Keith Brown and Flo Kapuan, Kapaun & Brown, Inc. of Marshalltown were the recipients of the 2006 Larry Meisner ABC of Iowa Contractor of the Year award during the ABC of Iowa Excellence in Construction Banquet recently in West Des Moines.

This award is presented to the ABC of Iowa member, who through his or her performance has achieved significant accomplishments for the construction industry, merit shop and ABC of Iowa. “This is the highest honorary award that can be received by an individual from ABC of Iowa,” said the 2006 ABC of Iowa 2006 Chairman, Mike Frye, Frye Builders & Associates, Inc. in Muscatine.

In 1974, Kapaun and Brown decided to go in to business together. Thirty-two years later, Kapaun and Brown, Inc. is one of the most recognized names in the construction industry.

Both men have been very active in the association throughout the years. Brown was a board of director’s member and long-time member of the ABC of Iowa Safety Committee. Kapaun was active on the board of directors and served as chairman of the board in 1988. Both gentlemen have been ardent supporters of the ABC and merit shop philosophy.

Kapaun and Brown have both had a strong understanding about the importance of building the association. Both men are members of the ABC of Iowa Beam Club for recruiting 29 members to the association over the years.

Providing quality training to their employees has always been a high priority at their company. They have been a part of the ABC of Iowa apprenticeship program for many years. Both have instilled the importance of giving back to the industry to their employees. Two Kapaun and Brown, Inc. employees currently serve as instructors in the ABC of Iowa apprenticeship program.

Nurturing a trusting, family-like workplace has been a Hallmark of Kapaun and Brown. Phrases such as, “leads by example” and “hands-on leadership” were used by employees of Kapaun and Brown, Inc. to describe Kapaun and Brown. The result of this managerial approach has led to a lengthy list of long-time employees, including several employees who have been with the company for more than 25 years.

Kapaun and Brown have been real pioneers in the merit shop construction industry. As a result, their employees have benefited their communities have benefited and ABC of Iowa has benefited.