AGC of Nebraska Honors Pettit with Mentor Award

BD Construction’s General Manager, Linette Butler, Graduates from Leadership Nebraska

State Chamber’s Leadership Nebraska Honors 29 Graduates

LINCOLN – On February 21, 2019, the State Chamber’s Leadership Nebraska hosted a commencement ceremony in Lincoln to honor 29 individuals for their successful completion of the program’s coursework and other requirements. BD Construction’s general manager, Linette Butler, was among the graduates.

Leadership Nebraska is focused on enhancing leadership skills and expanding participants’ knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing our state.  The program includes six two-day sessions held over several months in various locations across Nebraska.  Topic areas include economic development, health care, agriculture, education, and government and policy.

This is Leadership Nebraska’s eleventh group of graduates since the program’s first class in 2007.

By completing the program, informed leaders can better understand issues, define problems and develop solutions to serve their communities.  Graduates of Leadership Nebraska are encouraged to seek positions of higher responsibility, whether at the local, regional or state level.

The Leadership Nebraska Class XI members who graduated this week are:

Anna Brewer, Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, Lincoln

Carley Bruning, Phelps County Development Corporation, Holdrege

Matthew Burke, First National Bank, Omaha

Linette Gralheer Butler, BD Construction, Kearney

Angela Davidson, Central Community College, Grand Island

Elizabeth Everett, First Five Nebraska, Lincoln

Mike Feeken, St. Paul Development Corporation, St. Paul

Sarah Focke, Kearney Visitors Bureau, Kearney

Peggy Hain, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Lincoln

Erika Hamilton, Humanities Nebraska, Lincoln

Anne Hindery, Nonprofit Association of the Midlands, Omaha

John Hoggatt, First National Bank, Kearney

Sara Howard, Nebraska Legislature, Omaha

Darin Karstetter, Renaissance Financial, Omaha

Shawn Kaskie, University of Nebraska, Kearney

Noah Knisely, CHI Health, Omaha

Steve Konnath, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska, Omaha

Joseph Lang, Omaha Public Power District, Omaha

Marjorie Maas, SHARE Omaha, Omaha

Carsten Mlady, Nebraska Public Power District, York

James Mowitz, Pinnacle Bank, Lincoln

Sandra Reding, AKSARBEN Foundation, Omaha

Tyler Rigby, Nucor Steel Nebraska, Norfolk

Ryan Sevcik, Koley Jessen, P.C., L.L.O., Omaha

Leslie Shaver, Simmons Olsen Law Firm, P.C., L.L.O, Scottsbluff

Angela Simdorn, Hornady Manufacturing, Grand Island

Michael Venem, Fast Global Solutions, Auburn

Nicole West, Black Hills Energy, Papillion

Laurie Zagurski, Omaha Public Power District, Omaha

BD Construction’s Wilkerson Among 30 Leadership Nebraska Graduates for 2020

Feb 21, 2020 LINCOLN – Thirty Nebraska leaders were recognized for completing Class XII of Leadership Nebraska with certificates and commemorative awards at a commencement ceremony held Thursday, February 20, 2020. BD Construction’s Marsha Wilkerson, director of Marketing and Community Outreach, was among the graduates.

Graduates are current and emerging leaders from communities throughout Nebraska.  The program enhances their leadership skills and deepens their knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing our state.  Leadership Nebraska is dedicated to the development of informed leaders who understand issues, define problems, develop solutions and achieve positions of higher responsibility in Nebraska.

Bryan Slone, president of the Nebraska Chamber, said: “Leadership is the most important component to thriving communities and economic development.  Leadership Nebraska helps develop and connect a future generation of great leaders throughout the state”.

The program includes six, two-day sessions held in various locations across Nebraska.  Topic areas include:  economic development; healthcare; agriculture; education; and government and policy.

