Ivan Crossland Jr. is known for asking a simple question, “Are you in or are you out?” ― and it means he is looking for loyalty that matches his determination to succeed.
As CEO of Crossland Construction Co., he believes the competitive advantage in the construction industry will be to attract smart, hardworking achievers to the business.
Their talent is nurtured through a personal growth program called Crossland Academy, an in-house effort to expand employee training and knowledge. Employees may receive training in carpentry, computer applications, concrete installation, crane operation, LEED certification, ironworking, leadership, safety and other areas.
In addition, the company works closely with colleges in Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri to provide educational opportunities, such as an internship program for students. More than 450 students in the past five years have received on-the-job experience.
The company was founded in 1977 by Ivan Crossland Sr. and is now operated by Crossland Jr. and his five brothers, Bennie, Curt, Michael, Christopher and Patrick. Crossland Sr. died in 2003.
Crossland believes that education is the key to the future, and the company has continued to invest in employee development when most construction firms have cut back.
His entrepreneurial spirit extends to Crossland Heavy Contractors, a sister company, as well as a growing real estate division. Crossland Jr. is also involved in the industry; he was elected this year as the chair of the board of trustees of the National Center for Construction Education and Research, a foundation created to develop standardized training curricula and to help address the shortage of skilled construction workers.
Under Crossland’s leadership, the company broke into the top 100 contractors for 2010 as listed by Engineering News-Record. Despite the recent economic downturn and greater competition, Crossland Construction continues to win business from schools, Walmart (31 superstores built since 1988) and a host of companies ranging from Federal Express to Toys “R” Us.
How to reach: Crossland Construction Co. Inc., (620) 429-1414 or www.crosslandconstruction.com
