KA Makes its Mark in Bismarck, North Dakota

With a ribbon cutting, new, branded furnishings and that “new office” smell of fresh paint and furnishings, KA’s Bismarck might appear to be the new kid on the block. But appearances can be deceiving. This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the KA Bismarck team’s arrival, creating a permanent base to continue a tradition of building relationships in this region that goes back more than 60 years.

With its newly expanded and renovated office and easy access off I-94 just across from the Bismarck State College campus, KA is positioning itself for future growth. Just like the state it calls home.  To walk us through some history, highlights and insights, here’s VP and Director of Operations Ross Wilmes.

Q. How and when did KA start building in North Dakota?

ROSS WILMES: KA has records of doing work in North Dakota dating back at least to the mid-1950s. In the 1970s KA was following its clients all around the country, building McDonald’s restaurants and shopping malls in Bismarck and throughout the Upper Midwest. KA was also doing more regionally specific work, like the beet sugar processing plant in Wahpeton, ND.

KA’s more recent North Dakota history goes back to July 2011, when KA was called to provide emergency response and FEMA coordination services for Minot Schools following record flooding in the area. Our K-12 team worked with the district to assess damage, provide modular temporary classroom facilities, and rebuild damaged and destroyed school facilities. By the time that work was completed, KA leaders were persuaded by the opportunities that North Dakota had to offer and invested in a permanent base of business headquartered in Bismarck. I joined KA in 2014 and became the first employee in the new office.

Q. As a native North Dakotan, what are some insights you’d like to share about your home state and the opportunities and challenges that come with doing business here?

ROSS: This state’s assets include vast and diverse energy sources, a robust agricultural industry, and a business-friendly environment with growing manufacturing and advanced technology industries. North Dakota is also a hub of innovation, with polytechnic institutions partnering with leading edge private industries to develop solutions and approaches to global needs such as food production and healthcare. Our challenges are mainly focused on filling out our professional team as we continue to grow. We have the lowest unemployment rate in the nation.

Q. Like Minnesota, North Dakota has a reputation for daunting weather. Comments?

ROSS: North Dakota presents an invigorating variety of weather conditions, which our residents enjoy all year long. There are outdoor activities for everyone—fishing, hunting, canoeing, cycling, hiking, camping, skiing and snowshoeing, to name a few. The cost of living is low, and the quality of life is among the best in the country.

Q. How has KA been successful in growing its business in this region?

ROSS: We are a local team, supported by the tremendous technical expertise of our overall KA enterprise. Our approach is highly collaborative, offering value management expertise in the earliest planning stages to support informed decision-making and best outcomes. As a construction manager, we also provide opportunities to local trade partners to maximize economic impact in the communities we work in. Basically we conduct our work so as to win a customer for life. Over 80% of KA’s work is repeat business.

Q. Talk about KA’s community involvement.

ROSS: We are a longtime supporter of The Banquet, providing meals to families and individuals in need at the holiday season. We also show support for our active military, military families and veterans through various means, including in kind support, advocacy and supporting our employees called up for deployment.

Q. What’s on the horizon?

ROSS: We are working strategically to expand our footprint in this state. Late last year we opened our second North Dakota office, in the city of Fargo, where we’ve managed some $300 million in construction over the past 5 years. We’re also escalating our government work, including municipal, county, state and federal projects currently underway throughout the state. And we’re building our team with some seasoned professionals on both the field and office side, plus some great talent, some of it grown at NDSU. We’re excited about the future.