For more than 70 years, Darland Construction has been a trusted force in the commercial construction industry—where quality meets innovation.
As a seasoned leader in design-build, general contracting, and construction management, we deliver tailored solutions that bring our clients’ visions to life. From hospitals and schools to retail centers, office buildings, and industrial facilities, we build more than structures—we build trust.
Our team of dedicated professionals brings expertise, precision, and a relentless commitment to safety and efficiency on every project. At Darland, we pride ourselves on delivering results that exceed expectations—on time, on budget, and built to last. We’re not just building today; we’re shaping the future, one project at a time.
Our Story
Darland’s story began in 1953, when Wayne Darland laid its foundation in Omaha. By the mid-1970s, the company had earned a reputation as one of the area’s top industrial builders. In 1979, Omaha natives Monte Matz and Jerry Kelley took the reins, setting the stage for a new era of growth.
Over the next two decades, Kelley’s visionary leadership propelled Darland to the forefront of commercial and industrial construction across the region. Meanwhile, Monte’s sons, Duke and Jay Matz, were making names for themselves in real estate markets beyond Omaha—gaining valuable experience before eventually returning home to blend their real estate expertise with Darland’s construction legacy.
In 2002, Duke and Jay began acquiring their father’s share of the business, continuing the family legacy with a fresh perspective. After more than 40 years of leadership, Jerry Kelley retired in 2021.
Today, Duke and Jay lead Darland Construction with a dynamic blend of construction management acumen and real estate insight—delivering unmatched value and vision to clients throughout the region.
Building Trust Nationwide
Our Leadership Team
Duke Matz
President
With over three 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
Principal
Jay Matz brings over 35 years of experience in commercial construction and real estate to his leadership role at Darland. He leads the company’s business development and marketing efforts, guiding strategic initiatives and identifying new opportunities in Omaha and the surrounding region. Jay works closely with developers and end users across key sectors—including office, industrial, healthcare, retail, and education—helping to expand Darland’s presence in evolving markets. His deep industry insight and strong relationships throughout the region support the company’s continued growth and commitment to delivering on customer expectations.
Adam Simpson
Senior Project Manager
Adam Simpson represents the project management staff on the executive team. His experience progressed from field engineering to managing complex projects at Darland, consistently exceeding client and leadership expectations. Adam excels in comprehensive project planning, marked by meticulous detail management, stringent quality control, astute cost management, proactive schedule adherence, and effective crisis resolution. As an accomplished leader, Adam demonstrates a proven ability to motivate diverse teams, fostering consensus among owners, end-users, architects, engineers, construction management, and subcontractors. His inclusive approach and deep understanding of all construction phases, from initial budgeting to on-site issue resolution, ensure he brings immediate and enduring value to every project he leads.
Brian Cieslik
Director of Preconstruction Services
Brian Cieslik leads the preconstruction department with a more than 20-year track record of successful project delivery. His tenure is marked by a proactive approach to problem-solving, consistently leveraging his deep understanding of construction to develop innovative solutions that optimize both time and cost. Brian’s leadership is characterized by a passion for fostering strong relationships and a commitment to exceeding client expectations throughout the project lifecycle. His knowledge of construction methodologies, value engineering principles, scheduling expertise, and project management acumen positions him as an exceptionally efficient estimator. Brian’s extensive network of relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors, cultivated over two decades, provides a significant advantage in subcontractor procurement. Respected for his strong and diplomatic communication style, Brian embraces challenges and demonstrates a consistent drive to improve processes, making him an invaluable leader in the pre-construction phase.
Dave Kelly
General Superintendent
As Darland Construction’s General Superintendent, Dave brings over two decades of progressive construction leadership, starting from a carpenter apprentice in 1998 and rapidly advancing through field superintendent roles to managing significant university and hotel projects before joining Darland in 2005. His promotion to General Superintendent in 2022 recognized his established reputation as a respected leader and innovative problem solver within the field. In his current role, Dave oversees all field management, demonstrating his leadership by ensuring projects adhere to timelines and the highest quality standards through effective coordination, scheduling, safety protocols, and meticulous review processes
Start Your Project Today
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