MSI Constructors Evolves with Service Demands

Prior to founding Mechanical Services Inc. in 2001, Frank Howey was working as an independent mechanical contractor performing HVAC services under general contractors in the local Springfield market. Unsatisfied with being a subcontractor, in 2005, he decided it was time to move away from providing just subcontract services and began to bid projects as a prime contractor. He took the first step by putting in a bid for the renovation/addition of the HVAC systems of several Springfield public school buildings. He got multiple contracts successfully completing 17 of 35 elementary schools and went on to create successful partnerships in the public sector with the state of Missouri, the federal government, schools and hospitals, which required renovating their entire space or just upgrading their HVAC systems. 

By 2012, MSI Constructors had evolved into a full-service general contractor, continuing to self-perform mechanical installations services but over the years adding complete building renovations, infills and ground-up construction. This was all possible by implementing qualified superintendents and adding in-house carpenters and framers, which allowed MSI Constructors to offer multiple architectural services complementing the HVAC installation capabilities. MSI Constructors also has the capability to travel and is currently performing public-sector and private jobs throughout the states of Missouri and Kansas. 

Adam Howey, Frank’s son, took the reins of the company in 2018 and, following in his father’s footsteps, has focused on the evolution of the company and the services it provides with an eye on the continued growth of its expanding private-sector business.

“If you just want to upgrade your building’s HVAC, we can do that,” said Adam Howey. “But if you’re looking for a general contractor who specializes in building renovations, office infills, HVAC upgrades or would just like to improve aesthetics around your office, we’re more than capable and like to do those as well.”

Adam Howey noted that as a great convenience for the building owner: “Being a self-performing general contractor, we don’t just hire subcontractors to perform all the work. The general contracting, mechanical and architectural trades are all under one roof. You’re dealing with one person from one company. Another great benefit is saving our customer money by cutting out markups that would typically take place if the mechanical and architectural trades were subcontracted.”

Adam Howey is quick to give credit to the current team at MSI: “The success we’ve had is because of the people we’ve surrounded ourselves with, whether they’re in the field or in the office. The success of a company is not defined by one person, but by a team of individuals that strive to be successful.”

Howey gives a nod to his father for having the fortitude to strike out on his own but understands for continued success it has to be done with a strong team, and with a strong team anything is possible.

A few current MSI Constructors projects include the renovations of the Cox College School of Nursing and upgrading the HVAC at the Springfield City Utilities building. Others include the new HVAC system for the Pittsburg State University basketball stadium and the completed phase six remodel of the second-floor campus library at Pittsburg State University.