Feb. 26, 2205

This paid piece is sponsored by GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness.

Gil Haugan Construction literally has helped build GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness into the organization it is today.

The company regularly assists with upgrades and remodels across GreatLIFE locations. It served as general contractor on the initial major renovation of Woodlake Athletic Club when GreatLIFE opened, as well as GreatLIFE Performance & Fitness Center and with precast and on-site support for work at Willow Run Golf Course and its clubhouse expansion.

But along the way, a bigger, broader and even more impactful relationship was built.

As one of GreatLIFE’s longtime corporate partners, Gil Haugan Construction connected with the membership-based golf and fitness organization and immediately realized how many common values they shared.

“We believe in genuine relationships, hard work and unwavering commitment,” said Kevin Eigenberg, the company’s CFO.

“Our focus is on doing it right and getting it done, ensuring success in every project.”

Since 1960 when it was founded by Gil Haugan Sr. and his wife, Iola, the company has grown into an 80-person team specializing in new commercial construction, renovations and complex remodels across a variety of industries, including health care, education, corporate, retail, manufacturing and restaurants.

Eigenberg vividly remembers when GreatLIFE chairman Tom Walsh Sr. announced that he was bringing the business to Sioux Falls and asked the company about becoming a corporate partner.

“He met with the leadership team, sharing his vision for how GreatLIFE could positively impact the community,” Eigenberg said. “His passion for the initiative was evident, and his commitment to making a difference resonated with the team.”

During that conversation, Eigenberg was particularly moved by Walsh’s dedication to supporting Wounded Warriors. Walsh spoke about the annual SouthFork Hunting Lodge hunt near Dallas, South Dakota, an event that honors and supports veterans.

At the time, Eigenberg’s son was serving in the Marine Corps and deployed in the Middle East, making the story especially meaningful. Recognizing the personal connection, Walsh handed Eigenberg a challenge coin, a token that would allow his son and three guests to experience a weekend at the lodge.

“Needless to say, I was speechless. Mailing that coin to my son and reading the letter about it really meant a lot to him! He was very excited to return home and enjoy that hunt,” Eigenberg said. “To me, the gesture left a lasting impact, and the opportunity to share that experience with my son reinforced the values that both GreatLIFE and Gil Haugan Construction uphold.”

As a corporate sponsor, Gil Haugan Construction saw an opportunity to invest in its team by offering 50 percent off of GreatLIFE memberships to all employees.

“As a company that operates like a family, Gil Haugan Construction cares deeply about the health and well-being of its employees,” said Tina Heeren, senior relationship manager and customer development.

“Many team members, including leadership, have embraced the family golf and fitness membership, leading to years of memorable experiences golfing with family, friends and colleagues. The team at Willow Run Golf Course has become like an extended family, reinforcing the welcoming and inclusive environment GreatLIFE has created.”

Beyond membership, Gil Haugan Construction actively encourages employee participation in wellness programs by reminding the team of GreatLIFE’s numerous benefits.

The partnership continues to grow, with GreatLIFE supporting Gil Haugan Construction’s deeper commitment to employee health and most recently attending the company’s annual meeting as a vendor.

“Additionally, GreatLIFE brings together corporate partners through events that foster collaboration and fellowship, strengthening relationships beyond the workplace,” Heeren said.

For GreatLIFE, the partnership is equally meaningful, president Nick Ovenden said.

“Our corporate partners see the benefit of staying healthy for their employees,” he said.

“We’re committed to customizing these relationships, offering ways our partners can contribute to their employees’ memberships, coming in to do lunch-and-learns or even doing things like bringing in a massage therapist for chair massage. Every workplace has different needs.”

For Heeren, who joined Gil Haugan Construction in May 2024, becoming a GreatLIFE member in the fall has not only improved her own health but also sparked a fitness journey for her sons, Jett and Case.

“It’s a weekly occurrence at our house! After school and on weekends, there’s always a shout out of ‘When are we going to GreatLIFE?’ My boys are gaining confidence on the equipment and learning about strength training. It’s exciting to include them in my own health journey,” she said.

“Together, we’re getting braver and trying new things!”

For Eigenberg, the golf course has become his GreatLIFE passion. He has leaned fully into the sport, not only spending time on the course but also taking private lessons with a GreatLIFE pro to refine his skills.

“The customer service is top-notch,” he said.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity GreatLIFE provides for me and my family. Our time on the course, both playing and in lessons, has created so many great memories.”

Prioritizing fitness for the Gil Haugan Construction team is essential because a physically strong and mentally sharp workforce is less prone to errors that could lead to injuries. In an industry where safety is critical, maintaining physical health directly impacts job performance.

“The demands of construction work bring both physical strain and mental stress,” Heeren said.

“Regular exercise has been proven to reduce anxiety, improve focus and boost overall mental health. For us, it leads to a more engaged, productive and confident team.”

By integrating fitness programs and encouraging the use of facilities like GreatLIFE, “we’re investing in the long-term health, safety and success of our employees,” she continued. “A culture of wellness not only enhances individual well-being but also strengthens our team’s ability to perform at the highest level, ensuring a safer and more efficient work environment.”

GreatLIFE’s corporate partners also benefit from opportunities to come together for regular networking events.

“I’ve heard of several business relationships that have strengthened through these events,” Ovenden said. “It’s proven to be impactful to be very intentional about getting like-minded organizations together.”

For Gil Haugan, the partnership with GreatLIFE has grown stronger over time.

“As we’ve seen firsthand the positive impact on our employees, our confidence in the partnership and its benefits has only increased,” Heeren said.

“The value it brings to promote health, create community and support active lifestyles has reinforced our commitment to continuing and expanding our collaboration.”

GreatLIFE has a dedicated group of longtime corporate partners but is able to add new ones.

“We always sit down and have a conversation first about whether it’s a good fit,” Ovenden said. “But especially as more new businesses come to town, we want to make sure we’re connecting and in a position to show them the Sioux Falls experience.”

To learn more about GreatLIFE corporate partnerships, click here or contact membersupport@joingreatlife.com.