Executive Leadership

Joey Kates, Chief Executive Officer of Kaw Valley Companies, Inc., has worked at the Kates Family business since 1989. Joey has worked in a variety of capacities during career with KVCo. Joey has extensive experience in sand operations, logistics and developed an expertise in demolition and excavation. Joey became the Vice-President of Kaw Valley Demolition and Excavating in 1990 and has continued to be an internal and external leader for Union affairs, banking and insurance and other corporate activities. In 2016, Joey transitioned to the role of Chief Executive Officer following the retirement of company founder Ben Kates.

Joey and his wife Stephanie live in Tonganoxie, Kansas. They have two grown sons, Adam and Benny and one beloved Granddaughter, Brayliee.

Tim Kates, President of Kaw Valley Companies, Inc., has worked at the Kates Family business since 1991. In 1996, Tim and fellow Kaw Valley Companies colleagues began laying the groundwork for a landscape material bagging business. After more than a decade of proven leadership, Tim became the General Manager of Kaw Valley Companies, Inc., Sand and Gravel Division. The end of 2016 brought the retirement of Ben Kates, founder of Kaw Valley Companies, Inc., and Tim began the role of President. Currently, Tim oversees the day-to-day operations of the internal corporate activities as well as maintaining an active and present role at the sand plants.

Tim enjoys spending time with his wife Emily and two young sons, Brody and Louis. They reside in Shawnee, Kansas.

Zach Copeland has worked at Kaw Valley Companies, Inc., since 1999. Zach started his career with the company as a truck driver. Zach’s family has been in the transportation business in the Kansas City area for many years, so he was familiar with the industry. In 2002, Zach was promoted to Director of Transportation for all divisions where he handled all the logistic and safety aspects of the transportation of the company. When Zach took the position, it allowed him to gain experience and knowledge to manage and run a successful, diversified company, he took on additional tasks including Lead Superintendent for snow removal for BNSF Railway, night manager for the materials division and helped with sales, purchasing, and negotiating contracts. By 2017, Zach was promoted to Senior Vice President of Kaw Valley Companies, Inc. and continues to be involved with all divisions with dedication to ensuring Kaw Valley Companies, Inc. success for years to come.

Zach and his wife Deidre live in Tonganoxie, Kansas. They have three children, Cayden, Emma and Karlie.

Linkedin

Dan Hays has worked for Kaw Valley Companies Inc., since 2007. For the last 14 years Dan has been the Managing Director for the Sales Division. Dan’s additional responsibilities include land acquisitions, leases and permitting such properties for sustaining future sand reserves for Kaw Valley Companies Inc.

Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, family and friends at the lake and sporting events.

Tom Lynch has been with the Kaw Valley Companies, Inc., full time since 2007. Tom graduated from Kansas State University in 2006 with a Bachelors in Business Management. He holds a Johnson County Class A General Contractor License. Tom resides in Bonner Springs, Kansas, enjoys sports and spending time with his two English Mastiffs’, Angel and Peanut.