“I enjoy being able to see a completed project that will be there for many decades,” explained Toby Christensen, President of Camrud Foss Concrete Construction. The company, which has been serving the concrete needs of the Fargo-Moorhead area for over 50 years, plays an extremely important role in getting many projects off the ground. Since concrete installation is one of the first phases of new construction, delays and issues at this level can cost everyone time and money. Therefore, the services of a skilled contractor who specializes in concrete installation are essential.
Growing up on a farm near Battle Lake, Christensen learned early the value of teamwork and leadership. As the second oldest of twelve children, those qualities were essential in raising beef cattle and small grains. The farm remains in the family with one of his younger brothers working the land.
During his college years at Minnesota State University, Christensen worked in the Industrial Technology Department and at a local lumberyard. After college graduation, he worked for several years for a construction supply firm as an estimator and inside sales person before joining Camrud Foss as a crew laborer. Recognizing his potential, the company utilized his talents in project management duties. Christensen’s continued dedication and commitment earned him a partnership in the company when one of the three owners retired in 1996. Upon the retirement of the other two original founders, three other crew foremen, Jonathan Nelson, Jeff Wiese, and Eugene Sandry, joined with Christensen as partners.
Christensen and his wife Paula have been married for 25 years. Paula has an elementary teaching degree, but chose to stay home to raise their two daughters and two sons.
Camrud Foss Construction was founded in 1958 as a residential builder of homes and apartment complexes. As other builders recognized the quality and efficiency of Camrud Foss, they began hiring them to pour the concrete for more projects. In the mid-seventies, Camrud Foss focused their efforts on becoming a poured concrete subcontractor, which remains the company’s focus. Today, the majority of the work is for residential and commercial construction with a fair amount of poured concrete for light industrial and agricultural projects.
It is estimated that more than three-quarters of the construction performed in the United States is performed by subcontractors. As a subcontractor, Camrud Foss is hired by a general contractor to perform a specific task as part of the overall project; therefore, they do not receive the public’s recognition of the vital role they have on the ultimate success of the project. For example, Camrud Foss poured concrete foundations and floors for the Sanford Moorhead Clinic that opened earlier this year. Two other notable Moorhead commercial projects that Camrud Foss has worked on include the new CCRI building on the south side of I-94 and the Skatvold Family Dentistry building on Belsley Blvd.
Christensen was quick to give the employees credit for the continued success of the firm. He expressed gratitude to them for returning year after year to do the hard manual labor. He pointed out that there are twenty employees with an average of 20 years of service with the longevity award going to the foundation crew foreman Al Olson with 43 years of service. Just as Camrud Foss structures last decades, so do their employees.
Toby Christensen, President
www.camrudfoss.com
3300 8th Street South
Moorhead, MN 56560
Ph: 218-233-0065
toby@camrudfoss.com
