In 1991, Simpson started Debco Construction with two friends (that he bought out about a year later) and his life savings of $20,000. In the beginning, his contract jobs were mostly small utility jobs in the region, and gradually, they expanded the list of services and their territory. Today, Debco, based in Orofino, employs about 70 people during the busy season and several full-time year-around employees. Debco is now one of the leading heavy-construction, general contracting firms in the Pacific Northwest.  The company does multimillion-dollar highway jobs, large-scale site work and underground utilities throughout Idaho, Washington, Montana, and Oregon.

Lonnie Simpson’s philosophy in the early days still stands true today.  Simpson recalls, “I was bound and determined to succeed and to do so by doing things ‘the right way’. That included performing quality work at a fair price, and building good relationships along the way.” It is a philosophy that not only led to a lot of loyalty from customers and employees but it is the same philosophy that he abides by as an active member in the Clearwater County Community.