THE PARK PRESS: Q4 2023

Mission Statement:

Park Construction is dedicated to improving the infrastructure of our communities by providing exceptional construction services. Guided by our core values of safety, quality, integrity, and teamwork, our goal is to exceed expectations and raise the bar of excellence.

In This Issue:

• Message from the Corner Office
• Project Spotlight: FedEx Warehouse Expansion and Renovation
• Employee Spotlights
• CHASE Recognition Award 
• Safety Message
• Off-Season Training Opportunities
• Employees moving from Apprentice to Journeymen 
• Park 2023 Highlights Video
• Holiday Party Announcement
• Strategic Initiatives Update
• New Shop Facility in Blaine
• Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion Project
• Recent Wins
• Park on Social Media
• It Pays To Have Friends!
• EEO/Minority Outreach

Message from the Corner Office:

Greetings,

The Holiday Season is upon us, and we are near the end of 2023. This year has brought many positive outcomes for the Park Construction Team. 2023 has been a year that has seen growth, growth in the number of employees we work with, growth in the number of projects we complete, growth in our geographical footprint within the industry, and growth as people, employees, and the initiatives we strive to improve. We've had an excellent year, working with Park's Core Values of Safety, Quality, Integrity, and Teamwork at the forefront. I sincerely appreciate and commend all of you for your excellent performance, dedication to safety, continuous teamwork, and endless hours that you have spent working on various projects.

You have continued to improve the infrastructure of our communities through the projects that you build. You are leaving your mark through the work you complete throughout the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro, Fargo - Moorhead Area, and beyond. Park had dedicated employees completing safe and quality work in 8 different states throughout 2023. We have added a regional office located in Fargo, ND to better serve the Fargo-Moorhead Area and the FM Diversion Project. These are wonderful accomplishments that would not be possible without the efforts of each of our employees. For this I thank each of you.

2023 has no doubt been a successful year for Park, but that should not let us lose sight of improving upon our success. We appreciate the feedback that employees have provided through surveys throughout the year. We hear your responses and will be working to assess strategic initiatives to improve our employees' and customers' experience.

I would also like to thank the families and friends of our Park Construction Employees. This is a challenging industry that demands a lot from the trade professionals that work within it. Our families and friends are a support system that allows us to do what we enjoy doing, and it is not without sacrifice from them as well. Thank you to all your families and friends, and please know that you are also a very integral part of the Park Construction Team. Happy Holidays. Enjoy time with Family, Friends, Co-workers and reflect on the positives from 2023 Thank you all for your commitment, support, and efforts. Together, we will achieve great things in 2024. 

Warm Regards,

Jeffrey R. Carlson

President & CEO

Project Spotlight: FedEx Warehouse Expansion and Renovation

We are proud to have recently completed the FedEx Warehouse Expansion and Renovation Project in Mahtomedi, Minnesota. This project included grading and asphalt paving for a 1.1 million square foot expansion of the facility parking and operations areas.

We understand the importance of minimizing disruptions to our client's operations during construction. That's why our dedicated team worked closely with FedEx to ensure that their trucking operations continued smoothly throughout the entire process. On all of our projects we are committed to delivering high-quality results while maintaining the utmost efficiency and safety.

Employee Spotlights

Amidst the world of spreadsheets and safety glasses, a vibrant group of newer, or more youthful, team members are leaving an indelible mark at Park. Let's cast a spotlight on a handful of these remarkable individuals.

Tristan Hadness, a recent addition to Park Construction, has become a great addition to our utilities group, making waves since joining this year.

Ashton Raymond, at the age of 19, is not only expanding his expertise in the field but has also improved his ability to assess site risks, making substantial contributions to the structures’ crew.

Cole Thompson, with a few years under his belt, consistently stands out with his operational prowess, lending a hand in the yard, and displaying a strong commitment to continuous learning.

Jessica Dhaene, an entry-level truck driver, is on a fast-track learning curve, bringing a contagious positive attitude to work each day while actively contributing to steering Park Avenue towards future successes.

Faith Ruther, who embarked on her operating journey with Park at the age of 18, has become a versatile asset, learning skills in rover operation, lay out, and grade checks. Her pursuit of improvement underscores her dedication to enhancing both knowledge and abilities.

