Harris named CANCO 2025 Office Employee of the Year
Project Manager Ryan Harris, left, was presented Carl A. Nelson & Company's 2025 Office/Salaried Employee of the Year Award by President Chris Smith. CANCO
9 months ago
Third-generation Carl A. Nelson & Company employee Ryan Harris joined the firm in 1995.
Carl A. Nelson & Company has presented Project Manager Ryan Harris its 2025 Office/Salaried Employee of the Year Award. The recognition was bestowed during the firm's annual Christmas party on Dec. 13, 2025.
The annual award is given to an office or salaried employee (office or field) in recognition of leadership, fairness, honesty and exceptional service.
Ryan, a third-generation CANCO employee, is the 13th recipient of the award. Winners are selected based on nominations submitted by other employees. During his announcement of the award, President Chris Smith said Ryan's nomination was based on factors such as these:
- Has a hard time saying no
- Always makes time to answer questions even with a hundred other things going on
- Earns the respect of others
- Cares about both the company and the client, and always does what is best for both
- Builds very deep and long lasting relationships with clients
- Very fair and flexible as long as it is done right
- Has managed an unbelievable workload
Ryan first went to work for CANCO in 1993 as a field laborer while still in college. He returned in 1995 after completing his degree in Industrial Technology and Engineering/Construction Management in 1995, beginning as a field engineer. He was promoted to project manager in 2001. Ryan marked his 30th anniversary with the firm in 2025. His recent projects include work for Western Smokehouse Partners, including ongoing projects in Burlington, Galesburg, IL, and Mexico, MO; Heart Song Day Services in Burlington; the Des Moines County Public Health facility; and Lee County's Meller Family Health Center in Fort Madison.