Zero Injuries White

The Goal is Zero Injuries

Nothing is more important to Rice Companies than the safety of everyone involved in the construction process. Our goal is simple – zero harm and zero lost time incidents. With that philosophy, we incorporate safety into almost everything we do, from pre-planning projects, ongoing safety training to a continuous improvement process, among many others. Rice’s safety philosophy extends not only to our employees and customers, but to every subcontractor and vendor we work with.

Rice’s Safety program includes:

  • Safety is an agenda item, not an afterthought during meetings
  • Employee Supervisors are OSHA 10 trained, at a minimum
  • Dedicated in-house safety manager that assists and directs our monthly mandatory safety meetings, jobsite audits and our continuous improvement process
  • Each new employee is required to pass a drug-screening test, ensure adequate physical capability and participate in a comprehensive safety orientation
  • Our safety committee meets regularly to review current safety protocols, and recent job site inspections and update our rigorous safety standards
zero injuries

PARTNERS IN SAFETY

Rice Companies is proud to be one of the limited number of companies able to participate in the Cooperative Compliance Partnership program. Our partnership creates mutual trust and respect across our worksites and OSHA. This program is a great way for our teams to learn from OSHA, while OSHA gets to learn what the struggles of day-to-day construction workers face. Together we are reducing injuries across the construction industry by 3% each year!

Our Safety Committee utilizes the STEP tool to benchmark our current processes against the best-in-class safety programs across the industry. STEP guides us on our path to continuous improvement for our processes, day-to-day tasks, and most importantly our culture. Safety is part of who we are at Rice Companies – it has become part of our DNA.

MEET OUR SAFETY COMMITTEE

ADAM KUBE

Service Sales Manager

AMY BISERS

Project Administrator

CORY DUKOWITZ

Safety Manager

DREW SIME

Carpenter I

JESSE HELLAND

Senior Project Manager

JOE GUBBELS

Director of Field Operations

MICHELLE KIECKER

Estimator

ROBERT BRYANT

Project Superintendent II

TRAVIS LUND

Vice President of Operations

JESSE HELLAND

Project Manager

ADAM KUBE

Service Sales Manager

Adam Kube joined Rice Companies in 2019 as the Salesperson for the Maintenance Division out of the Glencoe Office. Adam has a degree in Sales and Marketing, he also brings with him years of vast sales experience and strong relationships in the market. Adam resides in Mayer with his wife and two sons

When he is not working, Adam enjoys spending time with his family by coaching his sons football, baseball and basketball teams, the Minnesota outdoors, by either fishing, golfing or relaxing in his neighborhood.  

AMY BISERS

Project Administrator
Amy comes to the Rice Companies team with a background in administrative work with some legal. Most recently, she was working as a Project Legal Assistant with Blattner.

Amy grew up in Sauk Rapids, MN. She currently resides in Sartell with her husband, Artis. Combined they have three children, Ieva, Owen, Emmi, and an English Bulldog named Trump.

When she’s not working, she enjoys being outdoors, spending time with kids, fashion, shopping and trying new foods from around the world.

CORY DUKOWITZ

Safety Manager

Cory Dukowitz joined Rice Companies in 2021 and brings over 15 years of professional experience in safety, quality, and continuous improvement to Rice Companies. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and watching his boys play sports, remodeling and working on projects at their home, and getting out on the lake and enjoying all the activities.

JESSE HELLAND

Senior Project Manager

Jesse has a degree in architecture from NDSU and has spent his career delivering complex Design/Build projects. He comes to Rice with significant experience in design and preconstruction services as well as project management and business development.

Jesse is a lifelong Red River Valley resident and lives in Fargo with his wife Jen and three children; Brenna, Crosby and Shelby. When he’s not working, he can be found supporting his kids’ activities and spending the weekend at their lake cabin on Leech Lake.

