FOR THE LOVE OF. . . Neosho Construction Services Group a ‘Family-First’ Company

By Don Lowe

Construction Services Group (CSG) owner Chris Marion understands what makes Neosho, Missouri, such a perfect place to do business.

Marion began learning all the ins and outs of building throughout Southwest Missouri as a young boy working with his family’s company, Dale Marion Construction. He says, “This city is made up of community members that take pride in who they are – people who are hardworking and have strong family values.

“This aligns perfectly with the value system within our organization. We are diligent to ensure plenty of close-to-home work for all our CSG family. Close-to-home means less travel time and more quality personal and family time.”

While Marion loves working in and around this town of about 13,000 residents, he truly believes it makes total sense for many other companies to set up shop here and says, “Neosho is a growing community.

“From the various new businesses that have recognized this and made significant investments here, to the growth of the fabulous school system with the most modern of facilities and numerous other established businesses that have been here for years and continue to strengthen and expand, Neosho is a great place to live and work.”

Adding further insight on what makes this an attractive area, Marion says, “In discussions with ownership on two recently completed projects (People’s Bank of Seneca and Zak’s Car Wash), I was able to gain some outside perspective as to the appeal of coming to Neosho.

“They see Neosho as a strong community that supports local business. They believe people are being drawn to live here for the quality pace of life, proximity and access to interstate travel, great schools, a beautiful natural environment and numerous other amenities Neosho has to offer.”

As a perfect example of Neosho’s potential, Marion says, “One such amenity that is coming to town is the beautiful new 15,000-square-foot Blue Oak Plaza Retail Center being brought here by developer Kaleb Sampson.

“It will be home to Eagle Outdoors and several other new businesses. Mr. Sampson has recognized the value of this community and is making a significant investment in its future.”

As CSG has grown and evolved over these past many years, so has Chris’ role in operating the company.

“Today, I clearly understand my role is taking care of the many wonderful men and women that work here and who have committed themselves to making the company and work family the best it can be.

“(Success) is best accomplished by putting systems in place to help ensure we continue to value and take care of our amazing clients, which in turn leads to strong relationships and continued growth.”

While Marion has a great deal of pride in having built a successful enterprise in Neosho, he says what makes it most worthwhile is having “created opportunities for all employees to have a quality of life and a way for them to provide for their families.”

Chris Marion, Construction Services Group (CSG) Fast Facts

High School Alma Mater: Neosho High School (1984)

College Alma Mater and Degree: Crowder College with an associate degree (1986) and Missouri Southern State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (1988)

Mixing Family with Business

• Son, Tyler, who serves as vice president of project procurement, and his wife, Jordan, have two children, daughter Collins (3) and son Crew (1).

• Daughter, Reagan Wilson, and her husband, Tye, have two sons, Sawyer (4) and Maddox (2).

• Youngest son, AC (22), joined the Marines and will head off to Camp Pendleton in February.

• Nephew, Carter, vice president of field operations, and his wife, Tiffany, have a daughter, Lucy (1).

• Nephew, Colton, works in project procurement. He has a wife, Lauren.

Career Milestones/History

• Chris Marion moved with his family to Neosho from Stella, Missouri, in 1968. As a young child, he grew up following his dad, Dale Marion, around on building sites, absorbing construction knowledge and witnessing the expertise of a skilled, talented craftsman.

• The history of Marion Construction didn’t begin with Chris or even his dad. Chris’ grandfather, Alec Chalmer Marion, began the long family history of building in the Neosho area, while helping with the construction of Camp Crowder (1941).

• Chris’ dad began his own construction company in the late 1960s, building homes and businesses in Neosho for two decades.

• At the age of 16, Chris began work for a large general contractor in a seasonal/part-time capacity, becoming full-time after graduating from college, and eventually working his way up the ladder from a field laborer to vice president of the company.

• Chris began Construction Services Group in 2005. Today, CSG has grown into a regional company, performing multi-million-dollar projects throughout the Four-State Region.