Key Staff

David “Mac” LeMone, Operations Manager

Mac LeMone came to Little Dixie Construction in 2006 as a Director of Development.  He received a Bachelor of Science with an emphasis in Finance and Real Estate degree from the University of Missouri in 2004.  In addition to overseeing Real Estate Developments in both Columbia and Lee’s Summit, Missouri for commercial property, he also began to learn the construction process from his father’s 45 years of construction knowledge.  In 2007, he started working as a Project Manager for large projects such as Caterpillar Plant Expansion and Caterpillar Entry Addition, both in 2008.  He also oversaw AAA’s Fleet Center in Hazelwood, Missouri and other projects in the St. Louis area.  Mac is responsible for overseeing every aspect of Little Dixie Construction from acquiring new business to the final stages of construction.

John L. States, Member

John came to Little Dixie Construction in 1992 as a general laborer while attending the University of Missouri-Columbia. John’s knowledge in the construction field continued to grow and he soon transferred into an estimating and sales position.  John graduated from the University of Missouri in 1994 and also started working as a Project Manager. Keeping Little Dixie Construction’s labor force working all year long, John works personally with each client on all levels, from estimating their job to cutting the ribbon at their Grand Opening. John also became a partner in the firm in January of 2000.

Tracy came to Little Dixie Construction in 1996 as the Accounts Payable Coordinator. In 1999, she was promoted to Controller. Tracy received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Columbia College in 1995. She is able to track each job through labor, materials, and subcontractors on a cost accounting basis to keep jobs on scheduled budget and notify clients of any major cost changes throughout the life of the project. Tracy is certified as a Construction Industry Technician (CIT) and Construction Document Specialist (CDS) through the National Association of Women in Construction.

Joseph W. Gruender, Project Manager

Joe joined Little Dixie Construction in 2001 after 12 years as a General Manager of a local drywall construction company.  His past experience as a tradesman in the fields of carpentry, commercial drywall and equipment operator have given him expansive knowledge in all aspects of the construction processes. Joe oversees the Project Management Team of the entire company.  He also coordinates the workload for each individual in his department.  He is a member of Ancient Landmark Lodge #356, A.F. & A.M. and the Aleppo Grotto. He is active in raising funds for charitable organizations such as the Cedar Creek Therapeutic Riding Center.

Jay Cole, Project Manager

Jay joined Little Dixie Construction in 2007 as a Project Manager. With twenty five years of construction experience, five of which were spent with Little Dixie Construction in the early eighties, Jay returns from the Kansas City area with experience and knowledge of all aspects of the construction process.  Jay became a journeyman carpenter and then a building superintendent for several general contractors throughout the Kansas City area to help further expand his knowledge and experience.

Sara Emily LeMone, LEED A. P., Project Manager

Sara joined Little Dixie Construction’s team in 2008.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Design Management from Arizona State University.  Sara also acquired her LEED Accredited Professional certification in November of 2008, and became central Missouri’s first LEED AP individual employed by a general contractor.  Ms. LeMone’s education helps in her duties of design, project management, and LEED project coordination.  Her recent successful completed projects include Columbia Area Career Center’s Technical Training Center and Rock Bridge High School’s Training Room.  The City of Columbia’s Fire Station #9 project is Ms. LeMone’s current project as LEED coordinator.

Carole S. Newman, Office Manager

Carole Newman began working for Little Dixie Construction in 1994. A graduate of Stephens College, Carol maintains employee health and workman comp benefits, scheduling, advertising and overall office activity, as well as monitors safety and coordinates safety training in the field. Carole is a member of the local Cancer Research Fundraising Committee and is a volunteer at Cedar Creek Therapeutic Riding Center.

Ginger Taylor, Accounts Payable Coordinator

Ginger came to Little Dixie Construction in 1999 with eight years previous accounting experience. Ginger is responsible for entering invoices, cost coding jobs, maintaining certificates of insurance, and assisting with project invoicing and other accounting duties of the company. Ginger continues to further her education at every opportunity throughout her years with Little Dixie Construction.

Jennifer Martin, Accounting/Contract Specialist

Jennifer came to Little Dixie Construction in 2007 with construction knowledge and experience under her belt.  She earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree from University of Missouri in 2005.  She worked for Mid-City Lumber Co. for 6 years prior to joining our team.  Her duties include accounts receivable, general ledger accounting, cost accounting, project management assistance, and contract/subcontract management.  Jennifer also oversees our on-line plan room in which plans are available to subcontractors and suppliers.