JOE GUBBELS

Director of Field Operations

Joe Gubbels joined the Rice Companies team in February of 2013. Prior to Rice, Joe was in the National Guard with advanced training in carpentry, masonry and cross trained while in Iraq and the Philippines with local workers, materials and tools. He has over 14 years of diverse experience in the field and extensive experience in all aspects of construction types and safety.

In Joe’s free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters working on projects at home, shooting sporting clay league and hunting.

ROBERT BRYANT

Superintendent II

Robert Bryant joined the Rice team in 2022 bringing with him over a decade of construction leadership experience in the field. Working on projects of all varieties including healthcare, warehousing, and heavy industrial markets. 

He enjoys the numerous moving parts that projects demands. The scheduling complexities, work environment & conditions, and day-to-day obstacles that may occur.

Rice Companies values, such as the Family-Forward commitment and team style, is what ultimately led him to his decision to join the team.

When Robert isn’t hard at work, he enjoys recreational boating with family and friends. He also builds custom furniture as a hobby.

TRAVIS LUND

Senior Vice President of Operations

Travis Lund joined Rice Companies in 2013. He attended Vermillion Community College in Ely, MN and NDSU in Fargo, ND. Travis started in commercial construction in 1994 as a carpenter and has worked as a foreman, traveling superintendent, production manager, project manager, and senior project manager. Travis oversees project management, and field operations and production including equipment and site safety. 

Travis and his wife Stacy are the proud parents of 3 children and stay busy keeping up with their activities. Travis is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting, fishing, home projects, dog training, and traveling. Travis and his family, and their 3 dogs, reside near Sauk Rapids, MN.

SAVE-A-LOT & PAYLESS LIQUOR

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PROJECT INFO      Size: 20,000 SF      Location: St. Cloud, MN     Type: Design/ Build, Multi-Tenant Remodel

SAVE-A-LOT & PAYLESS LIQUOR

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PROJECT INFO      Size: 20,000 SF      Location: St. Cloud, MN     Type: Design/ Build, Multi-Tenant Remodel

CASH WISE GROCERY & LIQUOR – WATFORD CITY, ND

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PROJECT INFO      Size: 87,000 SF     Location: Watford City, ND, MN     Type: Design/ Build, New Construction

COBORN’S INC. – ST. JOSEPH, MN

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PROJECT INFO      Size: 38,419 SF      Location: St. Joseph, MN     Type:  Design/Build New Construction

Coborn’s challenged the Rice Companies team to develop a new prototype store that included many “green” features in an effort to help Coborn’s pursue a healthier, greener grocery store with a lower operating cost. The result is a next generation concept store designed for operating in smaller cities and markets.

With a construction timeline of only 17 weeks, this fast-track design/build project was completed in record time. Located in St. Joseph, Minnesota, Coborn’s is a 38,419 SF Grocery Store that is open 24 hours a day and includes a liquor store, dry-cleaning, pet food department and a drive-thru pharmacy. Its unique design includes a left-handed store, a first for Coborn’s in its 90 years in business. New methods of servicing customers, maintaining and cleaning store departments and operating a store with environmental controls were challenges to the entire team.

2010 ABC Excellence in Construction Award Winner – Commercial $1 – $5 Million

ARCTIC COLD STORAGE

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PROJECT INFO      Size: 17,455 SF      Location: St. Cloud, MN     Type:  Design/Build Addition

GNP COMPANY HATCHERY

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PROJECT INFO      Size: 80,000 SF     Location: Sauk Rapids, MN   

Type: Design/ Build, Retrofit of existing building, multiple additions and extensive remodeling

5TH AVENUE LIVE! WEST 200 BLOCK REDEVELOPMENT

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PROJECT INFO      Size: 9,395 SF     Location: St. Cloud, MN     Type: Design/Build Multi-Tenant Remodel

Winner of an 2012 ABC Construction in Excellence Award – Renovation $1 to $5 Million Pyramid Award

Located in the heart of downtown St. Cloud near SCSU, the West 200 Block is a 9,395 SF multiple-tenant building currently home to Chipotle, Noodles & Company and Verizon. Originally home to the world’s oldest Ford dealership, this repurposed mid-century modern brick structure attracts today’s savvy retailers with a unique blend of interesting spaces, prime visibility and the energy of a vibrant downtown, all while preserving a historical part of the community.

