Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Rising.
Hi Kristen, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I founded Rising Construction Services, Inc. in November of 2018, but my path to construction wasn’t a straight line. I spent several years in a different industry that didn’t offer the growth or earning potential I was looking for, and I knew I needed a change. In 2015, I made the leap into the construction industry—and quickly fell in love with it. The work, the challenge, and the opportunity to build something tangible inspired me to take the next step and start my own company.
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be supported by mentors and peers who helped guide me through the journey of becoming a business owner. Kansas City, Missouri has an outstanding network of resources for small businesses, and that support has played a major role in our growth. At the heart of Rising Construction Services is our team—building a sustainable company takes hard work, dedication, and expertise. I rely heavily on my employees’ knowledge and commitment, and it’s their passion that allows our company to thrive and continue growing.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Our first full year of operation was 2019, which was really about getting my feet wet and understanding what the company was capable of. Just as we were starting to find our rhythm, 2020 hit—and everything shut down. Navigating the uncertainty of COVID was incredibly challenging, and there were moments when I honestly wasn’t sure we were going to make it.
With the help of federal loans, we were able to stay afloat, but that support also came with long-term financial obligations that we’re still managing today. Like many small businesses, securing working capital and getting paid in a timely manner continues to be an ongoing challenge.
More recently, changes to regulations that went into effect in October 2025—specifically the loss of our DBE certification—have created new hurdles. That certification helped level the playing field for small businesses and gave us a seat at the table. Without it, we’re seeing larger general contractors self-perform work that was once accessible to companies like ours, and that’s been a real struggle.
That said, I’m a fighter, and I’ve never been one to give up. These challenges are just another set of speed bumps along the way. With the support and dedication of my team, I’m confident we’ll navigate this chapter just like we have the others—together.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Rising Construction Services, Inc.?
Rising Construction Services, Inc. was founded in November of 2018 and has grown thoughtfully and strategically over the years. We began as a traffic control company, specializing in traffic equipment setup and teardown, traffic and excavation permitting, and the placement of union-certified flaggers. Safety, reliability, and precision were the foundation of our early work—and they remain core to everything we do today.
In 2020, we expanded our services to include erosion control, offering SWPPP reporting, hydroseeding, sod installation, and silt fence installation. Most recently, in 2023, we added restoration services, which focus on returning streets, landscapes, and work areas to their original—or better—condition after construction is complete. Our goal is to ensure municipalities, general contractors, and residents feel respected and taken care of throughout the construction process.
What truly sets Rising Construction Services apart is our commitment to service. We pride ourselves on being dependable, responsive, and on time—because we understand that delays impact budgets, schedules, and trust. We work hard to ensure the general contractors we partner with can move forward seamlessly, without waiting on us.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the reputation we’ve built for accountability and quality. Rising Construction Services isn’t just about completing a scope of work—it’s about being a reliable partner, delivering results, and leaving every project better than we found it. That’s what I want readers to know about our brand and the standard we bring to every job.
What does success mean to you?
Success, to me, is multi-faceted. It means building a company that can provide livable wages, health insurance, and the flexibility employees need to take care of their families. Creating stability and opportunity for the people who help make the business run is incredibly important to me.
On a personal level, success is also about maintaining the health and energy it takes to lead a company that truly is my heart and soul. Through hard work and dedication, my goal is to build something sustainable—something that allows me to eventually step back within the next decade, knowing I’ve created a strong foundation and a bright future for both myself and my employees.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.risingcsinc.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/risingcsinc/
