AMP Most Admired Companies: James A. Rogers Excavating, NOEC Construction

The word “admire” comes from a bit of Latin translating to something along the lines of “regard with wonder.” In today’s dictionaries, admiration evokes the feeling of respect and approval for some object of esteem. Regardless of where one looks, however, it is easy to see how James A. Rogers Excavating and NOEC Construction came to be among Arkansas Money & Politics’ “Most Admired Companies of 2026.”

Consider the growth path James A. Rogers has been on since third-generation owner Chris Meyer took the reins as president and CEO in 2016. Focused in and around Little Rock since eponymous founder James A. Rogers Sr. opened his doors in 1962, Meyer made it his mission to expand the reach and impact of his grandfather’s legacy well beyond central Arkansas, positioning James A. Rogers as a prominent name in Arkansas construction and development efforts.

Soon after taking ownership, Meyer acquired McHenry Excavating and Aggregates, rebranding it as McHenry and Meyer Companies, LLC, allowing him to realize his long-held dream of owning a quarry. Meyer later teamed up with Matt Usery, president of NOEC Construction, to provide utility solutions both below and above ground.

Now operating as far away as Hot Springs and having broken into the northwest Arkansas market, the James A. Rogers family of companies have become the Natural State’s go-to for demolition, earthwork, roadwork, flat concrete work, storm drains, concrete curbs and gutters, and utility services for a wide variety of residential, commercial and municipal applications.

“Our goal is to continue expanding relationships with builders and developers across central Arkansas and statewide,” Meyer said. “Residential growth in Arkansas continues to create opportunities, and we want to be a trusted partner for site preparation, grading and utility work. By investing in equipment, technology and skilled personnel, we’re positioning ourselves to take on more residential work while maintaining the high standards our company is known for.”

Speaking of entities worthy of respect and esteem, one is remiss not to consider NOEC Construction in its own right — and indeed, the company has been named AMP’s “Most Admired” in not one but two categories, for both construction and general contracting. Usery grew up in the utility and powerline industry, tagging along to jobsites with his father from the time he was old enough to hold a tool. After three deployments and years of service with the Arkansas Army National Guard, Usery returned to the line of work he knew best, bringing back a new level of leadership, discipline, adaptability and technical communications management that he would use to shape NOEC Construction.

“Many don’t realize how much planning, engineering, logistics and responsibility goes into building electrical and fiber networks,” Usery said. “It’s not just physical labor; it’s creating the backbone that communities depend on. Seeing our team proud to work at NOEC makes it all worthwhile.”

NOEC’s work spans both new construction and maintenance, whether that means bringing power and fiber into new developments and neighborhoods or implementing upgrades in established communities. The company also provides storm restoration, emergency response, underground and overhead line installation, and full turnkey utility infrastructure.

“If it involves power, fiber or right of way, we’re equipped to build it, repair it or restore it,” Usery said.

Both Meyer and Usery understand the importance of respect for succeeding in any business arena but especially when it comes to the construction and development work their Arkansas neighbors depend on every day. With a reputation for quality that extends to both clients and industry peers, what better description for James A. Rogers Excavating and NOEC Construction than “Most Admired”?