In 1962, Richard Ames laid the cornerstone for Ames Construction in Burnsville, Minnesota. Despite his modest beginnings within a disciplined, hardworking, and tightly knit agricultural family of eight siblings, Richard drew on a decade’s worth of experience working for a local highway contractor after high school.


His zeal for Ames Construction was honed through an unwavering commitment—an attribute deeply rooted in him and his siblings by their father, Chester Ames, who was a living embodiment of the principles of hard work. Complementing this steadfast work ethic was the influence of his loving mother, Ruby Ames, who personified the essence of family values.


These enduring values—coupled with the opportunities presented during a time when government programs aimed to support farmers with conservation efforts in townships were transitioning into cities, and infrastructure development for the nation’s highway system was underway—led to the gradual integration of many Ames family members into the company.


Tom G. Ames (Tom), the fifth of eight siblings, initially went to work for Ames Construction after High School in 1966 as many other family members did, and in 1969 he chose a different path from his other family members. Tom, often regarded as the family’s “black sheep,” embarked on his journey by establishing his own construction company, Tom’s Excavating.


He specialized in basement excavation and managing various modest civil projects. However, a few short years later, the unbreakable familial bond called out to him. In 1970, he made the pivotal decision to sell his equipment, which included a 950 loader that he had managed to pay for in one year and returned to join his brothers and family. All together, they played a vital role in shaping and building the company over the next 23 years until 1991 when Tom left to found SEMA.


In 1967, Tom tied the knot with Lois Ann Ames, who became an indispensable part of his life and his ventures. Lois actively shared in the challenges and triumphs, not only during the inception of Tom’s Excavating in 1969, but also throughout the remarkable growth of Ames Construction over the ensuing 28 years.


Together they had three children Monica, Tara, and Brett. Alongside other spouses of the Ames family members that joined Ames Construction, Lois played a pivotal role in steadfastly supporting the company’s enduring vision and long-term objectives. Lois has and continues to support Tom and SEMA unconditionally.


In 1982, Ames Construction set its sights on expanding into new markets on a more permanent basis, prompting the company to establish its inaugural satellite office in Denver, Colorado. For Tom, who had always been a bit of an outlier within the family, this Denver venture offered him the chance to spread his wings and assume a more independent role within Ames. Alongside his wife Lois, they eagerly seized the opportunity. In 1982, they packed up their station wagon, along with their three children, Monica (15), Tara (11), and Brett (7), and embarked on a journey to initiate Ames Construction’s first satellite office in Colorado.


While in Colorado between 1982 and 1991, Tom forged numerous professional and personal connections while establishing Ames’ Denver office. Among some of the remarkable individuals he encountered during this period was a young project superintendent in 1984. Tom worked for this person as a sub-contractor. This individual was none other than Brad Spies, who would go on to become a future business partner with Tom at SEMA Construction in 1995.


In 1988, Ames Construction achieved a significant milestone by securing the contract for the expansive grading and drainage work at Denver International Airport—a historic project in which Tom Ames played a pivotal role. However, a mere three years later, as the project approached its conclusion and Tom’s 46th birthday loomed, a profound realization dawned upon him: the urgency to act swiftly in pursuit of his entrepreneurial dreams. The relentless march of time weighed heavily on his mind, and he grasped the paramount importance of seizing the opportunity before the window closed due to advancing age.


In March of 1991, and after the substantial completion of the work at Denver International Airport, Tom chose to step away from Ames Construction. This bold move was fueled entirely by an intrinsic yearning to forge a path of his own, reminiscent of his earlier ventures with Tom’s Excavating in 1969 and his decision to leave Minnesota in 1982, driven by his pursuit of greater independence.


Despite the initial strains that arose from his departure, the enduring resilience of the family values rooted in Chester and Ruby’s upbringing prevailed. Over time, these shared values strengthened the familial bonds even further. Today, both firms maintain a unique relationship where, while we compete vigorously against each other, we also cherish the enduring sense of family that binds us together.