Welcome to the spookiest edition of our newsletter. This October our crews are brewing up projects that are frighteningly amazing and boo-tifully built. With ghouls, grit, and gravel, we recap some fun from last month and look forward to a fang-tastic Haul-oween season. No tricks here just wicked-strong structures and eerie-sistible attention to detail.
FEEDBACK
This newsletter is published to keep connected to one another and see everyone’s projects and different activities happening here at Dondlinger! If there is something you want to see in the newsletter, please send me your feedback! Thank you all for your continued work and support! Stay awesome!
Emily Nietzel | Marketing Coordinator
NEWEMPLOYEES
There is a reason that Dondlinger Construction is a leader in the construction industry. It’s our people. We rely on the leadership, expertise, and drive of our employees to create the many bridges, highways, buildings and structures that are part of the Kansas skyline. Each employee at Dondlinger plays a key role in the success of this company.
Carlos Lara Carpenter
Cesar Flores Ruiz Carpenter
Collin Rabe Carpenter
Geovany Rueda Garcia Foreman
Brian Garcia Herrera Laborer
Dominic Scott Laborer
Everett Luis Laborer
Jairo Holguin Lona Laborer
James Morrow Laborer
Jesus Gomez Rodriguez Laborer
Jorges Valles Laborer
Justin Stefonek Laborer
Laketon Bisoni Laborer
Nathan Adams Laborer
Tavion Johnson Laborer
Curtis Miller Superintendent
Letters from leadership
Building Excellence, One Foundation at a Time
As the summer heat and monsoon-like weather subside and we prepare for the final quarter of the year, I'm energized by the momentum we've built together at Dondlinger Construction this past year. Just as the changing seasons remind us of nature's cycles of growth and renewal, our projects continue to evolve from designs to structures that will serve our communities for generations.
Your dedication to safety, quality, and teamwork has positioned us for an outstanding finish to 2025 and a strong start to 2026. Every concrete pour, every beam placed, and every finish detail completed reflects the pride and professionalism that have made Dondlinger Construction a trusted name in our industry for over 127 years.
As we gear up for our busiest season yet, remember that we're not just building structures –we're building careers, communities, and a legacy of excellence. Thank you for your continued commitment to making every project a testament to our shared values.
Raymond Dondlinger VP of Operations
BIRTHDAYS &ANNIVERSARIES
OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS
GUERRERO SANCHEZ 10/2
BRIAN HEMMEN 10/3
ANTHONY ROGERS 10/4
ISMAEL REBELES 10/5
DAVID DELLLINGER 10/6
JESUS RODRIGUEZ LUCERO 10/7
CODY SCHWANT 10/11
SHILOH HOFFMAN 10/15
HERACLIO LOPEZ 10/15
SEYMORE EBERT 10/17
LEE ANN HASHBARGER 10/17
AARON TAYLOR 10/17
RANDAL STEPHENS 10/20
HALEY HEDRICK 10/21
TAWNY VO 10/24
JEREMY ALLRED 10/25
ANDRY INCIARTE GONZALEZ 10/25
RODERICK ROBERTS 10/28
PEDRO ESCOBAR 10/31
CHLOE SWENSON 10/31
BURRIS
TREJO
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Flu Shot Clinic
October 17th
RSVP to Diane Burris
Cornhole Tournament and Chili Cook-off
October 23rd
RSVP to Emily Nietzel
In case you missed it...
Our Simply Hygiene volunteer day was a major success! We were able to package 63,000+ items for those in the community. Even if you couldn’t make it this year, we can’t wait to see you there next year!
Thanks to all who volunteered!
Halloween
October 31st
ESOP MONTH:AN OVERVIEW
October is the national month of ESOP’s...Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Okay, we know what it stands for, but do you really know what it is? It’s a retirement account. Sound interesting? Maybe? Well how about a retirement account where you are fully vested in Dondlinger stock versus picking investments like you do in a 401k? Now that sounds better! After completing a year of service, you are eligible to be a participant!
Employees who have been with Dondlinger for a calendar year and have worked a minimum of 1,000 hours and 12 consecutive months within the plan year (Oct 1-Sept 30) are automatically eligible to receive stock in the company.
