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The City of Virginia, located along Minnesota’s Iron Range, is booming with new development projects. When Mayor Larry Cuffe took office in 2014, he was faced with a unique set of challenges that have been impacting Minnesota’s mining communities. High unemployment rates and the need for a more diversified local economy are challenges now made more complicated amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

But the City of Virginia has taken on multiple large-scale construction projects, including a complete rebuild of the Miners Event and Convention Center, bringing new life into the deteriorating facility that will serve as a gathering space for the region.

Virginia Mayor Larry Cuffe and Kraus-Anderson’s Tracy Pogue and Bob Fitzgerald discuss how the City of Virginia is positioning itself for the future of the Iron Range.

The Nobel Hall of Science at Gustavus Adolphus College, located in St. Peter, Minnesota, has been a staple on campus for decades. But its recent transformation is setting up Gustavus to be one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.

Kraus-Anderson completed the renovation and expansion project this summer, nearly doubling the building’s footprint to over 177,000 square feet. The new space includes new laboratories, teaching and study spaces, and connects Nobel Hall with the Schaefer Fine Arts Center. The project was an intentional move to gear Gustavus toward the STEAM movement, aligning Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics with the Arts.

Gustavus Provost and Dean Brenda Kelly, Geology and Environmental Studies professor Julie Bartley, and KA Project Manager Alec Miller discuss the Nobel Hall project and how Gustavus Adolphus College is aligning itself for the future.

When Ayan Abukar emigrated to the U.S. from Ethiopia, staying in refugee camps before arriving in Minnesota in 1998, her passion was to help others. Growing up in refugee camps taught her the importance of community, and she has worked for decades to help underserved communities in the Twin Cities.

Ayan saw the need for more affordable and accessible healthcare for the immigrant community, so she opened Action Care Community Clinic. The clinic sets out to provide quality care for those who may not be familiar with the U.S. healthcare system and need extra support. To discuss Action Care Community Clinic’s impact, we sat down with Ayan Abukar and clinic manager Kelli Hopkins.

In Part 2 with Michael Latiner and Ryan Trompeter of BuiltWorlds, they dive into the BuiltWorlds Venture Forum (BVF), which is investing in the most promising construction technology and services. They also discuss the productivity gap in the global construction industry, and how technology investments can work to increase efficiency and address problems like the industry's labor shortage. 

We’re launching into a two-part series here on Build Me Up, featuring an innovative company that is pushing the industry forward: BuiltWorlds. This powerful, digital-first platform evolved from a simple blog in 2013 to a robust network and learning platform made specifically for the industry.

In Part I, Michael Latiner, who leads the BuiltWorlds Venture Forum, and Ryan Trompeter, Senior Venture Analyst with the BVF, discuss how BuiltWorlds got started and its evolution to becoming a network of thought leaders that is pushing the industry forward. Stay tuned for Part II, when we dive into the BuiltWorlds Venture Forum (BVF), which is investing in the most promising construction technology products and services.

Bethesda Lutheran Communities, a non-profit that supports people with developmental disabilities across the U.S., recently opened Cornerstone Village. This first-of-its-kind living community in Victoria, MN, combines active seniors and independent adults with disabilities, creating an inclusive, integrated environment that has not been modeled in the U.S. Accessibility is a priority at Cornerstone Village, and smart home technology in every unit allows residents to do everything from locking the doors, adjusting the thermostat, and switching the lights, all completely hands-free.

Bethesda’s Vice President of Real Estate Tom Campbell and Kraus-Anderson Project Manager Aaron Zabel discuss the innovative model at Cornerstone Village.

So much is still unknown about the COVID-19 pandemic. As schools are navigating hybrid learning and offices are planning for an eventual return to work, there are many questions on preventative measures to slow the spread of the virus.

Washing your hands, wearing a mask and social distancing are still the most effective ways to prevent COVID-19, but many people have been asking how a building’s indoor air quality can play a role in the spread of the virus. It is easy for misinformation and fear to spread surrounding so many unknowns, so we talked to three MEP experts to get to the facts of how a building’s HVAC system can affect – or not affect – the spread of COVID-19

To discuss what is known about the link to indoor air quality and COVID-19, we are talking to Kraus-Anderson’s MEP Systems Group Manager Matt Stringfellow, Facilities Assessment Manager Tim Kittila, and Principal at KFI Engineers, Randy Christenson.

