Our People

Chad Stewart- President

Chad began his career in construction at a young age. He started from the ground up, following in his father’s steps. His first role started at the age of 15, working summers and school vacations in the family owned Lumber Yard business which supplied Structural Buildings and other companies with building packages. His primary job was packing materials and loading trucks that would direct ship materials to the job sites. When he was old enough to drive he began delivering materials to job sites and performing site visits. When he was 18 he started working on a crew and building commercial and residential buildings for Structural Buildings throughout the State of Minnesota.

At the age of 22, Chad was promoted to Project Manager. He performed project coordination, scheduling sub-contractors, and on-site visits where he performed site supervision on all trades involved in each particular project. From excavation, to septic, wells, concrete, framing, electrical, plumbing and heating, interior finishing, landscaping, as well as any additional final touches that were a part of the turn-key, build-to-suit projects. He worked in this capacity for four years and then was promoted to Production Manager. As Production Manager Chad was responsible for maintaining a level of quality that stands out above the competition. As well as coordinating and scheduling all aspects of production with the salesmen, customers, drafting department, and deliveries while working hands on managing as many as twelve construction crews and twelve unique projects simultaneously.

In 2009 Chad became the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Structural Building’s as well as the Founder and Co-Owner of Structural Tower Services, Inc. Chad has acquired well over 25 years’ practical experience, and hands-on training while working for Structural Buildings, a successful, respected, and growing company within the construction industry. Throughout those years Chad has come to understand what it takes to make a company grow such as experience, drive-to-succeed, persistence, loyalty, integrity and an honest commitment to meet and exceed the expectations of the customer. In 2015 Chad purchased Structural Buildings, becoming the majority owner of the company and strives to carry on his father’s legacy. When he’s out of the office Chad’s time is spent with his daughter, family, and friends. He also enjoys spending time in the outdoors, hunting, traveling, auto racing, snowmobiling, 4 wheeling and other sports.

Al Stewart- CEO

As founder and business partner with Structural Buildings Al feels that, “starting the company seemed like the natural thing to do! I still love to work with customers and help make their dreams a reality!” In his personal time Al enjoys his spending time with his family, friends and taking trips on his motorcycle in the summer and to Florida during the winter months.

Doug Heacherl- Minnesota Sales

Doug graduated from Mankato Technical College with a degree in Sales & Management. He paid his way through college with his first sales job. After college he worked selling grain equipment and buildings

His next job was route sales, after that he started his own tool route selling Cornwell tools. In 1996, Doug was offered a job at Structural Buildings when he stopped out to purchase a building. Doug has said “Structural Buildings is my home and I will never look back. I have watched Structural Buildings continue to grow and diversify, and am very proud to be a part of its success”.

Doug and his wife Julie live in Becker, MN and they have three children. His favorite hobbies include fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling.

Troy Engen- Frederic Branch Manager & Wisconsin Sales

Troy started working at Structural Buildings in 2013. Having over 30 years in construction, he has said that he” can’t imagine doing anything other than constructing buildings!!!”

He enjoys offering his ideas and goals with Structural Buildings to help the company solidify its reputation for service above and beyond industry standards, with quality products and ability to perform. Troy’s hobbies include hunting, fishing, and trapping and being apart of the Frederic, Wisconsin Community where he resides with his family.

Greg Nelson-  General Manager

Greg grew up in the Anoka county area and still lives there today with his Wife Sarah and their two daughters Allie & Hannah.  He started his career in sales 30+ years ago and has 20+ years’ experience as a General Manager.

Greg stated that he ” joined Structural Buildings because they have proven themselves as a stable sustainable company through strong & weak economic times. They have a rich tradition in building quality construction and thousands of satisfied customers.  My goal is to help continue growth, diversification and expansion into new markets for Structural Buildings”.

In his free time, he enjoys time with his family, trying new restaurants, Hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, motorcycling and boating.

Terry Skoczen- Controller

Originally from North Branch, MN Terry and his wife Audrey now live in Rice,MN. Terry started his career with Structural Buildings over 20 years ago! He has seen the company grow and diversify over these years and knows the business inside and out. In his spare time, they enjoy spending time with their two sons, being involved with their church, the local Eagle Scout program, gardening, and collecting of antique farm equipment.

