Exit Interview

Story Construction
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In the construction industry, more and more experienced tradesmen, superintendents and managers are retiring each year. We catch a few Story Construction retirees on their way out the door to capture some of the lore and lessons learned throughout their long careers.

  1. 12/19/2025

    #25 - Kent Meyn

    Kent Meyn spent worked for ACI Mechanical in Ames for more than 40 years, cementing a legacy in the commercial construction industry in Iowa and beyond. He retired this year and joined Story Construction's Mike Espeset on the Exit Interview podcast to talk about his career, his lessons learned, and what lies ahead in retirement.

    40 min

  2. 12/17/2024

    #24 - Jerry Long

    Jerry Long joined Story Construction in 1983 as a project engineer, ultimately working for the company for 41 years before retiring at the end of 2024. He progressed to the rank of superintendent and then project manager in 2000, overseeing projects in industrial, treatment plants and a variety of other markets. Hear from Jerry as he wraps up more than 40 years in the construction industry!

    37 min

  3. 11/01/2024

    #23 - Joe Hewitt

    Joe Hewitt retired in 2024 after 10 years with Story Construction managing safety initiatives and compliance. Prior to joining Story, Joe had a long career with Martin Marietta in supervision and safety roles. Joe imparts some knowledge and perspective around safety and the industry in general in this Exit Interview.

    40 min

  4. 07/12/2024

    #22 - Dean McCormick

    Dean McCormick joined Story Construction in 2017 after 22 years leading Iowa State University's design and construction services team. His career includes the rare combination of sitting in the design, owner and contractor seats at the table before retiring this spring. Dean's impact at Story Construction and on the construction industry in Iowa is immeasurable, and we're glad he took time this summer to sit down with us for his Exit Interview.

    49 min

  5. 11/06/2023

    #21 - Kenny Lendt

    Kenny Lendt retired from Story Construction in 2023 after more than 37 years with the company. Hear from Kenny as he talks about his career as a superintendent in the construction industry and shares some lessons learned during his time at Story.

    28 min

  6. 04/25/2023

    #20 - Rick Sippel

    After beginning his career with Spencer Construction in northwest Iowa, Rick Sippel and his wife Cindy picked up roots and moved to central Iowa, where he began his career at Story Construction. He retired from running the crane full-time in December 2022 and sat down with us to discuss his life and career as a crane operator.

    32 min

  7. 04/25/2023

    #19 - Dennis Tiernan

    As we continue to bring in other industry retirees, this episode features our conversation with Dennis Tiernan of NAI Electrical Contractors based out of Ames. Dennis recently wrapped up his long career in the industry and was kind enough to sit down with us in November 2022 to discuss his journey and lessons learned during his time working for - and leading - NAI.

    41 min

  8. 04/25/2023

    #18 - Larry Sperlich - Pt. I

    Larry Sperlich joined Allen Construction, Story's predecessor company, in 1972, and has been one of the most influential builders of projects and people in the company's history. Now that he's (mostly) retired, hear from Larry about his journey in life, the construction industry, and Story Construction.

    53 min
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About

In the construction industry, more and more experienced tradesmen, superintendents and managers are retiring each year. We catch a few Story Construction retirees on their way out the door to capture some of the lore and lessons learned throughout their long careers.

Information

  • Creator
    Story Construction
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Story Construction