ATTITUDEOFGRATITUDE | ackerman-estvold

Our team members have a history of making a commitment to the communities they call home. Scroll through our select employee features and learn more about how they are making a difference, not only in our organization, but beyond!

It's our pleasure to introduce you to Jessica Egge, Assoc. AIA! In addition to her role as our architecture Project Designer, you'll find Jessica cheering on her girls at high school and college tennis matches, and giving her time serving as President of the Minot Area Tennis Association.

What you may not know is how Jessica volunteers for the US Federal Courts system as a translator! Not many can serve their community in that capacity. We think that deserves a great big GRACIAS!!

Seen here, Jessica recently joined the Kiwanis Club of Minot. (pictured on the left)

Meet Nathan Amick, our water resource department's Civil Engineer. As an avid outdoorsman, Nathan enjoys all the hunting opportunities that North Dakota provides. But, in addition to enjoying the outdoors, Nathan currently serves as Vice President of the Berthold Sportsmen Club. As an active member of the BSC, Nathan has been involved in fundraising and volunteering his time assisting with youth events.

We can always count on Nathan when we provide our services to the community, too. He's the first to step in and help with educational outreach, presenting STEM to area students and assisting with Wild About Water activities.

Seen here, Nathan is leading the way during one of the Magic Day of Giving community clean-up projects.

We thank you, Nathan, and the surrounding area does too!

We'd like to introduce you to our resident creative, Candace Brekke. When she's not working her magic on our marketing materials and company events, Candace has a long history of giving back to the Minot community by fundraising, creating community events, volunteering at youth activities, and serving on numerous board of directors.

Candace says her favorite thing to do, however, is 'put the A in STEAM education' and promote creative thinking throughout the community. Whether she's guiding a group of free spirits through a nature art lesson at LeeWok, creating community art pieces with the Minot Street Art Movement, helping with Magic City Discovery Center activities, painting rocks with Minot Area Council of the Arts Art in the Parks, or simply presenting to her children's art classes, Candace is willing to share her time and talents in many ways.

Seen here, during her tenure as Minot Optimist Club President, Candace presented a check on behalf of the club to kick-start the Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports sled hockey program.

Thank you, Candace, for providing your time and artistic touches to your community!

Introducing Steve Eberle, PE, our VP/Chief Operations Officer. When Steve isn't busy coordinating municipal projects for our organization, he's spending time with his family of four. Being involved in his kids' life also means giving of his time to other children in our area as he serves on the South Prairie school board and volunteer coaches for the Minot Recreation Department.

If you know Steve, you know of his love of the lake and fishing! Steve, however, has taken the opportunity to share his passion with others that may not have the opportunity to get on the water themselves. Through the non-profit organization, On the Water Inc. Steve is Captain for a day and donates his time, equipment, fuel, and knowledge of the area as he's paired with local war Veterans. Steve was honored to spend the day with these gentlemen a few times this summer and looks forward to hosting more Vets on the water!

Seen here, Steve and Veterans Gerald May and the late Jon May at Indian Hills, ND.

Thank you, Steve, for volunteering in your community, but mostly for finding a way to turn your love of fishing into an impactful time for others!

Introducing Dusty Zimmerman, our Corporate Communications Director and PIO extraordinaire. As a Minot native, Dusty believes that her community is worth fighting for and continues to give of her time to enhance it however she can. Dusty currently serves the Jack Hoeven Wee Links / Minot Junior Golf Association, Minot Area Chamber of Commerce Maximize Minot committee, and Our Redeemer's Cancer Care Group.

During her time in Rotary Club of Minot, Dusty has volunteered on numerous projects including Co-Chairing the Planting Hope Project which donated grass seed to area flood victims. One of her real passions is Women United's Little Black Dress Campaign, combining her love of fashion with a worthwhile fundraising effort to aid the women in our community.

Seen here, Dusty proudly stands by Minot as part of the Maximize Minot effort.

Thank you, Dusty, for continuing to improve the place you call home!

Meet Kevin Ploof, our Environmental Specialist. When Kevin isn't out in the field for work, you'll find him spending his days and nights volunteering on another field...the soccer field! As we are all aware, most youth recreational sports would not exist without the many volunteer hours it takes to run a successful program. Kevin has spent numerous hours both coaching and refereeing soccer games, in addition to serving as Past President of the Minot Soccer Association. (And yes, he likes to play a bit, too!)

When not giving back to the youth soccer program, Kevin has been known to help out whenever needed at his children's school events and at his church. Also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Kevin has stepped up to serve meals through that organization.

Seen here, Kevin working hard during a Magic Day of Giving project on 6th Street in Minot.

Thanks Kevin, for serving your community in various ways!

