About SapperSix

BUILT ON THE SAPPER TRADITION

Mission & Heritage

The Legacy Behind Our Name

Sappers are military combat engineers—the problem solvers who build what needs to be built and remove what stands in the way. The term dates back centuries, but the mission has always been the same: adapt, execute, and accomplish the objective under pressure.

In the U.S. Marine Corps, sappers are trained in construction, demolition, bridge building, obstacle removal, and field fortifications. They work in hostile environments with limited resources and zero room for error. The job demands technical skill, creative problem solving, and the discipline to execute under conditions most people can't imagine.

SapperSix was founded by a U.S. Marine Combat Engineer who served in forward deployed roles in which practical problem solving, field adaptability, and disciplined execution weren't optional—they were mission critical.

Mission

Deliver disciplined construction execution and environmental services for federal facilities, utilities, and emergency response operations—built on the sapper tradition of practical problem solving, field adaptability, and zero-compromise safety.

Vision

To be the most trusted SDVOSB construction partner in the Southwest—known for process discipline, safety excellence, and mission-ready response when it matters most.

Values

1. Safety First

Zero incidents isn't a goal—it's a requirement. Every crew member goes home safe, every day, on every job.

2. Adaptability

Field conditions change. Regulations evolve. Problems emerge. We solve them in real time without losing sight of the mission.

3. Accountability

We own our commitments. When we say a date, a budget, or a standard—we deliver it. If something goes wrong, we fix it and document the lesson learned.

4. Discipline

We plan with purpose and execute with precision. Every project gets a schedule, a safety plan, and a quality control process—no exceptions.

5. Integrity

We do what we say. We report what's true. We don't cut corners, inflate invoices, or hide problems. Our word is our bond.

Our Approach

Lean Six Sigma Construction Management

We don't just build—we optimize. Our leadership team applies Lean Six Sigma methodologies to construction operations, bringing process discipline typically found in manufacturing to field execution.

This means:

  • Value stream mapping to eliminate waste in workflows

  • Root cause analysis when problems occur

  • Data-driven decision making on schedule and cost

  • Continuous improvement across all operations

  • Measurable quality metrics and controls

The result: predictable outcomes, controlled costs, and fewer surprises.

Meet Our Leadership

Derrick Griggs, CSSBB, PMP | President

Derrick Griggs is the President of SapperSix and the company’s SDVOSB qualifier. He is a U.S. Marine Corps Engineer veteran with more than 14 years of experience in Lean management and project delivery across the utilities, energy, and construction sectors, supported by extensive hands-on field experience in heavy civil construction, utility operations, and industrial services.

Derrick began his career in the field, working as a heavy equipment operator and laborer on federal construction projects, including water distribution line replacement at Naval Air Station Fallon. He progressed through roles as a utility locator with IBEW Local 1245, a quality control electrician on new construction projects, and a field supervisor supporting Schlumberger’s downhole cementing operations. This foundation in field execution directly informs his approach to process improvement, emphasizing practicality, safety, and results over theory.

Throughout his career, Derrick has led Lean construction and operational improvement initiatives that have generated more than $9 million in documented cost savings across multiple organizations. He holds certifications as a Six Sigma Black Belt (ASQ), Project Management Professional (PMP), and Lean Management professional.

His leadership style blends military discipline with private-sector innovation, applying process rigor, value engineering, and waste elimination to complex field operations. Derrick has managed projects ranging from small commercial renovations to large-scale utility and infrastructure programs, including direct support of Southern California Edison’s East Metro O&M program with Henkels & McCoy, PG&E environmental monitoring and groundwater compliance initiatives, and federal utility infrastructure projects.

Tanner Harris | Vice President Operations

Tanner serves as the Vice President of Operations and Responsible Managing Officer for SapperSix with more than 15 years of experience in heavy civil and environmental construction operations. He is licensed in the State of California with Class A (General Engineering) and Class B (General Building) contractor classifications, with the C-21 (Demolition) classification currently in progress.

Tanner has held senior operational leadership roles, including Vice President of Operations for a California-based environmental contractor, where he oversaw execution, safety compliance, and logistics for complex projects in regulated and high-risk environments. His field and operational experience spans excavation, demolition, environmental remediation, underground utilities, and infrastructure installation.

In his role, Tanner is responsible for ensuring projects are executed safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements. He provides day-to-day operational oversight, managing manpower, equipment deployment, material logistics, and subcontractor coordination to maintain schedule discipline, control risk, and support successful project delivery.

Tanner’s leadership emphasizes operational control, safety-first execution, and accountability across all phases of construction, with direct experience supporting federal contracts and public works projects.