Build Me Up artwork

Build Me Up

101 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 21 ratings

Build Me Up shares inspiring stories of innovators in the built marketplace. It's hosted by Kraus-Anderson's Laurisa Titterud and Danielle Pederson. KA is a Midwest construction management firm, realty, development, insurance and financial services company. The podcast is designed to meet the needs of leaders and aspiring innovators in the built marketplace.

Careers Business architecture engineering ingenuity innovation builtmarketplace change construction krausanderson leadership realestate
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Episodes

The Learning Jet: Where Passion For Aviation Takes Flight

February 13, 2024 12:30 - 45 minutes - 63.3 MB

In this episode, Laurisa and Lisa delve into the fascinating world of The Learning Jet with our special guests, Steve Hurvitz and Kraus-Anderson’s Doug Jaeger! Wonder what The Learning Jet is and what it does? The Learning Jet's primary goal is to ignite students' passion for STEM subjects by immersing them in aviation education programs and activities. As the nation's pioneering nonprofit organization of its kind, they've transformed a Boeing 727 cargo jet into a one-of-a-kind classroom. J...

Season 5 Finale!!

December 05, 2023 12:30 - 9 minutes - 13.6 MB

Wow— Five seasons of "Build Me Up"! Thank you to all the guests who participated in Season 5, as well as to our listeners. We’re grateful to have a platform where stories that build up the community can be shared. See you in the New Year!

PowerGirls: Catapulted into the World of the Trades

November 21, 2023 12:30 - 40 minutes - 56 MB

This week, Abbie Lown from Girl Scouts of River Valley, Barb Pecks from the Carpenters Union, and Laurie Trousil, Kraus-Anderson’s Director of Diversity and Inclusion, join Build Me Up. The group talks about the Girl Scouts' Power Girls program which focuses on exposing middle school and high school girls to the trades and the impact it’s having on not only the girls but their families as well. We also discuss the current state of women in the trades and what keeps some women from looking at...

Simulating Success: How HealthPartners Fosters Growth through Simulation

October 24, 2023 11:30 - 51 minutes - 70.8 MB

In this episode, Lisa and Laurisa chat with the awesome folks from the HealthPartners Clinical Simulation Program. The group dives into the different procedures they practice, as well as discusses the lab's interesting features. Learn how the team uses this tool to boost the skills, both hard and soft, of the healthcare workers to make the patient experience even better. Discover the importance of simulation technology and the big difference it's making in healthcare.

The All-Encompassing Nature of Parks and Recreation

October 10, 2023 11:30 - 53 minutes - 74.3 MB

Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of New Brighton Jennifer Fink, Parks Superintendent for the City of Eagan Chris Fleck, and Eric Quam, a project manager in Kraus-Anderson’s Government sector join this week's episode of "Build Me Up." We chat about the impact parks have in our lives (especially post-COVID), the many “hats” Jennifer and Chris wear in their jobs, how fulfilling a career in Parks + Rec can be, and more! "What I hear when I'm being yelled at is people caring really...

Tomorrow's Reality: Artificial Intelligence with Justin Grammens

September 26, 2023 11:30 - 55 minutes - 75.7 MB

In this episode, we’ll discuss all things artificial intelligence (AI) with Justin Grammens – a local educator and AI expert. With much discussion surrounding ChatGPT, Bard, and other AI-related tools, we’re diving in to find out what its impacts are and will be on our lives – both at home and at work. What is it? Where does it get its information? How reliable is it, and how is it being used? Join us as we take a look into the future with this local expert. More about Justin Grammens and ...

A Referendum Reflection with White Bear Lake

September 12, 2023 11:30 - 55 minutes - 76.8 MB

In this episode, we’ll discuss the 2019 White Bear Lake referendum experience with Kraus-Anderson's retired director of K-12 project planning and development, Tony Sjolander, and Tim Wald from the White Bear Lake School District. While work is in full swing and the new high school is being built, we wanted to hear from Tony and Tim as they reflect on the referendum experience. We discussed the process and details of what went into passing the referendum, the challenges they faced in communic...

