JE Dunn Construction won first place in the extra-large company category at the 2024 Best Places to Work awards, marking a significant achievement during the firm’s centennial. This was the seventh year JE Dunn had been recognized in the category, but the first time the company has claimed the top prize.
Jeff Blaesing, Kansas City Office Director, attributed the company’s success to the enduring values established by the founding family. “The guiding principles that the Dunn family instilled in the company are still there: Working hard, treating people with respect, hiring the right people and investing in them, empowering them, and sharing the rewards with them,” Blaesing said. “It’s a plan for success that continues to pay off.”
The award ceremony took place on October 23 at Arrowhead Stadium, where JE Dunn was recognized for its strong culture and exceptional employee support, particularly its extensive mental health initiatives. Blaesing highlighted the company’s partnership with Lyra which provides 12 free mental health sessions annually to its employees and their beneficiaries. This benefit aims to address the high rates of mental health crises, including suicide, within the construction industry.
“If we’re not going to address it, who’s going to?” Blaesing said. “We make it important, and we want to make sure that support is available not just for our employees but also our employees’ family members.”
Blaesing noted that caring for employees and their families is integral both to JE Dunn’s legacy and ongoing success.
“Creating a culture where people enjoy coming to work and respect one another is what sets top performers apart,” he said.
Roughly1,300 local employees serve the wider community by building authentic partnerships and creating inspiring, innovative structures. Over the past decade, JE Dunn teams have completed about 630 projects in the Kansas City area. In addition to its commitment to employees, JE Dunn prioritizes giving back to the community. To celebrate its 100th year, JE Dunn launched a giving campaign awarding $100,000 grants to ten deserving charities around Kansas City and the country for a total community impact of $1 million.
The Kansas City Business Journal ranks applicants for the Best Places to Work awards each year based on employee surveys facilitated by Quantum Workplace. The surveys cover a range of areas, including how valued employees feel and manager effectiveness. The top three applicants in all five categories were recognized at the ceremony and are included in a list of 2024 honorees online.
