PITTSBURG, Kan. — Arck Construction was awarded the 2026 Small Business of the Year Award at the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce banquet on May 7. 

With just nine employees, Arck Construction has tackled a variety of projects ranging from replacing a business’ door to multi-million dollar builds or remodels. No matter the size of the project, owner Dane Arck said, their goal is to help people’s ideas come to life. 

“You can come to us with drawing on a napkin, and we'll take it from there and bring it to life for you, all the way through and make it as easy on you as possible,” Arck said. 

Nine years ago, Arck, who had been working in the construction industry for 18 years at the time, decided he wanted to build a business for himself. 

“It's a scary thing, obviously, and it's a lot of hard work,” Arck said about starting his own business. “But we've been so blessed, and the community has embraced us and our customers are everything. I can't say it enough about how fortunate we are here.”

Arck started his company in his basement, and then seven years ago, remodeled the space at 812 N. Broadway and set up shop. Since that time, he has expanded the space to include a conference area. 

Some of the company’s recent projects include the Tri Sigma sorority house and the Pittsburg Nail Salon, which was formerly The Family Video building. Arck is currently working on expansions for Ryan-Dittman Insurance and Diamond Pet Foods.

Building relationships, not just professionally but personally, with the clients is one of the most important aspects of his business, Arck said. 

“We like that interaction,” he said. “We built their building, or remodel, but you're also kind of building that personal relationship in the process, which is great.”

Arck feels a sense of pride knowing that his work will make an impact on his client’s life. 

“You take this idea and turn it to something real, and you turn it to something that you're customer is happy with,” he said. “Something that they can use for years and years, building their own businesses or adding on to their to their facilities.”

Depending on the size of the projects, the business completes roughly 30 builds or remodels per year. Typically, Arck Construction takes on projects only within a reasonable driving distance such as Joplin, Parsons, Fort Scott and other Southeast Kansas locations. This ensures that his employees can drive home every night and be with their families, which is part of his company’s values. 

His team of employees, he said, is one of the best parts of the business. 

“Our team here is awesome, and we couldn't do what we do without them, really,” he said. “I'm so, so pleased to have these guys and gals here that make us who we are and have the same values and vision.”

As Arck is entering his 27th year in construction, he is thankful to have a business in a community that is focused on helping each other grow. 

“It's just truly an honor,” Arck said about his award. “I just want to make sure we thank our team here, thank our families for all the support, thank the Chamber for all the work they do, and same thing with the City of Pittsburg. They're a huge part of this because of the growth here in town, and that they're helping our community grow.”

This reporting is made possible, in part, by the Support Local Journalism Project Fund. Learn more at: southeastkansas.org/Localnews.