Leadership Nebraska Class XII members are:

Misty Ahmic, Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska, Lincoln 

Janell Anderson Ehrke, GROW Nebraska Foundation, Orleans      

Ben Baumfalk, First Five Nebraska, Lincoln

Edward Boone, State Senator Tom Briese, Lincoln

Jarid Childears, First National Bank of Omaha, North Platte

Jordan Colwell, Western Nebraska Community College, Scottsbluff

Dustin Favinger, University of Nebraska at Kearney, Kearney

Travis Flodine, CIT Bank, Omaha

Barb Fowler, Polk County Rural Public Power District, Stromsburg

Justin Gould, Black Hills Energy, Kearney

Patrick Hanrahan, Nebraska Public Power District, York

Jennifer Heaton, Nebraska Bankers Association, Lincoln

Norine Howard, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska, Omaha

Caitlin Jerabek, Beyond Blueprints, St. Paul  

Curtis A. Johnson, DLR Group-Architecture Engineering Planning Interiors, Omaha                                                        

Angie Lauritsen, Lauritsen Ventures, Gretna

Deborah Neary, MENTOR Nebraska, Omaha

Wade Regier, Pinnacle Bank, Aurora

Peggy Reisher, Brain Injury Alliance of Nebraska, Lincoln

Becky Ries, Valley County Health System Foundation, Ord

Derek Rusher, Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, Kearney       

Melissa Scott-Pandorf, KBRWyle-Houston, Kearney

Heather Siebken, Omaha Public Power District, Omaha      

Emma Stokely, Franciscan Care Services, West Point

Justin Suhr, Great Plains Communications, Blair

Paul Ternes, Peter Kiewit Foundation, Omaha

David Verkler, Exmark Manufacturing, Beatrice

Mark Way, York State Bank, York

Marsha Wilkerson, BD Construction Inc., Kearney

Steve Wobken, Ash Grove Cement Company, Omaha

 

BD Donates Renovation of the Transition Program Building to Kearney Public Schools 

(Kearney, Neb.; November 16, 2018) — Students in Kearney Public Schools’ Transition Program have a freshly renovated building thanks to a donation from BD Construction, Inc./Kearney. The Transition Program serves young adults who have developmental disabilities by teaching skills that will enable the students to participate in the community after leaving high school.

BD Construction President Brenda Benjamin said the donation builds on a legacy of gifts that BD Construction has made to support special education programs at Kearney Public Schools. The renovation of a former office building created a more functional design for students with an ADA-compliant restroom, wider doorways and spaces that can better be used for life skills training.

BD Construction donated materials as well as the labor for demolition, framing, installation of cabinetry, and painting. BD Construction employees also personally donated time to the project.

As a result of the renovation, the Transition Program building now has a classroom, library, health room and social work office, along with a kitchenette and laundry room where students can learn life skills. A former Facilities office, the building was used for the Transition Program last year in its original office layout, which didn’t work very well for the program.

BD Construction hired several local subcontractors to help complete the work. Waggoner Plumbing, Geiser Construction, Kucera Painting, TC Ceilings, and Walters Electrical discounted their charges to BD Construction as an additional donation to the project.

 

 

 

 

 

Watch Dr. Kent Edwards, KPS Superintendent, discuss KPS and the Transition Program

 

BD’s Butler Honored with Community Supporter Award by Nebraska Building Chapter of the Association of General Contractors

(Kearney, Neb.; December 6, 2022) —Linette Butler of Kearney has received the 2022 Community Supporter Award from the Associated General Contractors-Nebraska Building Chapter.

The Community Supporter Award recognizes Butler, general manager of BD Construction, Inc./Kearney, for using her construction skills and leadership talents to support, promote or move the industry forward outside of her work responsibilities.

In presenting the award, AGC noted that Butler has served not once but twice as president of the AGC Nebraska Building Chapter Board of Directors – the first woman to hold that position. She has been a board member from 2007 to present. She served as chairperson of the Membership Development committee and completed AGC’s Construction Leadership Academy.

A graduate of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce Leadership Nebraska Class XI, Linette served on the Kearney Works board of directors, UNK’s College of Business and Technology Dean’s Leadership Council, Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce Envoys, and the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women leadership team. Linette actively pursues opportunities to promote construction careers and has served as speaker for Buffalo County’s Envision program, designed to empower students in their choice of careers. She also participates in local career expos for high school students. She supports the student AGC chapter at UNK in a variety of ways.

About BD Construction

As construction management and design-build specialists, BD Construction is one of the Midwest’s leading construction companies with a lengthy history of large-scale building projects of every description — from hangars to hospitals to high schools to hotels. Founded in 1960, BD Construction is capable of handling all aspects of a building project, beginning with the initial concept and floor plans, and continuing through site selection, design consultancy, project finance coordination, permitting, construction and evaluation of the finished project. Connect with BD Construction on LinkedIn, Facebook or visit www.bdconstruction.com for more information.

Benjamin Receives Innovation Award Posthumously from Nebraska Chapter of General Contractors

The late Mark Benjamin has been honored by the Associated General Contractors Nebraska Building Chapter with its prestigious Innovator Award.