In this symphony of talent, these individuals exemplify the essence of Park's commitment to excellence, innovation, and the cultivation of a bright future. Their stories are not just anecdotes but testaments to the spirit and potential within our team. As we celebrate these rising stars, we eagerly anticipate the continued growth and success they will undoubtedly bring to Park.

CHASE Recognition Award 

The inception of the CHASE program dates back to 2003 when Minnesota OSHA joined forces with AGC of Minnesota in a collaborative effort. Its primary objective is to acknowledge the commendable safety programs and performance of AGC member contractors. Park Construction has actively participated in this program since 2017 and has experienced firsthand the advantages of being involved. Our commitment to safety has earned us recognition at the annual CHASE event, where we were honored for our outstanding performance in ensuring the safety of our personnel. This achievement is attributed to the dedicated efforts of our field personnel.

Safety Message

Navigating the realm of safety is a demanding responsibility, heavily reliant on the shared commitment of individuals toward their well-being and that of their colleagues. Unlike endeavors producing tangible outcomes, safety lacks real-time indicators to affirm our path. Despite the scrutiny of behaviors, conditions, and incident reports, the true impact of our efforts often eludes quantification. End-of-year metrics offer a general overview but fall short of conveying the complete narrative.

A critical question emerges when reviewing these figures: "Were we safe, or were we lucky?" Despite identical outcomes, the distinction between the two is profound. Recognizing luck's role in safety doesn't diminish the importance of proactive measures. Instances throughout the year underscore that safety is more than chance—it is woven into our core values.

• Ryan Mahoney: Prevented a Terracon inspector from entering an unsafe excavation.
• Jeremy Schmitz: Collaborated with a subcontractor to work inside the highway fence line, avoiding exposure to traffic.
• Frank Nordstrom: Conducted exceptional morning meetings and Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs).
• Mike Schultz: Safeguarded an employee during trench compaction by keeping the ramex attached to the hoe bucket.
• Rick Bowen: Addressed a subcontractor on-site for wearing improper PPE.
• Tony Van: Sought opinions on an excavation in Grantsburg, fostering collaborative safety decision-making.
• Cory Anderson: Requested a gas monitor before a confined space entry.
• Chad Gordon: Prevented an employee from cutting concrete without proper face shield and ear protection.
• Travis Poppe: Stopped a concrete subcontractor from riding in the bucket of a skid steer.
• Sam Kmit: Filled out JHAs by hand before receiving his iPad.
• Mark Teigen: Demonstrated meticulousness in filling out comprehensive JHAs.

While these actions may seem small, they carry significant weight in defining what is acceptable. They serve as the foundation of a robust safety culture, often requiring only seconds to make a lasting impact. These acts extend beyond the individuals mentioned to everyone who recognizes and addresses potential safety concerns.

As we bid farewell to 2023 and welcome 2024, my gratitude extends to each one contributing to the safety and well-being of coworkers, subcontractors, inspectors, and the public. Though perfection will remain elusive, our pursuit of safety excellence propels us towards a safer, more efficient working environment. Let our combined efforts solidify Park as an Employer of Choice, fostering a culture where safety is not merely a priority but an integral part of our daily lives.

Off-Season Training Opportunities

Park encourages you to take advantage of this off-season by getting training!

Taking classes through your Union is FREE! The Union will likely cover your hotel, fuel, and airfare expenses, too!

With ever changing technology, continuous equipment improvements, and being a life long learner, we highly encourage you to take advantage of the various opportunities offered through your union.

Improving yourself in the workplace opens many more doors – professionally, personally, and financially. If you are unsure of a class you should take, or a skill you should improve upon, please ask your Superintendent for their input.

“The road to success is always under construction.” – Lily Tomlin

OSHA 30:

All individuals overseeing or managing personnel at Park Construction must have completed an OSHA training within the last five years. A text message has been sent to all supervisors to confirm their training status or assist in setting up training if needed. We have received 22 responses so far, but it is crucial for everyone to participate. If you are a field supervisor and did not receive the text message, please inform Jeff Slusser at jslusser@parkconstructionco.com so that we can ensure you are promptly set up for training.