Let's talk about our gratitude for Mr. Paul Breiner, AIA, a crucial member of our architecture team! A Flasher, ND native, Paul and his family have adopted the Minot community and enjoy giving back. Paul's talents have already served the area well, to the tune of over $300,000 worth of his donated architectural services to the future Magic City Discovery Center!

While we applaud Paul's work-day efforts, we are grateful that he shares his knowledge with future architects and engineers during LEGO Build events. Seen here, Paul assists young builders during one of those events at Barnes & Noble.

Thank you, Paul, for shaping young minds and sharing your talents with your community!

Introducing Ryan Anderson, AIA, a partner in Ackerman-Estvold and manager of the architectural department. In the past, Ryan has donated his professional services to help grow a local church, along with participating in church council, worship band and numerous community giving activities.

These days, Ryan is looking forward to finding new opportunities to give of his time and talents and has recently joined the Noon Rotary Club of Minot.

Seen here, Ryan helps with our 6th Street improvement project as part of the Magic Day of Giving.

Thanks Ryan, for taking time to share your knowledge of architecture as a way to assist in growing your community!

Introducing Cameon Eisenzimmer, RPA. As our Cultural Resources Manager, Registered Archaeologist and GIS Analyst, her days at Ackerman-Estvold vary just about as much as her interests do outside of work!

Always known to volunteer her time in many ways throughout the community, Cameon's recent passion has come from some personal adversity. It is no surprise that a bump in the road just fueled her fire as she quickly became involved in Minot's local Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports program. Cameon has taken the time to teach area youth sled hockey and serves as a mentor in youth archery. Her faithful companion, Atlas, joins her in many volunteer events, sharing with her PG family the importance of service dogs.

Recently Cameon was able to volunteer at Adventure Camp, an overnight program at Camp Metigoshe where the folks from PG had the opportunity to stay in a rustic cabin and enjoy fishing, swimming, canoeing, s'more making, and so much more!

Seen here, Cameon assists a young sled hockey player on the ice.

Thanks Cameon, for always giving of your time to all ages and abilities!

Meet Patrick Samson, PE, a partner/ sr. civil engineer in our Minot office. Raise your hand if you've seen Patrick around the local hockey arenas! That's because Patrick has dedicated many hours to the youth hockey program by coaching hockey and participating in Minot Hockey Boosters activities.

We are thankful that this busy dad takes the time to coach and mentor young hockey players and we have a feeling they are, too!

Seen here, Patrick is coaching one of Minot's youth hockey teams.

We'd like to introduce Justin Ahmann, PE, a crucial member of our civil engineering team. Outside of the Ackerman-Estvold walls, Justin is a busy dad of three boys and knows that finding additional time to give back to his community is at a premium. That's why he steps up to the plate to serve our area youth sports programs, coaching both Minot Soccer Association teams Magic City Youth Baseball teams.

Thank you, Justin, for finding time to coach and mentor not only your own children, but many others in your community!

Seen here, Coach Ahmann and his youth baseball team in Minot.

Introducing Kim Keller, Assoc. AIA, a project designer in our architecture department. While Kim and her husband have their hands full with three littles at home, finding ways to give back to her community means going the extra mile for us during her workday. Always active in company volunteering activities, Kim also leads our architectural educational outreach program and has done numerous activities and presentations at area schools and Wild About Water.

Recently Kim served as a volunteer instructor at the CRACTC (Central Regional Area Career & Technical Center) STEM2D CTE Exploration Event- Girls in Stem. She assisted area students while they performed STEM activities such as building a skyscraper and creating an alarm using circuitry.

What an amazing example you are for future female engineers and architects, Kim, and for that we thank you!

Seen here, Kim presents examples of materials that architects use for interiors and exteriors.

Meet R.D. Marx, a civil engineering transplant from Cleveland, Ohio. You may have met R.D. in either our Minot office or our Williston office, as he works in both locations!

During his time in Cleveland, R.D. enjoyed helping his friend with the AIDS Walk and chose the local Habitat for Humanity as his giving recipient.

As soon as his boots hit the ground in Minot, R.D. became a volunteer for the curling club and has joined their fundraising efforts every year during the North Dakota State Fair.

Seen here, R.D. is cleaning up his community streetscape as part of Ackerman-Estvold's Magic Day of Giving project.

Thank you, R.D. for giving back to the communities you call home!

We would like to introduce you to one of our newer full-time engineers, Dylan Weber. During his time at North Dakota State University, Dylan was active in the organization Engineers Without Borders. This provided the opportunity for Dylan to participate in designing a community/medical center in the developing nation of Guatemala. What a fulfilling project combining civil engineering knowledge with an impactful giving opportunity facilitated through the University! Closer to home, Dylan has helped with the capital campaign at his church to raise funds for their building improvements.

Whether you're making a difference across the world or right here in Minot, we thank you, Dylan!

Seen here, Dylan assists with our company Magic Day of Giving project by installing the new sign at the Minot Public Library.