Navigating Healthcare Facilities: Expert Insights for Long-Term Planning

August 29, 2023 11:30 - 40 minutes - 55.9 MB

In this episode, we’re joined by Northfield Hospital + Clinics' Director of Facilities, Scott Norman, Kraus-Anderson’s Director of Facilities Assessment, Tim Kittila, and Kraus-Anderson’s Director of Project Planning and Development (Healthcare Group), Mike Stark. The group chats about Scott’s experience with KA’s facility assessment team— how it’s impacted the hospital and assisted with long-term planning.

Tap Into the Brewery Scene with Modist Brewing

August 15, 2023 11:30 - 56 minutes - 78 MB

In this episode, Modist Brewing’s Daniel Wellendorf and Perkins&Will’s Jennifer Christiaansen join us at the brewery in Minneapolis’ North Loop to discuss Modist’s new event space opening in September! We talk about what went into the design of the space, differentiating Modist from other breweries in the area, how they name their beers, and more!

Minneapolis through a Developer's Lens with Sherman Associates

August 01, 2023 11:30 - 43 minutes - 59.5 MB

We're back from break!! In this episode, Sherman Associates’ Director of Commercial Operations Ben Kepple joins us to talk about the development and reimagining of downtown Minneapolis, why Minneapolis is worth investing in, trends in commercial real estate, and what a developer looks for in a tenant. We also discuss our favorite Skyway lunch go-tos, what it’s like to live and work in downtown, and more.

On Site Companies: The Intersection of Climate Control and Sanitation

June 20, 2023 11:30 - 32 minutes - 45.2 MB

In this episode, we’re joined by On Site Companies’ CEO Molly Leonard and Director of Sales and Marketing Mike Kinney. Beginning as a sanitation and portable restroom rental company, Molly and Mike discuss the company's growth and how they've expanded to offer services and solutions to make your experiences at parks, concerts, and on construction job sites more clean and comfortable. We also chat about the history of the generational business, the most unique place they’ve seen an On Site re...

Artemis Provisions and Cheese: From Online Sales to Main Street

June 06, 2023 11:30 - 49 minutes - 68.6 MB

In this episode, Melissa and Kingsley Gobourne join us to talk about their new business venture with Artemis Provisions and Cheese! While the business has been selling products online for a few years, a new storefront and restaurant are coming to Mount Horeb’s main street. We chat about the highs and lows of owning and operating a small business, lessons learned, some of their favorite products, and what they hope to see for the future of Artemis.

Achieve Twin Cities: Helping Students Plan for Life After Graduation

May 23, 2023 11:30 - 41 minutes - 56.7 MB

In this episode, we’re joined by Achieve Twin Cities’ CEO Danielle Grant and Kraus-Anderson’s director of professional development Mike Smoczyk. We chat about Achieve’s programming, how their work serves the St. Paul and Minneapolis education systems, student success stories, and more.

Classroom to Career: New Ulm's CTE Success

May 09, 2023 11:30 - 45 minutes - 62.5 MB

In this episode, we’re joined by New Ulm School Superintendent Jeff Bertrang and Kraus-Anderson Construction Executive Jason Rentmeester. We talk about New Ulm’s Career Technical Education program, the need for industry and community buy-in to address the workforce shortage, presenting students with opportunities, and more.

Polytechnic Education and Workforce Readiness with Bismarck State College

April 25, 2023 11:30 - 51 minutes - 70.4 MB

In this episode, Dan Leingang and Alicia Uhde join us to talk about Bismarck State College’s designation as a polytechnic university, as well as its new polytechnic facility, how the college approaches learning, how the University plays a role in building a strong and skilled workforce, and more!

Workplaces for the Future with Pope Design Group

April 11, 2023 11:30 - 49 minutes - 67.8 MB

In this episode, Pope Design Group’s Vice President, Erica Larson, joins us to discuss workplace design. We pull from personal experience and chat about the factors that play a role in an office layout, the importance of employee participation in design decisions, how to build an adaptable workplace for the future, and more!

