Derek O’Connor

Derek O’Connor joined Knutson in 1996 as a carpenter’s apprentice with several years’ experience already under his belt. He worked construction starting at age 15 during summers and enlisted with the Army Reserve when he was just 17. He moved to the operations side as a field engineer and has held roles of increasing responsibility ever since. Now a project executive, continues to cover a lot of ground. From mentoring team members to managing the financial side of operations and still managing projects, no two days are ever a like. Derek has had the opportunity to see Knutson’s Rochester office grow from just a few people to over 45 employees  and over 100 field employees.  And he’s seen our project types evolve and our impact on the community grow as well. Derek holds a BS in Construction from University of Wisconsin-Stout and an OSHA 30 certification. He is a member and volunteer with the Preston Services Club, coaches for Filmore Central Youth Sporting Activities and leads Preston’s Youth Summer Fast-Pitch program.

Derek and his wife Janet have three children, Jeremy, Dillon and Haley.  His hobbies include farming, coaching, going to sports activities, spending time with family, and restoring old vehicles, currently a 1970 C10 Chevy Pick-up.