Locations
Kraus-Anderson Construction Co.
Vice President, Director of Operations
Key Contacts
Owners, Principals & Senior Executives
Alan Gerhardt's Bio
Al has primary responsibility for the overall operation and
performance of Kraus-Anderson’s seven construction offices located in
Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota. Under his leadership,
Kraus-Anderson has been consistently ranked in the top 50 Construction
Management firms at Risk by Engineering News-Record. Al joined
Kraus-Anderson in 1980 as a project manager and has been directly
involved in the growth of Kraus-Anderson’s construction activity in
the fields of healthcare, bioscience and sustainability.
He
serves on the boards of the Construction Industry Round Table (CIRT),
AGC of America as a Life Governor, and the ACE Mentor Program. He is
a member of NAIOP and past presenter at their national conference. In
addition, he has served the State of Minnesota Building Code Advisory
Board, Construction Specification Institute, Minneapolis City of Lakes
Rotary Club; the Board of Cornerhouse, a non-profit child advocacy
organization; and is past chair of the Minnesota State
University-Mankato Construction Management Advisory Board. He holds a
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Minnesota State
University-Mankato; and holds General Contractor licenses in
Minnesota, Florida, Mississippi and New Mexico.
Bruce Engelsma's Bio
Bruce continues Lloyd Engelsma’s visionary leadership as the second generation chairman of the Kraus-Anderson family of companies. He is actively involved with the day to day management and administration of KA’s varied activities, including construction, insurance, mortgage banking, accounting, budgeting and project finance, real estate development, capital leasing and resort properties management. He also maintains Lloyd’s and KA’s tradition of community service, through leadership roles with the boards of Associated General Contractors of Minnesota, Dunwoody Institute, Park Nicollet Health Services, Metropolitan Economic Development Association (Meda), and Gustavus College; as well as the Hearts & Hammers Twin Cities Advisory Council; Minneapolis Downtown Council and Mount Olivet Lutheran Church Council. Bruce holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from the University of Minnesota.
Daniel Engelsma's Bio
Dan serves as Executive Director of Kraus-Anderson Companies, Inc., drawing on his depth of experience to provide insight and broad oversight to a KA operations and company efficiencies along with strategic guidance on the company’s real estate portfolio.
In 1969, he joined Kraus-Anderson working alongside his father Lloyd as part of the second generation of Engelsma family leadership. Over the following decades he has led the strategy, growth, and asset management of the company’s real estate portfolio and eventually leading Kraus-Anderson Realty Company as President. During his time at KA Realty, Dan increased the square footage of Kraus-Anderson assets by over 3 million square feet and successfully managed them driving consistent growth in value. Kraus-Anderson now has a portfolio of nearly 5 million square feet including retail, office, warehouse, multi-family, and senior housing. In 2019 Dan was recognized with the Minnesota Real Estate Hall of Fame Award, recognizing 50 years of leadership in commercial real estate, development, and community service.
Dan is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), Minnesota Shopping Center Association (MSCA), Minnesota Commercial Association of Realtors (MNCAR), Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), and National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP).
Dennis Diessner's Bio
Dennis leads our KA Insurance team and has been an integral part of the team’s growth and service diversification. Beginning his career at Kraus Anderson in the Realty Company in 1983, Dennis assumed management of KA Insurance in 1993. Under Dennis’ management, KA Insurance has diversified its book of business to add to its construction-oriented clients those in manufacturing, municipalities, school districts and retail. The agency has also developed specialized practices addressing workers compensation controls (COMPTROL), Architects and Engineers, Employee Benefits and HR, Captive insurance, Cyber resilience, and Innovative Risk Solutions. Today the agency comprises 85 employees and annual sales of more than $100 million. In addition to his role at KA Insurance, Dennis serves as a Director on the Kraus Anderson Companies’ Board, he is a member of the Boards’ Executive Committee, he also serves as a board member on the Kraus Anderson Health Care Advisory Board, and as a member of the 401K Committee and the Executive Risk Committee.