The Innovator Award recognizes Benjamin, who served as president and CEO of BD Construction Inc. from 2002 until his death in April 2015, as an exemplary professional who contributed innovation, creativity, skills, responsibility and integrity to the construction industry.

Among his many accomplishments, Benjamin helped shape Nebraska’s Political Subdivisions Construction Alternatives Act, creating a new public project delivery system. He also volunteered on the Southeast Community College Building Construction Technology Advisory Council and as Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce president. Passionate about the construction industry, Mark believed in helping people develop the skills and knowledge to build better buildings and better lives.

A scholarship established in Benjamin’s name carries on his commitment to helping individuals succeed in the construction industry. Those wanting to donate to the scholarship can do so through the Dec. 1 Give Where You Live fundraiser.  The scholarship awards $1,000 annually to a student attending a two-year college or trade school to pursue a career in the construction industry. The first scholarship was presented earlier this year.

The Nebraska Building Chapter of the Associated General Contractors presents the Quality People Awards to celebrate and recognize the achievements of individuals who “go above and beyond” in their communities, profession or company.

Butler named General Manager at BD Construction

BD Construction, Inc., one of the Midwest’s leading construction companies, has named Linette Butler as General Manager. Butler is a longtime BD Construction employee and has been entrusted with increasing levels of responsibility and leadership throughout her two decades of service.

Butler joined BD Construction in 1996 working in accounts payable, most recently serving as comptroller specializing in project finances. Butler has been an integral member of BD’s management team. Under Butler’s leadership, BD Construction developed an industry best practice open-book policy that enables clients to easily monitor project costs.

Butler has served as president of the Association of General Contractors of America Nebraska Building Chapter Board of Directors – the first woman to hold that position. She also serves as chairperson of the Membership Development committee and completed the Construction Leadership Academy. Butler is a member of the Construction Financial Management Association, the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce Envoys. She volunteers with Buffalo County Relay for Life as well as in support of area U.S. Military groups. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

Butler’s promotion to General Manager replaces an interim leadership structure that was put in place following the death of BD Construction President Mark Benjamin last year.

 

Construction Underway at Shelby-Rising City Public Schools

(Kearney, Neb.; June 10, 2015)— BDConstruction, Inc., one of the Midwest’s leading construction companies, broke ground last week for the first phase in the Shelby-Rising City Public Schools expansion.

In March, voters in the Shelby-Rising City Public Schools District approved a $14.9 million bond issue to expand the school facilities in Shelby and move all students by fall 2017. The expansion includes 12 elementary classrooms, a gymnasium, fitness center, space for a preschool and an FFA shop. Other benefits include additional parking space, secured entrances, a camera system and the ability for all students to be at the same facility. Currently, students are bused back and forth each day to Shelby or Rising City facilities.

Phase 1 of breaking ground was the addition of a new football field and an eight-lane, all-weather track that includes a facility for housing shot-put, discus and long and high jump all within the same gated region. “The community and visiting schools will really enjoy that all track events can now be seen and accessed within our gated facility,” said Superintendent Chip Kay. With phase 1 underway and set to be finished for the first home football game in September, the school’s south addition will start before this coming school year begins.

“We couldn’t be more proud of the community and volunteer efforts in this school district,” said Mark Lewis, business development manager at BD Construction. “ We’ve never seen such an overwhelming turnout of voters in an all-mail election. The success of this bond speaks volumes for the future generations in this district.”

About BD Construction

Founded in 1960, BD Construction is one of the Midwest’s leading construction companies with a lengthy history of large-scale building projects of every description — from hangars to hospitals to hotels. As design-build and construction management specialists, BD Construction is capable of handling all aspects of a building project, starting with the initial concept and floor plans, and continuing through site selection, design consultancy, project finance coordination, permitting,construction and evaluation of the finished project. BD Construction is eligible to participate in LEED-qualifying projects, where the focus is on sustainable design, construction and operations while utilizing green building techniques. Connect with BD Construction on LinkedIn, Facebook or visit www.bdconstruction.com for more information.

Eighth Graders Move Into New Classrooms at Kearney’s Horizon Middle School

Kralik Joins Business Development Team

(Kearney, Neb.; February 5, 2021) — BD Construction, Inc., one of the Midwest’s leading construction companies, announces the addition of Scott Kralik to its business development team.

