CRST 2016

Celebrating 

the New 

CRST Center

In the fast lane 

We’re proud to be running side-by-side with CRST to 

bring new vitality to downtown Cedar Rapids. All of us 

at Bankers Trust send our congratulations to CRST for 

helping transport our community into the future. And 

we look forward to passing you in the halls. 

Bankers Trust is excited to bring expanded services 

and new convenience to our loyal customers. 

• Full-service 1st floor branch 

• Street-level customer parking 

• Drive-thru teller with ATM 

Member FDIC 

221 Third Avenue SE 319-896-7777 

400 Blairs Ferry Road NE 319-221-1230 

BankersTrust.com 

2 www.CRST.com

A letter from Dyan and John Smith: 

CRST CENTER 

201 FIRST STREET SE 

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA 52401 

WWW.CRST.COM 

SEPTEMBER 2016 

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT OF THE 

CORRIDOR BUSINESS JOURNAL 

WRITER: JIM OFFNER 

PHOTOGRAPHER: RYAN COMPANIES 

DESIGNER: BECKY LYONS 

MEDIA CONSULTANT: KELLY MEYER 

As we celebrate the grand opening of CRST International’s 

new headquarters in downtown Cedar Rapids, we reflect back 

more than 60 years to CRST’s humble beginnings and our family 

founders’ first headquarters—a $125 chicken coop. 

It is with great gratitude and tremendous respect that we 

dedicate this new, beautiful building to CRST’s founders and 

John’s parents, Herald and Miriam Smith, for their extraordinary 

vision to grow CRST into one of the nation’s largest trucking 

companies and to foster Cedar Rapids’ growth and vitality along 

the way. 

Having been born and raised in Cedar Rapids, and having 

raised our three children here, we are committed to the economic 

prosperity of our community and hope our investment in this 

new, $37 million building will inspire additional new growth and 

development in our downtown. 

We believe that a strong, vibrant downtown is important to 

those who already live here, but it is also extremely important for 

attracting a strong, talented workforce. As we’ve seen in other 

areas around the country, younger professionals desire to live 

and work in a cosmopolitan downtown—one that is thriving with 

great restaurants, entertainment and the arts—which is another 

significant passion of ours that we are pleased to continue to 

support. 

As CRST continues to achieve record growth under the direction 

of CRST International President and CEO Dave Rusch and his 

leadership team, the grand opening of our headquarters could not 

have come at a better time to accommodate our growing team of 

employees. 

We thank all the employees of CRST—the drivers, mechanics, 

office personnel, supervisors and leadership team—whose 

integrity, ingenuity and can-do spirit have made CRST International 

an industry leader in growth and profitability. Our family is forever 

grateful to these dedicated men and women, whom we are proud 

to call the best in transportation. 

We are also proud to welcome Bankers Trust, our anchor tenant 

occupying the top two floors of the building and providing a 

street-level full-service branch, as well as tenants RSM and Holmes 

Murphy, to their new homes in our new building. 

Putting together the financial pieces and partnerships to make 

this building a reality involved many business, community and civic 

leaders. We extend our heartfelt thanks to officials from the City 

of Cedar Rapids and the State of Iowa for their assistance along 

the way. And we cannot thank enough OPN Architects and Ryan 

Companies for building us this striking statement of a building that 

has forever changed the skyline of downtown Cedar Rapids. 

We are excited to celebrate another significant milestone for 

CRST and our family. We are proud to call Cedar Rapids our home 

and the home of the headquarters for CRST International. 

Sincerely, 

John and Dyan Smith 

www.CRST.com 3

FAMILY HEIRLOOM: 

Smiths Get Set to Open CRST’s New Tower 

John and Dyan Smith are about to christen their newest family heirloom – the 

$37 million, 11-story corporate home of CRST International Inc. – in downtown 

Cedar Rapids. 

“We decided this would be an opportune time to develop a downtown 

building that CRST and the city would be proud of,” said John, 67, chairman 

and son of Herald and Miriam Smith, who started Cedar Rapids Steel 

Transportation in 1955 out of a refurbished chicken coop they bought for $125. 

“Smitty,” as Herald was called, convinced his customers he could save them 

money by contracting with owner/operators who were hauling livestock to 

Chicago to return to the Cedar Rapids area with loads of steel instead of 

empty trucks, according to the company website. 

