Merit Construction Company

06/22/2026

Merit Construction recently finished work on the new Carroll Community School District Transportation Facility, which includes four mechanic bays and an additional bay that houses an automated wash system capable of cleaning a bus in less than three minutes, replacing what was once a time-consuming manual power-washing process. The wash bay is expected to be particularly valuable during winter and on gravel roads, where mud, salt and dust can accelerate wear and impair visibility. The four mechanic bays are double Carroll’s previous capacity, allowing four buses to be serviced at the same time indoors.

The 13,500-sf new building also includes climate-controlled work areas, a driver gathering space with kitchen amenities, and offices for transportation staff.

📐: DLR Group
📸: Paul Gates Photography Inc.

06/19/2026

Congratulations to Accounting Technician Kim Etscheidt on her retirement from Merit! We gathered to celebrate her incredible work and wish her the very best! Congratulations and best wishes, Kim!

06/18/2026

06/17/2026

Congratulations Jonah Salow on becoming an Estimator! Jonah joined us almost two years ago, starting first in the field, and then as an intern from February 2025 to May 2026, and we are so excited to have him on the Estimating team!

Jonah is a proud husband to his wife, Loren, and a recent graduate of Kirkwood Community College, where he earned a degree in Construction Management and a Project Management Certificate. As an Estimator with Merit Construction, he enjoys helping bring projects from concept to completion. He is passionate about continuing to grow in the construction industry and building connections throughout the Corridor. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, golfing, working outdoors, and living out his faith.

06/17/2026

Please welcome Hannah to our team! Hannah joined us in June as a Project Coordinator. She grew up on a farm outside of Central City and recently graduated from UNI with a business degree. She’s a proud new aunt and loves any excuse to spend time with her nephew. In her free time, she enjoys baking sourdough, trying new recipes, reading, and spending time with friends and family. Welcome Hannah!

06/17/2026

Please welcome Carly to our team! Carly joined us in June as a Project Manager. She is a Cedar Rapids native and University of Iowa grad. Recently, Carly and her husband Drew purchased a 1960s mid-century modern home and have enjoyed tackling projects and hunting for vintage pieces to bring the space to life. Outside of work, Carly enjoys staying active with running, getting out on the golf course, and is always reading a good book. Welcome Carly!

06/16/2026

Thank you, Ayden, for all of your hard work both in the office and in the field this summer!

06/12/2026

This morning, representatives from Werner were on site at the Merit office with our field team members, covering proper use of fall-arrest equipment, ladder safety, and how the equipment is designed to project them in the event of a fall.

06/10/2026

We are pleased to welcome Brian Beneke to our team! Brian and his wife Lena have two sons. Outside of work, the family enjoys multiple ‘self-perform’ projects at their new house, although Brian’s sons may enjoy hockey, soccer, and basketball more than home projects. Brian and his wife also stay busy supporting their sons’ musical talents and their oldest son is the guitarist in his own rock band.

Welcome Brian!