Rice Companies doesn’t feel like a newcomer in Fargo so much as a trusted builder that finally decided to plant a permanent flag here. Founded in 1953 in Sauk Rapids, MN, Rice Companies is a third-generation, family-owned construction firm that’s spent more than 70 years shaping commercial and industrial spaces across the Midwest.
A Fargo Team Built For Full-service Construction
Rice Companies opened its Fargo branch in 2020 and quickly became a meaningful part of the metro’s construction mix. In 2023, the team moved into a brand-new office and shop facility at 5301 Veterans Blvd. S., just off Veterans Drive in south Fargo because they wanted to make an investment that signals they’re here for the long haul.
What sets the Fargo location apart is its “all-in-house” capability. The team provides architectural design and engineering, full-service commercial construction, facility maintenance, remodeling, and reroofing. That means clients don’t have to stitch together multiple vendors. Rice can take a project from early concept through ribboncutting, and then stay involved for years afterward, helping the building perform the way it should.
The Fargo branch is led by General Manager Shane Stecker and staffed with experienced project managers, architects, field crews, and service technicians. Their bench is built to handle everything from steel and concrete work to follow-up service calls, which is a big reason the office has been growing steadily since launch
Design-Build, The Rice Way
Rice’s design-build model is one of their clearest strengths. Their architects, designers, and engineers collaborate directly with the construction team, using tools like
BIM modeling and 3D renderings to troubleshoot early and keep projects on track. The payoff is speed, clarity, and fewer surprises during construction.
They also partner with Butler Manufacturing to deliver preengineered steel systems. For large industrial and distribution builds in particular, Butler systems allow Rice to blend the advantages of pre-engineered speed with the customization of conventional construction.
Experience That Counts
Rice Companies have a proven commitment to excellence. Their relationship driven dedication is reflected by their impressive portpholio and returning clients, and the numbers don’t lie. Some of these numbers include:
3,5000
Construction Projects
85%
Repeat Client Business
72
Years in Business
The Border States Distribution Center (North Fargo)
One of the most notable Fargo-area projects in Rice’s current portfolio is the new Border States Distribution Center, a major industrial build that speaks to both the region’s growth and Rice’s capability to scale.
The Msu Moorhead Alumni Center
Rice’s Fargo team also has a growing track record of education and community-based work. A recent example is the Minnesota State University Moorhead Alumni Center, which is a 16,000 square foot project that was completed in 2024.
Meet A Few Of The Fargo Professionals Behind The Builds
Rice’s local momentum comes down to people, and these Fargo-based team members worth knowing.Together, this mix of project leadership and design horsepower is what makes Fargo’s “single-source” promise real. There are over 160 employees designing and building projects across the Midwest, and here in Fargo the team is 30+ strong.
Audri manages projects from pre-construction planning through final delivery, keeping budgets honest and schedules realistic. She works daily with engineers, architects, subcontractors, suppliers, and clients to make sure every moving part lines up. Audri studied construction management at Minnesota State University Moorhead, has five years of industry experience, and joined Rice in 2025.
Tom leads architectural design from concept through completion, translating client needs into buildable, efficient, good-looking spaces. He earned his master’s in architecture from NDSU, brings six years of experience to the role, and joined Rice in 2024.
Crystal oversees project design and development across all phases, ensuring drawings, documents, and timelines stay tight. She also holds a master’s in architecture from NDSU, has 10 years of experience, and joined Rice in 2024.
Become a part of the rice companies team!
Rice Companies is currently looking to add new professionals onto their Fargo team. Two key roles currently open in Fargo include:
- Estimator
- Steel foreman
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