100% Employee Owned

Building futures for our team, our partners, and our communities through civil engineering, land surveying, and field services.

Employee Ownership in Action

Being employee-owned changes how we show up. Every project is backed by people who take pride in the outcome, collaborate across disciplines, and treat your success like it’s their own.

Paul Engel PE

Director of National Accounts Land Development

Paul brings more than 27 years of private development experience to OWN, with particular expertise in supporting national accounts and delivering projects across multiple markets. Since joining the firm in 1999, he has worked on hundreds of projects throughout Missouri and 42 other states, giving him a unique perspective on what it takes to serve clients consistently at scale.

But Paul gets the greatest satisfaction from helping others succeed. He believes that when people are trusted, supported, and given room to run, they can accomplish great things – and everyone wins.

What Paul does for FUN: Traveling with his family, both domestically and abroad, especially to see his large extended family in Germany. He also enjoys cycling, hiking, and is taking up quilting.

Jared Davis PE

Vice President, Division Leader - Land Development

For Jared, there’s no “I” in “Team”. Whether he’s leading OWN’s land development initiatives or playing any sport with his kids, it’s all about working hard toward a common goal, and most of all, having fun! During his tenure at OWN, Jared worked his way up from Design Engineer to Office Leader to Land Development Division Leader and was awarded the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers (MSPE) Ozark Chapter Young Engineer of the Year Award for his dedication to bringing his clients’ visions to life on numerous projects throughout Missouri. 

What Jared does for FUN: Playing golf, enjoying life at the lake, hunting, fishing or cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs and Missouri State Bears.

Cody White PE

Vice President, Director of Operations

As Director of Operations, Cody drives regional growth, strengthens client partnerships, and champions operational excellence across our offices. His journey from Office Leader to Field Services Divisional Leader to Regional Leader and now to Director of Operations has shaped a deep understanding of both people and process. While the title may be new, his favorite part remains the same: guiding our teams toward new skills and opportunities—and helping them become the future rockstars of OWN.

What Cody does for FUN: Cody is an avid fisher, golfer, hunter, and he loves traveling. You can also find him cheering on his two sons in their youth sports activities and rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs!

Anna Ruis MBA

Vice President, Director of Strategic Initiatives

What’s more impressive about Anna than her downhill skiing skills? It’s her knack for pushing people and projects at OWN to go beyond, honed and refined after more than a decade of experience in the AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) industry. And when she’s not building plans and strategies that take OWN to the next level, she’s most passionate about recognizing and celebrating working alongside women in the engineering industry.

What Anna does for FUN: Fishing, hiking, and skiing in her home away from home – Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Mary Kromrey 

Market Leader

With extensive experience in civic leadership roles in Springfield, Mary brings a deep passion for the community to our team. As the former Executive Director of Ozark Greenways, her passion for the region’s trails and rivers, and dedication to walkable and bikeable communities flourished. Her non-profit sector background also honed her ability to unite diverse stakeholders around shared objectives. Mary’s impressive track record, along with her fun-loving, vibrant personality, makes her a dynamic leader that fosters a thriving, vibrant community of OWNers.

What Mary does for FUN: In her free time, Mary can be found reading, spending time outdoors, traveling, and enjoying her local watering hole, Tie & Timber. She also enjoys spending time with her husband of over 20 years and teenage son who makes her laugh every day.

Greg BowersGreg Bowers

Greg Bowers PLS

Group Leader - Land Survey

Survey says…! For Greg, conducting surveys – Boundary/ALTA, Topographic, and Construction, just to name a few – is in his roots. As a second-generation surveyor and a Group Leader in OWN’s land survey division, one of Greg’s proudest professional accomplishments has been seeing several people he’s mentored go on to become licensed surveyors. Personally, it’s hanging with his friends, family, and dog Scout that really checks all the boxes.

What Greg does for FUN: Playing the guitar, relaxing on the beach, reading, bicycling, and golfing.

Doug Simon

Doug Simon PE

Division Leader - Field Services

Doug is a field services knowledge base with over 20 years of experience honing his skills as a geotechnical and materials engineer. He has served as a department manager for multiple consulting firms in Wisconsin and Alaska – so it’s no surprise he carries a passion for the outdoors after living in such beautiful locations. Whether it’s canoeing in the hot summers or hiking up mountains in the winter, you can typically find him outdoors!

