April 26, 2021

This paid piece is sponsored by Journey Group.

Let’s be real: If you’re looking for work, you’re probably going to have as many choices as ever.

But there’s a difference between taking a job and starting on a career path.

There’s a difference between a company where few people know your name and one where they want to know about your family. Your goals. And your dreams.

There’s a difference between punching in your hours for the project of the day and being part of a team where you build something meaningful that will last for decades.

“At Journey Group, this is what we’re all about,” CEO Randy Knecht said. “We’re growing because we’ve shown we have what it takes to support both our employees and our clients. And we’re excited that this year we have so many ways for people to join our team.”

But we thought you should hear from the team members themselves.

Cody Koerner, field superintendent, Black-Top Paving

Cody Koerner joined Journey’s Black-Top Paving team about a year ago and has been in the industry more than 25 years.

What brought you to Journey, and what keeps you here?

I was excited about the safety team. They had a good reputation. The pay is good; the environment is good. They’re willing to take care of their people. And safety is important. Nobody wants to get hurt at work, so it’s great to be part of a team that cares and will listen.

What’s the best memory you’ve made at Journey?

Honestly, it was being hired as an assistant superintendent working with the concrete crew. My fondest memory is seeing that crew grow and develop into what it is this year. We’ve adding new pieces of equipment, so I’m really excited about it.

What do you think people would be surprised to learn about doing a job like yours at a place like Journey?

The fact that even though the work is hard, it’s fun. You’re with a great team. The morale is good. Everybody’s excited. You get to go to work instead of having to go to work. They have all the benefits a person would want: retirement, life insurance, health insurance. The benefits are great.

What project or projects have you worked on that meant the most to you and why?

One of the projects I took great pride in last year was we did some repairs on I-90. I was really happy with how it did not affect the ride. You didn’t feel the bump even though we took out a small patch. That was a lot of fun. On the asphalt side, doing the parking lot of the new Jefferson High School; it’s a large parking lot and everything is working out well, so I’m taking a lot of pride in that one as well.

Miguel Talavera, concrete foreman, Black-Top Paving

Miguel Talavera started his career with Journey’s Black-Top Paving team in June 2019.

What brought you to Journey, and what keeps you here?

I was looking for a company like Journey. Before I came to Journey, I had four years working in construction for a few different companies. But I was watching everywhere Journey worked, different buildings, and everything looked good. I heard about Journey and the great company it was with good values and culture. When I saw on Facebook they were looking for a concrete finisher, I applied right away, and they called me the next day. When I had my interview, I felt a good vibe. I felt good in the office. They explained what they expected, and I said this is the place I was looking for. They gave me opportunity right away.

I feel very, very happy. I love this company. I love the people, the culture, everything. And I feel proud of myself because I started talking to my friends about my experience with Journey and they made the decision to come with me, and they are happy here. It’s a good team, and I feel good because I brought them here and they enjoy working here too. I’m very thankful for Journey. I say, “Thanks, God, for myself and this place because they give opportunities not just for me but for everybody.”

What’s the best memory you’ve made at Journey?

I remember when I started on this crew and it was my first season pouring concrete for Black-Top and it was their first time with a concrete crew. In general, I remember when the head of safety came to talk with us, welcomed us and thanked us for being part of the team. Right away, I started feeling like I am working with a family. And all the people, like our division leader, helped me a lot.

What do you think people would be surprised to learn about doing a job like yours at a place like Journey?

When I started to work for Journey, my wife told me I look happy. She said when I go to work in the morning I look happy, and when I come home she can see on my face how I feel, and she said she knows I feel good working for Journey, so she’s happy too.

And a few people from Journey know my wife now and she says Journey is a great company too.

People are surprised how Journey follows policies around safety. Journey says something, and Journey does it. I can see with my co-workers the first weeks working here, they can’t believe how Journey cares. They want to do things the best.

What project or projects have you worked on that meant the most to you and why?

I like all the projects, but I’m very excited about a project I have this year: the bike trail reconstruction. I love cycling, so I’m very happy. I always try to do my best at my work, but over here I feel very good because I know I will use the bike trail that we’re going to fix. I’m so happy.

Arlyn Ulvestad, truck driver, Black-Top Paving

Arlyn Ulvestad is marking 19 years as part of Journey’s Black-Top Paving team.

What brought you to Journey, and what keeps you here?

I had to find a different job back in the day. Where I used to work closed, and I had to find a different line of work, and I ended up here. And I’ve just enjoyed being with the guys I’ve worked with over the years and enjoyed driving. They’re concerned about our welfare, and that’s what keeps me around.