With a strong history in account management from a 25-year career at Parker Hannifin (formerly Baldwin Filters). Kralik brings robust relationship-building skills to his new role. He served as global account manager and, prior to that, regional sales manager – Middle East with his previous company. Now, Scott specializes in providing construction solutions for the manufacturing, convenience store, retail, and auto dealership markets, as well as BD’s civil engineering and concrete service lines

Kralik graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a bachelor’s degree in biology and business administration. He and his wife Mashall have three children.

Mackey Joins BD Construction as Project Manager

BD Construction, Inc., one of the Midwest’s leading construction companies, announces the addition of David Mackey as project manager to its team.

Mackey began his career in construction as a laborer while earning a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. He worked as a service manager and project manager for a home builder in Kansas City for seven years before moving to central Nebraska. For the past three years, Mackey worked as an estimator and project manager for a general contractor in Lexington prior to joining BD Construction.

As project manager, Mackey will coordinate the work of all project team members to facilitate an efficient and effective construction process from design to closeout and warranty.

Austin Larson, Construction Operations director, said Mackey brings a wealth of experience to his new role. “Dave has many strengths, including attention to detail and outstanding communication with clients and subcontractors. He’s already proven to be an asset to our team.”

Mackey is currently serving as project manager for an addition to Wallace Public School in Wallace, Neb. and assisting with the Buffalo County Historical Society Family History Center. He and his wife, Sara, have a son, Emmett.

Mark Benjamin

We regret to announce the death of Mark W. Benjamin, President and CEO of BD Construction in Kearney.

Dedicated to the construction industry throughout his life, Mark joined BD Construction of Columbus in its new Kearney office 1983.

In 1987, Mark was named general manager and, in 2002, he became the majority shareholder, president and CEO of BD Construction, Inc./Kearney. During his tenure, BD Construction has built, and continues to build, many notable projects including schools, banks, retail stores and industrial and healthcare facilities throughout Nebraska, Kansas and the Midwest.

Active in the industry and community, Mark was the president of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, served on the Southeast Community College Building Construction Technology Advisory Council, and was a trustee for the national Associated General Contractors Legislative Affairs Committee.

Although Mark’s absence will be deeply felt, BD Construction has the leadership and staff in place to continue operations without interruption.  For our clients, vendors and projects, we will continue business as usual.

Any questions or concerns can be directed to the BD Office at 308.234.1836.

Oberg Joins BD Construction as Site Superintendent

(Kearney, Neb.; April 5, 2017) — BD Construction, Inc., one of the Midwest’s leading construction companies, announces the addition of Nate Oberg as site superintendent to its team.

Oberg, of Kearney, has 23 years of experience in the construction industry. He began working as a laborer at age 19 and has earned increasing levels of responsibility over the years, eventually being promoted to his current role overseeing quality and coordinating the work of a project on site.

Rick Pettit, field operations director, said, “BD Construction had the opportunity to witness how Nate works when he was a superintendent for the Kearney High School building. We were impressed by his outstanding communication skills, his personality and attitude. He fits in flawlessly with our BD team.”

A native of Hooper, Neb., Oberg and his wife, Leila, have three children, Ceara, Madison and Quin. He is a member of Countryside Christian Church and has helped coach youth sports.

Schulte Joins Business Development Team

(Kearney, Neb.; May 11, 2017)  BD Construction, Inc., one of the Midwest’s leading construction companies, announces the addition of Dan Schulte to its business development team.

Schulte’s expertise in manufacturing operations and engineering management will assist BD’s clients as they seek profitable growth through new construction or renovation projects. In his previous role with Baldwin Filters/CLARCOR Engine Mobile Group, Schulte oversaw minor and major facilities renovations and additions including the $40 million addition to Kearney’s Baldwin Filters plant in 2015.

Schulte holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from South Dakota State University.  A member of the Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Schulte serves on the buildings and grounds committee and sings in the choir. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and volunteered on the executive steering committee for fundraising for the new Central Community College Kearney campus. Schulte and his wife, Lori, have four daughters, Brittany (Cody Kissel), Morgan, Connor and Tessa, and one grandson, Colin Kissel.

This growing industry may be the surprise smart career choice for new high school graduates and adult job seekers

(Kearney, Neb.; April 19, 2019) — When high school graduates think about long-term, lucrative careers, construction worker may not be at the top of their minds.

That’s unfortunate, says Linette Butler, general manager of BD Construction, a commercial construction firm in Kearney.

Construction Workers are in Demand and Paid Well

“Nationally, construction employment increased by 16,000 jobs in March and by 246,000 jobs over the past year,” Butler said. “We have a huge demand for workers to fill those jobs.”

