Since our early days pouring concrete for dairy barns, The Korte Company has grown into a national leader in Design-Build construction. Through it all, one thing has never changed — our people are our foundation. And the foundation comes before everything else. That’s construction 101.
But we don’t just build structures on those foundations — we build legacies. Always have, always will. That’s not just for the executives, but for everyone who proudly wears the Korte name, from the builders to the accountants.
“This company was founded by family, but it grew through people who treat it like their own,” said President & CEO Brent Korte. “Because in every sense that matters, it is. It means taking pride in the work and standing behind every decision. Our strength doesn’t just come from the family we started with — it comes from the ownership every person here brings to the table. It’s the kind of ownership that is earned every day.”
Our people don’t just punch a clock. They’ve got skin in the game. Every team member takes ownership of their projects, and many have earned an actual ownership stake in the company. This makes all the difference. When you take pride in your work, it shows in the quality of the builds, the strength of the team and the trust of our clients.
“When you’ve poured decades into a place, it stops being just a job,” said Curt Horstmann, diversified operations. “You care more. You own the outcome. That’s what Korte is — built by people who treat it like it’s theirs, because it is.”
The employee-ownership advantage
At Korte, ownership isn’t just about shares. It’s about shared responsibility. Shared pride. Shared success. The voices of Korte Company employees tell a unified story. One of belonging, legacy and unity.
Some companies put profits first. We put people first, and that pays off in ways big and small.
Across a range of roles and tenures, everyone has a deep sense of pride and personal investment in their work. From hiring to retiring, there’s a clear culture of caring, of treating each other like family and of looking out for one another.
When people stick around for decades and clients keep coming back, that tells you something. Employee ownership creates a different kind of loyalty, the kind you can build a company on.
“Balancing family and career is seamless when your workplace feels like an extension of your home,” CFO Susan Bowman said. “At Korte, being part of the family means our successes are shared, and so are our commitments.”
Here are just some of the reasons employee ownership works in construction:
Quality craftsmanship
When the folks on the job site have a direct stake in the company, they build with added purpose. No shortcuts, no cutting corners — just solid work that speaks for itself. That commitment means our team often goes above and beyond expectations, delivering unmatched results under budget and ahead of schedule.
An experienced crew
In this business, experience matters. And when you own a piece of the company, you stick around long enough to pass that hard-earned know-how to the next generation. That means our clients get a team of experts who’ve been in the trenches and know how to get the job done right the first time.
Combining grit and innovation
Construction is faster, smarter and more complex than it used to be. But innovation doesn’t mean forgetting where we came from. Our employee-owners are constantly learning and developing their expertise. This brings fresh ideas to the table while keeping their boots planted firmly on the ground. It’s that mix of old-school craftsmanship and new-school thinking that allows The Korte Company to keep finding ways to save time and money for our customers.
The broader impact of employee ownership
Employee ownership isn’t just good for the people on the payroll. It creates tangible benefits for companies and their clients alike.
Studies have shown that businesses with employee ownership models gain measurable advantages.
Higher employee retention
Companies with employees who have a stake in the company are three to four times more likely to retain staff during economic downturns, according to a 2020 study by Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations and the Employee Ownership Foundation. This stability ensures continuity on projects and long-term expertise for clients.
Compensation and security
Research from the Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations also found that employees who have a stake in the company earn 33% higher median wages and have a 92% greater median household wealth, leading to greater financial security and job satisfaction.
Job security and resilience
Employees at companies with employee ownership are one-third as likely to be laid off compared to those at traditional firms, offering greater workforce stability – according to research from the Employee Ownership Foundation.
Improved company performance
A Harvard Business Review study found that firms with employee ownership outperform traditional businesses in productivity, profitability, and innovation – delivering stronger results for both employees and clients.
All this allows clients to work with highly engaged, experienced and motivated teams that deliver outstanding results.
“You can spot it right away,” said Corporate Recruiter Elizabeth Vatole. “Folks here don’t just show up, they show in. They invest themselves. Employee ownership isn’t just a structure. It’s a mindset we hire for.”
Looking ahead
For almost 70 years, The Korte Company has proven when employees own their work, they take ownership of the results. Employee ownership is a mindset that fuels our company culture, drives innovation and strengthens the trust of our clients.
Our people have built a reputation for quality, reliability and expertise that stands the test of time. From major infrastructure projects to military facilities and community schools, our work reflects the pride of employee-owners who put their everything behind every beam, bolt and blueprint.
As we look ahead, our foundation remains the same: our people. Employee ownership continues to drive our success, ensuring that every project, no matter how big or small, carries forward the legacy we’ve worked so hard to build.
“I’ve worn many hats at Korte, and each role felt like building upon a shared legacy — our legacy,” said Executive Assistant Sandy Grapperhaus.
While the term “employee ownership” might not always be explicitly mentioned, its benefits echo through every story. It’s felt in the loyalty, the long careers, the joy of being part of something meaningful and the mutual accountability that drives quality work.
At The Korte Company, employee ownership is a way of working, living and Building Smart together.
“After nearly four decades, I appreciate Korte for giving me a chance and letting me expand on my experience,” said Rich Holcmann, retired superintendent. “The camaraderie here is unmatched, a true testament to a company where everyone has a stake.”
