Why Great Southwestern Construction?
Electrical Construction Performance You Can Depend On
As a subsidiary of MYR Group Inc. (MYR Group), Great Southwestern Construction, Inc. (Great Southwestern) provides a full range of electrical construction services to utilities, municipalities, government entities and private developers throughout the nation for transmission lines, distribution systems, communication systems, substations and renewable energy facilities. In addition, Great Southwestern also provides capabilities in pre-construction, Engineer-Procure-Construct (EPC) and design-build forms of project delivery, project controls and reporting, environmental compliance and quality assurance/quality control.
Great Southwestern has distinguished itself in the electrical construction industry by providing services based on its values of safety, respect, integrity, responsiveness, creativity, initiative and teamwork. Each team member is committed to prioritizing our customer’s interests and maintaining successful and collaborative relationships with every project’s owner, engineer and subcontractors. Our expert management staff averages 20 years of experience in the construction of high-voltage electrical infrastructure and systems.
Great Southwestern unique strengths
A crew works best together only when given the opportunity and time to do so. This continuity results in better performance, greater efficiency and increased safety – all factors that contribute to the success of your project.
Our leadership and project management teams are skilled in all aspects of project controls and reporting systems required to efficiently and successfully execute projects on-time and on-budget. We have extensive experience in design-build and Engineer-Procure-Construct (EPC) methods of project delivery, and can also provide an array of pre-construction services.
We attract and retain good people because we offer attractive recruitment packages and provide a firm foundation for professional growth within the organization.
Our apprenticeship programs are accredited by the Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship. Great Southwestern dedicates significant time and effort to ensure our training, orientation and safety programs provide employees with the latest, most comprehensive and accurate information possible.
As part of MYR Group, Great Southwestern possesses the technical, financial and managerial resources to install multiple projects of virtually any size and type.
History
Since 1977, Great Southwestern Construction has successfully completed hundreds of substation, transmission line and distribution system projects throughout the United States.
Great Southwestern Construction (GSWC) was established in Castle Rock, Colorado in the late 1970’s. Bob Martinez, a native of New Mexico and Vietnam Veteran had envisioned GSWC as a company that would help serve the rapidly growing Southwestern United States, hence the name; Great Southwestern Construction. The company’s founding principles, built on entrepreneurial spirit and the idea of freedom to work where one wanted to, also was part of the new company culture. With roots in the desert Southwest, Mr. Martinez decided to brand his company with a portion of the Zia symbol, which is commonly found among Native American tribes in the Southwest as a symbol of the ever-present sun. After bringing aboard a small handful of managers and field personnel, the start-up company begin to establish itself as a new, but well-respected contractor for co-ops in the area. In the early 1980’s, GSWC was awarded a portion of the fiber and power systems for the Central Arizona Irrigation project, a multi-billion dollar project managed by the Department of Reclamation to bring water resources to cities such as Phoenix and other fast growing areas of the Southwest. It was this project that helped drive the future growth of the company.
1990s
GSWC Begins to bid and perform work in surrounding states outside of their established footprint of the Southwest and Rocky Mountains. New transmission and substation projects for clients in Nebraska, Texas, the Dakotas, Washington and Oregon drive continued regional growth for the company. In 1995, GSWC established an office in El Paso, Texas and is awarded it’s first Master Service Agreement for El Paso Electric. In 1992, GSWC establishes a Department of Labor certified apprenticeship program, this program allows GSWC to build and train it’s workforce while offering field employees the ability to become journeyman linemen. In addition, GSWC opens its current headquarter building in Castle Rock, Colorado to better serve future growth.
Early 2000s
GSWC continues with its geographic expansion, a new office in Georgia helps serve a new distribution MSA with Georgia Power. Large, 500kV transmission projects in Oregon and Washington help build the company’s resume, as does fiber optic work throughout the Southwest.
2001
GSWC is acquired by MYR Group Inc. The acquisition allows GSWC to have access to a strong financial source as well as one of the largest fleets of specialty equipment in the United States.
