Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Construction Industry Partner in Bakersfield, CA
Founded in 1929, Kern County Builders Exchange has served as a vital resource for the construction industry in Kern County and surrounding areas. Our mission is to connect contractors, architects, and subcontractors through streamlined bidding processes for commercial and public works projects. By fostering collaboration across 22 builders exchanges statewide, we process 17,000 plans annually, providing members with competitive opportunities. With over 500 members representing all construction sectors, we offer plan access, safety training, political advocacy, and networking events to enhance professional relationships and long-term success.Our 24/7 online plan room and physical location ensure convenient access to project specifications, while our Professional Services Group delivers specialized support in HR, safety compliance, and digital marketing. Through decades of experience and a commitment to ethical standards, we empower members to navigate industry challenges and grow their businesses effectively.
Services
Online Plan Room
Employee Onboarding
Safety Training
Subcontractor Management
HR Consulting
Digital Marketing
Bookkeeping Services
Details
- Year established: 1929
Highlights and features
- We offer 90+ years of experience connecting construction professionals in Kern County.
- Our 500+ members represent every facet of the construction industry.
- We collaborate with 22 builders exchanges statewide to provide competitive bidding opportunities.
- We provide specialized safety training and HR consulting through our Professional Services Group.
- Our members gain access to government contracting support through Golden State APEX.
What people say
Great networking opportunities
Valuable safety training
Help with public works requirements
First-class events
Decades of industry support
Services
Online Plan Room
Our 24/7 online plan room provides members with instant access to construction project plans and specifications from Kern County and statewide sources. This digital platform streamlines bidding opportunities by centralizing 17,000 annual plans from 22 collaborating builders exchanges. Contractors can review project details at any time, reducing administrative burdens and ensuring timely participation in competitive bids.
Employee Onboarding
The PSG Employee Onboarding Program delivers instructor-led training covering safety protocols, HR compliance, and essential certifications like OSHA 10 and CPR. By combining multiple requirements into one curriculum, we minimize project disruptions while ensuring new hires meet industry standards. This cost-effective solution helps contractors maintain compliance and reduce workplace risks.
Safety Training
We offer specialized safety training programs including Injury & Illness Prevention Plans, subcontractor safety management, and free tailgate safety topics. Our training adapts to specific project risks and compliance needs, with classes available at member job sites or our Bakersfield facility. These programs help contractors maintain safe work environments and meet regulatory requirements.
HR Consulting
Through our partnership with Absolute HR Consulting, members receive expert guidance on employee compliance, prevailing wage laws, and back-office operations. This service addresses construction-specific HR challenges with over 30% of members utilizing these resources. Our HR partners help contractors manage public works requirements and maintain proper employee documentation.
Government Contracting
Golden State APEX provides no-cost counseling to help members access government contracting opportunities. Located within our offices, this resource assists businesses in Kern, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties with defining business goals and navigating public procurement processes. We help contractors prepare for government project requirements and bidding procedures.
People
Mikin Plummer
Executive Director
Mikin Plummer leads Kern County Builders Exchange with extensive experience in construction industry collaboration and member services. She oversees strategic initiatives to enhance member value through networking, education, and advocacy efforts.
Lake Edgemond
Programs/Planroom Administrator
Lake Edgemond manages program operations and planroom services, ensuring members receive comprehensive support for construction project bidding and documentation needs.
Samantha Geissel
Planroom/Office Manager
Samantha Geissel coordinates planroom activities and office operations, maintaining efficient access to construction plans and member resources at our Bakersfield location.
Sydney McClanahan
Assistant to the Executive Director
Sydney McClanahan supports executive operations and event coordination, helping organize educational programs and networking opportunities for construction professionals.
Questions
What membership benefits does KCBEX offer?
Members gain access to 17,000 annual construction plans, safety training, HR consulting, government contracting support, and industry networking events.
How does the employee onboarding program work?
Our instructor-led program combines safety and HR training into one curriculum, reducing costs and disruptions while preparing new hires for construction requirements.
What safety services are available?
We provide OSHA training, injury prevention programs, subcontractor safety management, and free tailgate safety topics tailored to construction needs.
How can contractors access government contracts?
Golden State APEX offers free counseling to help members navigate government procurement processes and meet public works project requirements.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Kern County and surrounding regions including Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties through our statewide exchange network.
