Founded in 1936 by Charles D. Smith, the C.D. Smith Construction’s first project was the Oshkosh Wastewater Treatment Facility with a construction value of $500,000. At that time a carpenter made 29 cents per hour. Charles’ son Donald joined the firm in 1941. 

In 1942, the first large projects were primarily water treatment facilities, but business soon grew to include municipal and government buildings. In 1955, Thomas D. Baker joined the firm as an estimator/project manager, after previously working summers as a laborer. Tom’s enthusiasm and building skills allowed him to rapidly progress within the company and soon, he was managing some of the firm’s largest projects. In 1964, Donald was elected President following the death of his father. That same year, Tom Baker was promoted to Vice President. 

By 1970, the business continued to grow by taking on projects across many different markets including everything from industrial and municipal projects to schools and hospitals. In 197, Donald’s son Gary joined the management team after receiving his BSCE from Marquette University. Gary’s extreme attention to detail and high standards set the benchmark for quality through all aspects of the Company’s operations. Tom Baker was named President after Don’s retirement in 1978. 

The name of the company was officially changed to C.D. Smith Construction, Inc. in 1982. A little more than a decade later, Gary Smith was named President and COO. That same year, Tom Baker was named Chairman in addition to his role of CEO. 

Throughout the 1990’s, C.D. Smith continued to grow and expand, becoming one of the strongest contractors in the Midwest. Completing projects throughout the State of Wisconsin and across the nation, the company continued to practice the same work ethic and techniques that Charles D. Smith put into place decades before. Also in the 1990’s, Gary’s son Justin A. Smith joined the family business full time after graduating from the University of West Virginia. He started as a laborer and worked through the ranks to the role of Superintendent running work in Michigan and Washington. Justin later joined the office team as a Project Manager. Justin continued in his work when he was named Vice President in 2008. This same year, C.D. Smith unveiled a new brand identity. 

In 2011, the firm celebrated 75 years in business, continuing to build strength and achieve success. About three years later, C.D. Smith Construction, Inc. Board of Directors appointed Justin A. Smith President and CEO following the passing of Gary M. Smith. 

Growth has not slowed down. In 2015, C.D. Smith opens a Milwaukee branch office. In 2016, C.D. Smith secured three of the largest contracts in its history. These $100 million-plus projects include 7seventy7, a 34-story housing and mixed-use development for Northwestern Mutual in Milwaukee; a 600,000 square foot DOA Hill Farms office building in Madison; and upgrades at the Green Bay Metropolitan Sewer District. In 2018, C.D. Smith broke ground on its new 50,000 square foot corporate office in Fond du Lac. The relocation of the headquarters will be the first home office move in company history. In 2019, a second branch in Madison was added and the corporate office in Fond du Lac opened its doors on that new space. In 2020, a fourth branch was added in La Crosse. 

2021 marked 85 years in business. It appears the growth will continue. To learn more about C.D. Smith Construction, Inc. please visit https://www.cdsmith.com/.