2011-2012
GSWC is awarded the Cross Texas Transmission project (CTT) for LS Power. The project, one of the largest of its kind at 235 miles of 345kV transmission is part of the enormous CREZ transmission build out in Texas helps establish GSWC as one of the larger prime contractors in the state.
2015
GSWC establishes an office near Dallas to continue its growth in the market. GSWC is also awarded an MSA with Oncor Electric for substation, transmission and distribution projects throughout their operational territory. New offices and personnel in Tahlequah, Oklahoma and Corpus Christi Texas brings new growth and opportunity to the company.
2018
GSWC branches into the Midwest and Southeastern U.S., and office in Norcross, Georgia is opened to better serve new clients in the Southeast and Florida. In addition, GSWC begins construction work for several utility clients throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. A new fleet center and training facility in Alvarado, Texas is acquired to continue the growth in the market and to build an industry leading training center for its growing apprenticeship program.
2020 and beyond
GSWC finished construction on a new building in Alvarado to serve the Texas Area. Ramping up growth across the United States.
A Nationwide Leader in Electrical Construction
Since 1891, MYR Group Inc. (MYR Group) subsidiaries have delivered large and notable electrical infrastructure and commercial and industrial projects.
This legacy, coupled with a broad national presence, skilled workforce, financial stability, experienced management team and extensive specialized transmission and distribution equipment resources provide customers with the expertise and stability they demand. It’s why MYR Group has been consistently recognized by Engineering News-Record as one of the top five specialty electrical contracting firms in the U.S. In 2020, our efforts and accomplishments received world-wide recognition as we were named to Fortune’s list of 100 Fastest-Growing Companies. MYR Group is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol MYRG.
With 7,200+ employees, MYR Group subsidiaries have a long history of success: The L.E. Myers Co. (L.E. Myers); Sturgeon Electric Company, Inc. (Sturgeon Electric); Harlan Electric Company (Harlan Electric); MYR Energy Services, Inc. (MYRE); Great Southwestern Construction, Inc. (Great Southwestern); E.S. Boulos Company (E.S. Boulos); High Country Line Construction, Inc. (HCLC); Huen Electric, Inc. (Huen Electric); CSI Electrical Contractors, Inc. (CSI); and MYR Group Construction Canada, Ltd (MYR Group Construction Canada). MYR Group Construction Canada is a Canadian holding company of Western Pacific Enterprises Ltd. (WPE) and Powerline Plus Ltd.
Through its subsidiaries, MYR Group provides transmission and distribution electrical construction services to customers throughout the U.S. and Canada, and commercial and industrial electrical construction services to clients throughout the western and northeastern U.S. and western Canada.
Our Mission, Vision & Values
Mission
To provide superior specialty contracting services by creating mutually rewarding relationships in a safe, inspiring and open environment.
Vision
Creating connections that empower people.
Values
- Safety
- Respect
- Responsiveness
- Creativity
- Integrity
- Initiative
- Teamwork
Our Commitment to Sustainability
As an industry-leading provider of electrical construction services, delivering optimal value while ensuring sustainability depends on our ability to prioritize economic, social, cultural, ethical and environmental considerations generated through our day-to-day operations.
For over 40 years, our core values of safety, integrity, creativity, responsiveness, teamwork, respect and initiative have provided the foundation for how we conduct ourselves in the communities we live and serve. These values guide us to make the right investments in our people and business for the long-term, and aid our practices in preserving the environment for future generations.
For Our People
- We provide work environments that are safe, inclusive and ethical, and ensure that the safety, health and well-being of our people is our first priority.
- We provide opportunities for personal and professional growth and development, and invest in leadership training, mentoring and succession planning initiatives to equip our future leaders for generations to come.
- We have created in-house training courses specific to leadership, communication, relationship management and many more key competencies for our employees’ development.
- We respect and protect the rights of all people, and maintain a zero-tolerance policy for human trafficking, child labor and forced labor.
- Our partners, vendors, and subcontractors are evaluated on a number of factors prior to selection, which includes past performance, expertise, health, safety, environmental and ethical practices to ensure fair and safe labor conditions.
