Patrick W. Ryan began an earthmoving company specializing in railroad construction.
William H. Ryan, Patrick's oldest son, a graduate Civil Engineer, started P.W. Ryan Sons, an earthmoving firm, which became one of the first road building organizations in the State of Wisconsin. 
William, Thomas, and Donald Ryan, the sons of William H. Ryan, upon graduation as Civil Engineers, began their own highway building partnership, Ryan Brothers Company. 
Ryan Incorporated of Wisconsin, a corporation, was created to better serve the growing business of Ryan Brothers Company.
Throughout the 1970's and 1980's, operations expanded to serve clients on a nationwide basis. In 1985, Ryan Incorporated Central was formed under the management of the fourth generation of Ryans: Adam, David, James, Matthew, Nancy, and Patrick to continue this tradition of service.