AOG NEWS

Annual event paves the road to construction’s future in Kansas City.

 
Every fall, the Truman Sports Complex turns into a giant construction zone for kids, families, and future builders. Dozer Day KC, organized by the National Utility Contractors Association of Kansas City (NUCA KC), is more than a weekend of fun. It’s a hands-on look at how Kansas City builds its future.

This year the event drew its biggest crowd ever — thousands of visitors and dozens of local construction firms. Alpha-Omega Geotech (AOG) continued its tradition as a Silver Sponsor, bringing a mix of learning, play, and real-world connection to the wold of local geotechnical engineering and required construction inspections.

 

Friday: Career Day Sparks Curiosity

 
Career Day drew dozens of school buses packed with hundreds of high school students exploring careers in construction and the Trades. They toured equipment, talked with the pros, and got a firsthand look at what life on a job site feels like.

“There’s tremendous enthusiasm for this event,” says AOG Business Development Director Dave Flessner. “Kicking it off with an organized Career Day is perfect. It really connects with students close to graduating high school and entering the field. They were curious about soils and conditions, and how our work fits into the big picture. Their curiosity was inspiring.”

What’s geotech all about? AOG’s booth was the first exposure for many students. “A lot of instructors asked me to come speak about our field and explain our role,” says Flessner. “There’s a huge need for workers in geotech and pretty much all other aspects of construction. Not every kid is geared for a four-year degree, and there are great opportunities and salaries in this industry.”

Saturday & Sunday: Families, Fun, and Foundations

 
Dozer Day KC’s main event opened to the public Saturday and Sunday under crisp fall skies. Families came ready to explore. Kids climbed into bulldozers, loaders, and cranes while learning what it takes to build Kansas City.

At the AOG tent, the big sand pile was a hit. Kids dug, built, and played with construction toys while parents chatted about future possibilities on the construction path. Oversized Jenga, stickers, and temporary tattoos added to the fun.

“It’s not a bad thing if kids don’t want to go to college,” explains AOG Field Services Director Scott Kelly. “Maybe they want to go into a trade school or straight into construction. Artificial intelligence isn’t going to replace a good excavator operator or carpenter. We still need hands on the job site making things happen. And it’s exciting work.”

Kelly says even brief conversations with families can make a difference. “You might only get a couple of minutes with each kid, but that’s enough for them to see what’s possible.”

We are grateful for the help of volunteers throughout the weekend!

(from left) Dave Flessner, Klarissa Roberts from Turf Design, Christopher Bryans, MPM, from ARCO Construction.[/caption]

 

Building Awareness and Opportunity

 
Dozer Day is about so much more than the thrill of big machines. It’s about sparking interest and showing kids what construction careers can offer. “When kids get to drive excavators, touch the equipment, and feel what this work is about, it stays with them,” says Flessner. “The smiles and excitement you see are what make it all worth it.”

For Alpha-Omega Geotech, Dozer Day KC is a standing commitment. Each fall, the team shows up to connect with families, support workforce development, and celebrate Kansas City’s builders from the ground up.

When kids discover that digging in the dirt can lead to building their dreams, it becomes more than just a good time. It’s foundational.