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
