind Merit's growth in the time since. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas State University in Construction Science. His years of experience in estimating, marketing and customer development have been instrumental in Merit's growth to annual sales of over $35 million in 2005. Don is able to take pride on the continued and repeat clients and owners who value Merits quality workmanship and performance. Don owns 100% of the stock in Merit General Contractors, Inc.

STEVE KIRK

V.P. of Operations
Quality Assurance - Quality Controls - Safety
OSHA Safety Compliant
ACI Certified (American Concrete Institute)
Acredited and Certified in SWPPP
Tilt Up Association Certification

Duties: will include oversight, supervision and implementation of Quality Control Procedures, Quality Assurance Plans, Safety Procedures and on site inspections. Steve is a “hands-on" supervisor who is always present on the construction site.
Steve brings more than 35 years of construction experience to Merit General Contractors, Inc. Steve's recent projects include oversight of many diverse type of projects; the $83 million Zona Rosa lifestyle center; $43 million Health Sciences Building for the University of Missouri, Kansas City, $49 Million Harrah's Casino Pavilion Expansion. Steve has been Operations Manager of over a billion dollars of construction projects, his experience in managing the operations on these projects have given him the expertise to trouble shoot problems before they arise, always finding a solution in favor of the client.

DOUG SHARPE

Senior Project Manager
Bachelor of Architecture 1984 – Kansas State University
Registered Architect in the States of Kansas & Missouri
Qualified Individual, General Contractor's License – Johnson County, Kansas

Doug Sharpe has been a Senior Project Manager for Merit General Contractors, Inc., for the last 8 years. Mr. Sharpe's experience as a Registered Architect for 22 years and his Project Manager experience for general contractors has afforded him a diverse and well rounded level of experience in the design and construction industry. Opportunities to work on projects like the $5 million dollar renovation to the KU Medical Center Research Lab, Construction of the new Brill Medical Office Building in Mission, the $3 million dollar construction of the Apria Healthcare Center, the high end tentant finish for the Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery and the completed construction of two medical buildings for University Park has afforded Doug the MGCI “in house resident expert" in construction of medical facilities.

RYAN D. DOLL

Senior Project Manager
Bachelor of Science – Central Missouri State University
Construction Management
Certifications: OSHA Safety Compliant, CPR/First Aid

Prior to coming to Merit, Ryan had the opportunity to begin his construction career with a fortune 500 construction company giving him great experience in multi-million dollar construction projects. Ryan brings over eleven years of strong project manager experience to Merit General Contractors. Ryan's strength is outlined by his ability to manage project analysis, scheduling, negotiation and execution of owner and subcontractor contracts. As Senior Project Manager at Merit, Ryan has had the lead role as construction manager of the $10 million dollar Indian Hills Country Club Renovation. Other outstanding projects on his resume is the $8 million dollar Corporate Medical Plaza Buildings #1 and #2 in Overland Park, Kansas, the $12 million dollar Pinnacle II Corporate Centre & Parking Garage in Leawood Kansas, the $2 million dollar tenant finsh to the KC Urology; and, most recently was the $24 million construction of the Kiewit Power Headquarters in Lenexa, KS.

STEVE OGDEN

Project Construction Superintendent
Education at the University of Kansas

Duties: will be 100% dedicated to this project and will include: daily subcontractor communication and coordination to complete the project per the plans and specifications, oversight and coordination of material and equipment deliveries, on site safety monitoring, assist with schedule development and updating, quality control, coordinating surveying and layout, client communication, daily reporting, documentation of As-Built conditions, assist with RFI generation, site security.
Steve Ogden has been a Project Construction Superintendent for Merit General Contractors, Inc. for 13 of his 30 years of experience. The last 3 years Mr. Ogden has accepted the duel role as General Superintendent and Project Superintendent. This duel role has broadened his experiences with personnel issues and other administrative duties. Mr. Ogden's excellent organizational skills were recognized by the company and thus put to use in the role of General Superintendent. His attention to detail and quality assurance have made Mr. Ogden a tremendous asset on large complicated projects like the Pine Ridge West Business Park, the Atchison Pedestrian Mall, and the College Crossing Business Park.

Randy Smith

SR. Project Manager

Randy joined Merit in April of 2004. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas State University in Construction Science and a Class "B", General Building Contractor's license for the State of California. Randy has over 25 years experience in the construction industry.

Travis Follick

Project Manager

Travis Follick earned his degree in Construction Science & Management at the Kansas State University. He joined the Merit team in January of 2005. Travis brings over 5 years of experience in construction industry.

Jeff Winslow

SR. Estimator, CPE

Jeff Winslow is a graduate from Vanderbilt University with an Undergraduate Studies degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Kansas. He joined Merit in November of 2004 and brings over 29 years of experience in the construction industry.