Committed to quality and client satisfaction

The History of Smith & Co. Engineers

Time Tested
Engineering Since 1968

The firm was founded in April 1968 by Samuel H. Smith, a professional engineer and land surveyor. Prior to forming the company, Smith served in the U.S. Army, obtained degrees in business and civil engineering, worked for Butler Manufacturing, and was the assistant city engineer for the City of Poplar Bluff.

His original office was located in downtown Poplar Bluff at 301 Main Street, but as the firm grew, a need for more space led to the purchase of our current location at 901 Vine Street in 1975.

Smith officially incorporated in 1980 with three other officers and partners. As the company continued to grow, Smith started to plan for a way for the company to live on after him. In 1994, he started an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) where the employees could own the company. He retained the majority shares at that time; however, employees now had a stake in the company. Through hard work and dedication to clients, Smith grew the one-man company to 32 employees at the time of his official retirement in 2005.

At his retirement, the company became a 100 percent employee-owned ESOP.

Samuel H. Smith: A Man’s Vision for Helping Others

“Sam Smith was a great man. His contributions to society will remain for many years.” - Dr. Tom Lawson

1956

Graduated from Poplar Bluff High School

1961

Graduated from the University of Missouri with Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

1961-1962

Served as an Officer in the United States Army

1964

Graduated from the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

1964—1966

Butler Manufacturing in Kansas City

1966-1968

City of Poplar Bluff

1968

Founded S. H. Smith and Company in Poplar Bluff at 301 Main Street with 1 employee

1975

Moved to the present location at 901 Vine Street

1980

Incorporated the business with three other officers and partners having completed many land surveys, as well as water, wastewater and bridge projects

1994

Started an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) for the company to allow employees to eventually own the company

2005

Retired and sold all stock to 32 employee’s Smith & Company: A Company’s Vision for Helping Others

2005

Board of Directors established with Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer Presently Smith & Co employee-owners include more than 40 professionals with a wide range of skills and expertise