CRST ultimately evolved from a trucking firm into a major transportation/ 

logistics firm. 

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 


CONGRATS 

We are proud to 

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 

Herald Smith died in July 2015, but he lived long enough to see the new tower 

rise, John said. 

“His dad was really pleased; he was very much looking forward to seeing this 

building completed,” said Dyan, 66, who also serves on the company’s board. 

The Cedar Rapids-headquartered company, which has spread to locations in 

Alabama, Indiana, California, Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Texas and 

Oklahoma, has 5,500 employees, as well as over 2,400 owner/operators, for a 

total of 7,900 stakeholders in CRST, John said. 

The company pondered expansion of its existing campus on the southwest 

side of Cedar Rapids, as well as sites south of town, near the airport. Based on 

studies, the downtown site made the most sense. 

In 2012, the decision was made to build downtown, John said. 



ROAD 

TO 

SUCCESS 

Congratulations on constructing a beautiful building 

for CRST headquarters and other area businesses to 

thrive in. 

We commend you on driving our community, state and nation in 

Transportation Solutions and Comprehensive Logistics. We are proud 

to sit along side you on your journey. 

truenorthcompanies.com

The Smith family tasked OPN 

with creating a “statement 

building” that would dramatically 

change the Cedar Rapids skyline. 

The original renderings are 

shown here. 

Flood wall design looking north. 

Looking west during the day. 

Looking north at night. 


Congratulations 

CRST Center 

101 T&K Drive, Ely 

319-848-4191 800-383-7663 

www.tkroofing.com


The couple was involved in every phase of the process. 

“When the opportunity came to build downtown, I knew we wanted 

to build something that was contemporary and would appeal to the 

people of Cedar Rapids,” Dyan said. 

Dyan worked closely with Cedar Rapids-based project designer OPN 

Architects. 

“That’s why we have the modern glass facing the river with the view, 

to be seen by people coming into downtown, and the brick facing 

downtown, as a nod to what was more traditional,” Dyan said. 

The new project makes a statement about the success CRST has 

enjoyed over the years, which is an image they believe is critical to 

attracting new, young talent into the industry and community, John said. 



You see possibility. 

We see you. 

When you are ready to plan for the future, spend some time with 

our online financial tools and resources that are designed to help 

you work toward your goals. Start your journey with us – we are 

here to support you. financialgenius.usbank.com 

U.S. Bank is proud to welcome CRST to their new downtown 

Cedar Rapids headquarters. 

Visit one of our convenient area branch locations today! 

Equal Housing Lender. Member FDIC. ©2016 U.S. Bank 4/16 



When the opportunity came to 

build downtown, I knew we wanted 

to build something that was 

contemporary and would appeal to 

the people of Cedar Rapids. 

— Dyan Smith 

Resourceful. 

Responsive | Reliable 

CRST does anticipate growing 

in its new home. The firm will 

occupy two floors of the new 

building, with a third floor 

remaining for future expansion, 

Dyan said. 

A family-owned business like 

CRST can invest in its future with 

nimbleness that perhaps a larger 

corporate entity might not have, 

John said. 

“In terms of family business, I 

think a family can make quicker 

decisions for the long term and 

not have to worry about quarterly 

earnings like public companies 

do,” he said. “There are 

advantages to being private, and 

we intend to stay private.” 

Indeed, family is key to CRST’s 

success, John said. 

“Although the family is not 

involved in running the day-today 

business, we see our job 

as ensuring that the vision and 

principles that CRST was founded 

upon by my father are carried out 

in the future,” he said. 

John credited a “professional 

management” team led by 

President and CEO David Rusch 

for having kept the company on 

course. 

“It’s key that the next 

generation keeps active and 

growing,” John said. n 

We are proud to be a part of the 

design and construction team for 

the CRST Center! 

Cedar Rapids, IA 

(319) 366 8321 

terracon.com/cedar-rapids 

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HOLMES MURPHY 

IS PROUD TO ADD 

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CONGRATULATIONS, 

CRST!

New CRST Center Evolves 

as ‘Collaborative’ Effort 

Structures like the new CRST Center don’t just go 

up; they evolve, according to those who designed 

and built the gleaming new $37 million, 11-story 

waterfront tower in downtown Cedar Rapids. 

Indeed, the original thinking didn’t involve a 

new building at all, according to Marc Gullickson, 

CEO/Midwest for Ryan Companies, the project’s 

general contractor. 

