Celebrating 50 Years: David Coil Reflects on a Legacy of Building and Leadership

As Coil Construction celebrates 50 years, President David Coil reflects on his personal journey, the legacy of the company and what lies ahead for the future of Coil.

Where it all Began

David was just 15 years old when his father, Coil founder Randy Coil, would drop him off at job sites to help clean up and assist with demolition. “I specifically remember working at Barnes and Noble when they were adding onto the mall. I had zero training and was driving a skid loader…I took out a curb they had just finished,” David laughs. “Every summer, after football workouts, I’d head to a job site and get to work putting in doors, pushing wheelbarrows or installing windows—just good old-fashioned manual labor with my football buddies.” In college he shifted into a shop role, making deliveries and helping the shop manager keep things running smoothly.

When asked if David knew he would work at Coil one day, he said, “I always knew I wanted to be my own boss. I saw my dad do that, and I was naturally drawn to construction. I was good at it, and I loved it,” he says. “It evolved over time. I stayed flexible, but the fit was always there.” His most memorable project was also his first—as a site administrator for the Warm Springs Ranch project with Anheuser-Busch. “That was an unforgettable experience. A massive, 180-acre ranch, everything built to brewery specs and at a huge scale for these massive horses. I gained a lot of experience in a year and a half and was trained on the job by JV Scofield and Mike Hemme. That project really launched my career.” After this project, David began working more in the office setting, focusing on a lot of medical facilities and offices. During this time, David began developing his own leadership style while working under Randy’s guidance.

From one Generation to the Next

David credits much of the way he leads the company today to his father. “Randy shaped how I manage people and make decisions. He taught me how to be humble to earn people’s respect and trust. To be a good leader, you have to set a good example.” A family business isn’t always the easy route, especially when personalities and leadership styles don’t mesh, but Randy and David have found the sweet spot. “We complement each other really well. Randy is the visionary—branding, marketing and relationships. I’m more of the integrator—process, execution, numbers. We think the same because he trained me, but our skillsets and personalities are really different. It’s rare to find that balance, but we’ve got it.”

Building a Better Community

Coil believes a construction project should be about more than just a well-built building—it’s about building community. That core belief sets Coil apart from other construction firms, and it’s why they have been building community for more than 50 years. “One of my favorite parts of this job is the diversity of people we get to work with—architects, engineers, school leaders, church pastors, medical professionals, government officials and field workers, to name a few. It takes a whole community to bring these projects to life. That impact is a cultural impact,” David said. “There is also an economic impact—we’ve kept millions of dollars in the local economy. And at the end of each project, you have something that you are proud of and you know it gives back.”

Under David’s leadership, the Coil Cares program was established as another way to give back. Coil Cares unites the entire Coil team through dedicated volunteer days, supporting local organizations and making a positive impact throughout the area, with the added benefit of allowing the office and field staff to work side by side. David points out that while Coil has donated money to many philanthropic causes over the years, giving of your time and talent with your whole team takes building community to the next level not only for the Coil team, but for the places they serve.

Integrity

When asked what makes Coil different from others in the industry, David reflected on Coil’s core value of integrity. Since the beginning, Coil has focused on integrity, quality and dependability and remains steadfast in those standards. “We do what’s right, even when it’s hard. We treat our subcontractors fairly. We go the extra mile to make sure our clients are proud of what we’ve delivered. That’s how you build trust, and that’s why our clients come back.” David also touched on the pre-planning they dedicate to each project. “We do a good job planning things from the very beginning. A successful project starts with good planning. Determining where to spend and our clients’ expectations on schedules is important.”

The Next 50 Years

David’s vision for the next 50 years is rooted in innovation, growth and a continued commitment to people, both outside and inside the company. “I want to grow the brand into new communities. Offer more capabilities and services. Use technology to drive efficiency and get buildings to market faster.”

“And above all, I want Coil to be the best place to work in central Missouri.”