In shortThere wouldn’t be commercial real estate with materials to build.
3 things to know
1Building North Dakota Since 1904 There wouldn’t be commercial real estate without the materials to build.
2And, In the rolling plains of western North Dakota, where the clay-rich earth has been shaped by millions of years of geologic history, a small-town brick plant has stood the test of time.
3Hebron Brick Co., founded in 1904 by Charles Weigel and Ferdinand Leutz, is not only the oldest manufacturer in North Dakota—stands today as the state’s only brickmaking plant.
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Building North Dakota Since 1904
There wouldn’t be commercial real estate without the materials to build. And, In the rolling plains of western North Dakota, where the clay-rich earth has been shaped by millions of years of geologic history, a small-town brick plant has stood the test of time. Hebron Brick Co., founded in 1904 by Charles Weigel and Ferdinand Leutz, is not only the oldest manufacturer in North Dakota—stands today as the state’s only brickmaking plant.
At its peak, North Dakota was home to 18 brick plants, each fueling the rapid expansion of towns and cities across the prairie. But while others shuttered under the pressures of war, recession, or changing demand, Hebron endured. Today, more than a century after its first kiln was lit, the company is still producing with clay from the Golden Valley Formation—an ancient source dating back 58 to 64 million years.
We’re pretty proud of the fact that we are the oldest manufacturer operating in North Dakota,” Vice President of Sales Justin Anderson said. “We’re not shy about telling people about that.
The company’s history is filled with moments that tested its resolve. In 1913, Hebron upgraded its facilities to include 12 continuous kilns, bringing annual production close to 5 million bricks. By 1916, that number had jumped to 8.5 million. The plant moved from horse-drawn clay wagons to rail delivery, marking its early embrace of industrial progress.
But progress didn’t shield Hebron from hardship. World War I brought severe economic strain, and the company filed for bankruptcy. Just a few years later, in 1926, disaster struck again when a massive fire destroyed much of the plant. Undeterred, Hebron rebuilt, converting its kilns to gas and setting the stage for decades of continued production.
Through the Great Depression, another world war, and sweeping changes in the construction industry, Hebron Brick managed to survive when others did not. Its longevity has made it both a cornerstone of the community and a rare example of industrial persistence on the Northern Plains.
For decades, Hebron Brick remained under private ownership, most notably under longtime leader Rodney Paseka, who began as a sales manager before acquiring the company in the 1980s. In 2017, Paseka made a transformative decision: he sold the company to its employees through a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
That change, according to Anderson, reshaped not only the business model but also the culture inside the plant and its showrooms.
“The difference it’s made—it’s been a real turnaround for some employees,” Anderson said. “It’s been really phenomenal. Employee retention has been outstanding since the transition. Nobody leaves.”
Long-term employees, many of whom already had 10 or 20 years with the company, became immediately vested in the ESOP. With each passing year, as the company paid down debt and the stock price rose, those statements reflected real growth in employee ownership. The result was more buy-in, stronger accountability, and a deeper pride in the company’s success.
The difference employee ownership has made—it’s been phenomenal. Nobody leaves.” — Justin Anderson, VP of Sales
1904
Founded by Charles Weigel and Ferdinand Leutz.
1913
Plant upgraded to 12 continuous kilns, producing nearly 5 million bricks annually
1916
Production climbs to 8.5 million bricks.
1921
General & sales office moves to Fargo, ND.
1926
Fire destroys much of the plant; rebuilt with gasfired kilns.
1980’S
Purchased by Rodney Paseka, who later becomes sole owner.
2017
Transitioned to a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
2020’S
Expansion of modern showrooms in Fargo, Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and beyond.
Modernization And Automation
While Hebron Brick takes pride in its century-old roots, the company has never been content to rest on history. Plant upgrades in the 1990s gave the factory a modern foundation, and today the company is actively exploring automation to improve efficiency and worker safety.
“Our goal isn’t to replace people,” Anderson said. “It’s about repositioning them. The work at the plant is tough, and if automation can make those jobs easier while also getting material packaged and shipped more efficiently, that’s a win.”
