THE HISTORY OF
SCHAEFER-MEYER GRADING DIVISION

The humble beginnings of SMGD began in early 1964 when Ron Schaefer, Sr., set in motion a fulfilling and successful career that would continue for the next 45+ years!

The Early Days - 1964 - It began when Ron Schaefer, and a co-worker, Gil Meyer, were the only two equipment operators working for a small grading company in Florissant, MO. Due to their employer's declining health and need to sell the business, Ron decided to purchase the company. He started with a float truck, a pickup truck for fuel, and two Caterpillar 955H Hilifts.

Ron and Gil worked together until 1969 when Gil went out on his own doing residential seeding work. Continuing to remain friends and frequently working together, Ron and Gil decided they could better serve their customers by offering a complete package beginning with site work and finishing with fine grading and seeding. They ultimately joined forces in February of 1971 and Ron's original company was incorporated as Schaefer-Meyer Grading, Inc.

The Great Divide - 1983 - The next 10-12 years showed continual growth in the company and a movement away from residential work exclusively toward commercial and industrial and highway work. During this period, Ron ran the grading portions of the work, while Gil ran the seeding/sodding work. However, in 1983, after a long and close relationship together, the decision was made to split the company into two separate divisions. Ron would keep the heavy equipment and related machinery pertaining to site grading; and the company name became Schaefer-Meyer Grading Division, Inc.

As business continued to grow, a large fleet of heavy equipment and tandem trucks grew as well. Also increasing was the number of employees -- several of the best union operators in the industry, including his son, Ron Schaefer, Jr.; as well as a full-time, highly skilled diesel mechanic; several qualified drivers, and other key personnel. In 1994, Ron Sr.'s daughter, Cindy (Schaefer) McClintock, joined the company as Office Manager. In early 2003, Ron Sr.'s nephew, Buddy Schaefer, began his second employment with SMGD as an Operator and Superintendent.

Fast Forward to 2009 - The Great Depression - The construction industry was hit particularly hard with the harrowing economic downfall. In addition to managing the severe economic impact, Ron Sr. suffered a mild stroke in September of 2009. Due to his health issue, and turning 70 yrs. old, he ultimately decided it was finally time to "take off his work boots" and retire!

Continuity of SMGD - December 31, 2009 - Date of Ron Schaefer, Sr.'s official retirement. And date SMGD is acquired by his daughter, Cindy McClintock, CEO, managing all financial aspects and business operations of the company. In conjunction with Buddy Schaefer, President, managing all field operations and scheduling, SMGD strives to continue the same level of quality service their customers have historically come to experience.