Gil Haugan Construction Inc.

Gil Haugan Construction Inc. (GHC) is a second-generation, family-owned commercial and industrial building contractor. For more than 53 years the South Dakota-based company has provided construction management, design-build and general contracting services backed by the ability to self-perform a range of services in-house.

“I think what really sets us apart is the fact that we’re a general contractor that also performs concrete, steel, precast, carpentry and some custom casework fabrication under our own roof,” shares Gil Haugan Jr., current president of GHC.

Gil’s father, Gil Haugan Sr., founded the company in 1960 after many years in the steel-erecting business. “We started off in steel erection and concrete services, because that’s my father’s background,” recalls Gil. “He’s also a skilled union mason. With his knowledge we jumped in, bidding on larger and larger jobs over the years.”

Based in north Sioux Falls, GHC serves an approximate 150-miles radius of rural South Dakota. “We work on anything from gas stations to schools, warehouses to strip malls and water treatment plants,” notes Gil. “It’s a small rural area, so we bid on what’s available, and sometimes it’s a range of different projects.”

A Trusted Team

Gil admits the company wouldn’t be where it is today without the hard work of its dedicated employees. The 110-member GHC crew is committed to professional construction services and quality workmanship.

“That number varies,” adds Gil. “It all depends on the work we have going on, but we have a solid base of long-term employees who’ve been here for a long time.” With more than 200 years of combined industry experience, GHC employs some of the best and brightest in the area, many of which have been with the company since its inception.

Gil admits the company’s recent challenge is finding more quality people to join the GHC team. “It’s never been an issue for us to keep people here,” he says. “What has been difficult is trying to hire more staff. Nowadays it’s harder and harder to find good people.”Customers agree the company’s people truly make an excellent team, ready and willing to serve. “What struck me most about GHC was the professionalism of every one of their crew members,” says Jay Woudstra, a GHC client. “Everyone was there for a specific job and they did it very well. I would recommend GHC for anyone that’s looking to start a construction project.”

GHC relies on a professional team, but also on a trusted network of subcontractors. “One bad subcontractor can really hurt a job; that’s why we’ve worked to establish relationships,” explains Gil. “We’re in a relatively small area, so it’s pretty easy to get to know everyone. We work with a network of subcontractors we know and trust to get the job done right.”

A Helping Hand through the Construction Process

Whether a project is still in the preconstruction planning phase, or it’s ready to send out for bid, GHC provides trusted support through construction management, design-build and general contracting service, explaining and guiding clients through the process. “We’re currently working at the Jack Links factory, a beef jerky manufacturer,” shares Gil. “They’re growing, so every year they’re adding on and doing upgrades. We’ve done all of their work.”

The team is no stranger to delivering successful projects. In 2011, GHC completed a renovation and expansion at South Dakota State University’s Avera Health & Science Center. “This complex encompasses 97,000 square feet of instructional laboratories, classrooms and faculty office space,” explains Gil. “Additionally, we performed a complete renovation of the 48,600-square-foot Shepard Hall, a cutting-edge research and laboratory space. The entire job was worth over $38 million.”

GHC also has a handful of LEED-certified projects under its belt. Focusing on site selection, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, innovation in design and regional priority, the company aims for sustainability in all aspects. In 2008, GHC completed LEED Silver certification for the Sioux Falls Christian Schools with more than 150,000 square feet of completed work.

Whether GHC is completing a standard job or striving for LEED certification, Gil says there are two indicators that let him know things are getting done the right way. “One is how long people stay with you, and the other is repeat business,” he says. “We’re in a small area, so word travels fast if you’re not taking care of people. We keep our promises and that’s what keeps us going. We’ve remained busy through the downturn, growing about 10 percent annually.” Gil Haugan Construction Inc. continues to build on 50 years of exceptional workmanship and a trusted reputation.

For more information about Gil Haugan Construction Inc., please visit: www.gilhaugan.com.