With Our Clients
- We collaborate with our clients to identify and ensure sustainable business practices that balance cost and risk on every project, and strive for continuous improvement in our efforts.
In Our Business Opperations
- We ensure that responsibility for sustainability occurs at every level of our organization; from our board of directors and executive committee to our management, and to field personnel.
- We expect our employees, subcontractors, partners and suppliers to exhibit behaviors and actions that exemplify the highest ethical standards, and to conduct themselves in accordance with our Vendor Code of Conduct, company policies, client expectations and requirements, and all applicable laws and regulations.
- We identify risk and opportunity to aid informed decision-making and strategic planning initiatives that focus on the long-term viability of MYR Group.
- We review sustainability trends and feedback from stakeholders to assess our performance, and to identify areas for improvement and development, as well as to establish associated monitoring programs.
- We identify viable opportunities to reduce the negative impacts of our business operations, such as reducing the use of toxic materials, conserving and preserving our natural resources, and reducing waste.
- We employ and utilize partners, vendors, subcontractors and suppliers who practice sustainability, and align themselves with our sustainable principles and objectives.
In Our Communities
- We volunteer our time and contributions to support meaningful charitable causes that protect, preserve and enhance our communities.
- We provide our leadership and expertise to other industry organizations and causes.
- Whenever possible, we will support utilization of local and regional businesses in project locales, and strive to employ, train and mentor small and disadvantaged businesses and workers from indigenous/aboriginal/First Nations communities.
- We seek out and participate in opportunities to educate the next generation about careers in our industry.
With Respect For Our Environment
- We comply with all applicable environmental policies, laws and regulations and conduct operations in a manner which will control and minimize damage to the environment and protect the health and safety of our employees, partners, subcontractors and communities.
Nationwide Locations & Markets We Serve
Great Southwestern provides transmission and distribution (T&D) electrical construction services to customers throughout the continental United States, and serves customers in the following markets: Electric Power Government Oil And Gas Renewable Energy
Our Office Locations
Great Southwestern operates from offices located throughout Colorado and Texas, allowing us to combine local management controls and regional and nationwide resources to provide clients with the stability, quality and responsiveness required to successfully execute projects of all scopes and sizes.
Leadership
Brandon Lark | President
Mr. Lark was appointed President of Great Southwestern in May 2014 and is responsible for devising and leading the overall growth and operational strategies of Great Southwestern. Brandon joined the Company in 2000 as a Substation Superintendent, assuming increasing responsibility throughout his tenure including Project Manager, Project Developer, Senior Project Manager, and Vice President. Mr. Lark also serves on the Executive Management Committee for MYR Group, developing and executing corporate strategy while managing enterprise risk.
Brandon blends his hands-on combination of field and project management expertise when working alongside project and operations managers repeatedly delivering successful on-time, under-budget project execution. He has extensive experience in transmission, substation, and wind farm electrical construction on projects throughout the west and southwest.
Mr. Lark embraces the mission, vision, and values of the organization and, united with his personal values and leadership philosophy form his foundation for success. At the core of Brandon’s philosophy is a steadfast focus on employee development, which allows for continuous performance improvement and also generates innovative enhanced service offerings.
Mr. Lark has both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Project Management. He also has an Associate of Science Degree in Civil Engineering Technology and is a certified Project Management Specialist. Brandon has continued his education through the MIT Sloan Executive Education, The Center for Creative Leadership, and Academy Leadership programs as well as many in-house training programs with both technical and leadership curriculums.
In his time away from the office Mr. Lark enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. The entire family is involved in sports. Most weekends are spent cheering at a youth soccer game or enjoying other outdoor activities such as hiking or skiing. Industry Involvement
Great Southwestern’s Memberships and Affiliations
Department of Labor-Accredited Apprenticeship Programs
Great Southwestern proudly offers three Department of Labor Bureau-accredited apprenticeship programs for employees desiring to become Transmission Linemen ( Line Installer Repairer Program), Distribution Linemen (Line Repairer Program) or Substation Technicians (Electrician Substation Program).