28%
Owned by Office Associates 72% Owned by Field Associates
The program is completely free, and is an added benefit for your effort while working for Dondlinger. Upon retirement, the company will buy back the employee’s shares.
How can I directly impact the company’s value?
Ensure our job sites are SAFE - safety is EVERYONE’S responsibility.
Ensure the job site is SECURE - they are stealing from YOU and the rest of Dondlinger.
Give a business development lead to your Division Manager.
Refer good employees - don’t forget the Referral Bonus Program.
Manage projects higher than expected profit.
WHAT
ARE
THE
MAIN DRIVERS OF GROWTH FOR AN ESOP?
Consistent Revenue Growth: A stable, growing revenue stream improves ESOP valuation. This can be accomplished through new market penetration, client retention, and innovation.
Being 100% vested means every share of the stock you’ve earned in the company is fully yours. If you ever leave the company or retire, you don’t lose it—it belongs to you.
WHEN CAN I GET MONEY OUT OF THE PLAN?
1. Termination of employment for reasons other than death, disability, or retirement
2. Normal Retirement
3. Disability
4. Death
5. Diversification
WHAT HAPPENS IF I TERMINATE EMPLOYMENT BEFORE DEATH, DISABILITY OR RETIREMENT?
If you leave your job, you’ll only receive the vested portion of your account after a separation of 5 years of service. During the 5 year separation of service if you become disabled, or pass away, payment can come sooner. If your vested balance is $7,000 or less, it will be paid out automatically.
WHAT
IS CONSIDERED NORMAL RETIREMENT?
Normal retirement is at age 65. If you retire before 65, your pay out will be made out over 6 years.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I TERMINATE EMPLOYMENT DUE TO DISABILITY?
Under the Plan, disability means a physical or mental condition that prevents you from working in any job for at least 12 months, as certified by a licensed physician (or deemed disabled under Social Security). If you become disabled while employed, you are immediately 100% vested in your account, and benefits are paid as if you had retired. If your account balance is $7,000 or less, it will be automatically distributed to you.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DIE WHILE WORKING FOR THE EMPLOYER?
If you die while still employed by Dondlinger, then your vested account balance will be used to provide your beneficiary with a death benefit.
VESTING SCHEDULE
**Look out for next months newsletter as we will be covering: Forms of Distribution!
ACTIONSHOTS
BNR Project Progress Update
The COW WWTP BNR is moving and grooving right along in partnership with Wildcat. Here are some overview highlights of recent updates:
BNR PACKAGE 2
Now over a year into the 3-year project timeline and continues to advance steadily: Underground utilities are currently in progress.
Digester #1 has been drained, cleaned, and equipped with new pumps.
Primary Clarifier #1 epoxy coating is complete, with the aluminum truss and cover 95% finished.
Odor Control Systems 2&3: Bio-Air tanks are installed, electrical wiring is underway, and foul air ductwork installation will begin soon.
RDT Building: prestressed panels have been erected.
BNR PACKAGE 3:
Installation of underground utilities for the 60” carbon steel pipe is ongoing.
The elevated deck at the Hydrocyclone building was installed this week.
Hydrocyclone Building and BNR Blower Building have had their prestressed panels erected.
UV Disinfection Structures:
- The UV Bypass Channel, previously filled with grout in a past project, is nearing readiness for reopening.
- the Reaeration Bypass Junction Box castin-place structure is scheduled to be poured in the coming weeks.
BNR PACKAGE 4:
Centrifuge Building prestressed panels are currently being fabricated by Prestressed Concrete, LLC in Newton, KS.
Centrifuge underground electrical conduit cages are being installed this week, with flowable fill placement underway.
GROUNDBREAKING
We broke ground in Garden Plain, KS for a new community pool estimated to be finished in Summer 2026. We’re ready to jump right in and make a splash in Garden Plain!
TOPPING OUT CEREMONY
TOPPING OUT CEREMONY
EMPLOYEE GOLFTOURNAMENT
This year’s employee golf tournament was an un-foregettable success! Perfect weather, questionable swings, and plenty of laughs made for an epic day on the course. Huge thanks to everyone who participated—you all brought your A-game. Congrats to our winners—you’ve officially earned bragging rights… until next year!
