Alex Balsiger Named Rising Young Professional of the Year
Finance and Commerce named Kraus-Anderson’s Project Manager Alex Balsiger a 2022 Rising Young Professional of the Year.
“This award is extremely impactful for emerging professionals, seasoned professionals, and anyone in between,” Balsiger said. “It shows that the future of the workforce is talented and full of inspiring, hardworking leaders that care about their industries and, more importantly, their communities.”
Background
Rather than playing with Barbie Dolls or following The Sim’s storyline as a young girl, Balsiger opted to build the characters’ homes— a telltale sign that a career in construction would be a natural fit.
Balsiger graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout with a degree in Construction Management, where she ran for the school’s track team and earned conference and national accolades, as well as a captaincy role in her senior year.
She spent two summers with Kraus-Anderson as a project engineer intern and accepted a full-time position in 2017.
Project Highlights
Balsiger works primarily in the K-12 sector, taking on various leadership roles and responsibilities. Some of her most notable projects include:
- Mounds View Public Schools— Running this project was particularly unique for Balsiger because she attended high school there. Balsiger considers the project a big turning point in her professional development. “[Mounds View] became my project. I took ownership of it. It was the first major project I ran on my own and was all in my name,” Balsiger said.
- White Bear Lake Public Schools— Balsiger currently works on White Bear Lake North Campus High School, one of Kraus-Anderson’s largest K-12 projects ever. With over 200 subcontractors on site daily, Balsiger manages a large portion of the project, including the site work, building enclosures, and building finishes.
While Balsiger worked on a few projects outside of the K-12 sector in the past, including Woodbury’s City Place, her passion lies in K-12.
“Building something that will strengthen the education of future generations and benefit our youth is exciting,” Balsiger said.
Leadership
Balsiger makes a positive impact on her colleagues, project teams, and Kraus-Anderson overall.
A few years ago, she and a few co-workers started a group called Emerging Professionals. While Kraus-Anderson provides an official ambassador program, Balsiger feels it’s important to offer a space for casual peer learning, connection, and collaboration.
Additionally, Balsiger participated in AGC‘s “Leadership Blueprint Series” and currently participates in Kraus-Anderson’s Leadership Development Program and Employee Capture and Retention Committee.
“Alex brings a great deal of energy and personality to the job site. She possesses an exceptional work ethic and ability to mentor those around her,” said Jason Peterson, Director of Project Planning and Development (Construction).
Mentorship
Balsiger finds it important to give back to the community and steps outside the job site to do so. Some of the ways in which she’s made a positive impact include:
- ACE Mentor Program Twin Cities— Balsiger mentors Irondale High School students throughout a yearlong mock design project.
- Kraus-Anderson’s Internship Mentor Program— Each summer, Balsiger is assigned an intern. She assists the intern with professional growth and industry learning.
- Hennepin Community College “Be Bold, Break the Mold” Program— Balsiger mentored a woman seeking a career in construction. She continues to maintain this connection and serves as a “go-to” for her mentee, both for personal and professional-related advice.
Conclusion
Finance and Commerce recognized Balsiger and her many achievements at an event on Thursday in Minneapolis.
“Being recognized alongside Bruce, our President and CEO [who received the Minnesota Icon Award], was a very cool experience,” Balsiger said. “I loved being surrounded by the people who have built me up throughout my career.”
View Comments
Congratulations Alex
you’re a great example of the future of this industry and of KA’s success.
……and a lot of fun to work with!