SOUTHGATE CROSSING

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PROJECT INFO      Size: 160,000 SF      Location: Minot, MN     Type: Design/Build Multi-Tenant New Construction

Opening in Fall 2013, Southgate Crossing is one of the largest retail complexes Rice Companies has completed in North Dakota, spanning four buildings and more than 160,000 SF. RCI constructed the shell as well as the interior build-outs of the largest building – Lot 3 – which includes Cash Wise, Shoe Carnival, Petco and Gordman’s. RCI also completed the shell of Lot 5, an 11,000 SF building that houses Cash Wise Liquor, Great Clips, Fancy Nails, as well as the interior work for the liquor store.

5TH AVENUE LIVE! 100 BLOCK REDEVELOPMENT

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PROJECT INFO      Size: 13,000 SF      Location: St. Cloud, MN     Type: Historical Restoration & Multi-Tenant Remodel

Winner of a 2012 Heritage Preservation Award

Rice Building Systems was awarded the contract to preserve a century old historical building as part of the 5th Avenue Live! Redevelopment project. Originally built in 1891 as Benson Brothers Grocery Store, this two-story red pressed brick building is now home to Brother’s Bar & Grill – 10,825 SF – and the EnduRUNce Shop – 2,000 SF.

HOLIDAY STATION CONVENIENCE STORE

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PROJECT INFO      Size: 3,100 SF      Location: St. Cloud, MN     Type:  Design/Build, Remodel

COBORN'S MARKETPLACE

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PROJECT INFO      Size: 51,101 SF      Location: Isanti, MN     Type: Design/ Build, New Generation New Construction

In 2016 Coborn’s challenged Rice Companies to design and build a next generation grocery in Isanti, MN.  As a ground-up prototype, this store emphasizes fresh throughout, with large produce, meat and deli departments, along with a 2nd floor featuring a test kitchen and seating area.  The 51,101 SF development includes self-service fuel pumps, Caribou Coffee, Pharmacy and automated car wash.

TOBIES STATION C-STORE

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PROJECT INFO      Size: 3,000 SF     Location: Hinckley, MN     Type: Design/ Build, Remodel

CASH WISE GROCERY - SOUTH FARGO

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PROJECT INFO      Size: 60,000 SF     Location: Fargo, ND      Type: Design/ Build, New Construction

Rice Companies recently completed this 52,500 SF Grocery, plus a 7,500 SF stand alone liquor store in Fargo, ND.  Designed with new decor and a fresh first floor plan, this store represents the “next generation” for the Cash Wise Grocery format.  Rice Companies acted as both the Architect and General Contractor on this fast paced project.

ARNOLD'S EQUIPMENT - ST. CLOUD, MN

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PROJECT INFO      Size: 44,066 SF      Location: St. Cloud, MN     Type: Design/ Build, New Construction

CENTRACARE CARDIAC REHAB

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PROJECT INFO      Size: Remodel     Location: St. Cloud, MN     Type: General Contractor, Remodel

CENTRACARE CLINIC

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PROJECT INFO      Size: 18,050 SF      Location: Albany, MN     Type: Construction Management at Risk (CM@r)

ST. JOHN’S PREPARATORY SCHOOL

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PROJECT INFO      Size: 23,500 SF     Location: St. Joseph, MN     Type: Design/Build, New Construction

St. John’s Prep, Minnesota’s oldest secondary school, awarded Rice Companies the design/build contract for Bede Hall. This four-story, 23,500 SF required a compatible design executed with conventional steel framing, built-up roof and brick walls. RCI also joined the new building with a connector to a campus landmark designed many years earlier by a notable modernist architect. The project was completed in 2008.

