Scott Johnson didn’t take a traditional route to leadership. He started at Manatt’s in 2009 as a general laborer on a concrete crew. Today, as General Manager of the Ames Asphalt Division, Johnson oversees a versatile team delivering complex construction projects across central Iowa.
“I wasn’t someone who thrived in a classroom,” he says. “But I enjoyed work that challenged both my mind and body. Construction fit that mold—and I had a knack for it.”
That passion, paired with a deep commitment to learning, helped Johnson rise through the ranks—foreman, superintendent, general superintendent—before stepping into his current role in April 2025. Now, he leads one of Manatt’s most capable divisions, offering dirt work, underground utilities, concrete, and asphalt services under one umbrella.
A Legacy of Excellence
Manatt’s story mirrors Johnson’s: growth built on hard work. Founded in 1947 by Junie Manatt, the company started with a single truck and a local sand pit. Today, Manatt’s is a third-generation, Iowa-based leader in heavy highway construction and materials, employing over 700 professionals across more than 50 locations.
Yet its mission remains personal. Core values—Family, Excellence, and Human Potential—shape how teams work and grow. For Johnson, these values aren’t just words.
“I lead by empowering others,” he says. “I want our team to have the confidence and autonomy to make good decisions. When people feel ownership, they succeed.”
That leadership shows up on the job. Johnson has overseen major projects like paving Highway 65—where his team achieved a 97th percentile smoothness score—and campus work at Iowa State University, including Hilton Coliseum and CyTown.
Focused on People and Performance
Johnson spends as much time as possible in the field. “Being present helps me stay connected to the work and the team,” he says. “Everyone’s voice matters.”
He’s also driving changes to improve efficiency and quality—introducing smaller, more flexible crews, tailoring daily safety talks, and hosting debriefs after projects are completed. The result is a division that adapts to each job while delivering consistently high standards.
“Success means hitting three targets: profitability, safety, and customer satisfaction,” Johnson says. “You need all three.”
Workforce expectations have shifted since he entered the industry in 2004. Long hours used to be the norm; today, employees value work-life balance. Technology has advanced too, with GPS-guided machinery improving precision and planning.
But one thing hasn’t changed: opportunity. “I started at the bottom,” Johnson says. “If you’re dependable and willing to learn, there’s no limit to what you can do here.”
Looking Ahead
As Manatt’s continues to grow, Johnson sees his role as building on a strong foundation and preparing the next generation of leaders. “Helping people grow is the most rewarding part of the job,” he says. “That’s what Human Potential means to me.”
With a reputation for quality, a culture of collaboration, and a leader who understands the work from the ground up, the Ames Division is paving more than roads—it’s building careers and lasting impact across Iowa.
Learn more about Manatt’s online at: www.manatts.com