The company is currently targeting automation in packaging, which will save both time and energy in preparing loads for shipment across North America. Opportunities for growth often come through low-interest loans or grants, and Hebron has worked to stay agile in seizing those chances when available.
This balance—honoring traditional craftsmanship while adopting forward-looking solutions—has kept Hebron competitive in a rapidly changing industry
Hebron By The Numbers
170 Employees
across two plants and seven retail locations.
58–64 Million Years:
Age of the Golden Valley Formation clay still used today
120 Years
of continuous operation, making Hebron the oldest manufacturer in North Dakota.
100%
ESOP-owned since 2017.
Showrooms Designed For The Future
Perhaps the most visible evolution of Hebron Brick over the last two decades has been its investment in design-forward showrooms. Moving away from the old “brickyard vibe,” Hebron has reimagined its retail spaces as selection centers— places where homeowners, builders, and architects can collaborate in a curated, professional environment.
The newest showroom in Rapid City exemplifies this strategy. Customers can explore materials in person or engage virtually through digital walkthroughs. Designers and contractors are encouraged to send clients directly to Hebron, where trained staff help guide selections.
“We’ve really become a source for builders and designers to be comfortable sending their customers in so we can work for them,” Anderson said. “You don’t even have to come in yourself—just send your client to us and we’ll take care of it.”
From Sioux Falls to Fargo, Rapid City to Bismarck, the company has either built new showrooms or remodeled existing ones to reflect this collaborative approach. A new office is also under construction at the Hebron plant itself, updating facilities that dated back to the 1950s.
What Makes Hebron Unique
The only surviving brick plant in North Dakota.
Oldest continuously operating manufacturer in the state.
Combines traditional clay brickmaking with modern showroom design centers.
Distribution network spans all of North America.
National Reach With Local Roots
Hebron Brick employs around 170 people across two manufacturing plants and seven retail locations—the most in its history. The company’s distribution network spans the entire continent, with bricks shipped from coast to coast, yet its success remains closely tied to the resilience of the Upper Midwest economy.
“When one side of the business is up, the other might be down,” Anderson said. “But that balance—regional supply stores paired with national manufacturing distribution—keeps us pretty even keel.”
In recent years, both arms of the company have surged together, a rare alignment that speaks to Hebron’s adaptability and reputation. Whether serving a local contractor in Fargo or fulfilling a large-scale order for a national distributor, Hebron Brick has managed to bridge local trust with a broad market reach.
West Fargo, ND
Bismarck, ND
Grand Forks, ND
Minot, ND
Sioux Falls, SD
Rapid City, SD
Fergus Falls, MN
Employee Ownership And Accountability
The heart of Hebron Brick today is its people. With 100% employee ownership, every worker—from plant laborers to retail sales staff—has a stake in the company’s performance. That shared responsibility has translated into remarkable retention and a culture built on accountability.
“Our theme this year is personal accountability,” Anderson said. “When you give that message to a group of owners, everyone takes heed. We’ve seen people tighten their belts, stay focused, and buy in fully.”
The ESOP model has proven especially effective at keeping experienced employees in place while motivating newer hires to see the long-term value of their work. With debt shrinking and share values rising, employees can see in real time how their efforts build not just bricks, but their own financial futures.
A Cornerstone For The Next Century
if you treat your customer correctly and provide them with quality product, you’re going to do fine.” — Justin Anderson
From its beginnings in 1904 to its place today as North Dakota’s oldest manufacturer, Hebron Brick has been more than a company. It has been a cornerstone for communities, a quiet constant through wars, recessions, and shifting economies. Now, with employee ownership guiding its future, Hebron is proving that legacy and innovation can be built side by side.
For builders, architects, and business owners, Hebron Brick represents not only durability and craftsmanship but also a partnership rooted in accountability, service, and trust.
That simple principle has carried Hebron Brick through 120 years. And with a team of owners shaping its future, it’s a principle that will carry it through the next hundred as well.
Editor of Fargo INC! — covering the founders, companies, and ideas shaping business in Fargo-Moorhead. Eleven years in, still no opinions, no politics, all business.
