A Life in Construction: Jim Beckwith Wraps a 46-Year KA Career

Kraus-Anderson Construction Company Vice President Jim Beckwith retires in April. His 46 years with KA have encompassed many innovative technologies and changes, building relationships all along the way. He shares this perspective on his career in project management.

You truly grew up with KA – your dad, Owen, was a project manager with KA from 1946. What were your childhood impressions of the nature of this work? Do you recall any projects in particular that impressed you as a kid? What inspired you to go into this work?

JIM BECKWITH: As a child, my Dad would take me on Saturdays while he was doing his job site inspections. I enjoyed listening to the stories and issues that each building had.

Did you do any labor work or other work for KA prior to starting in the office?

JIM BECKWITH: Not at KA. My father became part owner of Ernest M Ganley Construction Co. before rejoining KA in 1976. I worked as a laborer for his company, working on The Met Sports arena and the Radisson Hotel in Bloomington.

You joined KA in 1975 as an Estimator and Project Manager working out of the St. Paul office. What was the culture like working at the St. Paul office?

JIM BECKWITH:  The St. Paul office was a family atmosphere. Most of the Project Managers were the same age. We celebrated many births, weddings and family stories.

What types of work was that office involved with when you started?

JIM BECKWITH: Almost every aspect of construction, from high tech to fast food restaurants.

Who were some of the clients?

JIM BECKWITH: McDonald’s Corporation, Control Data, Rosemount Engineering, Edina Baptist Church, Gelco Corporation, Macalester College, Northwestern Collage, North Ridge Care Center, to name a few.

Talk about your early projects. What stands out?

JIM BECKWITH: Constructing McDonalds Restaurants for the St. Louis region of McDonalds Corp. Working with Paul Sentman on all of the Edina Baptist Projects, as well as Northwestern College. A relationship we shared for over 45 years.

Early on, you were doing work for some major tech companies, including Control Data Corporation and Rosemount Aerospace. Any stories or takeaways to share?

JIM BECKWITH: I’m amazed how far technology has come over the years. In the early years of Control Data, specific buildings had to be built with total climate control, for storage of their computer tapes.

Also: Being at the Rosemount facility in 1981, watching the first space shuttle, Columbia, return to earth on TV. Witnessing how excited everyone was that the controls that they designed and developed, allowed the spaceship to convert to aircraft controls and to land safely at Edwards Air Force base in California.

You also began managing some senior living projects very early in your career, including North Ridge Care Center; beginning a 40-year history of work with numerous clients in this market sector. Talk a little about how this industry has evolved and how KA has adapted to address changing needs over the decades.

JIM BECKWITH: North Ridge was one of the first to develop and convert nursing home rooms to assisted living units. This was the beginning of what is known today as, assisted living, TCU and Care Suites. In the early 80’s we constructed one of the first independent living facilities for them as well.

Besides new construction, you’ve also managed and directed some major addition/renovations to occupied housing/senior housing spaces. What are some of the challenges of working in occupied spaces, particularly with senior residents?

JIM BECKWITH: Scheduling has always been the hardest thing to maintain, especially in the occupied nursing home facilities. We needed to keep in mind, this is their home and the least amount of disruption was our top priority.  We were often scheduled to start a unit as the resident was reaching end of life, so sensitivity was of the upmost importance.  Once you finished the remodels, you could see that the residents and their family members appreciated the updates.

How has KA’s approach helped us succeed in these senior residence renovations?

JIM BECKWITH: Working around issues, while having respect for the family and staff.

Your depth of expertise in senior housing has also greatly facilitated KA’s growth in the multi-family housing markets- market rate, student, supportive and affordable housing… what are the similarities and differences among these markets from an estimating and project management perspective?

JIM BECKWITH: Estimating there is not a great deal of difference in the facilities, it’s more a matter of the materials used as well as the requirments from the department of health

What are some of the trends you’ve seen in senior housing that have impressed you as real advancements in this area?

JIM BECKWITH: The opportunities that the residents have to maintain healthy life styles as they age in place. They now offer pools, physical therapy, work out areas with trainers and pickle ball courts all to maintain healthy lifestyles.

From this end of your career, what have you found most rewarding about the work that you do?

JIM BECKWITH: There were many rewarding moments.  Most importantly, I will always treasure the personal relationships that have developed throughout my career.  Including our KA family, Owners and Subcontractors. What started out as work acquaintances grew into friendships and for that, I will always be grateful.

The most rewarding has been working on both senior and senior low-income renovations. Many of the residents living in these older facilities had never experienced anything new. It was very rewarding to see them appreciate the work we developed for them.

Is there anything you would have done differently, knowing what you know now?

JIM BECKWITH: No, I have enjoyed my 46 years at Kraus- Anderson and being part of the construction industry.

Any advice to those younger professionals in our industry?

JIM BECKWITH: Value your relationships. Treat owners as you would like to be treated. Always remember all the things that make a good subcontractor or supplier, Owners are no different.