A Salute to a Customer - Manatt’s Inc.

 

CHECK OUT MORE VIDEOS:

Manatt's turns to RMS for it's equipment needs: https://youtu.be/k2V8NuMyUGs

Manatt's paves with GOMACO :https://youtu.be/4_-K3zXeJDI

See why Manatt's chooses Astec pavers: https://youtu.be/Nc_A4fMQMAg

 

In 1947, Junie Manatt purchased a truck, grabbed his shovel, and pulled into a local sand pit.

 

From this humble beginning — thanks to a great deal of hard work — came what is now one of the most successful Iowa-based heavy highway construction and materials companies.

 

Junie enlisted the assistance of his brothers, Clair and Merlie, marking the establishment of Manatt’s Inc. Shortly after that, the trio acquired a sandpit in Tama, Iowa, which they diligently operated following the original owner’s passing. Manatt’s expanded its operations and added Ready Mix, Asphalt and Concrete Paving Divisions to its service offerings. Since its establishment in 1947, Manatt’s has consistently expanded, both in scope and familial involvement, embodying a legacy of growth and commitment.

 

Manatt’s, currently under its third generation of family ownership, is led by Brian Manatt, President; Greg Manatt, Vice President of Fleet Management; and Adam Manatt, Vice President of Ready Mix. With a dedicated workforce of 750 individuals and a presence in more than 50 locations across Iowa, Manatt’s continues to evolve. Through acquisition and internal growth, the company now has subsidiaries in aggregate and construction enterprises, collectively employing 1,500 professionals. This expansive reach enables Manatt’s to adopt an integrated approach, delivering unparalleled materials and construction services — a distinction that sets it apart in the industry.

 

While the company has grown and diversified in 77 years, it still holds true to its roots.

 

“We hold to a principle of treating both employees and customers in the manner we would want to be treated,” stated Greg. “This approach has not only facilitated the retention of valuable employees but has also been instrumental in our growth through strategic acquisitions. When we acquired the initial sand plant, the owner’s widow chose Manatt’s as the buyer due to the strong relationship that had been established. This commitment to fair and respectful dealings has been a consistent hallmark of our business. Companies considering a sale express confidence that Manatt’s will uphold the well-being of their employees and ensure a smooth transition, reassuring them that their legacy is in capable hands.”

 

 

Small towns, big projects

 

Brooklyn, Iowa, has a population of just under 1,500 people and has been Manatt’s headquarters since 1947. While Manatt’s has expanded to locations throughout Iowa, the small-town mindset has helped Manatt’s deliver on some of the most significant road-building projects in the state.

 

“Brooklyn is our home,” emphasized Greg. “While the option to relocate to a larger city like Des Moines was available, we consciously chose to remain rooted in Brooklyn. Our commitment extends to other smaller communities across Iowa where we have established additional locations. We envision Manatt’s as an integral part of these communities, actively investing in their growth. This philosophy aligns with our emphasis on maintaining a family-oriented atmosphere, a model we believe has proven its worth. The positive impact on the towns we operate in is evident, and our ability to undertake significant projects remains unaffected.”

 

Manatt’s recently completed a three-year project, the Interstate 80/380 interchange reconstruction, near Iowa City. It was one of the largest self-funded projects the Iowa Department of Transportation has ever approved, and it was completed ahead of schedule. Manatt’s performed 298,000 square yards of 11-inch paving.

 

Manatt’s is actively engaged in two significant projects across Iowa. As part of the expansive 23-mile Highway 30 expansion in Benton County, Manatt’s is set to pave nearly 1.1 million square yards across five segments. Additionally, at the Interstate 35/80/235 East Mixmaster interchange in Des Moines, Iowa, Manatt’s is undertaking the paving of approximately 83,000 square yards, featuring 11.5-inch paving.

 

 

Quality equipment

 

A consistent theme for Manatt’s that has endured over the years is their unwavering commitment to utilizing top-quality equipment.

 

“When Junie started, he didn’t opt for a Ford or a Chevy; he invested in a Studebaker,” recalled Greg. “Despite the higher cost, he recognized the significance of having superior equipment.”

 

This commitment continues with the use of GOMACO paving equipment from Road Machinery & Supplies Co. Manatt’s identifies common values shared between the two companies and appreciates that GOMACO, like themselves, is family-owned and manufactured in Ida Grove, Iowa.

 

“We have a strong relationship with GOMACO, and they produce outstanding machines,” Greg affirmed.

 

With approximately 30 pieces of GOMACO equipment in its fleet, Manatt’s was the first company to implement GOMACO’s stringless technology in Iowa, a testament to its innovation.

 

“Our operators find GOMACO equipment comfortable, and these machines have consistently proven their worth in the field,” Greg noted. “The stringless technology has significantly expedited project completion.”

 

Recently, Manatt’s expanded its asphalt paving capabilities by adding a Roadtec RP-195 paver from Astec. Brian Schulz, Director of Equipment & Shops, expressed satisfaction with the new addition, stating, “It’s a very user-friendly machine, laying down a quality mat, and our operators have confidence in its performance.”

 

In addition to the quality equipment, Manatt’s places high value on its relationship with RMS and its longtime territory manager, Bob Newman, who has served the last two generations of Manatt’s family members.

 

“At the end of the day, you choose to buy from people you like and trust,” emphasized Brian Manatt. “Just as with GOMACO, RMS is a family-run company. We are confident that, when needed, someone at RMS will pick up the phone and make the best effort to take care of us.”

 

 

Commitment to core values

 

It should come as no surprise that a company, now in its third generation of family ownership and celebrating 77 years of success, is not contemplating a drastic pivot in its business approach. In fact, Manatt’s continues with a deliberate commitment to identify and uphold the core values that have propelled the company to its current standing, ensuring their continued influence on the company’s trajectory.

 

“Several years ago, we gathered our key leaders to establish our Guiding Values,” shared Brian Manatt. “During this process, individuals were tasked with generating ideas, and a consistent theme emerged: Family, Excellence and Human Potential. These three fundamental core values have been instrumental in defining our journey and will remain at the forefront of our guiding principles.”

 

While the company’s overarching vision remains unchanged, future success hinges on addressing contemporary challenges, primarily focusing on the industrywide employee shortage. Manatt’s has proactively invested time and resources into talent acquisition and retention strategies. 

 

“The scarcity of skilled personnel is an industrywide challenge that demands innovative solutions,” remarked Brian Manatt. “Recognizing this, we have designed competitive employee benefit packages and implemented robust training programs for professional development opportunities. Additionally, we have fostered relationships with high schools and community colleges to identify and train emerging talent. This summer, we successfully incorporated H-2B Visa seasonal employees, who proved to be exceptional additions to our team.”

 

He emphasized, “Creative solutions are imperative in overcoming this challenge, and I am confident we will succeed. Ultimately, our goal is to be a company that attracts and retains top talent, a place where people genuinely want to build their careers.”

 

 

Focusing on the future

 

Manatt’s unwavering commitment to its foundational values of Family, Excellence and Human Potential serves as a guiding light as the company embarks on its next chapter. With a robust 77-year history marked by success and a legacy of family ownership spanning three generations, Manatt’s remains steadfast in its vision.

 

The company is positioning itself as an employer of choice by fostering innovation, investing in employee development, and cultivating relationships with educational institutions. As Manatt’s navigates the evolving landscape of the construction industry, it remains dedicated to being a company where individuals aspire to build fulfilling and rewarding careers. The journey continues, guided by a legacy of values that have stood the test of time.