Dave Geislinger- Field Superintendent

Dave grew up on a farm in Watkins, Minnesota.  In high-school, he began his construction career as a laborer for an electrical contractor for the summer between 9th and 10th grade.  The next summer he began working as a carpenter apprentice for a home builder in the Metro Area and has been building various structures for the last 30 years. He says he has been doing building for so long he believes he has sawdust in is veins. He has pretty much done every aspect of construction on almost every type of building from commercial, residential, multi- family, hospitality, agricultural and post frame. The only thing he has not built is a log structure but would like the opportunity to build one. He now lives on Clearwater lake in Annandale, Mn with Megan, his fiancé, and their blended family of 5 children from ages 6-15. He enjoys going to their kids’ school functions and sports. When he is not running jobs for Structural Buildings, he enjoys spending time with his family and being on the lake in their boat or pontoon along with riding motorcycle. In the winter he enjoys ice fishing and sledding with the kids.  He loves the outdoors and going on adventures. If you ever meet him you will know that his family means everything to him.

Kendra Klefsaas- Administration/Human Resources

Kendra grew up in the northwest suburbs of Minneapolis but moved to Central Minnesota in 2014 to attend St. Cloud State University for Human Resource Management. While in school, Kendra worked a part-time retail job that quickly grew into a full-time management position that took up most of her time.  Due to the demands of her role, she thought it would be best to take a step back from school and focus on work. She kept this up until she was furloughed during the global pandemic in March of 2020.  During this time she realized it was time to make a career move and go back to school. This decision is what lead her to a position with Structural Buildings in May of 2020.  In this role she will have more time outside of work to complete her degree, as well as, apply what she learns back into her role as Human Resource Coordinator.  In her free time Kendra enjoys spending time outside, walking, and hanging out with her cats, dog, friends, and family.  The favorite part of her job is working for a growing company where she knows the efforts of her and her peers don’t go unnoticed.

Madison Koch- Production Scheduler

Madison was born and raised in Chicago, then moved to Minnesota to pursue a degree at the University of Minnesota in Construction Management. She has a background in scheduling and is versed in Commercial, Residential, and Civil Construction. When Madison not working, she loves to be hiking, boating, traveling, or “making a mean dish in the kitchen”. Her hobbies include getting angry at refs while watching sports, trying new places to eat, and hanging out with her family in Crosslake, MN.

Steve Spencer- Minnesota Sales

Steve grew up in the small town of Clearwater, where the majority of his family still resides. In 1961, his grandfather started Spencer Drywall, a passion that he later passed down to Steve’s father. Growing up around drywall, as well as his father’s ability to be a “handyman” gave him the hands on experience in all around construction.

In addition, Steve was fortunate enough to work for Circle G Farms of Clear Lake for most of his adult life. From this, he not only gained a true love for farming but also many other useful skills that he’s grateful to have. In 2016, he started doing some sub-contracting for Structural Buildings also, which led to where he is today.

In 2008, Steve bought his first home in Becker, MN. It was a “fixer-upper” that needed a lot of work. Without hesitation, he got right to work using the skills he had learned over the years. After that, he purchased 5 acres in Clear Lake so he could build his next home in the country. Looking for an affordable way to build, he decided to build a Post Frame Home. Steve contacted Al with his drawings, and he sold him a materials package. With the help of his dad and some great friends, they spent the summer building his new post frame home in Clear Lake, Mn.

In 2011, he met his fiance Jaclyn. Together they have a 17-year-old daughter,  a 5-year-old son and a one year old daughter which keeps them very busy! When they have free time, they enjoy camping, ice fishing, playing golf, and volleyball.

Nick Salonek – Field Superintendent

Nick grew up on a dairy farm outside of Watertown, MN where he graduated from high-school. He went to college and received his BS in Construction Engineering at NDSU in Fargo, ND.  During college, Nick purchased 2 rental houses which he completely renovated.  After College, he worked as a Project manager in the ethanol/ grain industry while traveling the United States.  Next, he dabbled in a couple of his own businesses flipping homes in Fargo, ND and remodeling.  3 years ago, Nick moved back to the farm and worked on a post frame crew and was farming part-time prior to coming aboard at Structural Buildings of Becker, MN.  Nick has 3 boys 10, 8,6 who love the farm, being outside, going hunting and fishing with their Dad.