WOODLANDS CHIROPRACTIC

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PROJECT INFO      Size: 7,515 SF      Location: St. Cloud, MN     Type: Design/Build, Remodel

LIFELONG VETERINARY CLINIC - HUTCHINSON, MN

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PROJECT INFO      Size: 4,518 SF      Location: Hutchingson, MN     Type: Design/Build Addition

DAYTA MARKETING CORPORATE OFFICE

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PROJECT INFO      Size: 5,000 SF      Location: St. Cloud, MN     Type:  Design/Build, Remodel

MARCO CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

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PROJECT INFO      Size: 80,000 SF      Location: St. Cloud, MN     Type: Design/ Build, New Construction

COBORN'S CORPORATE OFFICE

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PROJECT INFO      Size: 92,000 SF     Location: St. Cloud, MN     Type: Design/ Build, New Construction

NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL CORPORATE OFFICE

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PROJECT INFO      Size: 10,068 SF     Location:  St. Cloud, MN      Type: Design/ Build, Development

In 2020, Rice Companies partnered with Northwestern Mutual to Design, Build & Lease a new 10,038 SF corporate office in south Cloud.  This new development started with our Real Estate group identifying potential properties and our Architectural group working with NWM on space needs and design criteria.  The master planned facility includes space for expansion, breakroom, conference areas, and both private and open office spaces.

KIMBALL LIBRARY

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PROJECT INFO      Size: 10,000 SF      Location: Kimball, MN     Type: Architect, Construction Manager, New Construction

COLD SPRING BREWING COMPANY DISTRIBUTION CENTER

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PROJECT INFO      Size: 401,280 SF      Location: St. Cold Spring, MN    Type: New Construction & Addition

In 2005, Cold Spring Brewery contracted Rice Companies to build a 96,000 square foot distribution center and warehouse. The next year, RCI completed an addition of 113,280 square feet and in 2007, built a second distribution center measuring 192,000 square feet.

The 10.6-acre site includes two warehouses with 20 loading docks and two drive-in doors and 139,336 square foot paved parking lot with 57 automobile stalls and 29 trailer stalls.

BERNICK’S

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PROJECT INFO      Size:           Location:        Type:      

APPERT’S FOOD SERVICE

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PROJECT INFO      Size: 76,475 SF      Location: St. Cloud, MN     Type: Design/Build Addition

Rice Companies recently completed a 76,475 SF freezer, cooler, dry storage and maintenance addition to Appert’s Foodservice (now Sysco Foodservice). The design consisted of precast double tee walls and roof panels, high performance industrial floors using Shrinkage compensating concrete to minimize control joints, highly detailed roof and wall systems to eliminate air infiltration, and adding a fire protection system throughout the facility using a 350,000 gallon underground tank and onsite wells for water supply.

This expansion included complete coordination of the construction, refrigeration and racking systems. Energy savings were also introduced through new LED lighting in the cooler and freezer.

ARCTIC COLD STORAGE

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PROJECT INFO      Size: 17,455 SF      Location: St. Cloud, MN     Type: Design/Build Addition

TRIDENT SEAFOODS - MOTLEY, MN

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PROJECT INFO      Size: 18,900 SF      Location: Motley, MN     Type: New -10deg Freezer Addition, Design/Build

FINGERHUT DISTRIBUTION CENTER

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PROJECT INFO      Size: 1,100,000 SF. 120 Acre Site      Location: St. Cloud, MN     Type: Design/ Build, New Construction

LARSON VEC PLANT - ST. CLOUD, MN

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PROJECT INFO      Size: 75,000 SF     Location: Little Falls, MN     Type: Design/ Build, New Construction

GNP COMPANY DOCK & COOLER ADDITION

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PROJECT INFO      Size: 35,000 SF     Location: Cold Spring, MN      Type: New Construction, Conventional Construction

ARCTIC COLD STORAGE FREEZER ADDITION ​

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PROJECT INFO      Size: 80,000 SF      Location: St. Cloud, MN     Type: Design/ Build, New Construction, Remodeling