The complexity of health insurance and employee benefits can be a bit overwhelming for a lot of people. As of January 2020, there is a new type of HRA, called the Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement, or ICHRA. This innovative new system, while it may seem complex, is meant to keep things simple for both the employer and the employee.

At Kraus-Anderson Insurance, part of the KA family of companies, the independent agency is dedicated to navigating the ever-changing world of employee benefits. ICHRA is meant for businesses of all sizes, with an emphasis on giving employees plenty of choices.

On the latest episode of Build Me Up, we sat down with Kraus-Anderson Insurance’s Vice President of Employee Benefits Kelly Brenna and Senior Benefit Advisor Jenny Pine, to break down ICHRA and what it means for both the employee and the employer.

Technology has become integral to our lives. Many of us can hop on Zoom meetings, stream our favorite TV shows, and access the internet from our pockets without giving it a second thought. But according to NPR, over 21 million Americans still don’t have access to high speed internet, with many of them in rural areas.

This makes the innovations from Paul Bunyan Communications (PBC), which provides communication technology services to northern Minnesota communities, all the more important and impressive. Located in Bemidji, PBC provides one of the largest rural gigabit networks in the country. As people continue to rely on telecommuting, distance learning, telehealth, and more, communities like Bemidji are becoming sought out destinations to live.

PBC’s CEO and General Manager, Gary Johnson, was named one of Twin Cities Business’ 100 People to Know in 2016. He earned this in recognition of PBC’s innovation, growth, and continued commitment to innovative technology solutions. On the latest episode of the Build Me Up podcast, we talked to Gary Johnson; Dave Hengel, executive director of Greater Bemidji, which drives development in the region; and Tracy Pogue, director of business development at KA Bemidji.

When longtime Community Development Director Dwight Picha began his tenure with the City of Woodbury in 1977, its population was just 8,000 people. 43 years later, Woodbury is one of the most populous suburbs in Minnesota with over 74,000 residents.

Recently retired, Dwight oversaw the development of approximately 10 million square feet of commercial real estate. About 90 percent of the homes in Woodbury today were constructed during Dwight’s time with the city. Woodbury also boasts excellent parks and school systems, and some key development projects include the CityPlace shopping center and the HealthEast Sports Center, one of the largest multiuse sports centers in the state.

To discuss the City of Woodbury’s tremendous growth, we sat down with Dwight Picha and Kraus-Anderson Construction Executive Vice President Rich Jacobson, who is a Woodbury resident himself.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly every aspect of our lives. But perhaps no industry was as impacted as the aviation industry. The rapid shutdown of air travel is forcing the industry to get innovative as they navigate their way through this challenging economic setback.

The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, managed by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), served nearly 40 million travelers in 2019. It was named Best Airport in North America for the fourth year in a row, with constant construction projects underway. Kraus-Anderson has been doing constant work at MSP Airport since the 1990s. The latest project to complete is the Silver Ramp, a 5,000-car parking garage and new hub for car rentals. More is underway, including dining, shopping, and improvements to check-in, baggage claim areas and more.

To learn more about how one of the busiest airports in the country is planning for the future amidst a global pandemic, we sat down with Brian Ryks, Executive Director and CEO of the MAC, as well as Rich Jacobson, Executive Vice President at Kraus-Anderson Construction.

Often times, when we use the term “innovation,” people quickly jump to flashy, technologically advanced innovations. But that is not always the case. BX Civil and Construction (BX-CC), a highway construction company based in South Dakota, is making very intentional investments in both its people and technology. BX-CC CEO and Owner Kari Karst knew that investing in technology was vitally important to keeping the company moving forward. The stringless paving technology has increased efficiency, but it has also helped foster a growth mindset among BX-CC’s employees. On the latest episode of the Build Me Up podcast, Kari Karst and BX-CC Field Technology Specialist Taylor Popham discuss stringless paving, the evolution of the construction industry, and how the company’s employees have embraced this technology.

We have a mental health crisis in our country, and often it is the children that slip through the cracks. In Minnesota alone, over 100,000 children need treatment for serious emotional disturbances. Many children with complex mental illnesses will need weeks or months of round-the-clock care to get well, but the average stay in children’s psychiatric hospitals is 7-10 days, on average. The Hills Youth and Family Services, based in Duluth, Minnesota, is working to address this growing need across the state.