What’s the best memory you’ve made at Journey?

Probably just the people I’ve made friends with over the years. I’ve met a lot of different people. I’ve seen a lot of different towns.

What do you think people would be surprised to learn about doing a job like yours at a place like Journey?

Safety is a big priority. They’re really getting good at safety and updating equipment. They’ve been updating a lot. I’ve been fortunate to drive new trucks every few years.

What project or projects have you worked on that meant the most to you and why?

It’s a combination of a lot of them. The big new Avera on Louise hospital lot was a good one.

Derek Stalheim, crane operator, SFC Civil Constructors

Derek Stalheim has been part of Journey’s SFC Civil Constructors team for 14 years.

What brought you to Journey, and what keeps you here?

My mother worked in the office there, so that’s how I learned of it. I did some home construction in high school, and when I turned 18, I worked here during the summer in college, and it became my first job. The opportunity to advance has kept me here and working with the guys in the field, the camaraderie.

What do you think people would be surprised to learn about doing a job like yours at a place like Journey?

With as much work as there is to do, it’s a lot easier than you think; you just have to apply yourself. And people are here to help you. Keep an open mind. It’s a lot of hard work, but it gets easier as you start learning more.

What project or projects have you worked on that meant the most to you and why?

I worked on the Avera Prairie Center, a structure behind Carino’s that was big for the Army Corps of Engineers, the Fort Randall Dam, the I-29 and 229 bridge, the interchange and a major bridge in Brookings.

David Hillary, lead concrete finisher, SFC Civil Constructors

David Hillary joined Journey’s SFC Civil Constructors team two years ago.

What brought you to Journey, and what keeps you here?

Honestly, I needed a job. I liked this one because the culture is good. It’s like the perfect environment. There are no problems at all. You can actually learn some skills.

What’s the best memory you’ve made at Journey?

Different activities we’ve had, like this year we’ve been having pizza parties. We all get along very, very well. We laugh all day pretty much.

What do you think people would be surprised to learn about doing a job like yours at a place like Journey?

You’re actually involved in different things. It’s not that you’re doing the same exact thing every day. You’re doing tons of stuff. This job experience is actually perfect; it’s like a family culture. Everybody here is very, very close, so it’s a perfect environment to work in.

What project or projects have you worked on that meant the most to you and why?

Last year I worked on the Eighth Street bridge downtown. That’s the best project I’ve done. I learned a ton.

Michael Reichelt, finish carpenter, Journey Construction

Michael Reichelt will mark four years with Journey Construction in July.

What brought you to Journey, and what keeps you here?

My in-laws are neighbors with one of the superintendents here, and I was doing some work at their house one day, and he talked me into coming to Journey.

I’ve stayed because the skills you learn in construction extend far beyond what you do at your daily job. They allow you to be self-sufficient at work and home, and allow you to be a valuable part of the workforce.

What’s the best memory you’ve made at Journey?

Working in Pierre was the first really big job I was a part of, so I remember that for sure. I lived with my wife’s cousin and his wife for about a year, so I got to stay with them, and it was just a fun project to be part of.

What do you think people would be surprised to learn about doing a job like yours at a place like Journey?

It takes a willingness to learn, but anyone can do it as long as you want to do it.

What project or projects have you worked on that meant the most to you and why?

I worked at Avera on Louise. That was the biggest project and the most meaningful one I’ve worked on.

Bob Zimmer, lead finish carpenter, Journey Construction

Bob Zimmer has been with Journey Construction for seven years.

What brought you to Journey, and what keeps you here?

I was looking for a change. I like the variety of work we do. It’s always changing, and you’re always working with different people, and it’s a good culture.

What’s the best memory you’ve made at Journey?

I’d have to say overall meeting people, different tradesmen and women. It’s a privilege.

What do you think people would be surprised to learn about doing a job like yours at a place like Journey?

I think that you’re able to take a lot of pride in your work. You can stand back and see what’s been accomplished. A lot of people never see that in what they do every day at work. You’re behind a desk, and you see what’s on a computer.

What project or projects have you worked on that meant the most to you and why?

All of them really are. The big one is we built Avera on Louise. I was there more than a year. And other hospitals and clinics, schools.

Building your neighborhood and your community and you can take and use your experience where you live. There’s a high demand for tradesmen. You can get great wages and be experienced in a trade.

Are you ready to join Journey’s team? There are multiple opportunities right now. Various positions are offering a $1,000 sign-on bonus. Click here to learn more.