SD Water Tower Firm Owners Win National Business Honor

Gene Jones Jr. and Scott Jones didn't set out to win awards when they built their water tower company. They just wanted to take care of their people and serve their communities well.

Now the U.S. Small Business Administration has named the Sioux Falls brothers as South Dakota's 2026 Small Business Champions, recognizing leaders who create jobs, strengthen economies, and lift up the people around them. Their company, Maguire, employs more than 200 people and builds water infrastructure in communities across 34 states.

"Gene and Scott are the real deal," said Bryson Patterson, SBA South Dakota district director. "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."

The recognition comes during National Small Business Week, an annual celebration of entrepreneurs who power local economies. But what sets the Jones brothers apart isn't just their business success. It's their commitment to giving back through active charity work and creating meaningful opportunities for their team.

Gene stays focused on what matters most. "This recognition isn't about us. It's about our people," he 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."

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

The Ripple Effect

When Maguire builds a water tower, they're doing more than constructing steel and concrete. They're supporting public health, creating jobs, and investing in infrastructure that serves communities for generations. From their Sioux Falls headquarters, the company has grown into a national leader in water tower construction and maintenance, but their impact reaches far beyond business metrics.

The brothers will host an SBA Manufacturing Industry Listening Session on April 29, bringing together business leaders, manufacturers, and policymakers to discuss the future of manufacturing and infrastructure in South Dakota. It's another example of their commitment to lifting others up and solving problems together.

The Jones brothers prove that doing good and doing well can go hand in hand.