Company Chairman John Smith and his wife, 

Dyan, who also serves on the board, were initially 

interested in renovating and expanding the 

company’s longtime headquarters on the southwest 

side of town, Gullickson said. 

“The project evolved over time to become a new 

building,” he said. “Suburban and urban locations 

were considered, but the Smiths were convinced 

that if they were going to build new, they should 

build downtown and be part of the post-flood 

revitalization effort for the city.” 

At that point, Ryan Companies took on more than 

a contractor’s role, applying its development skills 

to support such efforts as finding a site, developing 

a project pro forma, negotiating issues with the city 

and pursuing tax credits, Gullickson said. 

“It has been great fun,” he said. 

Cedar Rapids-based OPN Architects got the call 

to design the building. 

“When you have a company like CRST and 

members of this community like John and Dyan 

Smith who are making this kind of commitment to 

this downtown and community, it’s very rewarding to 

be associated with it,” said Dan Thies, CEO of OPN. 

The excitement rose as the building concept took 

shape, Thies said. 

“I think in our world, the design process is always 

very exciting and every project presents a new 



CRST’s new employee break room located on the fifth floor of CRST Center. 

Amperage congratulates 

CRST International and the Smith Family 

on your new headquarters 

You’ve been moving the community forward for over 60 years—building neighborhoods, 

underwriting the arts, supporting local needs and fostering our economy. 

Thank you for advancing Cedar Rapids downtown development. 

We’re proud to call CRST International our long-standing client 

and now, our neighbor. 

AMPERAGEmarketing.com 

CEDAR FALLS | CEDAR RAPIDS | DES MOINES | DUBUQUE | QUAD CITIES 



set of elements for us to work on and solve in a 

creative manner,” he said. 

It’s a collaborative process, Thies noted. 

Thies also noted that the Smiths were personally 

involved in all design meetings. 

“Very hands on, and certainly they were interested 

in the CRST leadership understanding the building 

and being excited about what will become home to 

their administrative group,” Thies said. 

The Smiths vetted physical models, 3-D analyses 

and even materials going into the project, Thies 

said. 

Dyan Smith, who acknowledged a passion for 

building design, said she had a clear vision for the 

final project. 

“Since it’s on the river, I wanted it to have 

sweeping views of the river,” she said. 

That would be fitting, since the city has had an 

intimate relationship with the Cedar River since its 

founding, she said. 

“I wanted lots of windows; I wanted the interior 

to be as open as possible so each tenant coming in 

could decide if they wanted open space or smaller 

spaces or offices,” she said. 

The new building has been a hive of activity 

throughout the building process, Gullickson said. 

“On a given day, there could be 200 people 

on-site working,” he said, noting that about 25 

subcontractors were involved. 

Coordinating all that activity required “having a 

good quarterback,” Gullickson noted. 

“That is our job: Having a design partner that 

is committed to working with us is essential, and 

OPN has been terrific,” he said. “It is our job to 

manage the schedule and coordinate the effort.” 

That includes any unforeseen obstacles, 

Gullickson said. 

“Any job – and this project is certainly no 

exception – will have hiccups,” he said. “Knowing 

how to deal with the hiccups is essential. Everyone 

has to work together to make a project like this 

work.” n 

It’s always a pleasure 

to recognize the 

achievement of 

our clients. 

Proud to partner with 

you on your new building. 

Congratulations on the completion of the new CRST 

Center. RSM looks forward to serving clients from this 

new location beginning October 24, 2016. 

rsm us.com 

1711 Hawkeye Dr | Hiawatha 

319.743.9891 | www.hawkeye-electric.com 

Visit rsmus.com/aboutus for more information regarding RSM US LLP and RSM International. 

AP-CN-ALL-ALL-0816 

McGladrey is now RSM. Learn more about our unified global network at rsmus.com/mcgladrey. 


This fourth-floor office has views to the east. 

Proud to do the steel erection 

for the CRST project. 

Cedar Valley Steel is a certified AISC steel erector. Our experience 

is in all types of structural steel erection including AESS, 

catwalk systems, entrance canopies, metal decking, mezzanine 

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demo, reinforcing, shear stud welding, precast erection, heavy 

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(319) 373-0291 

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TRUCKING TO PROSPERITY: 

CRST Could Ignite Other Projects 

CRST International Inc.’s new 11-story tower 

is more than the newest jewel adorning 

downtown Cedar Rapids, according to economic 

development leaders. 

