Van Buskirk Companies is proud to highlight Ben Beitelspacher, who joined the team earlier this year as Director of Commercial Construction.
A native of Le Mars, Iowa, Ben’s passion for building started early. At just 14 years old, he began helping a local contractor construct homes — and quickly knew he’d found his calling.
“This is where I fell in love with the industry,” he said. “I loved being able to work with my hands, spending long summer days outside, and taking what was nothing and making it into a home for a family.”
While Ben loved the hands-on work, he also wanted to take on leadership roles. That drive led him to earn his bachelor’s degree in construction management from South Dakota State University and begin his career managing a wide variety of projects. Later, while completing the Leadership South Dakota program, Ben realized he wanted to lead a construction team of his own.
“So the role of director of commercial construction at Van Buskirk Companies checked every box that was the next milestone of my career,” he said. “When the opportunity presented itself, I knew I had to lean in. After hearing about the company and the people who make it what it is, it was an easy decision to join and be part of an already outstanding legacy.”
Ben’s hiring “was an important step to strengthen our leadership team and prepare Van Buskirk Construction for continued growth and success,” said Jolene Smith, director of people and culture.
“Ben brings a wealth of commercial construction project management experience and knowledge. With a solid background and proven list of projects, Ben is a valuable addition to our team.”
At Van Buskirk Construction, “we are leading the way in construction management, general contracting and design-build projects in the Sioux Falls area,” Beitelspacher said.
The company’s portfolio is broad, including office spaces, retail, healthcare, banking, education, industrial and multifamily.
Key projects this year have included an expansion at Heiman Fire Equipment, the new Primrose School of Sioux Falls at Heather Ridge, an office project near Veterans Parkway and East 26th Street and renovations at the Yankton Mall to support additional retail.
In his role, Ben oversees every aspect of commercial project management — from scheduling and safety to subcontractor relationships and strategic planning.
“My number one role is to support my team,” he said. “We’ve spent time getting to know each other, and it’s been incredibly rewarding.”
“With the different divisions of Van Buskirk Companies we stand out because we can offer clients an extraordinary experience — from purchasing land and finding a business location to building their dream space and managing their asset.”
What excites Ben most about the future is the growth potential ahead. “We’re building on top of a solid foundation, and the sky is the limit to what we can do,” he said.
Beyond his work at Van Buskirk, Ben is actively involved in the construction community. He belongs to the Associated General Contractors of America and serves as vice president of its Young Constructors Board, connecting young professionals across South Dakota.
“This association is made up of contractors from all of South Dakota, which brings a lot of value for Van Buskirk,” he said. “Even at a national level, we’re coming together to be one voice for our industry and communities.”