His extensive community involvement includes serving as Board Chair for both the Burnsville Chamber of Commerce and 360 Communities; Dennis is the past president of the Elliot Park Business and Professional Association and the Burnsville Rotary. He also served on the board of Homeward Bound, a nonprofit for special needs children. Dennis was a committee member of the Burnsville Fairview Ridges Hospital Capital Campaign, which raised more than $3 million for specialized services. Dennis received the Burnsville Business Person of the Year Award in 2016, and currently serves as a member of the Burnsville’s Mayors Business Leader Roundtable. Dennis is also a member of the Scholarship Fundraising Committee for the Association of General Contractors.
John Huenink's Bio
John leads our K-12 team, consistently ranked among the nation’s top 10 construction managers in this market sector. Over the past 5 years, KA has constructed over $1 billion in school facilities. John joined KA in 1995 and has managed and overseen hundreds of school projects throughout the Midwest and around the country. He directs the marketing, business development, referendum planning and preconstruction services for the education team. John earned his B.S. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from UW-River Falls. He also graduated from Minnesota Drafting School with a technical degree in Architectural Drafting. He also brings several years of valuable experience working for architectural firms to enhance his knowledge of design and details. John is a member of the Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA); Minnesota Association of School Business Officials (MASBO); Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB); Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials (WASBO); Minnesota Construction Association (MCA) and Stillwater Sunrise Rotary.
John Solberg's Bio
With 30+ years of industry experience, John brings breadth and depth of construction management knowledge to his leadership in our Residential market sector efforts. His award-winning residential projects include luxury, affordable, and market rate apartments, student housing, senior residences, condos and townhomes. His experience with public/private partnerships, historic tax credits, HUD dollars and other state, federal and local funding sources provide him with an understanding of the complexities of multiple stakeholder funding. And his expertise ranges from restorations and historic renovations to major additions and bold new construction using the latest innovative methods and materials. John’s education includes relevant coursework at University of Minnesota and the Construction Management program at Dunwoody College of Technology.
Jon Diessner's Bio
At Kraus-Anderson Insurance, Jon Diessner oversees the agency’s property/casualty, employee benefits and surety operations, and Kraus-Anderson Risk Innovation, the agency’s risk consulting practice.
His role also includes oversight of the agency’s strategic planning, agency administration and project management where Jon embraces strategic initiatives in technology, intellectual capital, branding and marketing innovations; and development of training and professional development programs, which promote talent retention and further distinguish the agency’s expertise.
As a third generation member of the family-owned, diversified Kraus-Anderson enterprise, Jon is committed to KA’s collective success and legacy.
Leslie Greves's Bio
Leslie oversees all human resource functions at Kraus-Anderson. She has 15 years of experience in the human resource field and is also a licensed attorney. She is an accomplished and innovative leader with a proven record of talent and performance management, business strategy and program development. Greves earned her B.A. in Communication from the University of North Dakota and J.D. from Hamline University School of Law. Greves has served as a volunteer for Park Nicollet Health Services, Melrose Center and was recently invited to serve as a HR Committee Member for the MacPhail Center for Music.
Mary Jo Kelly's Bio
Mary Jo leads and guides the overall KAFS team and its activities, including treasury/cash management and commercial real estate finance. She has made her career with Kraus-Anderson since 1976, initially working directly with Lloyd Engelsma and growing into management roles relating to KA’s various real estate developments and operations, including management of loan portfolios, a capital equipment financing enterprise; treasury management as well as financial analyses and securing financing for portfolio properties. She holds a real estate broker’s license, Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) certificate in leadership; and is past president, past member of the year and longtime member of MNCREW.
