2008 Partners in Progress Conference - Las Vegas: April 3-5, 2008: Registration

Kevin Yearout

President, Yearout Mechanical

Kevin is a lifelong mechanical contractor (literally); His grandfather, grandmother and father started Yearout Mechanical, Inc. in 1963 just months before Kevin’s birth. He was raised at the office and on jobsites; his early duties included sorting checks and sweeping vans and trailers. As soon as he could drive he delivered materials to jobsites and dug ditches. Upon his graduation from high school he entered the apprenticeship program and turned out a journeyman. He has performed almost every job imaginable within the mechanical contracting business, from estimating, to purchasing, to project managing, to division manager, to President, to owner.

Kevin became President of Yearout Mechanical in 1995 and became the major stock holder in 1999 when his father retired. Since 1995 the company has grown from $16 million in yearly sales volume to over $100 million. In addition to working at and leading Yearout Mechanical, Inc. Kevin has served on numerous industry Boards and Committees.

In 1998 the decision was made to “buy-out” Kevin’s father, Kim Yearout via an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). The ESOP represents all non-bargaining unit employees and currently owns just over 40% of Yearout Mechanical. The goal is to have the ESOP own 100% of the corporation within the next 5 years. The experience of Yearout Mechanical, Inc. as it relates to the ESOP has been nothing but positive, there have certainly been some “lessons learned”, but the overall positive impact is unmistakable. Yearout Mechanical was recognized as the “Best Place to Work” for all “large” companies in New Mexico in 2007, an honor Kevin attributes, at least in part, to the successful ESOP. The key is developing an “ownership” mentality and picking the correct people to be in, and ultimately lead, the organization.

Kevin Yearout

2008 Conference Speakers

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