Celebrating 60 Years of Building a Stronger Community Together
For six decades, BHS Construction has been at the forefront of growth in the Flint Hills region. From office buildings and schools to athletic facilities and historic renovations, BHS plays a vital role in building and strengthening communities. As we celebrate our 60th anniversary this year, we look forward to continuing our legacy of excellence in building and serving communities together.
A Legacy of Growth and Relationships
BHS Construction traces its roots back to 1965 when Baril-Rogers was first established. In 1982, Wayne Sloan took over leadership and transformed the company into what is now BHS Construction, Inc. At the time, Manhattan, with a population of around 35,000, was experiencing a period of rapid growth. By focusing on quality work and strong relationships, BHS quickly became a trusted partner in the region’s development.
Over the years, BHS has played a pivotal role in shaping the community through landmark projects like the restoration of the Columbian Theatre in Wamego and the construction of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Manhattan. These early achievements solidified our reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and dedication.
Building for the Future
As Manhattan continued to expand, spurred in part by the success of K-State’s football program under Coach Bill Snyder, BHS adapted and grew alongside it. The company built an enduring reputation by placing a strong emphasis on relationships and prioritizing customer needs. Today, BHS proudly employs nearly 100 professionals and already has a strong pipeline of work under contract in 2025, with their backlog looking equally optimistic. As they approach capacity for 2025, BHS stays true to one of their core values of prioritizing relationships first by strategically reserving time and resources to continue serving key partnerships through additional projects and client solutions.
BHS Construction has an impressive portfolio that includes significant contributions to the region, such as St. Isidore’s Catholic Student Center, the Immaculata SSPX Church in St. Marys, as well as a wide range of schools, healthcare facilities, and commercial developments throughout the state. Each project represents not just a structure, but also an investment in the community.
Passing the Torch: A Commitment to Longevity
Understanding the importance of succession planning, Wayne Sloan prepared the next generation of leadership well in advance. In 2003, he hired Patrick Schutter, who now serves as president, while Sloan remains active as board chair. Under Schutter’s leadership, the company has expanded its partnerships with universities and other higher education institutions, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled professionals ready to contribute to BHS’s continued success.
BHS’s leadership team, including Levi Schneider and Zach Sloan, represents the next chapter in our story. Their passion and dedication ensure that our company’s values of integrity, craftsmanship, and community investment will continue for years to come.
Investing in People and Community
At BHS Construction, our success is deeply tied to the community we serve. We take pride in hiring local talent, particularly from K-State and MATC, and we are committed to fostering long-term career growth through training and mentorship. Many of our employees stay with us for decades, a testament to our supportive company culture.
Beyond construction, our commitment to the community is reflected in our charitable efforts. In 2024 alone, we contributed over $100,000 to over 50 local youth and community organizations, offering sponsorships, donations, and hands-on support for groups like the Boys & Girls Club, the Crisis Center, Pawnee Mental Health, Girls on the Run, and Good Shepherd Homecare & Hospice, just to name a few. Our employees are active participants in local organizations, reinforcing our belief that building a strong community goes beyond bricks and mortar.
Looking Ahead: The Next 60 Years
BHS Construction has always been more than just a construction company. We are builders of community, opportunity, and lasting relationships. With an unwavering dedication to quality and service, we are excited for the future. As the Flint Hills region continues to grow, we remain committed to being a trusted partner in its development.
As we celebrate this milestone, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our employees, clients, trade partners, and community members who have supported us throughout the years. Reflecting on the past 60 years, we eagerly anticipate our future of growth, collaboration, and building together.