Veterans
Electrical Construction Performance You Can Depend On
As a subsidiary of MYR Group Inc. (MYR Group), Great Southwestern Construction, Inc. (Great Southwestern) provides a full range of electrical construction services to utilities, municipalities, government entities and private developers throughout the nation for transmission lines, distribution systems, communication systems, substations and renewable energy facilities. In addition, Great Southwestern also provides capabilities in pre-construction, Engineer-Procure-Construct (EPC) and design-build forms of project delivery, project controls and reporting, environmental compliance and quality assurance/quality control.
Great Southwestern has distinguished itself in the electrical construction industry by providing services based on its values of safety, respect, integrity, responsiveness, creativity, initiative and teamwork. Each team member is committed to prioritizing our customer’s interests and maintaining successful and collaborative relationships with every project’s owner, engineer and subcontractors. Our expert management staff averages 20 years of experience in the construction of high-voltage electrical infrastructure and systems.
Great Southwestern unique strengths
A crew works best together only when given the opportunity and time to do so. This continuity results in better performance, greater efficiency and increased safety – all factors that contribute to the success of your project.
Our leadership and project management teams are skilled in all aspects of project controls and reporting systems required to efficiently and successfully execute projects on-time and on-budget. We have extensive experience in design-build and Engineer-Procure-Construct (EPC) methods of project delivery, and can also provide an array of pre-construction services.
We attract and retain good people because we offer attractive recruitment packages and provide a firm foundation for professional growth within the organization.
Our apprenticeship programs are accredited by the Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship. Great Southwestern dedicates significant time and effort to ensure our training, orientation and safety programs provide employees with the latest, most comprehensive and accurate information possible.
As part of MYR Group, Great Southwestern possesses the technical, financial and managerial resources to install multiple projects of virtually any size and type.
History
Since 1977, Great Southwestern Construction has successfully completed hundreds of substation, transmission line and distribution system projects throughout the United States.
Great Southwestern Construction (GSWC) was established in Castle Rock, Colorado in the late 1970’s. Bob Martinez, a native of New Mexico and Vietnam Veteran had envisioned GSWC as a company that would help serve the rapidly growing Southwestern United States, hence the name; Great Southwestern Construction. The company’s founding principles, built on entrepreneurial spirit and the idea of freedom to work where one wanted to, also was part of the new company culture. With roots in the desert Southwest, Mr. Martinez decided to brand his company with a portion of the Zia symbol, which is commonly found among Native American tribes in the Southwest as a symbol of the ever-present sun. After bringing aboard a small handful of managers and field personnel, the start-up company begin to establish itself as a new, but well-respected contractor for co-ops in the area. In the early 1980’s, GSWC was awarded a portion of the fiber and power systems for the Central Arizona Irrigation project, a multi-billion dollar project managed by the Department of Reclamation to bring water resources to cities such as Phoenix and other fast growing areas of the Southwest. It was this project that helped drive the future growth of the company.
1990s
GSWC Begins to bid and perform work in surrounding states outside of their established footprint of the Southwest and Rocky Mountains. New transmission and substation projects for clients in Nebraska, Texas, the Dakotas, Washington and Oregon drive continued regional growth for the company. In 1995, GSWC established an office in El Paso, Texas and is awarded it’s first Master Service Agreement for El Paso Electric. In 1992, GSWC establishes a Department of Labor certified apprenticeship program, this program allows GSWC to build and train it’s workforce while offering field employees the ability to become journeyman linemen. In addition, GSWC opens its current headquarter building in Castle Rock, Colorado to better serve future growth.
Early 2000s
GSWC continues with its geographic expansion, a new office in Georgia helps serve a new distribution MSA with Georgia Power. Large, 500kV transmission projects in Oregon and Washington help build the company’s resume, as does fiber optic work throughout the Southwest.
2001
GSWC is acquired by MYR Group Inc. The acquisition allows GSWC to have access to a strong financial source as well as one of the largest fleets of specialty equipment in the United States.
