The Original Golden Hardhat

Kent Dalrymple has decided to retire from being the CMSWillowbrook Safety Director of 17 years. Kent has been in construction since 1975 with experience in construction management, US Army Corps of Engineers Quality Control and Quality Assurance, plumbing and mechanical, hospital maintenance, equipment operator, bridge construction, concrete, masonry and residential framing.

Kent recalls when he was first interviewed at CMSWillowbrook. “When former VP of Operations Gary Laird Sr. interviewed me for employment with CMSWillowbrook, I asked if he remembered telling me 6 years before that I lacked structural experience and would improve my chances of employment if I could gain experience elsewhere and then come back. He responded yes, and I said well I am back! I have been here ever since,” said Kent. “Probably the most memorable moment of my career was the day Cary DeHart and Gary Laird Sr. came to an owner’s meeting at Cameron University and afterward asked me if I would consider being the company’s first full-time Safety Director. I gladly accepted, and it has been the best career move of my life.

James Madison, Project Manager worked closely with Kent for a couple of years and stated, “I had the pleasure of working directly with Kent during my first two years at CMSWillowbrook. The safety guy is never the most popular person on a construction site, but Kent never did it for his reputation, and always took time to explain why rather than just give a command. Speaking to his integrity, I witnessed him multiple times helping random strangers that we would come across traveling to different job sites. He truly has a servant’s heart that is a rarity these days. I hope that his retirement is fully of relaxation and time spent with loved ones. Thank you for your dedicated service to CMSWillowbrook, Kent! You will be missed.”

Rick Watts, Director of Operations stated, “Kent is awesome! He is not someone who just brings up a problem/ issue or violation and walks away. He will help figure out how to deal with it the best way. It’s not just black and white in the safety world. He will come up with solutions to assure it is done in the safest possible manner. We are going to miss having his smiling face around!”

Kent says his favorite thing about CMSWillowbrook is the family culture. He appreciates the opportunity to work for a company whose employees are more than just a number and are valued for who they are, not just what they can do. “These past 17 years with CMSWillowbrook have been by far the best years of my employment. Starting with my very first construction job, I have worked hard and tried to be the best I could be at whatever work was set before me, but I never imagined I would ever have the kind of job I have now.” Kent continues, “A big thanks to the DeHart family and upper management both past and present for trusting and allowing me the flexibility I have had in managing our company safety program. I am pleased with the safety culture that we have worked together to develop over the past 13 plus years. Management support has always been there, and I appreciate the open channel of communication we have maintained.”

Kent appreciates the team members he feels blessed to have worked with over the years. He feels fortunate to have had safety coordinators James Madison and Mitch Ohmann alongside him and welcoming Oliver Diaz to the CMSWillowbrook Safety Team. “When I retire, I will be rest assured that the safety program is in good hands and will do nothing but improve,” said Kent. After retirement, Kent is hoping to work part time, do some traveling, play a little music and focus more on hog hunting and golf. K