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2012 Men of the Year Honoree: David Roling

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David Roling says his collaborative approach to leadership requires more time and effort, but in the end it enhances the probability for success.

“When we plan together, prepare together, celebrate together, and most importantly, debrief together, whether that be our businesses or volunteer organizations, boards, and with our community, as leaders we are we building advanced consensus and buy-in,” Roling says.

As branch manager and vice president of Emery Sapp & Sons Inc. in Springfield, Roling is responsible for operations with a primary emphasis on civil construction applications including site excavation; storm, sanitary and utility projects; and base rock and concrete pavement work. He is also in charge of branch hiring, project cost management, profit and loss, and marketing for the employee-owned company. He joined the company in 2008 after a stint as vice president of administration and business at Ozarks Technical Community College.

“My motivation for re-entry into the civil construction industry in 2008 was largely due to the challenge to once again have the opportunity to assemble a dynamic team,” says Roling, who has worked at companies such as APAC-Missouri Inc. and Conco Cos.

Roling’s varied community roles include serving as president of the Landmarks Preservation Trust and the Gillioz Theatre/Netters Partnership 2007–12. He now serves as vice president and board member, and says he is proud of his participation in recent board efforts to save the historic downtown theater from foreclosure.

“I am convinced that this will forever be our anchor for the downtown Springfield area and represents an amenity that could not be replaced,” Roling says.

As a mentor, he has tried to work with others who express interest in the construction industry, as well those who have more personal issues.

“There are documented successes and sometimes disappointments, but always I have received the satisfaction of trying to help them,” Roling adds.

A framed “Just Say No” slogan in his office sums up the greatest difficulty that he encounters in maintaining a balanced life while trying to contribute to the success of the community and region.

“In all the committees, task forces, boards and organizations, I generally will not participate unless I can proactively contribute. I get too bored with being a body in a seat,” he says.

Click here for full coverage of the 2012 Men of the Year.


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