2011-2012
GSWC is awarded the Cross Texas Transmission project (CTT) for LS Power. The project, one of the largest of its kind at 235 miles of 345kV transmission is part of the enormous CREZ transmission build out in Texas helps establish GSWC as one of the larger prime contractors in the state.
2015
GSWC establishes an office near Dallas to continue its growth in the market. GSWC is also awarded an MSA with Oncor Electric for substation, transmission and distribution projects throughout their operational territory. New offices and personnel in Tahlequah, Oklahoma and Corpus Christi Texas brings new growth and opportunity to the company.
2018
GSWC branches into the Midwest and Southeastern U.S., and office in Norcross, Georgia is opened to better serve new clients in the Southeast and Florida. In addition, GSWC begins construction work for several utility clients throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. A new fleet center and training facility in Alvarado, Texas is acquired to continue the growth in the market and to build an industry leading training center for its growing apprenticeship program.
2020 and beyond
GSWC finished construction on a new building in Alvarado to serve the Texas Area. Ramping up growth across the United States.
A Nationwide Leader in Electrical Construction
Since 1891, MYR Group Inc. (MYR Group) subsidiaries have delivered large and notable electrical infrastructure and commercial and industrial projects.
This legacy, coupled with a broad national presence, skilled workforce, financial stability, experienced management team and extensive specialized transmission and distribution equipment resources provide customers with the expertise and stability they demand. It’s why MYR Group has been consistently recognized by Engineering News-Record as one of the top five specialty electrical contracting firms in the U.S. In 2020, our efforts and accomplishments received world-wide recognition as we were named to Fortune’s list of 100 Fastest-Growing Companies. MYR Group is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol MYRG.
With 7,200+ employees, MYR Group subsidiaries have a long history of success: The L.E. Myers Co. (L.E. Myers); Sturgeon Electric Company, Inc. (Sturgeon Electric); Harlan Electric Company (Harlan Electric); MYR Energy Services, Inc. (MYRE); Great Southwestern Construction, Inc. (Great Southwestern); E.S. Boulos Company (E.S. Boulos); High Country Line Construction, Inc. (HCLC); Huen Electric, Inc. (Huen Electric); CSI Electrical Contractors, Inc. (CSI); and MYR Group Construction Canada, Ltd (MYR Group Construction Canada). MYR Group Construction Canada is a Canadian holding company of Western Pacific Enterprises Ltd. (WPE) and Powerline Plus Ltd.
Through its subsidiaries, MYR Group provides transmission and distribution electrical construction services to customers throughout the U.S. and Canada, and commercial and industrial electrical construction services to clients throughout the western and northeastern U.S. and western Canada.
Our Mission, Vision & Values
Mission
To provide superior specialty contracting services by creating mutually rewarding relationships in a safe, inspiring and open environment.
Vision
Creating connections that empower people.
Values
- Safety
- Respect
- Responsiveness
- Creativity
- Integrity
- Initiative
- Teamwork
Our Commitment to Sustainability
As an industry-leading provider of electrical construction services, delivering optimal value while ensuring sustainability depends on our ability to prioritize economic, social, cultural, ethical and environmental considerations generated through our day-to-day operations.
For over 40 years, our core values of safety, integrity, creativity, responsiveness, teamwork, respect and initiative have provided the foundation for how we conduct ourselves in the communities we live and serve. These values guide us to make the right investments in our people and business for the long-term, and aid our practices in preserving the environment for future generations.
For Our People
- We provide work environments that are safe, inclusive and ethical, and ensure that the safety, health and well-being of our people is our first priority.
- We provide opportunities for personal and professional growth and development, and invest in leadership training, mentoring and succession planning initiatives to equip our future leaders for generations to come.
- We have created in-house training courses specific to leadership, communication, relationship management and many more key competencies for our employees’ development.
- We respect and protect the rights of all people, and maintain a zero-tolerance policy for human trafficking, child labor and forced labor.
- Our partners, vendors, and subcontractors are evaluated on a number of factors prior to selection, which includes past performance, expertise, health, safety, environmental and ethical practices to ensure fair and safe labor conditions.
