Would you rather be the biggest or the best in your industry?… For Border Construction, the answer’s easy.
With over 60 years of experience in commercial construction, Dave Bartell, Andy Kelly, and Tom Jarvis are all about doing their best work and nailing down a reputation for quality within their community… one project at a time. Let’s take a closer look at how Border Construction laid its foundation in Fargo, ND, building their success story from the ground up.
Laying the Foundation
In 2017, three construction experts, Dave, Andy, and Tom, saw the chance to establish their own company and open Border Construction. With their extensive background in general contracting, design-build, and construction management, they felt confident in their ability to take this entrepreneurial leap.
“We already had extensive experience, so we thought, ‘why don’t we just do it ourselves?’.”
-Tom Jarvis
Building on Experience
Border Construction's mission is to deliver high-quality commercial construction through ground-up projects and renovations. They pride themselves on their commitment to quality and relationship-driven customer service, offering clients the opportunity to work directly with Dave, Andy, or Tom throughout their construction project.
"We truly care about the projects that we work on. We want to build great relationships with business owners while having a team approach."
-Andy Kelly
Opening the Financial Toolbox
Before pursuing financing, Border Construction was already in operation with separate office and storage spaces. They partnered with Dakota Business Lending and Alerus Bank to utilize the SBA 504 loan program, allowing them to consolidate their operations under one roof.
"Partnering with Dakota Business Lending was great. They walked us through the process step by step and made everything very easy."
-Andy Kelly
Pouring Concrete Success
Today, their goal is two-fold: fostering steady, deliberate growth and providing valuable opportunities for their team members. In addition, they focus on internal growth and ensuring stability, especially during economic downturns.
"Being under one roof has made us much more efficient. We’ve been able to expand our office space and enhance our professional appearance, bringing Border Construction to a whole new level."
-Tom Jarvis
The Nuts and Bolts of Entrepreneurship
With close to seven years of business ownership in their toolbelt, the trio has learned some valuable tricks of the trade along the way.
“Don’t be afraid! Focus on what you’re good at and find professionals to help you with areas you are lacking.”
- Andy Kelly
"Make sure you understand your interest rates. This knowledge will help you be more financially proficient and allow you to set yourself up for future expansions and success.”
- Tom Jarvis
“Don’t feel like you have to do it alone. Look for partners to go in on it with you.”
- Dave Bartell
As Dave, Andy, and Tom continue to grow their business and serve communities all across the state, they always circle back to their foundational commitment: quality. Because at Border Construction, “’good enough’ is never good enough.”
For more information about Border Construction, visit their website.
This article was written by Dakota Business Lending with permission from Border Construction and is not to be edited or redistributed without permission.