Andrew Whaylen, Josh Prouty win the October 2025 Core Value Awards
Andrew Whaylen, a project superintendent from the Bismarck office, won the October 2025 Core Values Award. Kraus-Anderson's Ross Wilmes and Brandon Kaster submitted the nomination. It reads:
“Andrew has been our superintendent on the NDSU Challey School of Music Expansion & Remodel project. He worked very closely with NDSU facilities staff, music department faculty and students to ensure smooth transitions between phases and minimize disruptions throughout the construction process on this very unique and challenging project.
“Andrew was recognized by Don Challey, the project benefactor, during the ribbon cutting ceremony for going ‘above and beyond’ his normal duties to ensure the best possible experience for everybody involved in the project. Don noted that throughout his 40 years of development and construction experience, he has never worked with a project superintendent who worked as hard at customer satisfaction as Andrew has on this project.”
Josh Prouty, a project superintendent from the Duluth office, also won the October 2025 Core Values Award. Kraus-Anderson's Pete Auvinen submitted the nomination. It reads:
“The new Charlie’s Alpine Bistro and Sunset Studios, is a gorgeous new restaurant and lodging facility replacing the old Charlie’s that burnt down in Lutsen, MN. This project would not have been possible without dedication from our KA Duluth Superintendent Josh Prouty. Josh undoubtedly showed his Commitment by working extra-long hours and even some weekends to ensure this project succeeded. Many challenges were faced on this project – remote job location (2hrs North of Duluth up the North Shore), winter conditions, custom design changes ‘on the fly’, and the list goes on.
“Constructing a new building for an owner with very high expectations can be difficult, but Josh’s Valuing People won over the owner group, and he built a strong relationship with them over the course of the project. They were not only impressed with all the long hours he worked, but he worked those hours with Integrity, always doing the right thing, not only for KA, but the owner as well.
“I’ve never heard so much praise from an owner about one of our superintendents like the Lutsen Team had for Josh. A project like this one, with a fixed budget and tight schedule, in a remote location, created a whirlwind of challenges for the entire project team. Josh ensured he created a collaborative working environment for all parties involved and kept Teamwork at the forefront. From coordinating major construction activities, all the way to helping vacuum the carpet minutes before the grand opening, Josh maintained his dedication from start to finish, and I cannot think of anyone else who is more deserving of this award.”
About the Kraus-Anderson Core Values Award
The KA Core Values Award is presented monthly to two KA employees. Nominated by their peers, business partners, and clients, award recipients are selected based on their representation and practice of KA’s core values:
Integrity: Do the right thing; always be respectful, honest, and fair
Commitment: Take ownership, work hard, and keep promises
Teamwork: Collaborate to foster trust and success for all
Value People: Support each other in a safe, positive environment where people are recognized and appreciated for their contributions
CATEGORY: Awards