Peter Diessner's Bio
As President, Pete provides high level oversight of Kraus-Anderson Realty and Development Companies. Prior to this role he served at Vice President of the KA Financial Services Group, where he provided financial analysis, underwriting, due diligence, and sourcing and funding of debt and equity for Kraus-Anderson’s existing and prospective portfolio of real estate. His legal and finance backgrounds provide Pete with a thorough understanding and well-rounded perspective of real estate deals. Prior to joining the Kraus-Anderson in 2018, Pete spent about four years building and operating his own successful real estate law practice at a well-established firm in downtown Minneapolis, and before that Pete practiced real estate law for about six-and-a-half years at one of Minnesota’s largest and most prestigious law firms.
He earned his J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law in 2007 and his B.A. in Financial Economics from Gustavus Adolphus College in 2002. He holds a certification from the National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA), he was selected as a “Rising Star” by Minnesota Super Lawyers in 2017 and 2018 (and honor earned by only 2.5% of eligible attorneys), and he is a MSBA Certified Real Property Law Specialist (fewer than 3% of all registered attorneys in Minnesota are certified specialists in their field).
Philip Boelter's Bio
Phil takes an active role in all aspects of Kraus-Anderson’s diverse business activities, including construction, real estate and insurance. Prior to joining the company in 2002, he served Kraus-Anderson for over 30 years as legal counsel with the law firm of Dorsey & Whitney, LLP. His depth of experience in real property law provides rich insight and guidance in the acquisition, construction, leasing, financing and sale of commercial properties throughout the United States. Phil holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Iowa State University and Juris Doctor from University of Iowa Law School. He has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America, Who’s Who in American Law, Who’s Who in America and Law and Leading Attorneys; and has served on the Board of Directors of several non-profit organizations.
Rich Jacobson's Bio
Rich leads Kraus-Anderson’s Minnesota offices in Minneapolis, Bemidji, Duluth and Rochester; and regional offices in Madison, Wisconsin and Bismarck, North Dakota. He joined Kraus-Anderson as a project manager in 1992 and has managed major construction including schools, healthcare, retail, hospitality, recreational, industrial and residential projects. He is a skilled consensus builder, guiding forward momentum among school boards and diverse stakeholders; and works seamlessly with all levels of government, keeping approvals, codes and adjustments running smoothly.
Rich is currently a member of the National Builders Alliance, co-chair of the legislative committee of Associated General Contractors of MN and serves the Board of Cornerhouse, a child advocacy organization. He has served on the Woodbury Public Safety Board, Minnesota Construction Association, UW-Stout Industry Advisory Board and UW-Stout Alumni Board. He is a past member of Allied Executives, the International Council of Educational Facility Planners, International Council of Shopping Centers, and Center for Educational Performance and Information (CEPI), a nationally active organization of educational professionals. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from University of Wisconsin-Stout.
Tim Asgrimson's Bio
Tim is responsible for all aspects of the financial business activities of Kraus Anderson and affiliates, which include real estate, construction, insurance and investment financing. Prior to joining the company in 2007, he served Kraus Anderson for over 20 years as a CPA providing tax and accounting services.
He serves as a Board Member for The Center for Fiscal Excellence and the Groves Foundation providing resources for child learning and development needs in the community. He is a Certified Public Accountant and member of both the AICPA and MN Society of CPA’s. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with an Accounting Specialization from Augsburg University.
Wayne Gray's Bio
Wayne oversees Kraus-Anderson Construction Company’s accounting and financial operations, based in the Twin Cities office. He brings more than 20 years of experience in senior financial and operational management and corporate planning at Clark Construction Group, LLC in Bethesda, MD, a century-old company that is one of the nation’s largest building and civil construction firms. Most recently he served as Clark’s Senior Director of Operations Finance, and previously he served as Director of Internal Audit and Director of Enterprise Risk Management.
He holds an MBA from the University of Maryland University College in College Park, MD and a B.S. in Business Administration, Finance and Economics from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, MD. Wayne is a member of the Construction Financial Management Association, Greater Washington Chapter.