Dan Brehm- Minnesota Sales

• Year started at Structural Buildings: 2011
• Favorite Part of my job:  Observing customer’s actions, when their dreams become reality.
• Three words to describe me: Caring, Common Sense Actions, Teamwork
• If I had could have a superpower, it would be: The power to read Al’s mind
• I can’t live without: Family
• Other than work, I enjoy: The Walleye Night Bite on Leech Lake. Rifle/Muzzleloader Deer Hunts.

Scott Nelson- Wisconsin Sales & Estimating

• Year started at Structural Buildings: 2014
• Favorite part of my job: Meeting new people
• Three words to describe me: Helpful, Reliable, Honest
• Fun fact: I have lived in the same area my entire life. I live two blocks away from where I was raised
• If I could have a superpower, it would be: The ability to fly
• I can’t live without: my family
• Other than work, I enjoy: Hunting, Fishing, Sports and Beer – they go together!

Kevin Warzecha- Purchasing & Production

Kevin entered the post frame construction industry in the late 70’s, working for a large company. That is where he was first introduced to Al Stewart,as they worked together on many projects throughout Minnesota and Iowa.  He then moved on to help a regional company start a new post frame construction division.  Kevin and ​Al’s path’s crossed again, and he was offered a position with Structural Buildings where he says “I am proud to say I have been for over 20 years”!!!

Kevin and his wife Joan have two grown children, each with children of their own. They enjoy collecting a multitude of items from tokens to old farm related items. He also enjoys  old lithographs and does a little farming at our home in Royalton, MN.

Beth Duffy – Sales Support Specialist

Beth grew up in the heart of the Iron Range, and had a strong work ethic upbringing as most of my family were miners. After High School, she achieved her Graphic Arts degree and moved to cities to pursue her career, where she had worked for many printing and marketing companies. Beth has held most of her positions in sales and project management and her additional education includes business management ,PMP Certification, values stream mapping and various account management training. Beth has also been a business owner of a painting / tiling company and refurbishing homes along with a sublimation business. Beth recently moved to the Crosslake area to be closer to her family and stated “I love working with customers and look forward to giving back to the local community in a volunteer capacity as well”. In her free time, Beth enjoys spending time with family, oil painting, hunting and fishing among other hobbies!

Jeff Dunn- Minnesota Sales

Jeff has been in the Construction Industry over 35 years. He stated that he has “had the opportunity to work with some great people who share my passion for Building” a variety of buildings, ranging from cabin additions, custom housing, and commercial projects.

Jeff said he thinks “Structural Buildings is an extremely unique company. From the Ownership Group,Managerial Staff, Sales and Crews, everyone has the same goal; which is giving the Customer the best product available. I like to treat every Project as if it were my own, and am not satisfied until the Customer is happy with the finished Product”.

Cassie Swedberg – Wisconsin Administration

Matt Lindberg– Wisconsin Field Superintendent

Matt Lindberg grew up in Minneapolis and joined the military after high school serving in the Army Reserves for 3.5 years and Navy active duty for 5 years doing construction as a Seabee. He started framing houses in 1999 and started his own carpentry construction business in 2008. Matt has has been working as a Sub-Contractor since 2011.

When not working, Matt resides in Milltown, Wisconsin. He is a busy father to 4 children; ages 20, 10, 4, and 2. Matt enjoys sports, fishing, camping, hiking and kayaking and spending time with family and friends.

Mitch Tromberg- Drafting Manager

Gary Kalla- Drafting

Gary began his drafting career in 1994. He later started working with Structural Buildings 1999 as draftsman/designer. Gary has said that “I appreciate having a role in making a customer’s projects coming to life on the computer (CAD) then seeing the finished buildings with happy customers”!!!

Gary lives in Sauk Rapids, Mn and enjoy golfing and softball in his free time.

Ralph Brown- Project Manager

Ralph grew up in a west-central Minnesota farm community. He has worked as a project manager in the construction industry for 30+ years, working with commercial projects that utilized a variety of construction types including: pre-engineered steel buildings, conventional structural steel, precast concrete and wood frame. The majority of the projects utilized a design/build construction process. Types of construction projects that Ralph has managed include: manufacturing, offices, grocery stores, warehouses, cold storage, senior assisted living and the remodel of existing facilities.
In his free time, he enjoys time with his family, grandchildren, fishing, hunting, camping and outdoor activities.

