History

Depression Era

At the same time Peter Kiewit, 30, became the majority shareholder and president of the company, America was sinking into the Great Depression. The limited building work available would often go at or below cost. Peter, a visionary man, saw the need and opportunity for change and led the company into heavy and highway construction markets.

He assembled a core group of talented people to help him build Kiewit into one of the leading construction firms in North America. This core group — Walter Scott (whom Peter had recruited in 1926 for the Nebraska State Capitol job), Homer Scott (no relation to Walter), George Holling and Ted Armstrong — all became directors and major shareholders of the company.

In the mid-1930s, the company broadened its highway business to neighboring states, including Wyoming, Colorado and North Dakota. In 1939, Homer Scott opened the first district office in Sheridan, Wyo.