In The News

John Curry Named Executive of the Year at 2023 Minnesota Real Estate Journal Awards

Minneapolis, MN – 04/24/23

Knutson Construction is pleased to announce that John Curry, Chief Executive Officer, was awarded the prestigious Executive of the Year honor at the Minnesota Real Estate Journal’s 2023 awards on April 20, 2023!

As the third-generation family member to lead Knutson, Curry, who was initially named president in late 2021, focused primarily on building out the company’s strategic plan as well as effectively leading the team through the COVID-19 pandemic and hyper-growth. Knutson’s growth soon began to change its capacities, and a transition was necessary to set the company up for success given these new demands. The president and CEO positions were broken apart into two separate roles, with the president working primarily on day-to-day operations and the CEO focusing on company culture, identity, and strategic planning. Due to his forward-thinking approach and innovative ideas, Curry was named CEO in June 2022, less than eight months after initially assuming the president position.

With Curry at the helm, Knutson has experienced continued growth, resulting in new client partnerships in both current and expanded markets while still keeping an emphasis on fostering existing relationships. His insight has also led to the firm adopting a new recruitment, retention, and promotion strategy for employees, as well as a more clearly defined vision, strategy, and culture to guide its future in a constantly changing industry.

Curry’s dedication to ensuring the deliverance of The Knutson Experience to employees, partners, clients, and beyond has well-positioned Knutson for continual growth. The firm was named a Star Tribune Top Workplace in 2022 and has also won numerous personnel, project, and company awards, including the first ever Associated General Contractors Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Impact Champion award for the company’s initiatives in diversity, equity, and inclusion. These achievements — as well as his drive, tenacity, and compassionate leadership style — were more than likely a swaying factor for the Minnesota Real Estate Journal’s selection commitment.

“It was an honor to receive this award and I give 100% of the credit to our team at Knutson,” said Curry when asked about this recognition. “I just want to congratulate everyone that was nominated and selected for the 2023 MN Real Estate Journal Awards – I was blown away by the incredible projects, companies and people that were recognized. A special congratulations to Joe Ryan with Oppidan for his Lifetime Achievement Award!”

We are honored by John’s win and grateful to have a strong leader guiding Team Blue as we continue delivering on our commitment to the communities we live, work, and play in. Please join us in congratulating John on this extremely well-deserved achievement!