With Our Clients
- We collaborate with our clients to identify and ensure sustainable business practices that balance cost and risk on every project, and strive for continuous improvement in our efforts.
In Our Business Opperations
- We ensure that responsibility for sustainability occurs at every level of our organization; from our board of directors and executive committee to our management, and to field personnel.
- We expect our employees, subcontractors, partners and suppliers to exhibit behaviors and actions that exemplify the highest ethical standards, and to conduct themselves in accordance with our Vendor Code of Conduct, company policies, client expectations and requirements, and all applicable laws and regulations.
- We identify risk and opportunity to aid informed decision-making and strategic planning initiatives that focus on the long-term viability of MYR Group.
- We review sustainability trends and feedback from stakeholders to assess our performance, and to identify areas for improvement and development, as well as to establish associated monitoring programs.
- We identify viable opportunities to reduce the negative impacts of our business operations, such as reducing the use of toxic materials, conserving and preserving our natural resources, and reducing waste.
- We employ and utilize partners, vendors, subcontractors and suppliers who practice sustainability, and align themselves with our sustainable principles and objectives.
In Our Communities
- We volunteer our time and contributions to support meaningful charitable causes that protect, preserve and enhance our communities.
- We provide our leadership and expertise to other industry organizations and causes.
- Whenever possible, we will support utilization of local and regional businesses in project locales, and strive to employ, train and mentor small and disadvantaged businesses and workers from indigenous/aboriginal/First Nations communities.
- We seek out and participate in opportunities to educate the next generation about careers in our industry.
With Respect For Our Environment
- We comply with all applicable environmental policies, laws and regulations and conduct operations in a manner which will control and minimize damage to the environment and protect the health and safety of our employees, partners, subcontractors and communities.
Nationwide Locations & Markets We Serve
Great Southwestern provides transmission and distribution (T&D) electrical construction services to customers throughout the continental United States, and serves customers in the following markets: Electric Power Government Oil And Gas Renewable Energy
Our Office Locations
Great Southwestern operates from offices located throughout Colorado and Texas, allowing us to combine local management controls and regional and nationwide resources to provide clients with the stability, quality and responsiveness required to successfully execute projects of all scopes and sizes.
Leadership
Brandon Lark | President
Mr. Lark was appointed President of Great Southwestern in May 2014 and is responsible for devising and leading the overall growth and operational strategies of Great Southwestern. Brandon joined the Company in 2000 as a Substation Superintendent, assuming increasing responsibility throughout his tenure including Project Manager, Project Developer, Senior Project Manager, and Vice President. Mr. Lark also serves on the Executive Management Committee for MYR Group, developing and executing corporate strategy while managing enterprise risk.
Brandon blends his hands-on combination of field and project management expertise when working alongside project and operations managers repeatedly delivering successful on-time, under-budget project execution. He has extensive experience in transmission, substation, and wind farm electrical construction on projects throughout the west and southwest.
Mr. Lark embraces the mission, vision, and values of the organization and, united with his personal values and leadership philosophy form his foundation for success. At the core of Brandon’s philosophy is a steadfast focus on employee development, which allows for continuous performance improvement and also generates innovative enhanced service offerings.
Mr. Lark has both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Project Management. He also has an Associate of Science Degree in Civil Engineering Technology and is a certified Project Management Specialist. Brandon has continued his education through the MIT Sloan Executive Education, The Center for Creative Leadership, and Academy Leadership programs as well as many in-house training programs with both technical and leadership curriculums.
In his time away from the office Mr. Lark enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. The entire family is involved in sports. Most weekends are spent cheering at a youth soccer game or enjoying other outdoor activities such as hiking or skiing. Industry Involvement
Great Southwestern’s Memberships and Affiliations
Department of Labor-Accredited Apprenticeship Programs
Great Southwestern proudly offers three Department of Labor Bureau-accredited apprenticeship programs for employees desiring to become Transmission Linemen ( Line Installer Repairer Program), Distribution Linemen (Line Repairer Program) or Substation Technicians (Electrician Substation Program).