Longest Putt Braden Lysen
Longest Drive Cody Schwant Closest to the Pin Ryker Dondlinger
1st Place
Calen Trulove, Richard Scoval, Gavin Taylor, Adam Doll
2nd Place
Alicia Silva, Makrae Rhodes, Tanner Matt
3rd Place
David Dellinger, Matt Forbus, Ryker Dondlinger, Jim Dieckman
Back in September, we had a blast tagging along with Willie Collins for the day to see what keeps him busy on the job! Willie’s currently working at the River Corridor, and we got an up-close look at some of the awesome projects happening there. It was also the perfect chance to see just how dedicated and full of passion Willie really is. He’s all about working outdoors and soaking up the sunshine, talk about loving what you do!
WATCH HERE
CAUGHT IN ACTION
Braden and Jared showed up twinning to the employee golf tournament. Was it planned? Probably.
Blake, Mark, and Calon played along side other alumni in the Pitt State Alumni Golf tournament back in September. Dondlinger REPRESENT!!
Tawny, Brent, Jeremy and Greg hit the greens for the Wichita Architectural Foundation Golf Tournament. I am sure there was absolutely no fun had here at all...
CTRL+TIPS
Meet Your Monthly Tech Sidekick!
Ever wonder how to work faster in Outlook, stay safer online, or get more from the tools we use? Each month we’ll drop a quick tip or highlight a cool feature you might not know about the software
that makes Dondlinger run!
Dark Mode Magic
Give your eyes a treat this Halloween, switch your apps to Dark Mode and work in style!
Dark Mode reduces glare, can be easier on the eyes, and just looks cool. Here’s how to turn it on:
Windows 11:
Go to Settings> Personalization> Colors and choose Dark under “Choose your mode.”
Outlook:
Classic Outlook: Go to File> Options> General. Under Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office, choose Dark Gray or Black as your Office Theme. New Outlook: Click the sun/moon icon in the top right corner of your window to instantly toggle between light and dark.
Teams: Go to Settings> Appearance and pick Dark.
Bonus: Dark mode can help save battery life on laptops and mobile devices. Spooky AND Smart!
KILLERS Shortcuts CAN BE
Most of us have the skills and knowledge to do our jobs well and no one wants to get hurt or do something to hurt one of our co-workers. So why then do we take safety “shortcuts?” The following is a list of safety “shortcuts” that are all too common on construction sites.
We know what safety guards dobut we remove those guards to save a few extra seconds!
We shouldn’t take a chance when operating heavy equipment - yet we don’t use the seat belt.
We know that flames or sparks are not permitted around flammablesbut some of us smoke around them anyway.
A protruding nail can cause a serious injury - but we don’t bother to remove it or bend it over.
Horseplay can cause injuries on the job - but many of us continue to play practical jokes.
A circular saw can easily cut off a finger - but we still “jam” the guard and make it useless.
We know the safe way to use a ladder - but climb it with our hands full of tools anyway. We should wear our PPE, such as our safety glasses – but still leave the glasses in our truck.
Quote No. 9
Shortcuts cut life short
We know better than to use chemicals without reading the label or the MSDS - but we use the chemical anyway.
A bump or bruise to the head can hurt and hurt badly - but we still don’t use our hardhats.
It’s dangerous to block firefighting equipment - but we stack materials in front of fire extinguishers anyway. We know not to work within 20 feet of a power line - but there’s just one more load of steel to be unloaded and it won’t happen to me.
We know when working over 6 feet we are exposed to a dangerous fall –but we don’t take the time to tie off.
We know it is dangerous to work with damaged tools and equipment – but we fail to thoroughly inspect them before each use.
Damaged power cords and extension cords put us at risk of being electrocuted – but we use them anyway.
DONDLINGERPERKS
FREE PASSES
To these locations:
Reach out to Tawny Vo if interested!
Discount
or
You and your family are eligible for discounts such as: 35% off Accessories, 22% off NonUnlimited Data Plans, $5 off Unlimited Plans with Auto Pay, and additional discounts available for first responders, teachers and other eligible groups.
