Unleashing the potential for new opportunities
Diversity improves our business and the communities we serve.
We find it imperative to develop and sustain diversity within our workforce, our subcontractor and supplier community, and be constantly evolving through diversity education and community outreach. We believe in the power of diversity of presence that leads to the power of diversity of thought and strive for a workforce that is a reflection of the communities we serve. Diversity education is championed from the top of our organization to every employee creating a culture where every team member is important and appreciated.
On our projects, our diversity plan includes our commitment to support diversity goals – good faith efforts aren’t good efforts. We intend to “Meet the Goal!” Knutson’s diversity success is measured by the inclusion of business and workforce goals as required by our clients as well as our own self-imposed goals.
Subcontractors and Suppliers
Knutson Construction has a history of and is committed to working with minority, women, and local subcontractors. We continuously seek ways to support small businesses and collaborate with subcontractors to ensure we get the best possible pricing and the highest value for diversity participation. Our strong relationship with both minority and women business organizations allows us to promote industry opportunities and hire the best candidates. Contractors who bid with Knutson always have a clear understanding that winning the bid is not based on price alone.
United in Diversity
We demonstrate our commitment to diversity by recognizing that it is in our best interest to encourage a broad base of subcontractors, suppliers and vendor relationships, and by understanding that utilizing diverse subcontractors, suppliers and vendors contributes to the economic growth and expansion of the communities we serve. Our objective is to offer these businesses the opportunity to align with all other subcontractors, suppliers and vendors in the competitive marketplace which ensures that our customers get the best prices for the products and services that we provide. Knutson continuously seek ways to partner with diverse talent, suppliers, and subcontractors and assist in broadening the reach of these partners within the greater community.
As a General Contractor, Knutson Construction, has been the rock for our company to lean. In 2015 Knutson awarded our company one of its first contracts. Their support extended past the contracts with assisting our company with vital components to our business such as our much needed umbrella policy for our general liability insurance. Knutson has continued to support our company through their KAP Program. It is not only an industry educational program but also creates access to the decision makers within Knutson for subcontracting opportunities. As a small minority and woman owned company, Knutson has offered us a level playing field and the ability compete with other subcontractors in the industry. Knutson has been a major key to our growth and continued success over the past 5 years. We hold a tremendous amount of gratitude and respect for Knutson and their KAP Program.
Wendy Sullivan, Owner and CEO
WENRICH PD Construction, LLC.
KAP Program
In 2015 Knutson launched its “Knutson Alliance Program,” also known as KAP, that engages, mentors, builds experience and empowers diverse businesses as they grow their businesses through competitive opportunities within the market. Our KAP program currently consists of ten minority, women and veteran owned businesses and continues to grow in the Twin Cities and other markets we do business.
For more information on how to work with Knutson as a diverse subcontractor or supplier or how to apply for our KAP program please contact our Diversity Director, Ramona Wilson, by phone at 763.525.3008 or by email at [email protected]
Plans For The Future
Diversity Director Ramona Wilson recently sat down with Finance & Commerce reporter Brian Johnson for an episode of Beyond the Skyline. Beyond the Skyline is a podcast about economic development, commercial real estate, and construction in Minnesota. Above all, it’s a show about what’s next, creativity and the innovation in technology that are changing how we work and shaping the future of business in our state.
Ramona had the opportunity to discuss the exciting things happening in the world of construction, her return to Knutson, and her goals for integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion on our projects now and in the future.
Knutson Wins DEI Impact Champion Award
On January 17-18, 2023, the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Minnesota held their annual Construction Summit at the St. Paul RiverCentre. Several Knutson Construction employees were in attendance when the company was awarded a DEI Impact Champion award for their initiatives in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Learn more about the event and Knutson's continued commitment to diversity by heading over to our blog page.