Meet Austin Alexander, a civil engineer from our Williston, ND office. We like to keep Austin pretty busy during the workday (and night!) either in-office or on-site. But Austin still takes the time to help with volunteer and outreach activities whenever he can!

Austin is the first to step in and help with our yearly involvement in both Band Day Williston and Spring Lake Park Holiday Lights Drive. Austin is always willing to guide educational outreach in the schools and recently presented to the middle school technical class, introducing the field of civil engineering to area students and sharing what opportunities lie ahead for them.

Seen here, Austin, along with Williston co-workers Sonya and Colleen, participate in a Clean Up Williston day.

Thank you, Austin, for your continued involvement in community outreach in your hometown of Willston!

Introducing Principal/Senior Construction Manager, Jeff McElwain, PE. While not spending time with his family, Jeff believes that in order to help a community thrive, it is crucial to give of one's time. Jeff is actively involved in the Minot Y's Men and is looking forward to serving as the Chair of the Minot Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors next year!

Seen here, Jeff is hosting a job shadow student on-site in Burlington, ND.

We thank you, Jeff, and your community does too!

Introducing Scott Huber, AIA, an architect in our Minot office. In the past Scott has enjoyed coaching hockey as a volunteer coach.

Recently, Scott joined the local Sertoma Club and was excited to participate in their yearly "Christmas in the Park" fundraiser. Bundling up to take tickets at the entrance and greeting people with a warm smile, Scott's time and energy was much needed this holiday season!

Thank you, Scott, for braving the cold and giving of your time to help make Minot even merrier this year!

Seen here, Scott participates in the Sertoma Christmas in the Park light display in Oak Park, Minot.

Introducing Ashley Hynson, our corporate finance administrator in the Minot office. When Ashley isn't busy with numbers, she's helping build the company's culture and philanthropy efforts. Serving as the campaign coordinator for our internal Souris Valley United Way participation, Ashley organizes numerous giving activities throughout the year giving our employees the chance to donate or volunteer during the workday.

Ashley has also been instrumental in volunteering and organizing company events through the Ackerman-Estvold Fun Committee! We thank Ashley for her efforts to introduce philanthropic opportunities for our employees.

Seen here, Ashley participated in the Minot Area Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership Institute. As a new resident of the City of Surrey, ND, Ashley is excited to find opportunities to assist in her new community!

Meet Sara Lockrem, our Communications Assistant. When you are a busy mom of three young boys, time is at a premium! That's why Sara focuses on volunteer time involving either her kids or others in the community.

Her creativity and enthusiasm are appreciated as she volunteers as a 'room mom' at her son's school. She was also one of the first volunteers to help coordinate the first-ever Touch A Truck event in Minot through the Magic City Discovery Center. In addition, other kids in the Minot area get to experience her enthusiasm as she assists Ackerman-Estvold with Wild About Water activities for area 5th grade students.

Thank you, Sara, for sharing your time and talents at Ackerman-Estvold and throughout your community!

Seen here, Sara helps guide a fun water activity during Wild About Water in Minot, ND.

Thank you, Sara, for sharing your time and talents at Ackerman-Estvold and throughout your community!

Seen here, Sara helps guide a fun water activity during Wild About Water in Minot, ND.

Introducing one of our newer members of the full-time engineering team, Joe Audet.

While Joe was busy studying to be a civil engineer at the University of North Dakota, he also stepped up and gave of his time as a volunteer tutor through Tau Beta Pi, the Engineering Honor Society at UND. His involvement with the campus ASCE group gave him the chance to become involved in fundraising efforts and community involvement as they hosted Lego Leagues for area children.

Thanks, Joe, for making the campus community and the Grand Forks community a better place while you were there. We look forward to seeing what you can do in Minot!

Meet Weston Delzer, a construction specialist based in our Minot office. We are thankful that Weston is a big fan of the outdoors because most of his job requires him to be out on our project sites during the hot summers and cold winters.

Weston is so much of a fan of the North Dakota outdoors that he recently became involved with the Delta Waterfowl Organization and looks forward to installing hen houses for this region's waterfowl population.

Thank you, Weston, for not only helping the people in your community but the habitat, too!

Meet our CEO, Ryan Ackerman. When it comes to giving back to the community, he leads by example.

While most of us know of his tireless efforts in flood protection for the Minot and Souris Valley area, what you may not realize is the time and energy Ryan puts forth in other areas of community service. He has served on numerous boards, but one of his favorites is the time he spent on the Minot Public Library Board planning for the future of our libraries.

Ryan is passionate about enjoying the Mouse River as a recreational amenity and has spent many winter days grooming the river ice for public skating activities, and maybe taking in a pick up game or two.

But, he's most proud of the young lives he's impacted through youth hockey and STEAM organizations. His real joy comes from molding young minds to become great citizens, and having a little fun while he's at it.