April 9, 2026

This piece is sponsored by Maguire.

In an industry defined by grit, precision and purpose, Maguire quietly has become a force for good across America, strengthening communities one water tower at a time.

Now, that impact is being recognized at the highest level.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has named Gene Jones Jr. and Scott Jones as South Dakota’s 2026 Small Business Champions, an honor reserved for leaders who go beyond business success to uplift communities, create opportunity and drive meaningful economic growth.

“Gene and Scott are the real deal. You can see it in the way they support our community with their time. You can also see it in the way they do business,” SBA South Dakota district director Bryson Patterson said. “The list of charities that these guys are actively involved in is long. They make our community a better place by sharing their talents.”

Legacy reaches across nation

From its headquarters in Sioux Falls, Maguire has grown into a national leader in water tower construction and maintenance, serving thousands of communities across 34 states and employing more than 200 team members.

But this recognition isn’t just about scale.

It’s about impact.

It’s about a company that understands infrastructure is more than steel and concrete — it’s about people, public health and the future of every community it serves.

And that success doesn’t happen by accident.

Maguire would not be where it is today without its dynamic Strategic Leadership Team and the entire Maguire team, individuals who show up every day as a true force for good, delivering innovative water solutions that solve customer challenges and strengthen the communities they serve.

Leadership rooted in purpose

For Gene and Scott, this honor reflects something deeper than professional achievement.

“This recognition isn’t about us — it’s about our people,” Gene Jones Jr. said. “Every tank we build, every community we serve, it’s driven by a team that cares deeply about doing the job right and making a difference.”

Their leadership, alongside a strong, forward-thinking Strategic Leadership Team, has helped position Maguire not just as an industry leader but also as a trusted partner delivering innovative solutions to complex water infrastructure challenges nationwide.

“We’ve always believed that if you take care of your people and your communities, the rest will follow,” Scott Jones added. “Being named Small Business Champions is an incredible honor, and it reinforces why we do what we do every day.”

Celebrating small-business impact

The recognition comes as part of National Small Business Week, a nationwide celebration of entrepreneurs and small businesses that power local economies and strengthen communities.

Across South Dakota, honorees represent the very best of innovation, resilience and growth — but Maguire’s recognition as a Small Business Champion highlights something unique:

A commitment to lifting others up.

Continuing the conversation 

As part of this honor, Maguire will continue its leadership role by hosting an important industry event.

On Wednesday, April 29, Maguire will welcome business leaders, manufacturers and policymakers for an SBA Manufacturing Industry Listening Session, also known as a Manufacturer’s Regulatory Roundtable.

This event will provide a platform for collaboration, conversation and forward-thinking solutions that support the future of manufacturing and infrastructure across South Dakota and beyond.

Building what matters most

At its core, Maguire’s story is simple:

Build with integrity. Lead with purpose. Serve with excellence.

Powered by a passionate team and a commitment to innovation, Maguire continues to deliver water solutions that matter — today and for generations to come.

And now, as Small Business Champions, Gene Jones Jr. and Scott Jones are being recognized not just for what they’ve built, but also for the people, purpose and impact that make it all possible.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration 

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice within the federal government for small businesses, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit sba.gov.