In the heart of Minnesota, a legacy was born from humble beginnings. It’s a tale of perseverance, innovation, and family values that spans over a century. Welcome to the story of Duininck Companies.
The Seeds of Success (1919-1932)
Our story begins in 1919 when a 16-year-old named Henry Duininck set out with a team of horses and a slip scraper, earning $5 a day building roads in rural Minnesota. Little did he know that this modest start would lay the foundation for a multi-generational family business portfolio.
In 1926, Henry and his brother Amos founded Duininck Brothers Construction. Two years later, their brother Wilbur joined, forming the first generation of Duininck ownership. However, success didn’t come easy. The Great Depression hit hard, and in 1932, a grading contract nearly spelled bankruptcy for the fledgling company. But the Duininck brothers weren’t quitters. They reorganized, focused on local projects, and slowly rebuilt their business.
Growth and Diversification (1940s-1980s)
The 1940s brought new opportunities with U.S. Department of Defense contracts for airport work. This period saw significant investment in equipment, including the company’s first hot mix plant, paver, roller, and crusher.
The 1950s welcomed the second generation of Duininck owners into the business. This era also marked the beginning of a tradition that would define the company’s ethos: In the 1960s, the owners committed to giving a percentage of earnings annually to local and global ministries.
The following decades saw entrepreneurial-driven diversification:
- 1975: Prinsburg Tile Company (later Prinsco) was formed
- 1982: The company expanded into international housing projects in Trinidad
- 1983: SFO Helicopter Airlines was established
- 1984: Hart Ranch, a family vacation resort, was created
- 1985: Operations expanded to Texas
- 1987: Indian Harvest Specialtifoods (later InHarvest) was formed
- 1988: Duininck Golf division was established
A New Millennium, New Horizons (2000-Present)
The turn of the millennium brought continued growth and recognition. In 2003, Duininck won the prestigious Sheldon G. Hayes award for the best pavement project in the nation. The portfolio expanded further with the acquisition of Central Allied Company (now Duininck Concrete) in 2004.
The third generation of Duininck owners, who had been joining the business since 1988, took a significant step in 2014 by documenting the Duininck Family’s purpose, values, and supporting behaviors to serve as a guide going forward.
Recent years have seen both change and recognition:
- In 2018, the first annual Duininck Family Summit was held, introducing the fourth generation to the family business.
- In 2021, the portfolio was reshaped into sectors, following the divestiture of two companies.
- In 2022, Duininck Companies received the Willmar Foundation Community Building Award, recognizing its commitment to community support and employee engagement.
- The same year, the portfolio was organized into three distinct sectors: Water Management, Construction & Materials, and Real Estate.
- In October 2024, Duininck Companies was named as a winner (1 of 5) of the Minnesota Family Business Award, recognizing the value these businesses add to the economy and overall quality of life.
A Legacy of Excellence
From a young man with a team of horses to a diversified family of companies shaping communities across the nation, our journey has been one of growth through joys and challenges. As we look to the future, we remain committed to being values driven. We invite you to be part of our ongoing story, whether you’re a longtime employee or considering joining our team. At Duininck Companies, you’re not just building a career; you’re becoming part of a legacy.