Zac Smith- Minnesota Sales

Born and raised in Moorhead Minnesota, Zac started in construction right out of high school. After working for a commercial contractor for two years he decided to pursue the trade as a career and went to school for Construction Management. After graduating from MSCTC he continued to work construction for several years, and eventually moved to Deerwood Minnesota when his wife was offered her dream job in Crosby. Zac took a job managing a warehouse for a flooring retailer in Deerwood and shortly after began running the entire business. His favorite part of the retail flooring business was finding the perfect product for the customer and sharing in their satisfaction of taking the project from start to finish. His attention to detail and high standard of quality gave customers confidence in his ability to provide them exactly what they were looking for.

Zac, his wife Holly and their three kids enjoy Mountain Biking in Cuyuna, camping on the north shore of Lake Superior and throwing the ball for their two dogs at the lake.

Aaron Thole- Wisconsin Sales

Aaron started working in the construction industry out of high school and spent a few years in drywall while getting a degree at St. Cloud State University.  He has been in sales for close to 30 years, mostly in industrial sales, including the woodworking and foodservice equipment industries.  He noted that he “enjoys meeting new people and finding solutions to their needs”.

Aaron has 3 grown children and a new grandson, and enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time outdoors with family and friends.

Glenn Marklund- Minnesota Sales

Glenn grew up in Litchfield, MN. As a teenage, he and his family relocated to the Minnetonka area. He started his career in the printing industry working for Kodak servicing print solutions. His sales career, selling the same products, began with Heidelberg/Kodak in 1997.  He enjoyed a successful sales career until 2013 when an opportunity came along to move to beautiful northern Minnesota and buy a business with his wife, Dawn. They currently own Pine Inn Restaurant & Bar in Glen/Aitkin, MN, where they also reside. Outside of work, Glenn enjoys spending time with his family…especially his grandchildren. His favorite pastimes are hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, four wheeling and riding his Harley.

Tanner Nettestad- Field Superintendent

Tanner grew up in Mora, MN and has been around construction and building of various types his whole life. During the summers in high school and college he worked at a local lumber yard bundling buildings, loading materials and maintaining equipment. After obtaining a degree in construction management from ST. Cloud State University in 2017 he started working as a field superintendent for a general contractor on commercial projects. Tanner loves being in the field and seeing his work rise up before him.

Tanner lives in Dayton, MN with his fiancé, Danielle, and their two dogs Ranger and Kallie. Outside of work Tanner finds joy in tractor pulling, “wrenching” on anything, building engines for other tractor pullers, the strife of being a Minnesota Vikings fan, hunting and watching movies.

Scott Hawkins- Wisconsin Sales

Scott grew up in Hudson, WI hunting and fishing the rivers, lakes, woods, and hills of western WI, and still does today. His residential construction experience began during the summer of his Junior year of college at Bemidji State University. After graduating in 1991, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration & Marketing, Scott built homes for the next 10 years. In 2001, he acquired his real estate sales license and for the past 20 years, Scott has been working with homeowners in assisting them with accomplishing their goals and objectives. He feels his current position on the Sales Team at Structural Buildings is no different.
“I love working with homeowners and I enjoy construction, once a carpenter, always a carpenter…”
Scott recently sold his 1897 farm house renovation project of 18 years, in New Richmond, WI and has moved to the St Croix Falls area. In his spare time, he enjoys being outdoors with his fiance’ Julie and their black lab Miley, and teaching firearms courses.

Tim Knudson- Minnesota Sales

Tim has a home in Richmond, Minnesota with his wife Jill and his two boys, Andrew and Jackson. Tim grew up in a family of tradesman in Fargo, North Dakota. He started in sales over 30 years ago.  He strongly believes that the relationship with the customer is paramount in any industry. Tim came to work for Structural Buildings because of their strong commitment to the customer. Plus, Structural Building understands that quality and execution is what makes their business successful. Tim enjoys people. In his free time, he loves to tinker in his shop and spend time with his family. He loves to play golf and spend time on the water. That is what Minnesota is all about.