Headquartered in Sioux Falls, Sunkota Construction has served South Dakota and the greater Midwest as a general contractor focusing on commercial construction and remodels since 1996.
The business, founded by Bob and Jeanette Fraser, was recently acquired by entrepreneurs Les and Sara Rowland. Les had become familiar with the brand when he worked with Sunkota as an architect on the SDSU Innovation Campus Incubator Building project where they were the contractor.
Sara & Les Rowland
“I have had a respect for the company ever since,” said Les. “When I found out the company was available for purchase, I pursued it due to not only the respect I had, but the desire to provide a greater understanding of the relationships between both professions.” Some of Sunkota’s accolades include Prairie Lakes Hospital in Watertown, and school additions and renovations including Rosa Parks Elementary, Eugene Field Elementary, Robert Frost Elementary, Brandon Valley High School, and Marion School.
They also have completed projects on the Augustana University campus, including a second story addition to the Elmen Center and renovation to the Center for Visual Arts.
One of their more personal projects was the 2009 build of the Sunkota building for the team.
“As new owners, we also wanted to bring in our own values of integrity, collaborations, and innovation alongside the people who have been its foundation all along,” described Les. “We want our team who have worked so hard to continue to feel seen and supported and proud of what we will accomplish together moving forward.”
“Great people continuing to do their great work! As new owners, we wanted to make sure our decisions honor the years of trust and dedication already in place. Our team isn’t just part of our foundation, they are our foundation.”
–LES ROWLAND
Finance director Amy Christoffels has been with Sunkota for 19 years, and says Les aims to continue the family-focused mentality, but also add his own expertise in the architectural world.
“I’m excited for the new owner’s style of managing people. I love the idea of a team approach. Everyone works together to accomplish a common goal of growing together,” said Christoffels. “Les isn’t ‘the boss,’ he’s just the facilitator to make us all do well at our jobs.”
Les says transparency is key to Sunkota.
Amy Christoffels
“Sunkota is a small company where you are not a number. We are also a very close-knit group and family oriented. We watch out for each other and work together.”
–AMY CHRISTOFFELS
“Our clients will know what to expect— who to talk to and how decisions are made, because we include them in that process,” he described. “We want that process to align with the values and expectations we hold ourselves to so we show up for our clients and build trust.”
The staff at Sunkota has well over 100 years of experience in general contracting and construction management, and Les steps in with the architectural side with his experience.
“We bring a renewed perspective on the relationship between the builder and the architect. Sunkota will continue to provide quality construction services like it has since the ‘90s, however, there will be a greater understanding of the relationship between both professions,” said Les. “Architects can learn a lot from builders, and the same can be said that builders can learn a lot from architects.”
“Transparency is our guiding principle. It means a clear communication from the first conversation to the final result.”
–LES ROWLAND
JUST KEEP SWIMMING
One of Sunkota’s most recent projects was the Midco Aquatics Center Locker Room Addition, which was completed spring of 2025.
“Having been a licensed architect for over 25 years, I fully understand the profession can become a lot better if we just listen to each other and let this comprehensive understanding improve the way we serve our clients.”
–LES ROWLAND
Les’s background, along with Sunkota’s history, also provide important relationships in the industry for clients.
“Sunkota is here to serve, and we would like to be thought of as a go-to partner for professional assistance ranging from building code assessment, maintenance and repair identification, remodel and new construction advice, and accurate construction cost budgeting,” he said.
DID YOU KNOW?
Sunkota transformed SID’s Crown Liquor into Nyberg’s ACE Hardware in downtown Sioux Falls.
The internal team is also what makes Sunkota shine, says Les. And Christoffels agrees, stating the powers combined are a good match for the company’s future.
“I think Sunkota’s values and people will stay the same with the new ownership,” she said. “But I look forward to where the new ownership can take Sunkota with new ideas, vision, and opportunity.”
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