ARC Minnesota and Shopping that Makes a Difference

March 28, 2023 12:30 - 42 minutes - 57.8 MB

ARC Minnesota’s Brittanie Hernandez-Wilson and ARC’s Value Village Greg Rue join us to discuss ARC and its impactful work with people with disabilities. We discuss their services, how the Value Village thrift store is utilized as a revenue source for ARC Minnesota, favorite thrift store finds, and what makes Value Village “Minnesota’s Best Thrift Store” (2021, 2022). This was a fun conversation. Click HERE for volunteer opportunities. ARC Minnesota Help Desk (Monday-Friday): 1-866-797-1122

Communities In Schools: Fueling Students' Potential

March 14, 2023 12:30 - 45 minutes - 62.5 MB

Communities in Schools Twin Cities CEO and President Amanda Sappa and Program Director Colby Owens join "Build Me Up." We chat with the pair about the Communities in Schools program, its importance in the lives of youth, how organizations and individuals can get involved, and more.

It's Electric!... Hunt Electric!

February 28, 2023 12:30 - 42 minutes - 58.6 MB

Hunt Electric’s Chief Operating Officer Keith Colvard joins "Build Me Up" this week to chat about the new facility in Hudson, Wisconsin, how the organization maintains a cohesive culture throughout its various offices, the company's plans for the future, and more.

Minneapolis' Mosaic Venue: Elevated and Authentic

February 14, 2023 12:30 - 52 minutes - 72 MB

In this episode, Dani and Laurisa join Chanti Miller and David O’Neil, co-founders of the Mosaic Venue in downtown Minneapolis, to discuss their new event space. They explain the story that led to their unique business plan, the design elements that make for a more inclusive venue, what they hope to see for the future of their business, and more.

Building a Happy and Healthy You

January 31, 2023 12:30 - 45 minutes - 62.5 MB

In this episode, we're talking about health and wellness. A slight stray from our typical discussion topics, we look at one example of employee health and happiness through the eyes of Kraus-Anderson’s Anne Grubish and former Profile employee Jasmine Nelson as we chat about Anne’s health and weight loss experience. Recognizing that each individual is on his or her own health journey, we discuss how weight loss is not "one-size-fits-all," being comfortable and confident in your own skin, how ...

2023 Industry Look Ahead

January 17, 2023 12:30 - 48 minutes - 66.9 MB

Welcome back, Build Me Up listeners! We hope you had a relaxing holiday season and a great start to 2023. We’re excited to kick off Season 5 with reoccurring guests Jay Bowman of FMI and Rich Jacobson of Kraus-Anderson. Together, we briefly discuss how 2022 played out for Kraus-Anderson, as well as the rest of the construction industry. Then, we jump into a "2023 Look Ahead" to talk about the possibility of a recession, popular market sectors, workforce development, technology, the value of ...

Season 4 Finale!!

December 13, 2022 12:30 - 20 minutes - 28.4 MB

It's the Season 4 Finale, so Laurisa and Dani chat about their favorite moments from the past 20 episodes and share their plans for the holiday season! Thank you to all the guests who participated in Season 4, as well as to our listeners. It's fun to have a platform where inspiring stories that build up the community can be shared. See you in the New Year!

Rural Healthcare Topics and Trends

November 29, 2022 12:30 - 37 minutes - 51.4 MB

Project managers Rachael Oelke and Megan Geiser, as well as Kathy Kuepers of Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County and Joni Olson of Gundersen Tri-County Hospital, join this episode of "Build Me Up." We chat with the group about their current hospital projects and how their collaboration benefits both teams and builds. We also discuss patient experience, building in rural versus urban settings, how the community benefits from the new facilities, and more.

National Adoption Day with the Magstadt Family and Generations United

November 15, 2022 11:30 - 52 minutes - 72.2 MB

National Adoption Day (November 19th, 2022) is this week, and Kraus-Anderson’s very own Kevin Magstadt and his wife, Kris, are recent recipients of the Angels in Adoption award. The two join the episode to share their inspiring story about the adoption of their two grandchildren, Kaiden and Michaela. Jaia Lent, the deputy executive director at Generations United, also joins the podcast. She shares how the nonprofit is a resource for families navigating adoption, as well as offers a wealth ...

