Black Ridge Construction (BRC) is a construction management firm founded in 2023 by Will Klinke and Casey Schumacher. From the beginning, BRC set out to do things differently, focusing on select niche sectors while bringing renewed emphasis on open communication, transparency, and collaboration to every project. What started as a long-standing vision has quickly grown into a purpose-driven business with a strong foundation and an exciting future ahead!
Turning Experience into Intention
Black Ridge Construction officially launched in May 2023, but the idea had been taking shape long before that. After years of working in the construction industry, Will and Casey shared a common goal of building a firm rooted in their values and experience.
Starting BRC allowed them to take what they had learned and apply it intentionally, creating a company that serves clients with clarity, purpose, and trust. While the region has no shortage of construction firms, they recognized an opportunity to focus on niche markets and elevate the overall client experience.
In the early days, that meant starting smaller than the large commercial projects they were used to managing. Those first projects were instrumental. They reinforced the importance of hands-on execution, strengthened client relationships, and helped BRC grow deliberately and sustainably, earning trust one project at a time.
Building Momentum the Right Way
In a short time, BRC has reached several meaningful milestones. Taking the leap from traditional working roles into entrepreneurship was the first step. From there came hiring their first employee and then moving into their very own office with more room to expand.
Each year has brought visible progress, and the team makes a point to reflect on how far they’ve come. Growth hasn’t always been straightforward, though. One of the biggest challenges was determining when to hire additional team members, balancing the reality of wearing many hats while ensuring there was enough work to support expansion.
Through disciplined planning and a strategic approach to scaling, BRC navigated those decisions thoughtfully. At every stage, their core values have remained unchanged: open communication, transparency, and strong, long-term relationships. These principles continue to guide how they manage projects and serve clients and have become a defining part of BRC’s reputation.
CFI’s Impact: A Foundation for Early Growth
The UND Center for Innovation played a pivotal role during BRC’s early years. Will and Casey had previously worked out of the Center nearly a decade ago with another employer and stayed connected with Travis Fretheim and the CFI team over the years. When it came time to launch BRC, returning to CFI felt like a natural fit.
Being part of the Center for Innovation during those first couple of years was monumental. CFI provided a professional working environment that aligned perfectly with the needs of a small but ambitious business, along with accessible resources and a strong entrepreneurial network.
Just as valuable was the community. Working alongside other founders and startups created opportunities to share challenges, exchange ideas, and learn from others navigating similar paths. The relationships formed at CFI have become an ongoing resource, one BRC hopes to maintain for years to come.
Graduation & the Next Chapter
Graduating from CFI marks an important transition for Black Ridge Construction. Since moving into their new space, the company has already hired an additional team member with extensive construction experience, adding depth to their capabilities and momentum to their growth trajectory.
The move itself is an exciting step forward. With dedicated space for materials, tools, and equipment, BRC now has the flexibility to operate more efficiently and better serve clients. For a construction company, having room to grow physically is just as important as growing strategically.
Looking Ahead
BRC understands that growth is rarely a straight line. There will be curves, changes, and moments that require adaptation. Their long-term goal is simple but meaningful: to remain a successful construction management firm in North Dakota and the broader Midwest for years to come.
By staying lean, tight-knit, and values-driven, Black Ridge Construction aims to support not only its team but also the communities they’re fortunate to work in, building projects, relationships, and trust that last.
Learn More
To learn more about Black Ridge Construction or to discuss an upcoming project, visit BrConst.com and connect with the BRC team.