They see the $37 million office complex as 

potentially being a key that could unlock untold 

prosperity in the heart of the city’s business district. 

“This building is one of many new projects 

that showcase the progress and growth in Cedar 

Rapids and our core district areas,” said Brian 

Crowe, economic development strategist with the 

Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. 

The new tower also symbolizes CRST’s evolution as 

one of the area’s strongest enterprises, Crowe said. 

“Since 1955, CRST has evolved from a trucking 

firm to one of the nation’s leading providers 

of transportation solutions, and this skylinetransforming 

tower in downtown Cedar Rapids 

shows their pride and confidence in locating their 

headquarters here,” he said. 

Confidence is crucial to growth, Crowe noted. 

“By building and maintaining their headquarters 

here in Cedar Rapids, CRST is showing their 

confidence as one of the largest privately owned 

transportation companies in the U.S., but also 

their confidence in Cedar Rapids,” he said. 

Crowe noted that the tower also will serve as fertile 

ground for other local companies it will house. 

“Obviously, we are all excited to see the 

building completed, but it is extremely exciting 

to know that three other major local tenants – 

Bankers Trust, RSM International and Holmes 

Murphy – will take occupancy in the new building 

as well,” he said. 

CRST has just cast a strong vote of faith in Cedar 

Rapids and the Creative Corridor, Crowe said. 


WELCOME TO THE 

SKYLINE 

& CONGRATULATIONS 

CRST 

VISION & 

COMMITMENT 

Thank You 

John & Dyan Smith and Family 

CRST International 


The fourth-floor boardroom, which overlooks the Cedar River, features a stretched fabric ceiling with LED lighting above 

the conference table. 

CONGRATULATIONS 

ON YOUR NEW BUILDING 

Industrial - Commercial - Utility 

Residential - Agricultural 

319-393-6406 

WWW.PRICEELECTRIC.US 



“The CRST Center and the many other new 

projects underway in Cedar Rapids will continue to 

add vibrancy and amenities while adding jobs and 

capital investment to our city,” he said. 

Dan Thies, CEO of Cedar Rapids-based OPN 

Architects, which designed the riverfront tower, 

noted that the building is the first privately 

developed office building in downtown since the 

Great America Building, which came online in the 

late 1990s. 

“When a project like this comes along, I think 

it’s a significant statement about the strength 

and health and vibrancy of our community, the 

economic stability of our community,” Thies said. 

“It’s a heck of a statement for an important private 

company to step forward and say they’re making 

a commitment to downtown.” 

CRST Chairman John Smith said development 

could ignite other projects. 

“You can never exactly know what projects are 

going to spur growth, but all I can tell you is that 

after we announced we were coming downtown, 

you just keep hearing of new projects and that the 

face of downtown is going to continue to change 

in the next five years, and we’re just part of that,” 

Smith said. 

It could be the start of something big 

downtown, Smith said. 

“We’re not bringing our whole operations 

downtown, but we’re bringing our corporate 

headquarters downtown, and I think it spurs 

people to think about it,” he said. 

Opening the new headquarters downtown is 

good for business across the Creative Corridor, 

Smith said. 

“Indirectly, I think the better Cedar Rapids does, 

the better the Corridor does,” he said. “The 

way Cedar Rapids is going to grow is to get our 

downtown really sold and get people down there. 

It’s a long-term project that never stops.” n 

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Congratulations CRST 

on your new Center! 

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Artwork accents the walls throughout the fourth and fifth floors of the CRST Center. 

Congratulations 

CRST on your new headquarters 

CONSTRUCTION CO. INC. 

Let Dave Schmitt Construction be your worry-free contractor 

250 50th Ave. SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 (319) 365-8669 daveschmittconstruction.com 


The U-shaped outdoor terrace wraps around the fourth floor. 


The new CRST Center is located at 201 First St. SE, Cedar Rapids. 


For sixty years, we have been proud to 

call CRST our partner and friend. 

Congratulations on achieving an extraordinary vision. 

115 3rd Street SE, Suite 1200 | Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 | 319.366.7641 

1150 5th Street, Suite 170 | Coralville, IA 52241 | 319.354.1019 

www.simmonsperrine.com

CRST 2016

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