On the Right Track: MPLS Public Transit and the Vibrant Downtown Experience

November 01, 2022 11:30 - 47 minutes - 65.7 MB

This episode, we’re joined by Tiffany Orth of Move Minneapolis and Ben Shardlow of the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District. Tiffany and Ben, as well as their teams, are passionate about the city of Minneapolis and work hard to make the downtown experience a positive one for all. We chat about sustainable transportation practices, how their work plays a role in the revitalization of downtown, and more.

Construction Inclusion Week with Heather Hoffman, President of Commercial Drywall

October 18, 2022 11:30 - 29 minutes - 41 MB

Heather Hoffman, President of Commercial Drywall, joins this week's episode. In recognition of Construction Inclusion Week, we chat with Heather about her approach to a few of the week’s designated topics: commitment and accountability, belonging, supplier diversity, and workplace culture. Heather details the events that led to the take-over of her father’s subcontracting company and what she hopes to see for its future.

La Crosse's Landmark by the Rivers: Revitalization, Revision, and Innovative Use

October 04, 2022 11:30 - 32 minutes - 44.2 MB

The Landmark by the Rivers project team joins this episode of "Build Me Up" to talk about the completed apartment and retail complex. The building, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2016, provides downtown La Crosse with modern, luxurious living while maintaining its rich history. We chat with the team about the building’s background, what to consider during historical renovation, and how they incorporated the past while building for the future.

A New Name and Executive Director Propel Agate Housing and Services into the Future

September 20, 2022 11:30 - 39 minutes - 53.9 MB

Kyle Hanson, the recently-named Executive Director of Agate Housing and Services, as well as Michelle Perrin, the nonprofit’s Director of Outreach and Shelter, join this week's episode of "Build Me Up"! They tell us about the organization’s recent merger and name change (Fun fact: The Lake Superior agate is Minnesota's state gemstone!), dive further into the services and programs provided, and explain how businesses and individuals can volunteer or make donations.

Meet Cultural Jambalaya's 2022 Diversity Award Winner: Dr. Lee-Ann Stephens

September 06, 2022 11:30 - 39 minutes - 53.9 MB

Gail Shore, founder of Cultural Jambalaya, and this year’s Cultural Jambalaya Diversity Award Winner, Dr. Lee-Ann Stephens, join Build Me Up! Dr. Stephens discusses her racial equity and social justice efforts within the St. Louis Park school district, as well as her students’ passion and commitment to building a fair and just society for all. Gail explains Cultural Jambalaya’s mission and tells us about the nonprofit's annual event. Learn more about the organization and buy tickets to t...

Emerging Professionals: Developing KA's Future Leaders through Community and Education

August 23, 2022 11:30 - 22 minutes - 31.1 MB

This episode, "Build Me Up" is joined by Alex Titterud, Bre Nava, and Josh Carr — a group of KA employees who turned their desire for connection, collaboration, and learning into a companywide initiative. We dive into Kraus-Anderson's Emerging Professionals group and discuss where the idea came from, how the group has evolved, and how it benefits the organization and its employees. "Together, building a collaborative environment for KA's future leaders to invest in technical and professio...

An Inside Look at Burnsville's New Fire Station

August 09, 2022 11:30 - 47 minutes - 65.8 MB

BJ Jungmann, Terry Ritchie, Jason Rentmeester, and Quinn Hutson — individuals involved with the delivery of the beautiful Burnsville Fire Station — join "Build Me Up" to give listeners an inside look at the new building. We discuss the guiding principles that influenced the build, how the features play a role in the mental and physical health of the firefighters, and more. Make sure to visit the Kraus-Anderson podcast page on our website to see photos of the completed building.

Deconstruction Explained

July 26, 2022 11:30 - 49 minutes - 67.4 MB

After a short Fourth of July break, "Build Me Up" is back! Kraus-Anderson's Joe Baumann, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Melissa Wenzel, and buidling material reuse advocate Natalie Heneghan join the podcast to explain deconstruction. They highlight the benefits of the process, further explain some of its challenges, and give resources for those interested in implementing the process into their own lives. Additionally, they talk about how big-businesses, nonprofits, and government entit...