That demand leads to higher wages. “Nebraska construction workers make 13 percent more money than other private business employees,” Butler explains. “The average yearly pay for a Nebraska construction worker was $47,400 in 2016. 

Construction is also a field where employees can start with no experience.

“We provide on-the-job training for new crew members who have never worked in construction before.” Butler says that’s not uncommon across the construction industry. “All a person needs to start is responsibility, good work ethic, eager to learn and the ability to take direction.” 

“Some of the greatest success stories at BD Construction are guys who started right out of high school with no experience Denny worked his way from laborer to owner and now to semi-retired project manager. This will be his 53^rd year in construction. Rick has been promoted throughout the years and is now Field Operations Director. He will celebrate 35 years with BD Construction this year,” Butler explains.

Hiring Event / Career Fair is April 30

BD Construction is inviting the public to attend a hiring event/career fair on Tuesday, April 30 to learn more about working in construction. From 1 to 7 p.m., interested applicants can stop in to BD Construction’s offices at 209 E. 6th St in Kearney and meet with a hiring manager, learn about open positions and long-term career growth opportunities with BD, benefits and pay. 

“At 5:30 p.m., anyone who wants to learn about careers in the construction industry is invited to come and hear from our field crew. These team members will share personal stories of their different career paths, levels of education and job duties. This is a good opportunity for everyone from high school students to adults wanting a career change,” Butler said.

Butler, who has worked in construction for more than 20 years, is an advocate for the industry. “Commercial construction jobs are well-paid, respectable careers. I think many people would be surprised about the rewards of working in construction. It’s not only a well-paying job, but you also have pride in knowing that you help build hospitals, clinics, schools and businesses. It’s pretty cool to drive past a building and know that you played a role in constructing it.”

Butler shared one of her favorite quotes, which comes from Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs fame. “You can’t work in the corner office is no one is willing to build it.” 

Three Employees Promoted to Director Roles

June 2, 2016 — BD Construction, Inc., one of the Midwest’s leading construction companies, has promoted three long-time employees.

Mike Kalb has been named the director of Business Development to lead the business development and marketing team as well as advise potential clients regarding construction projects. A native of Kearney, Kalb earned his BS in business administration with emphasis in finance and accounting from Kearney State College in 1991. With a background in financial services, Kalb joined BD Construction’s business development staff in 2002. Kalb serves on the Association of General Contractors (AGC) Nebraska Building Chapter Nebraska Design and Construction Industry Council and participated in the AGC’s Construction Leadership Academy. He is a partner in numerous local real estate development companies.

Austin Larson was selected to become the director of Construction Operations and is now responsible for overseeing all project management and design as well as pre-construction services, subcontractor qualification and estimating. Larson earned his BS in construction management from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and joined BD Construction as an intern in 2003, eventually moving to a full-time position as an estimator. Larson serves on the Kearney Little League board, is an advisor to the UNK construction management program, serves on the AGC Education and Workforce Development Committee and is a graduate of the Construction Leadership Academy. He is certified as a LEED Green associate.

Rick Pettit is the newly appointed director of Field Operations and will supervise all construction projects in progress, establishing consistent practices for project oversight, scheduling and staffing for jobs. Pettit leverages a wealth of experience for BD Construction, where he began his career on the concrete crew in 1984 after graduating from Kearney High School. Most recently, Pettit had been serving as the firm’s senior superintendent, overseeing some of the company’s largest projects to date. The AGC Nebraska Building Chapter presented Pettit with its prestigious Mentor Award last year.

Linette Butler, general manager of BD Construction, said, “with this formal structure, BD Construction has a leadership team in place that will uphold our tradition of excellence and continue to meet—and exceed—our clients’ expectations on every project.”

“BD Construction continues to take a progressive view of how we can best serve clients. The promotion of talented professionals like Mike, Austin and Rick further advances our position as the region’s trusted partner when it comes to major construction projects from start to finish,” said Brenda Benjamin, president of BD Construction.

This new organizational structure replaces an interim management team that was put in place following the death of BD Construction President Mark Benjamin last year. Kalb, Larson and Pettit had served on the interim team.

Yendra, Wilkerson Join BD Construction Team

 (Kearney, Neb.; January 8, 2016) — BD Construction, Inc., one of the Midwest’s leading construction companies, announces the addition of Jennifer Yendra in property management and Marsha Wilkerson in marketing and community outreach to its team.

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