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Louie Johnson’s entrepreneurial mind led him to start his own construction company, Johnson Construction (“JC”), in 1975. His intuitive, “can do” attitude put him on the path to become a leading contractor in the tri-state area.
PICTURED TO THE LEFT
Top: Louie (left) at Las Vegas Con Expo | 1973
Bottom: Louie (right) alongside Roy Books, Butler Machinery Rep | 1980
PICTURED BELOW
Top: Louie (left) at Las Vegas Con Expo | 1973
Bottom: Louie (right) alongside Roy Books, Butler Machinery Rep | 1980
Beginning as a municipal & heavy contractor, Johnson Construction expanded into asphalt and concrete paving. Louie’s son Jeff was almost always on the job sites with him and began working as a pipefitter on the weekends when he was 12 years old.
The company built a substantial project portfolio over the course of 14 years for many cities spanning across North Dakota, Minnesota and South Dakota.
PICTURED TO THE RIGHT
Top: Johnson Construction office sign | 1985
Bottom: Louie at Concrete pave in Wahpeton/Breckenridge | 1987
PICTURED BELOW
Top: Johnson Construction office sign | 1985
Bottom: Louie at Concrete pave in Wahpeton/Breckenridge | 1987
Louie’s dream of sharing his passion with his son Jeff came true in 1989, when together they founded Dakota Underground Company, Inc.
Though this marked the start of a new chapter, Johnson Construction’s initials “jc” still remain in Dakota Underground’s logo, representing the history preceding 1989.
PICTURED TO THE LEFT
Top: Construction equipment auction | 1989
Bottom: First Dakota Underground Office Sign | 2000
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Top: Construction equipment auction | 1989
Bottom: First Dakota Underground Office Sign | 2000
Beginning as a municipal sewer & water utilities contractor, we’ve since expanded into earthmoving, grading, concrete paving, curb & gutter, concrete structures, and water transmission pipelines in the tri-state area.
Our key personnel wear many hats, and all employees play an important role in our consistent ability to complete a wide range of infrastructure projects on or ahead of schedule while remaining a safe workplace.
PICTURED TO THE RIGHT
Top: Jeff Operating Excavator in Fargo | 1995
Bottom: Grand Forks South Washington Pave| 1999
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Top: Jeff Operating Excavator in Fargo | 1995
Bottom: Grand Forks South Washington Pave| 1999
Louie lost his battle to cancer in 2013, but his resounding legacy lives on through his family, and his passion for quality construction done “the right way” is embodied every day by Jeff and the many dedicated people of Dakota Underground—we take great pride in this.
Our company ethos is rooted in family values, and it always will be. In a time where careers in construction/trades are celebrated far too little, we are proud of the hands-on work we do to lay the foundations above and below the grounds of the communities our families call home.
PICTURED TO THE RIGHT
Top: Louie with grandkids Katie, Jake, Halle & Lacie (left to right), 2004
Bottom: Foremen pickups parked at louie’s funeral, 2013
PICTURED BELOW
Top: Louie with grandkids Katie, Jake, Halle & Lacie (left to right), 2004
Bottom: Foremen pickups parked at Louie’s funeral, 2013
We’re always encouraging hard workers to join our crews for construction season. No experience required for laborers.
We have employees who are full-time college students and work part-time in the fall. We can accommodate your schedule!
If you're interested in heavy equipment operating but don't have the experience, reach out to us - we may be able to help!
Start as a laborer, learn on the job and move up from there. Our people are rewarded for learning the business from the ground up.