What Doug does for FUN: Anything outdoorsy – from hiking, biking and canoeing to bow hunting, your best chances at finding him are outside!

Chris RockChris Rock

Chris Rock PE

Group Leader - Field Services

Chris has spent more than 25 years building a career in geotechnical engineering, project management, and construction materials testing. A licensed Professional Engineer in Missouri and three other states, he has led geotechnical and construction materials teams, managed laboratory and field operations, and guided projects from investigation through completion. He is passionate about working with collaborative teams to deliver projects that strengthen the communities they serve.

What Chris does for FUN:
Chris loves exploring the outdoors, discovering new places, and spending time with his family. Fun fact: He once found himself stranded on a beach in Puerto Rico for three days!

Jeff Davis 

Group Leader - Field Services

As Group Leader for Field Services, Jeff brings nearly three decades of experience in geotechnical laboratory and drilling field services. His leadership, technical knowledge, and dedication to mentoring others have made a lasting impact on both the team and the clients they serve. Working at OWN has truly been a family affair for Jeff, who is the proud father of another OWN team member in Springfield.

What Jeff does for FUN: When he’s not playing with the grandkids, he’s cheering on the Missouri State University Bears and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Blake Rourick EI

Group Leader - Land Development

Blake leads a talented team delivering land development projects for clients throughout the Midwest and nationwide. From residential subdivisions to commercial and industrial developments, he enjoys helping clients turn complex ideas into successful projects. While proficient in various civil design and modeling programs, Blake shines brightest when engaging with the public, ensuring every project reflects the community’s needs and aspirations.

What Blake does for FUN:  In his downtime, Blake is passionate about golf, finding both challenge and relaxation on the course. He and his wife share a love for baseball, aiming to visit all 30 MLB stadiums. They’ve already checked off six in the past year, adding to their adventure-filled journey.

Joshua Oathout PE

Group Leader - Land Development

Joshua’s career at OWN reflects his passion for growth, leadership, and delivering quality work. Since joining the company as a Design Engineer, he has advanced to a group leader within the Land Development division, where he helps guide teams and projects across the region. Joshua’s claim to fame at OWN is designing and managing one of our largest residential development projects to date, which has included 10 different subdivisions with 32 different phases on more than 1,100 residential lots in Southwest Missouri. But, his overall commitment to the success of the Joplin Office and delivering exceptional results to our clients is what propelled him to new heights as Office Leader.

What Joshua does for FUN: When he’s not gaming on his Xbox, he’s going for a run or taking to the skies as he’s working on obtaining his private pilot license.

Jeff Ceperley 

Group Leader - Infrastructure

As a Group Leader for Infrastructure, Jeff leads with a balance of technical expertise, practical problem solving, and a genuine investment in people. He enjoys digging into project details from day one and helping teams navigate challenges with confidence. He credits his success to hard work, the School of Hard Knocks, and his amazing team. Jeff takes his work seriously, but not himself. You can find Jeff cracking a joke or having an easy rapport with clients and teams around the office.

What Jeff does for FUN: Fixing up old, wrecked cars and working on home improvement projects, along with watching the Kansas City Chiefs, basketball, softball, and volleyball.

Sean Matlock PE

Group Leader - Infrastructure

Before coming to OWN, Sean spent his career with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), where he was responsible for many high-profile highway projects in Southwest Missouri, including the first design-build project in MoDOT’s Southwest District that won many regional and national awards. When he’s not managing roadway, highway, and ADA projects, he’s watching football and spending time with his wife of over 30 years, two sons, dog, and grand-dogs. 

What Sean does for FUN: Cheering on his alma mater, the University of Tennessee Volunteers, and attending Carthage High School football games.

Derek Forbis PLS

Division Leader - Land Survey

Derek is a Division Leader at OWN with more than 25 years of land surveying experience. Formerly a co-owner of Central Counties Surveying, a professional land surveying firm in central-Missouri, Derek brings forward extensive experience leading teams, a highly regarded reputation in the industry, and passion for exceptional client service.

What Derek does for FUN: Sports! Derek enjoys coaching his two boys’ baseball and basketball teams and watching them play football. In his free time, he likes to hunt and fish with family and friends.

