Why Kwest?
- Safety Priority: Safety is ingrained in our culture and is our foremost commitment on every project.
- Agile Team: Our adaptable and responsive team is capable of quickly adjusting to the evolving needs of our clients and projects.
- Collaborative Construction Services: We foster strategic partnerships and interconnected relationships to deliver superior outcomes.
- Team Integrity Focus: Integrity guides our team’s actions, ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability throughout our organization.
Our dedication to safety and excellence has been recognized industry-wide. Kwest Group was honored as the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) 2024 Contractor of the Year and has received national safety recognition awards from prestigious organizations like ABC and the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).
At Kwest Group, we are also dedicated to making a positive impact beyond our project sites. Our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives reflect our commitment to responsible business practices, from reducing our carbon footprint to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Our Story
At Kwest Group, we are driven by a clear mission: to lead the civil construction industry through an unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and customer service. As a 100% employee-owned company (ESOP), we empower our team members to take ownership of every project, fostering innovation and excellence from concept to completion. Central to our mission is a steadfast commitment to ensuring zero harm to every team member on every project. This commitment to zero harm is complemented by a comprehensive focus on total human health.
Founded in 2003, Kwest Group has grown from its roots in Port Clinton, Ohio, to become a trusted partner across the United States. Our journey is defined by building strong, lasting relationships with our clients, grounded in mutual trust, integrity, and a deep understanding of their unique needs.
Employee Empowered and Invested
Kwest continuously re-invests in our team members and understands that our people are what make us a leader in our industry. We believe job satisfaction includes creating a safe work environment and providing continuous education, advancement opportunities, community involvement, and team recognition. Kwest has an unwavering dedication to providing a safe environment for all employees. We have a strong commitment to the education of our team throughout their career journeys, allowing upward mobility and growth, and resulting in internal promotions for many positions. We are proud to provide all employees with paid time to contribute their efforts and energy to non-profit organizations of their choosing, and we also provide contribution-matching to selected organizations.
Kwest has also implemented a program to recognize and award teams for outstanding project performance. In 2019, Kwest Group transitioned to a 100% employee-owned company. Because our highly valued team members have been an integral part in establishing Kwest Group as a leader in our industry, employee ownership was undoubtedly the next step toward the company’s future. Our team thrives within this ownership culture, and we look to the future with excitement and anticipation of what is to come. Let us show you the difference that Kwest Group can make on your next project.
ESG COMMITTED
Integrity is everything. At Kwest Group, we do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do. We prioritize responsible behaviors and practices throughout all levels of our organization, and our commitment to environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) is notable in our industry.
How is Kwest Group making a difference?
Environmental
There is no doubt the construction industry has a massive impact on the environment as both a contributor to worldwide carbon dioxide emissions and stormwater pollution. To do our part, Kwest Group employs a team of environmental specialists and coordinators, and all Kwest associates receive stormwater pollution training to promote environmental stewardship. Our projects are designed, equipped, and executed with erosion and sediment controls and best practices to prevent stormwater discharges. In addition, our environmental team monitors and routinely inspects each site to avoid negative impacts to the environment and ensure compliance. Kwest Group is also committed to reducing our carbon footprint by maintaining a new and efficient fleet of equipment and tools. Our equipment and dispatch teams meticulously coordinate projects to further increase fuel efficiency by reducing mobilizations, maximizing loads, and using the appropriate equipment for each job. We have also begun to phase out fuel-powered hand tools with battery-powered tools wherever practicable. We also monitor our impact through the Green Business Bureau's assessment tool. Our score can be found here.
Social
Above all else, Kwest Group values our employees. And because they are our greatest asset, we have implemented many social practices and policies to promote and encourage the equity, diversity, inclusion, health, safety, and job satisfaction of our team members. As a company, we have proudly increased the representation of women, minorities, and veterans within all areas of our organization. Kwest Group routinely evaluates engagement with its workers, customers, and suppliers. Community involvement and impact is also a high priority. Kwest team members participate in local service projects for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Partners for Clean Streams, Bike MS, Buckeye Cruise for Cancer, Boy Scouts of America, and community food banks. The company also offers a Matching Gift Program for St. Jude, Make-A-Wish, Samaritan’s Purse, Folds of Honor, and Red Cross and allows paid time off to participate in non-profit volunteer work.
Governance
As an employee-owned company, Kwest Group is built on transparency, fairness, and accountability. To create a company that will flourish for years to come, we have incorporated many programs and standard practices that make us a leader in the industry.
- ESOP Board that provides checks and balances regarding corporate responsibilities and initiatives.
- Executive Team that creates, improves, and drives company policies, long-term strategies, goals, and procedures.
- Bi-annual “all hands” training, promoting safety and company knowledge in all positions.
- Annual self-auditing of accounting, employee benefits, employee compensation, and safety procedures.
- Accredited apprenticeship program uniquely designed for Kwest Group’s workforce training demands and to promote employee retention and growth.