Aug. 29, 2024

Less than three years ago, doctors didn’t expect Robbie Veurink to survive the night as COVID-19 threatened to overcome him.

But 106 days after being admitted to Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center, he was discharged, and following lengthy rehabilitation, he returned to running multiple businesses he has founded in engineering and construction.

By this June, Veurink was engineering solutions that assisted South Dakota communities desperately trying to hold onto infrastructure during damaging floods.

And this week, he was recognized for that work with the South Dakota Award of Merit from the American Water Works Association.

“Robbie’s journey is a testament to resilience, dedication and an unwavering commitment to his community,” said Chris Myers, water superintendent for the city of Sioux Falls, in nominating Veurink for the honor.

Veurink was recognized for “his extraordinary efforts” during and after the late June floods in southeast South Dakota, northwest Iowa and southwest Minnesota. During this event, parts of the region experienced over 15 inches of rain in a 48-hour period.

“This deluge led to extensive flooding, damaging and destroying homes and businesses, and straining critical wastewater infrastructure. Robbie’s response was nothing short of heroic,” Myers said.

“Robbie jumped into action quickly and presented an opportunity to the city of Sioux Falls to use some of his extraordinary water pumping equipment. Throughout the flood, the city utilized his equipment, likely saving countless homes and businesses from water damage.”

Veurink also was called upon to assist the McCook Lake community after the devastating impact of flooding on homes, Myers added, noting that Veurink conducted emergency structural analysis of 69 homes to determine if they were safe to occupy.

“In Rock Valley, (Iowa), the city suffered a devastating levee breach, resulting in the flooding of several homes, commercial businesses, churches and schools,” Myers said. “Robbie and his team expedited the foundation design and install of an emergency school, aiming to complete the project in just two weeks. To accelerate construction, Black Tie Components is providing the wall panels and floor trusses.” The temporary structure will hold six of the needed classrooms.

Veurink and his team also helped Red Rock Quarry near Jeffers, Minnesota, pumping more than 60 million gallons of water, enabling the resumption of mining operations.

“One of the most impactful events occurred after the city of Vermillion, South Dakota, lost all three of its force mains across the Vermillion River to the treatment plant, necessitating the discharge of untreated wastewater into the river,” Myers said.

“Robbie, with the partnership of Midwest Engineering and Deep Foundation Group, proposed an innovative solution: an aerial bridge supporting a single discharge line to the treatment facility.”

This temporary measure allowed the continued treatment of wastewater, providing a crucial stopgap until a permanent solution could be implemented.

“Demonstrating remarkable efficiency and expertise, Robbie was able to turn around preliminary plans and pricing for multiple options in under 10 hours from being on-site,” Myers said.

“They fast-tracked the design and procurement of long-lead items through the Fourth of July holiday. Construction of deep foundation piling, steel frames, cable installation and piping was completed in just five days.”

The bridge spans 185 feet and carries a 12-inch HDPE pipe.

“This quick and effective response was crucial in managing the crisis, showing Robbie’s capability to handle fast-paced emergencies with turnkey solutions,” Myers said.

“Robbie and his team have alleviated a tremendous burden on multiple communities and private companies through their efforts in mitigation, recovery and risk avoidance. Their work has not only mitigated immediate damage but has also helped to safeguard the future of these communities. Our communities are profoundly grateful for Robbie’s investment in our cities and homes.”

Veurink began his engineering career with the city of Sioux Falls as a project manager, working on large projects such as the Denny Sanford Premier Center and the Midco Aquatic Center. He went on to co-found Midwest Engineering Co. with business partner Brent Krohn. He also owns and operates Deep Foundation Group and Black Tie Components, both specialty engineering companies.

“What we do is what we enjoy, and I couldn’t do it without a great team,” he said in accepting the award.

“They’re willing to go to war with me every day, and sometimes that means in the middle of the night. Whenever something comes up, I give a phone call, and instantly everyone is there. … My family, my wife is super-supportive of what we do, and without her, I couldn’t do half of this. I credit a lot of being alive to her today because she fought for me and kept me going when I was weak.”

To read his story of recovery, click below.

From near-death experience, business owner commits to ‘work with purpose’