William Boyd Burgett was born on May 29, 1930 in Bloomfield, Ohio. From an early age, it was apparent that he had an aptitude for mechanics. As a child his preferred toys included a Gilbert Erector set, hammer and nails, and used grocery crates for building supplies. His talents in construction, combined with encouragement from his family, led to the creation of the Kokosing Construction Company, Inc., and a legacy built on honesty, integrity and hard work.
By the age of 14, Bill Burgett had accumulated enough tools and equipment to begin building farm equipment for his father, which quickly led to projects for neighbors and other local farmers. Throughout high school, these projects were Bill’s only outlet for creativity, as there were no shop classes available in such a small district. High school did provide him the opportunity to create robust friendships with boys who shared his strong Christian values.
During his senior year, Bill met the girl he would marry through a botched double-date. After graduation, he searched enthusiastically for work, quickly starting his first real job with the Clever Brothers Construction Company. With a fresh diploma and a job he loved, Bill married Shirley Ackerman on Friday, August 13, 1948 in a quiet ceremony in Johnsville, Ohio.
Bill and Shirley’s first child, Valerie, was born on May 27, 1949 and not long after, Bill began working with his future business partner, Lester Rinehart. When Clever Bros. went out of business in December of 1950, the pair began working on remodeling the Perry Township Hall, this led to other projects as word spread about the quality of Bill and Lester’s work. In early 1951, with both men expecting additions to their families, the William Burgett Builder and Concrete Work was formed, and the team embarked on building their first house for a local filling station owner. Although they faced many hurdles in that first year, they completed 21 different jobs and earned over $48,000 with business steadily growing.
The next several years brought significant jobs, including a large, elaborate home for another local businessman and a county animal shelter. Bill and Shirley’s family grew again and with business booming, Bill was able to begin construction on his company’s first office building and shop. It was in 1954, urged by a friend and mentor, that Bill changed the name of his company to Kokosing Construction Company, taking the name from the nearby Kokosing River or Owl Creek.
His personal values echoing those of the Masonic Brotherhood, Bill was raised a Master Mason on June 29, 1959 at Thrall Lodge #170 in Fredericktown, Ohio.
He received his 50-Year award in 2009. Now, mostly retired from the business, Bill finds value in the fraternity and has graciously stepped forward to be the presenting sponsor of the Ohio Masonic Home Foundation Miracle Miles for Memory Care Golf Classic and Road Rally. This gift will directly benefit those living with Alzheimer’s in the innovative memory care centers recently opened, and located on each of the Ohio Masonic Home campuses across the state. Through his gift, Bill’s generosity will become a legacy as he continues to touch the lives of many over the years to come.
(Kokosing Construction Company, Inc., An American Success Story in Fredericktown, Ohio 2011, Glenn Myers)
