In the heartland of America, where the skyline meets the horizon, there stands a testament to a century of hard work, dedication, and innovation – JE Dunn Construction. Through challenges and triumphs, the Dunn family has leaned on its values of leadership and giving, leaving an enduring mark on the landscape and the communities they serve.
Bill Dunn Sr., a man of vision and determination, laid the cornerstone of JE Dunn, taking what his own father started in 1924, and with grit and foresight, he transformed humble beginnings into a construction empire. His legacy is not just in buildings erected but in the values of integrity, hard work, and a commitment to excellence that he instilled in his five sons.
“Dad is very stoic and doesn’t like to share his feelings,” said youngest son Bob Dunn. “He’s very humble and modest, and our mother was the same. We wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for our parents.”
That humble and modest personality of Bill Dunn Sr. was also etched into his sons: Bill Jr., Terry, Steve, Kevin, and Bob, who have each in their own way carried on his legacy and contributed to the success of JE Dunn, and the community at large.
Bill Dunn Jr.
Providing leadership in logistics and operations, Bill Dunn Jr. was also involved in marketing and community engagement for JE Dunn. Under his watch, JE Dunn built a major logistics facility in Kansas City, Kansas, which is now Blue Hat. When he took over, logistics for the company was a smaller, local operation that is now national and has since grown to a $30 million-a-year business.
The eldest son, he was instrumental in shaping JE Dunn’s public image and community engagement efforts.
Terry Dunn
“I see the success of JE Dunn as a team effort,” said Terry Dunn. “For me, it’s all about the people.”
JE Dunn is a company based on character, he said, and if it was going to grow, there needed to be a lot of leaders to grow along with it.
For Terry, while his father was an outstanding leader, there have also been many great leaders throughout the company’s history. Eventually becoming CEO, Terry learned to put the business first, prioritizing JE Dunn and its people by giving his time and fully committing to the organization’s success. Like his father before him, he remained actively engaged with his own family despite the long hours he devoted to the company.
“My desire was to empower those who were ready to take on responsibility,” he said. “You have to have a servant leadership mentality. You have to be nurturing, encouraging, and know how and when to develop people, but you also have to be ready to hand the baton off to the right people at the right time.”
Bill Dunn Sr.’s legacy is well cemented, Terry said, but JE Dunn is not only a family business, it’s a business that many people have given their time and leadership talents to. A lot of the strength of the company is built around its moral compass; a commitment to values, to leadership, and to culture, he said.
“We grew to 26 offices around the country, and we had to develop a team and an expectation that was quite high. It’s not just us; it’s we.”
Steve Dunn
Growing up, Steve Dunn said his dad was very busy, but always made time for his children. He didn’t show favoritism, and each of his sons had to prove themselves and had to work for what they achieved.
“I appreciated this,” he said. “It made me work harder and taught me that whatever happens in life, you have to put forth the effort.”
For Steve, the hours his dad dedicated to JE Dunn set an example that had a great influence on him.
Steve began working for JE Dunn in 1975 on the business administration side of the company and wore several hats during his tenure. He successfully managed the real estate investments for the Dunn family and company, and had other roles which included safety director, the director of affirmative action, and the procurement of insurance coverages and claims, all while having an impact on risk management.
Being a Dunn, he said, you had to set an example and let people know that you will pull your own weight.
“Construction is a tough business: high risk, low reward. Through his leadership, my father had a knack for inspiring people to reach their full potential, as well as setting a good example which has helped the company to grow and prosper into what it is today.”
Kevin Dunn
Kevin Dunn, though not directly involved in the JE Dunn business, gained deep insights into the company’s success through writing a book and serving on the board of directors.
“My father’s resourcefulness, adaptability, and tenacity were key to JE Dunn’s success,” he said. “He cared deeply about his employees and instilled a sense of loyalty and dedication. His hands-on approach and willingness to lead by example set the standard for hard work and dedication within the company.”
His dad worked harder than anyone else, he said, and that made everyone else work hard, too.
“You get a lot more out of people if they know you’re right there with them. It’s not a bad code to live by,” Kevin said. “You want to root for the people involved, but you also root for this company, and you hope it holds onto the values that allowed it to get this far.”
Bob Dunn
Bob Dunn, the youngest son, cherishes the family values instilled by his father and the sense of camaraderie within JE Dunn.
“Working alongside my father and brothers, I learned the importance of hard work, integrity, and treating everyone as family,” he said. “Faith played a central role in our family and business, guiding our decisions and actions.”
His father’s mentorship and encouragement propelled him to pursue various roles within JE Dunn, from safety to marketing. Getting involved in philanthropy was a natural extension of the Dunn family’s values, and giving back to the community became a cornerstone of JE Dunn’s legacy.
“Dad was always honest,” he said. “I think this moral code is what contributed to the success of the company, and it’s the same philosophy the JE Dunn leaders have today.”
Each son’s unique perspective sheds light on the diverse contributions they made to JE Dunn’s success, embodying the values of hard work, integrity, and community that have defined the company for generations.
As JE Dunn celebrates its Centennial anniversary, the legacy of the Dunn family stands as a testament to the power of hard work, innovation, and commitment to community. From the humble beginnings of John Ernest Dunn to the visionary leadership of his son, Bill Dunn Sr., and his five sons, the company leaves an indelible mark on the landscape and the lives of those it touched. Looking toward the future, the best is still yet to come, guided by the enduring values that have been passed down through generations.