Their latest facility, Cambia Hills of East Bethel, is the first purpose-built psychiatric residential treatment facility for children in Minnesota. It combines specialized education services and residential treatment all under one roof. Its innovative partnership with the Northeast Metro 916 School District is providing flexible learning opportunities for Cambia Hills residents, ranging from ages 6-17.

In the latest episode of the Build Me Up podcast, The Hills Youth and Family Services CEO Jeff Bradt, along with District 916 Assistant Superintendent Daniel Naidicz and Tammy Bednar, Principal at Cambia Hills, discuss their partnership, this state-of-the-art facility, and the growing need for mental health treatment.

The concept of mobile device management (MDM) may seem trivial, but the technology behind it is what keeps a company running. In the construction industry, reliable and on-the-go communication is key to running a project. The MDM process is hugely important. KA's Mobile Technology Coordinator Judd Jennrich, KA Project Manager Mike Stark, and Jamf Account Executive Ryan Ward sit down to discuss the innovative, behind-the-scenes process of getting a phone in the hands of every employee at a company. 

The Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Minneapolis is part of a nationwide network of high schools that provide unique opportunities for urban students with limited education options. Part of Cristo Rey’s core mission that sets them apart is their Corporate Work Study Program. Their students spend one full work day each week in a corporate office setting, performing tasks and learning valuable professional skills to set them apart when they graduate and enter the work force. Kraus-Anderson has been a longtime corporate partner with Cristo Rey.

Brian Garcia graduated from Cristo Rey this spring, and he worked at Kraus-Anderson through its Corporate Work Study program for the past four years. Brian’s growth is both a testament to his hard work, his strong education from Cristo Rey, and the support from people like Lori Charlesworth, KA’s Office Manager and facilitator of the intern program over the past several years.

In the latest episode of Build Me Up, we talk to Kesiah Kolbow, Cristo Rey’s Corporate Work Study Program Director; Brian Garcia and Lori Charlesworth about Cristo Rey’s model, the value of high school students getting work experience, and the impressive growth of Brian since he began at KA as a first-year high school student.

Building Information Technology, or BIM, is a complex facet of the construction, architecture, and engineering industry. Kraus-Anderson BIM Manager Heather Kossila and BIM/VDC Specialists Andrea Blair and Allie Bindert sit down to discuss how BIM technology is evolving within the industry, how the age of social distancing is impacting their work, and the career paths they took before finding their passion for BIM. 

Sam Ebute is the director of the MN Trades Academy, a paid internship experience for high schoolers to expose them to career pathways in construction. But his own journey to the industry did not follow a traditional path. In this special episode, guest host and KA's Director of Inclusion and Diversity Laurie Trousil sat down with Sam to learn more about his early life in Nigeria, the culture shock of moving to Menomonie, Wisconsin, and the events in his life that led him to mentoring Twin Cities youth. His story of courage, resilience and compassion built from adversity, is a timely and inspiring message for all of us.

The Maple River School District serves students in the rural communities of Southern Minnesota. Faced with aging facilities and a declining school population, the district set out to pass a $63.3 million bond referendum for a new school that would house Pre-K through 12th grade students. In its 4th attempt, the referendum passed by less than 10 votes. Kraus-Anderson's Gary Benson and Tony Sjolander talk with Maple River Superintendent Dan Anderson and two Maple River school board members, Karson Duncanson and Dave Schoneck, both of which were opposed to the referendum before voting yes, on how they are moving forward with uniting their community.

The United Way of Bemidji Area, a local non-profit in the northern Minnesota community, has been working tirelessly to serve its residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Executive Director Denae Alamano and Kraus-Anderson Bemidji's Director of Business Development Tracy Pogue, who also serves on the United Way board, discuss how the community has come together in unprecedented ways. The generous donations to the Emergency Fund, established for COVID-19 relief, has made countless new initiatives possible. From the Gifts of Hope program that helps both local families and struggling businesses, to the Backpack Buddies food packs providing lunches for children, the Bemidji community is finding hope amidst the pandemic. 

The Team 2052 KnightKrawlers, Irondale High School's robotics team, is using its skills to 3D print face shields for healthcare and other essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Coach Scott Davis, Build Team Student Captain Kyle Warren, and Public Relations Student Captain Maria Johnson discussed how they gathered support and supplies from the community, the trial and error involved in their operation, and the impact they are seeing in the community.