Estimating, Purchasing & Preconstruction
Mark Kotten's Bio
Leveraging 25+ years in our industry, Mark leads our public sector team with his extensive background and depth of understanding of working for governmental agencies and delivering construction management projects. His insights guide our preconstruction efforts for planning, disruption avoidance plan, phasing, logistics, schedule, value management and safety. Throughout, he advocates for the Owner’s vision, goals, and objectives, delivering the project at or exceeding expectations. Mark’s industry affiliations include American Public Works Association; Association of Minnesota Counties; International Facility Management Association; Minnesota Association of School Administrators; Minnesota Association of School Business Officials; Minnesota School Boards Association; North Dakota State University Construction Industry Advisory Council. He holds a B.S. in Construction Management from North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND.
Operations
Bob Fitzgerald's Bio
Bob leads the day-to-day operations of the Bemidji office including its business development activities. He is an active member of the community, serving guiding roles on a number of economic development, higher education, civic and youth organizations, including board chair of Sanford Health Foundation of Northern Minnesota, board member of Greater Bemidji, board member of Security Bank USA and past director of the Kraus-Anderson Walleye Classic.
×
Katie Trudell's Bio
Katie joined Kraus-Anderson Development in 2019 contributing her vast multi-family development experience to the team. Katie shines when conceptualizing the initial design intent for Mixed-Use and Residential projects with architects and designers and oversees construction as the project rises out of the ground until it is handed over to ownership upon completion. She performs detailed plan review of drawing sets and other relevant construction documentation; no stone is left unturned. She collaborates closely on the development and design of project branding and marketing and manages the property management team throughout all marketing and leasing efforts for each project and ensures project brand consistency. The Larking, MODA on Raymond, and 590 Park are notable projects Katie has put her mark on at Kraus-Anderson.
Katie brings her experience of multi-family development from Chicago to the Twin Cities market. While working in Chicago, she managed the construction of both apartment and luxury condo properties. The intricacies of the luxury condo market in Chicago honed Katie’s attention to detail and allowed her to gain valuable insight into the importance of the close relationship between the real estate and construction realms. Katie holds a B.S. degree from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh where her background in Public Relations paired well with working with condo owners, and in general with being a collaborative, engaging team member. Katie is a member of the Minnesota Commercial Real Estate for Women (MNCREW) and is passionate about her volunteer commitments in the Twin-Cities Metro area.
Business Development, Marketing & Sales
Bob Cunningham's Bio
Bob leads and oversees the development, redevelopment, and real estate investment management functions and strategy at Kraus-Anderson.
His leadership and expertise in commercial real estate development and investment management spans 40 years, including executive positions at Melrose Company, TOLD Development Company, Opus Corporation and Partnership at Inland Development Partners.
Bob holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an M.B.A. from Drake University.
Erica Arne's Bio
Part of the KA team since 2017, Erica brings 13+ years of development owners representation and design experience to the team. She manages the development process on projects providing design and project management expertise during the site selection, due diligence, entitlement, design and construction process. Leveraging an owner’s perspective, Erica is highly collaborative when developing the scope of each project while managing schedule, budget, and risk. Current project highlights include managing scope, schedule, budget, and overseeing construction of the 283-unit Chamberlain Apartment project in Richfield.
Prior to KA, Erica developed store concepts, interiors, and project coordination across the United States and Canada with Target Corporation. Her project work ranged from historical renovation in the heart of Chicago to urban mixed-use development in Toronto. She holds a B.S. in Interior Design from the University of Minnesota and is affiliated with Minnesota Commercial Real Estate Women (MNCREW) and Minnesota Shopping Center Association (MSCA).
Timothy Marco's Bio
Timothy Marco brings multi-faceted expertise in commercial development, financial analysis, project leasing and asset management to his role at Kraus-Anderson Development. His track record includes previous experience as director of real estate for the YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities. He also was VP of development for Cardon Development Group, and VP of real estate and public affairs for Clear Channel Outdoor. Tim holds a B.B.A. in Finance from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. He currently serves on the Prior Lake Economic Development Advisory Committee.