Bob Morton 

Market Leader

From leading a competitive barbeque team for 20+ years to leading high-performing teams in the AEC industry, Bob combines his competitive spirit and entrepreneurial mindset to drive growth across OWN. As the Market Leader for Kansas City, or “Relationship Builder,” Bob thrives on meeting new people and developing relationships that create win-win-win opportunities.

What Bob does for FUN: In his free time, Bob enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and attending sporting events. Bob is also an avid traveler and has checked most destinations off of his bucket list, including recent trips to the Grand Cayman Islands and Yellowstone National Park.

Nicole Galemore 

Director of Marketing

As OWN’s Marketing Director, Nicole is dedicated to developing impactful marketing strategies and campaigns that resonate with our audiences and drive growth. In her role, Nicole focuses on elevating our brand presence, exploring innovative marketing trends, and fostering collaboration across teams to ensure every campaign reflects our values and vision.

What Nicole does for FUN: When she’s not busy chasing around her toddler, Nicole and her fiancé enjoy cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs and catching a country music concert!

David RobinsonDavid Robinson

David Robinson PLS

Group Leader - Land Survey

With more than 35 years of experience, David brings a steady, trusted presence to OWN’s surveying team. David supports public and private clients across the Midwest with expertise in boundary, topographic, easement, and construction surveying. His career includes managing survey operations, co-owning a private surveying practice, launching new survey divisions, and even teaching as an adjunct professor, helping shape the next generation of survey professionals.

What David does for FUN: A proud father and grandfather, David enjoys spending time with his family, fishing whenever he gets the chance, and owning and operating a bakery in Frontenac, Kansas.

Matt Briner SPHR

Director of Human Resources

He shoots, he scores! When Matt isn’t skating in the hockey rink, he’s coaching his son’s hockey team or cheering on the St. Louis Blues. Off the ice, he’s busy developing teams and talent as a strategic human resources director focused on career growth, process improvements, and employee engagement.

What Matt does for FUN: He’s played the drums for 25 years and tries to play whenever he can – but with a busy household, he usually ends up (and enjoys) building and fixing things around his house, and spending quality time with his family!

Kathy VanWey 

Executive Vice President

When Kathy is not driving for growth at OWN, she’s driving the open road. Whether in an RV or on a motorcycle, she loves the feeling of exploring the great outdoors with her husband. Her passion for adventure has helped fuel her devotion to making OWN a success. A people-person at heart, she paved her path to Executive Vice President and OWN Board Member through her kind and approachable leadership style, fun presence, and bold determination.

What Kathy does for FUN: Going to the lake, RV trips, motorcycle rides, fishing, camping. She also loves catching a Tennessee Volunteers or Kansas City Chiefs game.

Jay HillJay Hill

Jay Hill 

Market Leader

With 22 years of architectural operations and construction management experience, Jay leads OWN’s Northwest Arkansas market with a passion for building strong teams and lasting relationships. He’s a collaborator at heart who brings practical expertise and an adventurous spirit to every project – whether that’s in the office or at home with his 13-year-old daughter.

What Jay does for FUN: Cycling, coaching, hiking, and finding any excuse to get outdoors, especially if it’s a mountain trail, gravel road, or a backyard basketball game.

Jerrod Hogan PLS

Chief Executive Officer

The sky’s the limit for Jerrod – literally. Not only as CEO of OWN, but he also loves flying planes and jumping out of them as a skydiver! The thrill of seeking new heights is what helps keep Jerrod grounded while he works to drive continued growth at OWN. He’s passionate about giving back to the community, recognized as a Red Cross Hero of the Year, and led extensive community service efforts after the Joplin tornado in 2011. Jerrod loves working alongside some of the best and brightest humans in the industry who live OWN’s purpose and principles. 

What Jerrod does for FUN: Jerrod is all about outdoor adventures, whether it’s scuba diving with his family, hiking, camping, or skydiving.

Our Projects

We treat every project like it’s our OWN – always with a close eye on budgets and constructability. In all instances, our creative problem-solving and diligence shine through.

Our Valued Clients

Built on 70+ Years

Since 1954, we have delivered engineering, surveying, and field services that help communities grow with confidence.

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Office Locations
Land Development
Public Infrastructure
Geotechnical Engineering
Land Survey & Geospatial
Field Services

Our Services

Land Development

Public Infrastructure

Geotechnical Engineering

Land Survey & Geospatial

Field Services

A company built by its people, for its people.

See Yourself at OWN.