Safety Leadership Academy:

The Safety Leadership Academy is a mandatory program for individuals overseeing or managing personnel at Park Construction. If you have not fulfilled this requirement or wish to refresh your knowledge, please consider the dates provided below. The course spans 2.5 days and has garnered positive reviews, emphasizing its significant value. Even if you are not currently supervising anyone but aim to enhance your safety leadership skills, attendance may be possible based on availability. New supervisors who joined Park Construction this past season, those yet to take the course, or those seeking to augment their safety leadership knowledge are encouraged to reach out to Jeff Slusser for RSVP at jslusser@parkconstructionco.com.

February 14, 15, and 16

April 10, 11, and 12

Employees moving from Apprentice to Journeymen 

Park Construction Company would like to recognize the following employee on moving from Apprentice to Journeymen in your union. Park congratulates you on completing this milestone and looks forward to seeing you continue to develop your craft.

• Operators Local 49: Logan Niedzielski



Park 2023 Highlights Video 

Wrapping up our 2023 construction season is a moment of great pride and gratitude for all of us here at Park. Throughout the year, we've continued our mission of building excellence across the nation, contributing to remarkable projects that shape our communities and our future.

None of this would have been possible without our exceptional crews. You are the heart and soul of Park Construction. Your hard work, determination, and passion are the driving forces behind our success. We appreciate your relentless pursuit of excellence and your unwavering commitment to our values.

As we conclude this year’s construction season, we look forward to the opportunities, challenges, and achievements that lie ahead. Together, we'll continue to build a better tomorrow.

Holiday Party Announcement

Mark your calendars because the Park Construction holiday party is coming on Friday, March 8, 2024. Stay tuned for more details, as we prepare to celebrate the start of the 2024 construction season together. 

Strategic Initiatives Update

In January of 2023, Park Construction’s Senior Leadership had identified 6 strategic initiatives that would be emphasized and focused on in 2023. Each initiative committee is guided by a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Below is a year-end update to each of the 6 key strategic initiative committees since our last newsletter.

• Development & Training: Mike Christianson
• Members: Brandon Larson, Jennifer Clemens, Josh Prange, Kelly Elness, Mike Christianson, Shawn Bloch, Taylor Terpstra, Trent Cottingham.
• Working to coordinate off-season training through respective unions & in-house resources.



• Accountability: Jeff Carlson
• Members: Dewey Kimmes, Jeff Carlson, Jeff Slusser, Ryan Pace, Tom DePauw.
• Promoting accountability through actions and positive reinforcement.
• Created slogan “Working as a Team to Promote Park’s Core Values”
• Will create signs and stickers to place around office, shop and jobsites.
• Spotlight employees for positive accountability in Newsletter.

• Employee Retention: Jeff Slusser
• Members: Bob Bruski, Jeff Slusser, Jon Enerson, Kelly Elness, Ryan Pace, Taylor Rolloff, Travis Poppe, Trent Bolin, Trent Cottingham.
• Organized a volunteer event at Day of the Dozer's raising over $93,000 for St. Paul Children’s Hospital.
• Completed begin of season and end of season employee retention survey.
• Celebrated our employees' resilience in overcoming various challenges this year, we proudly distributed Carhart hoodies and hats as a “thank you”.
• Looking ahead to 2024, our initiatives include prioritizing career development through personalized one-on-one sessions with the General Superintendent for interested employees. Additionally, we are set to implement focused appreciation for both individuals and crews. Simultaneously, efforts will be directed towards enhancing communication and teamwork among the different divisions.

• Recruitment: Charlie Borene
• Members: Jennifer Clemens, Brandon Larson, Chris Grimes, Charlie Borene, Mike Christianson, Jake Droessler, Kelly Elness, Brent Thompson, Jeff Carlson
• Attended 5 career fairs (NDSU, MSU-Moorehead, UW Stout, MSU-Mankato, Dunwoody).
• Gathered 60 resumes from career fairs.
• Conducted multiple interviews in October, November, December, and continuing into January.
• Registering for NW Technical College, Dakota Technical College, and Central Lakes College Spring 2024 Career Fairs.
• Planning to Attend High School Career Fairs in Spring of 2024.
• Created Spanish Translation Option on the Careers Page of the Park Website.
• Park’s open position postings and ads have been viewed 100,000 times on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. This has helped drive over 5,000 visits to Park’s Careers Page on the Park Construction Website.
• Gained over 370 followers across all social media platforms.
• Designed and purchased promotional items to distribute at career fairs/events.
• Registered with Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs for placing veterans in open positions.
• Registered and posted positions on Helmets to Hardhats website.
• Participated in Rib Fest & Career Fair benefiting Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, in partnership with the Laborers Local 563 and MN National Guard’s 34th Red Bull Infantry Division.

