About Us



Building trust across the country

We have long believed that good business is built on trust and mutual satisfaction. At Darland, we build that trust and satisfaction with our owner-first focus and the goal of exceeding expectations. Our achievements in this area are proven by the fact that much of our business is comprised of returning customers.

Once a client discovers the benefits of doing business with us, we often end up building for them at multiple locations across the country.

Exceeding owner expectations

It’s simple. Our goal is to support the owner’s best interest in each action we take. With innovative solutions, a dedication to accountability, transparent accounting, and a strong team approach—every aspect of the Darland process is focused on exceeding your expectations.

  • The Darland team takes an owner-first perspective in all we do. We focus on achieving the owner’s objectives and strive to support the owner’s best interests at every juncture.
  • We are responsive and accountable to owners throughout every step of the planning and construction process.
  • Darland’s transparent accounting practices assure all savings are passed on to owners.
  • Darland’s strong financial foundation provides security to those we work for, and to those who work for us.

Our History

Darland was founded in 1953 by Wayne Darland and by the mid-70s had become one of the premier industrial builders in the Omaha area. In 1979, Omaha natives Monte Matz and Jerry Kelley acquired Darland.

Over the next 20 years, under Kelley’s leadership, Darland became one of the region’s foremost commercial/industrial construction companies. During that time, Monte’s sons, Duke and Jay Matz, established themselves in the real estate industry in other markets before returning to Omaha to work in both real estate and construction.

In 2002, the Matz brothers began to acquire their father’s portion of the business. Actively joining Kelley, they formed the current leadership team of Darland Construction Company. Darland and its clients benefit daily from this team’s unique combination of expertise in construction management and real estate development.

Our people

The Darland team views owners and our construction industry partners as just that—partners—with whom we strive to build positive working relationships. Honesty, integrity, and accountability are hallmarks of all we do.

Leadership team
Darland is led by company principals Jerry Kelley, Duke Matz, and Jay Matz, along with long-time general superintendent, Pete Knapp. They each have devoted their careers to the building industry. Bringing together an unmatched combination of experience and skills, they form one of the most dynamic, effective leadership teams in the building industry.

Jerry Kelley
Jerry has been at the helm of Darland since 1979. With a lifetime of construction experience, Jerry directs all construction-related operations, including the job accounting for every building project. Jerry’s practical industry experience provides Darland clients with detailed operational knowledge and expert financial management critical to the success of each project.

Duke Matz
With over two decades of executive management experience in construction and real estate, Duke leads the innovative, solution-oriented process that has become a hallmark of Darland’s services. In addition to his business development and administrative responsibilities for the firm, many clients turn to Duke for project development support because he acts and thinks like a building owner, putting their interests first and foremost.

Jay Matz
With extensive connections throughout the region’s business community, along with over 20 years experience in construction and real estate, Jay focuses on key strategies for the future, including delivering on customer expectations and pursuing business opportunities in growth markets. He uses his talents to effectively lead Darland’s business development and marketing efforts.
Pete Knapp
Pete was introduced to construction by his father, who was the General Superintendent for Darland from 1956 to 1979. Following in his father’s footsteps, Pete joined Darland in 1973 and was promoted to General Superintendent in 1984. Pete now supervises all Darland field superintendents, coordinates office/field operations, leads scheduling activities, and is an inspirational safety director for the company.

 

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