EXPERIENCE MATTERS
When selecting a steel contractor for your project, you are selecting the team that will represent you to your customer. When you select High Plains, you have chosen to work with a very seasoned and experienced team, experts in all phases of steel construction, ensuring that every project is successfully completed and delivering on our promise of a Quality Product, On Time, every time.
Kris McLean, CEO/COO
Kris McLean serves as President, CEO, and COO of High Plains Steel Services, providing both the strategic vision and operational leadership that guide the company’s continued growth. With more than 25 years of experience in structural steel fabrication, steel erection, and executive leadership, Kris has successfully built, grown, and led steel construction businesses through every stage of development.
Before joining High Plains, Kris founded and led a structural steel fabrication and erection company that grew to more than $20 million in annual revenue before its successful sale in 2014. That experience, combined with decades in the steel industry, gives him a deep understanding of business strategy, financial management, operations, risk management, and complex project execution.
Today, Kris is responsible for setting the company’s long-term strategy while ensuring High Plains has the people, systems, and resources to execute at the highest level. He oversees company-wide operations, financial performance, major capital investments, technology initiatives, quality systems, and organizational development. Kris also leads High Plains’ relationships with key customers, financial institutions, bonding companies, insurance partners, and other strategic advisors, ensuring the company remains financially strong, operationally disciplined, and positioned for long-term success.
Under Kris’ leadership, High Plains has expanded into a full-service structural steel contractor with AISC-certified fabrication and erection operations, advanced manufacturing technology, and a reputation for delivering complex commercial and industrial projects safely, efficiently, and with exceptional quality.
Alex Tower, Director of Business Operations
Alex serves as Director of Business Operations at High Plains Steel Services, leading the company’s Estimating and Project Management teams while overseeing the business processes that drive revenue growth, client satisfaction, and successful project delivery. Since joining High Plains in 2021, Alex has played a key role in strengthening estimating operations, improving project planning, and developing the systems and leadership needed to support the company’s continued growth. He assumed leadership of the Estimating Department in 2023 before expanding into his current executive role.
Before joining High Plains, Alex spent more than a decade with Hilton, where he developed extensive experience in operations management, team leadership, customer relations, and process improvement. That operational mindset, combined with his leadership within the structural steel industry, allows him to connect business development, estimating, and project execution into a coordinated strategy that delivers consistent results for clients.
Today, Alex is responsible for pipeline strategy, business development, estimating oversight, project management performance, and executive client relationships. Working closely with general contractors, strategic partners, and the executive team, he helps ensure High Plains pursues the right opportunities, delivers projects that meet client expectations, and continues building long-term partnerships founded on trust, quality, and execution.
Brian Snider, Director of Fabrication Operations
Brian Snider serves as Director of Fabrication Operations at High Plains Steel Services, leading the company’s fabrication, coatings, purchasing, and quality operations. With more than 25 years of experience in structural steel fabrication, Brian brings a comprehensive understanding of how to build high-performing operations that consistently deliver quality, schedule, and profitability.
After serving in the United States Air Force as an Aircraft Inspector, Brian transitioned into the structural steel industry, where he has held leadership roles overseeing fabrication operations, project management, quality systems, and AISC-certified manufacturing. His experience spans every level of the business, from shop operations to executive leadership, giving him a practical understanding of what it takes to successfully execute complex commercial and industrial steel projects.
Today, Brian is responsible for the overall performance of High Plains’ fabrication division, ensuring projects are planned effectively, operations remain productive and profitable, and fabrication aligns seamlessly with project management and field operations. He oversees the company’s AISC quality management system, develops the next generation of operational leaders, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and leads strategic investments in equipment, facilities, and manufacturing technology. His leadership helps ensure High Plains consistently delivers safe, high-quality steel solutions while protecting schedule, margin, and customer satisfaction.
Mike Hurst, Director of Erection Operations
Mike Hurst serves as Director of Erection Operations at High Plains Steel Services, leading the company’s field operations with a focus on safety, execution, and operational excellence. With more than 25 years of experience in structural steel erection, Mike brings extensive expertise in planning, sequencing, and delivering complex commercial and industrial steel projects.
Mike began his career in the steel industry while attending vocational welding classes in high school before completing advanced training at the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology. He built his career through the Ironworkers trade, gaining experience in reinforcing steel, structural steel, metal decking, welding, and bridge construction while progressing from apprentice to field leadership. His hands-on experience across every stage of steel erection provides the practical foundation for the leadership role he serves today.
As Director of Erection Operations, Mike is responsible for the overall performance of High Plains’ erection division, ensuring projects are executed safely, on schedule, and within budget. He oversees project planning, manpower forecasting, field leadership development, safety performance, and operational execution while working closely with project management, fabrication, and customers to keep projects moving efficiently. Mike is also committed to developing the next generation of field leaders and continuously improving the systems and processes that allow High Plains to consistently deliver safe, high-quality steel construction projects.
Stan Urquhart, CPA, Controller
Stan Urquhart serves as Controller at High Plains Steel Services, providing the financial leadership, reporting, and operational oversight that support the company’s continued growth and long-term stability. With extensive executive financial experience in both public and private companies, Stan brings a strategic approach to financial management, corporate governance, forecasting, and business operations.
Throughout his career, Stan has built a reputation as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, helping organizations make informed business decisions through accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, and disciplined financial planning. His expertise includes developing scalable accounting systems, strengthening operational processes, safeguarding company assets, and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability.
At High Plains, Stan leads the company’s accounting, financial reporting, human resources administration, and office management functions. He oversees budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, banking and surety relationships, insurance and benefits administration, financial compliance, and internal controls while supporting the executive team with timely financial insight that drives sound business decisions. Stan also leads the continued development of the company’s financial systems and administrative teams, ensuring High Plains remains financially strong, operationally disciplined, and well-positioned for future growth.