Led by PE-licensed senior managers, our experienced team has netted accolades from the American Society of Civil Engineers, Engineering News Record, Port of Seattle, Associated General Contractors of Washington, and more.
We owe our stellar safety record to our experienced and highly-trained employees who work to make sure every project is done right.
MoreWe owe our stellar safety record to our experienced and highly-trained employees who work to make sure every project is done right.
Our Managers, Project Superintendents, Project Engineers, and Foreman have all completed many of the following courses:
As a contractor with the Corps, we have written and follow our Accident Prevention Plans prepared pursuant to the Corps Safety and Health Requirements Manual, EM 385-1-1.
We’re also set up to work safely in our region’s high-security sites. All of our employees have their TWIC cards, allowing American Construction to operate in restricted government areas.
With all of our projects, we must understand the overall operating environment and mitigate the risks associated with the work we are completing. Protecting our team and the environment is our number one priority. We comply with all regulations and laws and our team works to identify potential risks and make plans and actions to mitigate those risks. Retention of long-tenured team members is also a key to safety success. Ongoing and open communication and training about safety practices and potential risks is a part of every one of our projects. We grant responsibility to site team members to address any instance where safety may be a concern. Safety concerns and incidents receive immediate and effective follow-up by management.
For more than a century we have worked on America's waterways completing successful marine projects
MoreFor more than a century we have worked on America's waterways completing successful marine projects
Founded in 1903 by Captain Harry Ramwell, American Construction started in Port Townsend, Washington as part of American Tugboat Company.
In 1950 it was incorporated as American Pile Driving Company.
For over 50 years, the company was based in Everett, WA.
In 2006, American Construction moved from Everett to the current waterway location in Tacoma, WA. The company’s need to move from their Everett waterfront location where they had operated for over 50 years was prompted by the Port of Everett’s new master plan which included retail space, increased marina’s, and public spaces, not industrial companies such as American Construction. The company searched for new locations in Seattle, Bellingham and Olympia for areas that could support their large marine construction equipment and floating cranes, ultimately settling on the Hyelbos Waterway in Tacoma.
In 1954, Richard (Dick) Brannon began working at American Pile Driving company and purchased 25% of the company in 1959. Mr. Brannon changed the company's name to American Construction Company in 1974 and bought out all shareholders in 1986. He retired in 1991 and he and his wife Mary of 71 years enjoyed taking trips all over the world, as well as traveling in their Airstream trailer and being with their family. Mr. Brannon passed away at the age of 94. His wife Mary resided in Everett until her passing in 2019 at the age of 99.
Steven Brannon, Dick's son began working at American Construction in 1977 as a Civil Engineer and worked his way to President, leading the company for over 25 years. Steve and his wife Sandy purchased the company from his parents and (5) uninvolved brothers and sisters in 1991. In 2006, they sold 10% to Kevin Culbert and his wife Lisa, and 10% to Peter Stephens and his wife Anita. In 2017, the Culbert's purchased the Brannon's remaining 80% and became majority owners of American Construction.
When asked to reflect on his time leading the company and what this transition means for American Construction, Brannon said, "I couldn’t be more confident about the future of American Construction with Kevin at the helm. Our long-tenured employees know and trust him. I’m also excited to see how he’s started to bring in the next generation of skilled employees."
Steve will continue as Chairman of the Board for American Construction.
Kevin Culbert began his career at American Construction in 1986 after graduating from WSU as a Civil Engineer. He started as a project engineer and worked his way through all aspects of the business becoming a 10% owner in 2006, and President in 2014.
Kevin and Lisa have been married for 31 years and have two children who also graduated from Washington State University and work for the company. The family enjoys skiing, boating and adventuring together.
In 2017, the Culbert's purchased the remaining 80% of American Construction from the Brannons and became majority owners. Along with the company team, they continue the legacy of safe, efficient, and enduring maritime projects.
To be America's Waterfront Contractor delivering the highest quality projects with integrity and respect for our business partners, customers and employees. Provide an environment where our team can succeed and flourish.
MoreTo be America's Waterfront Contractor delivering the highest quality projects with integrity and respect for our business partners, customers and employees. Provide an environment where our team can succeed and flourish.
Our Mission: To provide high quality, heavy marine construction and dredging services; a safe, stable and ethical workplace, a return to our shareholders; and support for our Community.
Our Values:
Our Strategies
BS in Civil Engineering - Washington State University; 1986 Licensed Professional Engineer
As President and Chief Executive Officer, Kevin's primary role is to uphold the company's mission and values, while delivering safe, high quality projects, and cultivating positive relationships with customers and business partners. He has 35 plus years of successive experience, starting as a project engineer and working his way through all aspects of the business including project management, estimating and company ownership. Kevin became an owner in 2006, was named President in 2014, and purchased the majority of the company in 2017. He is respected as a relational leader who cultivates teamwork and performance in an environment where team members succeed and thrive. Kevin’s high standards for safety and quality have contributed to American Construction’s success as a leader in the marine construction business.
Kevin has been married to his wife Lisa for 31 years and they have two children. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, mountain biking, snow skiing and anything outdoors.
BS in Civil Engineering - Georgia Institute of Technology
As the Vice President, Niclas works closely with the company President on strategy, the bidding process and overall vision for the company. He is a proven resource for senior leaders, provides integral support for team members and oversees the estimating department. In his role, he is also responsible for evaluating potential work and project opportunities, forecasting company resources and needs, as well as develops the bids and proposals and manages the submittal process. Niclas also tracks historical production and costs and is a vital interface between the pre-project phase and project hand off with the superintendents. His experience encompasses over 30 years in the marine construction industry including marine terminal construction at multiple ports and military facilities in the United States, dredging, hydro-graphic survey management and quality control. He is particularly skilled at understanding the needs of project owners, setting priorities, gaining various agency permits, and working through potential constraints while meeting the collective goal of project success. Niclas is also experienced in design build, design bid build and GC/CM projects.
Niclas is married to Danell and has three children. He speaks fluent Swedish and enjoys traveling abroad. He coaches soccer and also enjoys skiing, boating and camping with his family.
BS in Mechanical Engineering - Washington State University; Licensed Professional Engineer
Zach holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University. He joined American Construction in 2014 and has over 10 years of marine and heavy construction equipment management. As the Equipment Manager, he is responsible for all maintenance, modification, design, construction, and repair to the company's fleet of floating and land-based cranes, as well as support equipment specialized in pile driving, dredging, and heavy lift activities. Zach works closely with our shop superintendent and all team members on the logistics of managing the schedule, resources, and ongoing maintenance of the equipment fleet. He also manages the bidding, scheduling, and supervising of heavy lift hoisting projects for both the government and private entities.
Zach also oversees the configuration and certification of our cranes and barges as well as organizes the annual vessel dry docking.
Zach enjoys skiing and golfing in his free time.
BS in Finance/ Management and BS in Accounting - Portland State University
Lacey joined American Construction in 2023 and has 17 years of experience in the construction and financial industries where she has held accounting leadership positions. Her responsibilities at the company include financial reporting, supervision of office and accounting personnel, management of workers compensation, medical benefits, and retirement plans, as well as maintaining the banking and insurance relationships. Lacey ensures that the company complies with tax and regulatory requirements, and she actively participates with senior leadership in the company's financial planning and decision-making process.
In her spare time, Lacey enjoys watching football (College & NFL), cooking, occasional gardening and reading.
Master of Science in Port Development and Coastal Engineering - UNESCO-IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Delft Netherlands, BS in Civil Engineering - Universidad Autonomy de Baja California (UABC), Ensenada B.C. Mexico
BA in Human Development - Washington State University