• Expansion: Tom DePauw
• Members: Charlie Borene, Dewey Kimmes, Jake Droessler, Jeff Carlson, Mike Christianson, Mike Nottestad, Tom DePauw.
• Currently engaged with a consultant evaluating potential types, size, location of businesses interested in acquisition.
• Assisted with the opening of Park’s new Fargo, ND office location.

• Mental Wellness: Jake Droessler
• Members: Blake Pfankuch, Bob Bruski, Brent Thompson, Jake Droessler, Jeff Carlson, Jeff Slusser, Kelly Elness, Rachel Stein, Ryan Pace.
• Held the Park Mental Wellness Holiday on Friday, August 4^th, 2023.
• Created Employee Resources Page on Park’s website. Distributed Hardhat stickers, magnets, and posters with QR code linking to the Employee Resources Page.
• Completed begin of season and end of season employee mental wellness survey. Incorporated responses into committee action items.
• Created Suicide Prevention Awareness Video and Safety Stand Down in conjunction with National Suicide Prevention Month in September.
• Attended MN Construction Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Coalition events throughout the year.
• Attended MN Asphalt Paving Association Sponsored Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Training.

We thank all of you for your participation as committee members, volunteers, survey participants, and dedicated employees that continue to improve upon Park’s success and work toward a Safe and Successful year in 2024.

New Shop Facility in Blaine

Park Construction is excited to announce we have recently purchased roughly 40 acres of land near the airport in Blaine, MN. Construction has begun on a new 15,000 SF shop facility and 8,000 SF cold storage warehouse. The new site has accommodations for a future 10,000 SF office building. Construction is scheduled to be completed and we will be moved in to the new shop facility in the summer of 2024.

Some Project Specifics are Below:

• Topsoil Strip: 33,192 CY
• Common Excavation: 28,438 CY
• Common Borrow: 43,710 CY
• Sanitary Sewer: 338 LF
• Storm Sewer: 690 LF
• Watermain: 805 LF

Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion Project

Park Construction is a proud partner of the Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion Project, a groundbreaking endeavor designed to establish enduring flood protection for the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo metro area. Engineered to withstand a 100-year flood and provide resilience for a 500-year flood, this project acts as a formidable shield, safeguarding the homes and infrastructure of over 235,000 residents. The anticipated outcome is not only the protection of lives and properties but also the potential savings of billions in disaster recovery funds for American taxpayers. 

The main goal of the project is to construct a diversion channel, approximately 30-miles in length, around the western side of Fargo. This will divert excess water from the Red River through the diversion inlet structure located south of the Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Area and discharge the excess water through a diversion outlet structure. This diversion outlet is one of the tasks our team is working on. 



Leveraging an extensive fleet of equipment, we are committed to providing exceptional earthwork services. As we forge ahead, our collective efforts contribute to the creation of a resilient and secure future for the entire community. 

Recent Wins

Here are some of the projects we recently won bids on:

• TH 10 Gateway Project for Ames Construction – Ramsey, MN
• Circle K Expansion – Bloomington, MN
• Rowe Apartments – Victoria, MN
• Inwood Nail Salon – Lake Elmo, MN
• Park Shop Facility – Blaine, MN

Park on Social Media

One of our goals for 2023 is to have a bigger presence on social media. We are posting weekly content on multiple platforms, and we encourage you to follow us, like our posts, and leave a comment or share it if you feel inspired. You can find us on the following sites:

It Pays To Have Friends!

Remember our Referral Bonus Program! It’s Simple – if you refer someone and they get hired, you get a bonus!

We believe that our employees are our most valuable asset and that they are in the best position to recommend qualified candidates to join our team. If you know someone who would be a great fit for our company, please reach out to your supervisor or HR for more information on how you can participate in this program. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to growing our team with your help.

EEO/Minority Outreach

It is Park Construction’s commitment to support our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy & Affirmative Action Plan (AAP) to create a workplace with diversity, inclusiveness and fair treatment. In effort to achieve and maintain this commitment, our Company is continually striving to diversify its personnel to reflect the changing demographics of the construction industry. We highly encourage employees to refer candidates who are women, people of color, or any member from a protected class for employment opportunities at Park.