Speedee Mart
Kearney, Neb.
An existing convenience store located off a busy section of I-80 was too small with too few gas pumps to serve the number of travelers coming through. BD Construction began building a new, larger store while the original remained open to limit the amount of time the business was closed.
BD Construction’s in-house civil engineering developed a site plan that maximized space to allow for more gas pumps while allowing for plenty of parking, truck access and drainage.
Scope
7,150 square foot new convenience store
- New retail space
- Drive-through restaurant
- Express pizza restaurant
- Corner walk-in beer cooler
- New gas pumps
- Large canopy
BD Construction Bolsters Business Development Team with Three Nebraska Natives
Ramey Ristine
Jason Guernsey
Claire Choplin
Kearney, NE – May 8, 2025 – BD Construction, Inc., a leading construction management firm headquartered in Kearney, Nebraska, is excited to announce the addition of three talented individuals to its business development team. Ramey Ristine, Jason Guernsey, and Claire Choplin, all with strong ties to the state, bring a diverse range of experience and a shared passion for building strong relationships and serving the needs of Nebraska communities.
Ramey Ristine, a Gothenburg native, joins BD Construction after a distinguished 20-year career with the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, where he served as a Sergeant, was involved in training of personnel, and was on several specialized teams. His extensive experience in public service and community engagement, coupled with two years in sales management at BigIron Auctions, has honed his ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life and understand their unique needs.
Originally from western Nebraska, Jason Guernsey brings more than a decade of valuable experience in business development, construction, and economic development to the BD team. Prior to joining BD, Jason spearheaded growth initiatives for global design-build firms in the life sciences and food & beverage industries. His earlier role leading business recruitment for the State of Nebraska fostered a strong network across the public and private sectors, driving investment and job creation statewide.
Kearney native Claire Choplin, a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Kearney with a degree in Business Administration and Management, also joins the business development team. Claire’s previous experience as clubhouse manager for Buffalo Ridge Golf Course and manager at Fanatics showcases her strong customer service skills and ability to build rapport.
“We are pleased to welcome Ramey, Jason, and Claire to the BD Construction family,” said Mike Kalb, director of Business Development. “We are confident that their diverse backgrounds, passion and expertise will be invaluable in helping us serve even more clients with our unique, value-driven approach to construction.”
About BD Construction
At BD Construction, we believe that construction is more than just bricks and mortar; it’s about putting together a better process from the start, built on strong relationships, trust, and a thriving future for the communities we serve. We’re dedicated to providing honest guidance and exceptional value to our clients in the education, healthcare, commercial, and manufacturing industries. Connect with BD Construction on LinkedIn, Facebook or visit www.BDconstruction.com for more information.
Claire Choplin
Kearney native Claire Choplin earned her degree in Business Administration and Management from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Claire’s previous experience as clubhouse manager for Buffalo Ridge Golf Course and manager at Fanatics showcases her strong customer service skills and ability to build rapport.
Jason Guernsey
Originally from western Nebraska, Jason Guernsey brings more than a decade of valuable experience in business development, construction, and economic development to the BD team.
Prior to joining BD, Jason spearheaded growth initiatives for global design-build firms in the life sciences and food & beverage industries. His earlier role leading business recruitment for the State of Nebraska fostered a strong network across the public and private sectors, driving investment and job creation statewide.
Ramey Ristine
Gothenburg native Ramey Ristine served a distinguished 20-year career with the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office. As a Sergeant, he was involved in training of personnel, and was on several specialized teams. His extensive experience in public service and community engagement, coupled with two years in sales management at BigIron Auctions, has honed his ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life and understand their unique needs.
A member of the Kearney Evangelical Free Church, he volunteers often within the church family and organizations associated with the church and its mission. Ramey enjoys spending time with family, including his wife and two boys. His favorite activities include traveling, sporting events, lake days, and motorsports both land and water. He loves to return to his roots helping on the family farm alongside his sons.
Wauneta-Palisade Public Schools
Renovation 39,071 | Addition 12,600 square feet
Through carefully planned staging, BD Construction renovated a school while classes continued. In the 90-year-old school, classrooms were reconfigured to meet the needs of today’s educators. An addition provides a kitchen, commons and multi-purpose room.
Project Delivery Method
Construction Management
Project Scope
Addition to and renovation of a school:
- Commons / Cafeteria
- Elevator
- Kitchen
- Renovation of 3-story, 1933 facility
- Multi-purpose gym
- ADA-accessible restrooms
Elm Creek Public School
Addition 44,380 square feet
The Board of Education debated building an all-new school or renovating the existing elementary school, which had served the community well for 100 years. Ultimately, the most cost effective solution was a new, two-story elementary school connected to the existing 7-12 building, as well as renovations to the 7-12 facility.
The project included adding a multipurpose room that could be used by all Elm Creek students and is also available for community youth sports practice and other activities. In addition to the physical transformation, the building has received significant mechanical, electrical and special systems upgrades.
Project Delivery Method
Construction Management
Project Scope
Addition to and renovation of a school:
- PK-6 classrooms
- Elementary commons
- Quiet room
- Break out space
- Multipurpose room
- Administrative spaces
- Weight room
- Elevator
- Career and Technical Education lab for construction, welding and metals
Jacobsen Orr
Square Feet: More than 11,000
BD Construction renovated a two-story building that formerly housed tech offices into a modern, bright and efficient new home befitting a growing law practice.
Saint Cecilia High School
The addition and renovation at Saint Cecilia High School elevates the student experience by creating a modern, inspiring learning environment for students.
Key Features:
- Secure and Welcoming: A state-of-the-art secure entrance ensures student safety.
- Spiritual Haven: A stunning, two-story chapel with a serene prayer wall fosters spiritual growth.
- Innovative Learning Spaces: A cutting-edge science room and renovated classrooms inspire academic excellence.
- Collaborative Hub: A spacious, light-filled courtyard provides an outdoor oasis for students to connect and learn.
- Efficient Administration: New administrative offices streamline operations.
Square Feet
Addition: 10,617 | Renovation: 38,353
Kearney Family YMCA
Square Feet
Addition: 26,000 | Renovation: 14,000
This transformative expansion to the Kearney Family YMCA added a spacious fitness center with a wall of windows, a versatile community room with kitchen, dedicated fitness studios, updated locker rooms, new staff offices and welcome desk, and a cozy coffee nook.
Wellness Center at Howard County Medical Center
Scope
Howard County Medical Center added a community wellness center onto their hospital.
This beautiful addition includes an indoor pool, indoor walking/jogging track, group exercise rooms, large fitness center for exercise equipment, physical therapy rooms and offices.
Square Feet
17,800
Brodstone Healthcare – Project #3
Heartland Surgery Center
BD Construction built the original Heartland building in 2002. 21 years later BD constructed a 8,800 square-foot addition. The new space will allow Heartland to provide 23-hour care and includes:
- Two additional operating rooms
- Three additional recovery rooms
- Four 23-hour stay rooms
- Nurses’ station
- Offices
Some areas of the original building were also remodeled.