Moving Sioux Falls Forward: Bierschbach Equipment & Supply

Nov. 18, 2024

This paid piece is sponsored by the Sioux Falls Development Foundation/Forward Sioux Falls.

An employee-owned company supporting the construction industry marks 45 years in business this year.

Bierschbach Equipment & Supply has grown to five locations and continues to invest in its Sioux Falls presence.

“Homegrown companies like Bierschbach really help support the overall growth of the Sioux Falls area and our broader region,” said Bob Mundt, president and CEO of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation.

“We’re proud to be their corporate headquarters and congratulate them and their employee-owners on the recent milestone anniversary.”

Here’s a closer look at the business, courtesy of president Chad O’Donnell.

Business name: Bierschbach Equipment & Supply

Year founded: October 1979 in Sioux Falls

Total employees in the Sioux Falls area: 35

CEO/lead executive in Sioux Falls: Chad O’Donnell, president

How would you describe your organization to someone not familiar with it?

Bierschbach is an employee-owned company, or ESOP, with its headquarters in Sioux Falls and locations in Rapid City, Sioux City, Fargo and Dickinson, that sells, rents and services light construction equipment and distributes construction materials and supplies to the construction industry across six states in the north-central region. We work closely with all construction trades and many government agencies. We pride ourselves on being problem-solvers for our customers.

What are the top three reasons you continue to locate in the Sioux Falls area?

Sioux Falls is a very progressive community that is focused on improving the business climate for our local businesses as well as welcoming new business. Sioux Falls provides a high quality of life and offers a great community to live in and raise a family. The growth that Sioux Falls has experienced aligns very well with our business.

What are you most proud of within your business in the past year?

The 2024 construction season got off to a difficult start this year. Early heavy rains have delayed many construction projects, interest rates had some projects on hold, and building permits are down. The switch was flipped in the late summer and early fall. Things have gotten very busy. The delayed start is now cramming the season into a short window. Our teams have responded very well to making sure we’re providing the high quality of service our customers expect from us.

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your business?

The workforce is a major concern for us. For example, our business requires skilled service technicians to service the equipment we sell and rent, as well as servicing our customers’ equipment. Without enough service people, equipment is shut down and not available for use. There are fewer people qualified and interested in this type of work.

How would you describe the culture of your business in three words?

Thinking like owners.

Why does your business choose to invest in Forward Sioux Falls?

The mission and goals of Forward Sioux Falls align very well with Bierschbach. Our business depends on growth in our markets. Workforce development is an important initiative — we all need to attract talented employees. Forward Sioux Falls does a great job focusing on these issues. We also make a point of emphasizing community involvement within Bierschbach and list community involvement as one of our core values. By being a member of Forward Sioux Falls, we’re walking our talk.

What specific advantages or values have you found to partnering with Forward Sioux Falls and its programs?

By being a member of Forward Sioux Falls, we’ve been able to receive strategic information on planned future growth and expansion opportunities in the Sioux Falls area. Through Forward Sioux Falls’ initiatives, we’ve been able to participate in the economic development and growth that Sioux Falls has experienced. We will also benefit from their workforce initiative.

What are your expectations for your business in the year ahead?

We expect a strong construction market. The supply chain has been getting straightened out from the issues COVID created. This will allow us to operate in a more normal manner. Workforce shortages will continue to be a concern.

Forward Sioux Falls is a joint venture between the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation and is widely respected as the premier economic driver for the Sioux Falls region. To learn more and connect, click here.