Locations
Kraus-Anderson Construction Co.
Vice President, Director of Marketing
Key Contacts
Owners, Principals & Senior Executives
Alan Gerhardt's Bio
Al has primary responsibility for the overall operation and performance of Kraus-Anderson’s six 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), the ACE Mentor Program and Cornerhouse, a non-profit child advocacy organization. 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; and as 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.
Bill Jarvis's Bio
Bill is a 40-year veteran industry with delivery facilities. Bill’s strategic approach allows him to help maximize through greater efficiencies. He consistently leads mentors his teams to find most direct means solving a variety challenges. Bill champions responsible design , providing with most accurate information available for informed decision-making.
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
Vice President, Residential Group
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.
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, Allied Executives and serves as co-chair of the legislative committee of Associated General Contractors of MN. He has served on the Woodbury Public Safety Board, Minnesota Construction Association, and Stout Industry Advisory Board. He is a past member of 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.
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.
Mike Becchetti's Bio
Mike leads the KA healthcare team, ranked by Modern Healthcare as one of the nation’s top 20 healthcare construction management teams. KA has completed over 3.8 million square feet of healthcare facilities over the past five years. Mike directs the marketing, business development, planning and preconstruction services, along with providing specific oversight for the healthcare team. He has over 20 years of industry experience and joined KA in 2013 as a project manager, overseeing notable healthcare projects including the Tria Orthopedics facility in Woodbury, Minnesota; Welia Health Expansion and Renovation in Mora, MN; and Regions Hospital Birth Center in St. Paul. Mike holds a B.S. in Construction Management from Minnesota State University – Moorhead. He is a member of the American Hospital Association (AHA), American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE), and Twin City Healthcare Engineering Association (TCHEA). He is also a Certified Healthcare Constructor (CHC).
Operations
Douglas Jaeger's Bio
Industry veteran Douglas Jaeger leads our nimble Special , tailored for quick response to needing costing implementation for remodeling, TI , additions, other wide-ranging needs. Doug’s broad range experience multiple market sectors his dedicated, collaborative style brings tremendous efficiency momentum to Special needs. His proactive approach brings creative solutions in planning design needs, including cost-benefit analysis system options.
Business Development, Marketing & Sales
Finance & Accounting
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.
Other
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.