R.E. Smith's History
1952: With the post war boom starting across the nation, Joplin Missouri was also starting to feel the effects of prosperity. Early in 1952, Richard E. Smith started a home building company called R. E. Smith Construction.The first year four homes were completed and sold for a total of $32,881. With a net income of $2,084 and $180 in cash, the young company was ready to starts its' second year.
1960: Early in the 1960's R. E. Smith Construction Company completed its first pre-engineered metal building. Becoming a "Stran-Steel" dealer, R. E. Smith Construction became a "Stran-Steel" dealer, the first metal building franchise dealer in the area. This construction became a large part of the company's growth. R. E. Smith Construction Co. now has over 5,000,000 square feet of metal buildings under roof. This experience has allowed R. E. Smith Construction Co. to become to the regions premier metal building builder.
1968: R. E. Smith has built a wide range of projects. The company constructed a new hanger at the Joplin Airport. At this time, this was the largest "Stran-Steel" pre-engineered hanger built in the U.S.A.
1973: The seventies were prosperous years that allowed the construction company to take on projects outside the Joplin market. Ground breaking for the New Baxter State Bank in Baxter Springs, Kansas took place in 1973. During this decade, R. E. Smith completed its first million dollar contract...the Franklin Technology School.
1982: The growth continues throughout the 80's with R. E. Smith construction company becoming one of the largest general contractors in the region. This growth allowed the company to take on many large and complex projects such as the Joplin Public Library. The landmark for the community was completed in January 1982, two months ahead of schedule.
1995: The company's growth greatly accelerated during the early 1990's by incorporating construction management and design/build services while maintaining a strong position within the competitive bid markets. The firm has the best of both worlds, with years of experience in the construction industry and the talent of the best construction personnel in the area. R. E. Smith is able to provide customers with the highest level of design and maintain the maximum level of efficiency.
