Rex then led the formation of K&W Underground, Inc., first voice and data internal wiring division. With the formation of this division, K&W Underground, Inc., was able to offer to their customers what no other contractor in the area could; complete installation and maintenance of outside plant, internal communications of voice, data and video with copper, coax, and or fiber. 

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Since the 1990s, Rex has been an industry leader in non-invasive construction techniques for underground damage preventions, and has dedicated his time these past 3 decades to the leadership of damage prevention organizations. He has humbly held multiple board positions including Co-Chairman of the Common Ground Alliance, Board of Directors for the Kansas One Call and Steering Committee with the KCC. Rex is a member of the Power and Communications Contractors Association, and also serves on their National Government Affairs Committee. He remains active and still holds leadership roles within these organizations to this day. 

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After Rex became President in 1998, K&W Underground, Inc., experienced double-digit sales growth. Point to point fiber optic construction projects including metro and long haul, power conduit installation, mapping/design services and home convenience products were added to the services being offered. In addition, Rex had maintained K&W Underground, Inc., unique position of providing wiring, construction and maintenance services to the cable TV, telephone, communication companies, and home and apartment developers in the Kansas City metro area and surrounding regions.

 

In 2009, Rex joined Vistage, an executive business group that helps business owners be better leaders and citizens. This education helped Rex build better controls, processes, employee engagement and retention and a continued strong financial footing.

 

In 2019, Rex and Patty decided to sell their ownership of K&W. Rex currently serves as the Director of Business Development for K&W, continues to play an active leadership role the telecommunications industry with his board and committee positions on the PCCA, Common Ground Alliance and Kansas One Call.

 

Throughout his time in the telecom industry, Rex identified, developed, and implemented the concept of installing extra conduits during the construction process. For more than 20 years, Rex and Patty have facilitated the additions and sales of these vacant conduits in routes throughout the Kansas City Metro area. Almost all of the telecom providers in the Kansas City Metro area, as well as the local municipal governments, have participated in this program throughout the last 20+ years. In 2021, Rex and Patty founded Fiber Conduit Solutions, LLC to provide the service that links available existing conduits with companies seeking to build out fiber-optic networks.

 

In his off time, Rex enjoys playing in his golf and basketball leagues, watching KU basketball, Royals and Chiefs religiously, and always has a Ford sitting in the driveway. You will often hear him say how he lives by the golden rule of "treat others as you wish to be treated," and now everyday he enjoys "livin' the dream." He believes that his success in life and the success of his valued customer relationships is attributed to the strong values he holds in responsibility, honesty, and hard work.