Gunvald Sande founded Sande Construction Company in 1949 after earlier being a carpenter on his own then briefly with a partner. Early evidence of the Sande contribution to the Humboldt, Iowa, landscape can be seen in the Keller-Sande Addition, now known as Rainbow Drive, where Gunny and his former partner built 47 houses, providing homes for many in the community. In 1955, the business was incorporated as               Sande Construction Company, Inc.

 

The first project built by Sande Construction was the St. Joseph Catholic Church convent in St. Joseph, Iowa. Subsequently, the new company landed a construction project with Agrico Fertilizer and began building their fertilizer plant just north of Humboldt. Started in October 1954 and completed in February 1956, this was a $350,000 project for the still new company. It was completed on time and on budget, providing Sande Construction with a jump start into the commercial construction market.
  

Gunny’s son, Ronald, joined the company in 1969. Ron had graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Architectural Engineering then spent over four years with AT&T in Kansas City and Omaha before returning home to Sande Construction. Later, Ron was named president of the company and in 1972 the business name was changed to Sande Construction and Supply Co., Inc., due to increasing retail sales in their lumber yard which continues to serve the needs of local contractors and homeowners. Jerry Sande, another of Gunny’s sons, joined the company in 1979. Jerry worked in the supply part of the business then moved into the construction side of the company, specializing in metal building sales and engineering until retirement.

 

In 2008, Ron was given the Build Iowa Award which is the highest honor given by the Master Builders of Iowa, the major association of Iowa general contractors.This award is given to one individual each year. Today, Ron is chairman of the board of Sande Construction.

In 1992, Ron’s son, Steve, joined the company. Steve graduated from Des Moines Area Community College and attended the University of Northern Iowa. Today he is CEO of Sande Construction, the third generation to lead the business.

 

In 2002, Joel Armitage joined Sande Construction. Joel graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Construction Management. Joel quickly became a very integral part of the company and today is President, heading up the project management team.

 

In 2004, Tonya Heier joined the company. Tonya brought excellent business experience with her and moved up very quickly, becoming Office Manager then Vice President, heading up human resources and office administration functions.

 

In 2006, Jamie DeWinter joined Sande Construction, bringing with her a degree in Accounting from Buena Vista University. She is now Controller with accounts payable and job costing responsibilities.

 In 2011, Nick Sewell joined the company as a Project Manager after graduating from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Construction Management.