Branch served: U.S. Army Special Forces, 5 years of service
Cory Althoff is equally proud of earning his Green Beret and starting a business with his brother. The first accomplishment tested him mentally and physically. The second continues to challenge him in new ways, while giving him a place to put the lessons of his military service to work.
Today, Cory is president and co-founder of Althoff Brothers, a residential and commercial builder and remodeler serving Fargo-Moorhead and the surrounding lakes area. From 2012 to 2017, he served in the U.S. Army Special Forces, completing two deployments. He was a Special Forces communications sergeant, designated 18E, on a 12-man team with the 10th Special Forces Group at Fort Carson, CO.
After leaving the Army and briefly working as a defense contractor, Cory and his wife decided to return to Fargo. They wanted to be closer to both sides of their family and raise their three children in the community where they grew up.
His construction career included starting Althoff Homes, which specialized in remodeling and finish carpentry. That work gave him experience with different parts of the building process before he went into business with his brother.
Construction also gave him a renewed sense of purpose. He could take an idea, work alongside a team, and help create a home or commercial space that people would use for years. The trust and accountability he valued in the Army had a place in that work, too.
What originally inspired you to join the military?
My family and our love for this country. Both my dad and grandpa had long military careers, so military service was a big part of our lives growing up.
In addition to serving our country, I joined for a few reasons. I wanted a challenge, to see the world, and to help those in need. I’m very fortunate to have done all of those things during my time in the Army.
What did serving as a Green Beret teach you about teamwork?
My time as a Green Beret taught me that teamwork is built on trust and accountability. You learn that success isn’t about being the best individual, but about being someone your team can count on.
That lesson has stayed with me since the military, especially in construction, where the best results come from people working together toward a common goal.
How did you transition from military service into your current career?
After leaving the military, I briefly worked as a defense contractor before my wife and I decided to move back to Fargo. Being closer to both sides of our family and raising our three kids in the community we grew up in was important to us.
