Michael Bakke

Michael brings over 20 years of experience to the VBC team, along with an Architecture and Environmental Design degree from North Dakota State University. While keeping clients’ needs and desires at the forefront, he assists with project design, prepares construction timelines, estimates and coordinates the project from start to finish. His eye for design and communication skills are a key component to the high level of service Van Buskirk provides. Outside the office, you can find him solving crossword puzzles, reading or traveling.

Tammy Baumgartel

Amy Cassling

Amy holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Dakota.  Amy joined Van Buskirk Companies in January of 2022.She is responsible for multiple properties financial reporting and assisting the accounting department as needed. Outside of the office, Amy loves biking, hiking, visiting her children and traveling with her husband, Jeff.

Carmen Christensen

Carmen’s strong accounting and organizational skills help keep things running smoothly in the accounting department. Her focus and attention to detail are valuable in her role, where she brings 15 years of experience. When not at work, Carmen can be found at concerts, working out or spending time outdoors.

Mara Day

Mara Day is Property Manager 1 at Bentwood and West Briar Apartments. She came to Van Buskirk Companies as part-time Administrative Assistant for Residential Property Management, while also attending Southeast Tech.  After completing school and receiving her Business Degree, Mara accepted the full time Property Manager 1 position and has been instrumental in assisting with the implementation of some new processes to make paying rent smoother by offering a tenant portal that accepts card payments, as well as assisting in decisions to update apartments and grounds to stay competitive with the local industry. In her spare time, Mara enjoys spending time with her mini Australian Shepherd, Elsie Mae, playing volleyball and hanging out with friends or reading a good book.  Mara also enjoys volunteering with her church and the St. Francis House.

Kim Hefner

With construction experience spanning almost four decades, Kim is always up for a new challenge in the world of residential construction.  Her experience ranges from construction management (building single family homes and townhomes) to mortgage and construction lending.   She feels it is very advantageous to have knowledge of all sides in a construction project.  Kim is a past president of the Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire (HBASE), is currently a State Director for SDHBA and a National Delegate for the National Association of Home Builders.   She has been inducted into both the HBASE and SDHBA Housing Hall of Fame.   Kim’s passions (other than construction, of course!) include spending time with her two fabulous children, her two grandchildren, two puppies (Charley & SKOLI) and FOUR grandpuppies.    Kim is a crazy Vikings and Twins fan, an Ohio State Buckeye fan, and LOVES to golf.  When time allows, you’ll find Kim volunteering for Junior Achievement, the United Way, PWGO, and the Home Builders Association.   “I’m so very blessed with the career path that CHOSE ME…I love what I do and can’t imagine doing anything else!”

Jordan Hefner

Jordan Hefner joined Van Buskirk Companies in February 2022 as a Project Manager. He has an Associates Degree in Architectural Drafting and Building Construction and brings 12 years of experience in the construction industry. Jordan is a member of the State Board for South Dakota Home Builders Association and also National Board Delegate for National Association of Home Builders. In his spare time, Jordan enjoys woodworking, hunting and spending time with his wife, two kids (Addison and Gunner) and his three dogs.

Kevin Hustrulid

When Kevin began with Van Buskirk Construction in 2015, he brought thirty seven years of experience in multiple areas of the construction industry. The diverse background gives him the knowledge he needs as a project manager. The day to day finds him reviewing drawings, formulating schedules, approving contracts and visiting job sites for inspections. His list of VBCC projects include Marketplace at Lake Lorraine, Prairie Creek Pet Hospital, First Adventure Daycare and the McCrossan Administration Building.  Life outside the office finds him in his woodworking shop often crafting grandfather clocks and other treasures.  He also enjoys timber framing and built a timber frame home of his own!

Brian Jackson

As the Land Development Manager for Van Buskirk Companies, Brian provides expertise as a licensed real estate auditor and years of experience within the banking industry, which is an asset in his role dealing with real estate. He oversees all of the residential neighborhoods and works hard to help clients find the right piece of land for their new home construction. When not at work, Brian loves spending time with his family and riding his motorcycle.

Dean Jaton

Dean joined the construction team in 2003 and worked his way to a superintendent role.  He directs and coordinates the construction field activities, ensuring projects are completed on schedule, within budget and to a high level of quality.

Autumn Kaufhold

After a longtime career in radio sales, Autumn began her position as Broker Associate at Van Buskirk Companies in early January and is ready to make an impact in the local commercial real estate market. She is an avid networker in the community and truly invests herself into her clients success. In her free time, Autumn enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants (and new wines!) and hanging out with her family. She was married to Sean Kaufhold in 2018 when she and her daughter, Eloise, said “I do” to Sean and his son, Lex. The Kaufhold’s also own an adorable Maltipoo named Loki.