Giving Old Homes New Life with Hearts & Hammers

June 28, 2022 11:30 - 32 minutes - 45.1 MB

Hearts and Hammers’ Randi Prebil and Kraus-Anderson’s Connor Hart join the "Build Me Up" podcast to discuss the wonderful organization that is Hearts and Hammers. We talk with the pair about how the nonprofit adds value to the communities in which we live, why people should volunteer, what to expect on program day, as well as Hearts and Hammers' short- and long-term goals.

"The Man Up Club": Developing Boys into Young Men of Character

June 14, 2022 11:30 - 39 minutes - 54.1 MB

We sit down with Korey Dean, founder of “The Man Up Club," an organization that’s goal is to empower young, black men to make positive life choices and equip them with the tools to be successful post-high school. Joining Korey is Jaeveon Mottley, a member of "The Man Up Club" and recent barber school graduate.  Korey explains the meaning behind the name, the building blocks of the curriculum, and what he wants for the future of the organization, while Jaeveon shares insight into the benefi...

Myth Busters: Construction Trade Unions Edition

May 31, 2022 11:30 - 43 minutes - 60.4 MB

This episode, we’re joined by Barry Davies, Barb Pecks, and Terry Coleman — individuals all involved in various ways with construction trade unions. The trio helps us debunk stereotypes and common misconceptions associated with trade unions in this myth-busters-esque episode.

The Buzz on Bees (and Other Pollinators)

May 17, 2022 11:30 - 42 minutes - 59 MB

This episode, we're joined by Laurie Schneider, founder of the Pollinator Friendly Alliance, as well as Tonya Kostick and Brendan Ward, Kraus-Anderson employees and the keepers of our KA bees. We talk about various types of pollinators, the important role they play in our ecosystem, and how KA started beekeeping. Our guests also suggest ways in which all individuals can do their parts to help preserve pollinators. The conversation wraps with some fun bee facts. "Take Action" List: https:/...

Ergonomic Best Practices with Kraus-Anderson Insurance's Sara Wilkins

May 03, 2022 11:30 - 36 minutes - 50.1 MB

In this week's "Build Me Up" episode, Sara Wilkins, of Kraus-Anderson Insurance, joins Dani and Laurisa to talk about ergonomics and its benefits to both employees and their employers. They talk through some common workplace / work-from-home problem areas, and Sara explains a few easy changes that will make a positive, long-term impact. This conversation causes our hosts to self-examine and implement the helpful tips in their own daily practices. Maybe you will, too?

To STARBASE and Beyond

April 19, 2022 11:30 - 49 minutes - 67.5 MB

Chad Ronchetti, Charity Johnson, and Beth Peppersack joined this week's podcast to discuss their varied involvement in STARBASE, a nonprofit that introduces students to the world of STEM. We discussed the students' day-to-day activities on base, the needs the organization is addressing, how businesses/individuals can get involved, and a lot more. Use the links below to access STARBASE's free kits and curriculum— To order kits: https://www.starbasemn.org/stemkits/ To access curriculum: ...

A Lasting Impact on Minnesota's Iron Range (Part 2)

April 05, 2022 11:30 - 30 minutes - 41.7 MB

Career development and community retention are hot topics concerning Minnesota’s Iron Range. Paul Noll, Morgan Seopa, and Willie Spelts joined “Build Me Up” to discuss the design and build of Rock Ridge High School, a designated Career Academy, and how the school and its programs hope to have a lasting impact on the community.

A Lasting Impact on Minnesota's Iron Range (Part 1)

March 22, 2022 12:00 - 42 minutes - 58.4 MB

Career development and community retention are hot topics concerning Minnesota's Iron Range. We were joined by Paul Noll, Morgan Seopa, and Willie Spelts to discuss the building of Rock Ridge High School, a designated Career Academy, and how the school and its programs hope to have a lasting impact on the community.

Talking Women's PPE with Xena Workwear's Founder and CEO, Ana Kraft

March 08, 2022 11:00 - 32 minutes - 45 MB

Working as a project engineer, Ana Kraft was frustrated by the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) designed for professional women. She regularly went from a meeting room to the manufacturing floor but, unlike her male counterparts, had to excuse herself to change from office shoes into bulky work boots that never fit quite right. Instead of complaining, Ana created a solution. Click to listen to Ana's inspiring story. Shop Xena Workwear here: https://xenaworkwear.com/ 

2022 Industry Trends with Rich Jacobson and Jay Bowman

February 22, 2022 11:00 - 43 minutes - 60.4 MB

We last spoke to Kraus-Anderson’s Rich Jacobson and FMI Corporation’s Jay Bowman in February of 2020, about a month before COVID-19 struck the United States.  We’re sitting down with them again, two years later, to chat about the construction industry’s emerging trends and how the pandemic may have modified some of their responses.

Build Me Up: Feeding your passion with Med Box Grill

December 07, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 96 MB

When Semih Ayhan and Tuncay Ozdenak moved to the U.S. from Turkey, they brought their passion for Mediterranean cuisine. When they met in 2014, they decided to bring their family recipes together and opened their first food truck. Med Box Grill quickly became a staple across Minnesota, and lines would be long and winding no matter where they parked the food truck. As demand grew, they decided they were ready to open their first Med Box Grill restaurant, moving to Market Street Station in C...

Making Affordable Housing Add Up with Center City Housing Corporation

November 23, 2021 11:00 - 46 minutes - 64.2 MB

Affordable housing continues to be a challenge for communities across the country. Construction costs continue to rise and developers are facing complicated funding and zoning restrictions, among other challenges. Access to housing is crucial for a healthy community, and the City of Duluth, Minnesota, is working to support people experiencing homelessness through several affordable housing projects. Center City Housing Corporation, based in Duluth, develops affordable housing and offers a ...

Celebrating Women in Commercial Real Estate with CREW

November 09, 2021 09:00 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MB

According to CREW Network’s 2020 Benchmark Study Report, women make up just under 37 percent of the commercial real estate industry. This number has not changed much over the past 15 years. While the number of young women joining the industry is growing, commercial real estate still has a ways to go in terms of inclusion and diversity. CREW, or Commercial Real Estate Women, is a network of professionals dedicated to transforming the commercial real estate industry by advancing women global...

Exploring Lucrative Careers in Construction with 218Trades

October 26, 2021 08:00 - 48 minutes - 44.3 MB

The construction industry continues to face a labor shortage, and in cities like Duluth, Minnesota, located along Lake Superior’s North Shore, ambitious construction and development projects are clouded by the shortage of skilled workers in the trades. 218Trades was designed to provide education and resources for young people in the Duluth area considering a career in the trades. They work directly with local construction companies and union representatives to provide apprenticeships, scho...

How the Pandemic Has Shifted the Future of Retail Real Estate

October 12, 2021 08:00 - 37 minutes - 34.7 MB

The COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a halt in 2020. Every industry was affected, and retail real estate was hit particularly hard. As e-commerce continues to rise and brick and mortar stores are closing their doors, realty properties need to adapt and evolve. Essential businesses like grocery stores are busier than ever, but ongoing staffing shortages are impacting everyone. KA’s Senior Vice President of Development Matt Alexander, Director of Development Tim Marco, and Leasing Agent ...

Giving Hope to Burn Survivors with Firefighters For Healing

September 28, 2021 08:00 - 54 minutes - 49.7 MB

When Minneapolis Firefighter Jake LaFerriere survived career-ending burn injuries in 2010, he felt little hope for his future. But he soon discovered that his mission in life had changed from firefighting to helping burn survivors find hope and healing, and the non-profit Firefighters For Healing was born. Over the past decade, Firefighters For Healing has helped countless burn survivors and families of first responders by bringing joy, hope and relief as they endure the treatment and heal...

The Rising Trend of Self-Perform Work in the Construction Industry

September 14, 2021 08:00 - 24 minutes - 22 MB

As the construction industry continues to evolve, self-performing work is becoming a popular topic of conversation. The ongoing labor shortage makes it difficult to build up future field leaders, and new technology is needed to make work safer. The flexibility of self-performance for general contractors can create longterm solutions and ultimately benefit the client. Kraus-Anderson’s Director of Self-Performance Joe Baumann, Executive Vice President Rich Jacobson, and Senior Project Manage...

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