Mike Knudson

After 15+ years in marketing and advertising, Mike Knudson joined the Van Buskirk Companies team as a licensed commercial real estate broker in 2021.

Mike is a Sioux Falls native who graduated from the University of South Dakota with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He is a graduate of Leadership South Dakota and Leadership Sioux Falls. Mike is currently a board member for the Harrisburg School District, the South Dakota Advertising Federation, and Sales and Marketing Executives (SME) of Sioux Falls.

Mike and his wife Kylie have two sons, Carson and Coy.

Chad Larson

In 2013, Chad joined the construction team as a field worker and in 2016 was promoted to a superintendent role. He directs and coordinates the construction field activities, ensuring projects are completed on schedule, within budget and to a high level of quality. When he’s not at one of the construction sites, you can find him refereeing high school basketball.

Kara Lilly

Kara joined the Van Buskirk Companies accounting team in March 2022.  She grew up in Yankton and moved to Sioux Falls in 2002. Kara earned a degree in accounting from Kilian Community College of Sioux Falls and brings 15 years accounting experience as well as being a QuickBooks certified pro user. Kara has also worked as a trainer in the past and has 8 years experience in property management.  In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her three children and her parents, fishing and camping.

Jillian Martinson

In 2008, after graduating with her Bachelor’s degree from Northwestern College, Jillian began her career with Van Buskirk Companies. Jillian processes the company’s payroll, prepares and executes year end items and provides other assistance to the accounting manager and owners. Her role is part time and she enjoys the flexibility, as well as the great work atmosphere. Outside the office, she enjoys running, traveling, being outdoors and spending time with her husband, Eric, and their kids.

Lori Meier

Lori oversees all of our apartment complexes and the residential property managers. Along with overseeing the residential properties, she assists with the commercial side of property management as needed. Lori is a licensed broker associate with a degree in business management. She has 16 years experience in property management including 3 years experience in managing HOAs. Her housing career started while in the banking industry, where she did personal home and new construction mortgages and also partnered in a home contracting business which encouraged her to understand and appreciate the personal satisfaction one has in their home and/or business.
In her spare time, Lori enjoys the outdoors biking and paddling boarding with her husband, Alan. She also enjoys reading, cooking, watching movies, and spending time with their families.

Angela Merritt

Angela works on all things marketing for Van Buskirk Companies’ many divisions.  She holds a degree in Advertising from South Dakota State University and brings to the team experience in marketing and a background in ad agencies, media sales and real estate marketing.

Kristi Moen-Eggebraaten

Kristi was a stay at home mom for 2 years before joining the Van Buskirk Companies team. Prior to that, she had spent 9 years in banking and 5 years in the mortgage department as a closer. In her position at Van Buskirk Companies, Kristi assists the land development manager with lot purchases, corresponding with builders and buyers, ordering title paperwork, setting up lot closings and any other tasks sent her way. Outside of work, Kristi can be found with her husband and 6 kids enjoying time with family at one of the kid’s football, softball or golf sporting events, in her garden or swimming pool.

Lori Olson

Lori began her career with Van Buskirk Companies in early 2013 as an Executive Assistant and Licensed Broker Assistant, bringing  many years of experience as an executive assistant, in office and human resource management. Lori provides licensed brokerage assistance to the VBC brokerage team and executive assistance to the company principals. In 2016, Lori received her professional certification from the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) and coordinates all human resource related items for VBC. In her time at VBC, Lori has appreciated the ethical and thoughtful leadership along with unparalleled teamwork and professionalism amongst the staff. In her spare time, Lori enjoys spending time with her husband and family, including her three children, their spouses, and four grandchildren. She also enjoys spending time outdoors fishing or hiking, or simply sitting down and reading a good science fiction novel.

Redgie Olson

As an experienced handy man, Redgie provides maintenance support to the commercial property management team. From picking up trash to troubleshooting issues, he ensures clients receive excellent service and keeps the properties shining. Off the job, he enjoys spending time with his wife and family.

Deb Pexa

Deb joined the VBC team back in 2007 and is the pleasant voice that first greets you when you call the office or walk in the door. As the Office Coordinator, she keeps the office organized, ensures office supplies are well stocked, manages the phones and provides administrative assistance to the owners, as needed. Deb truly enjoys what she does and the people she works with at VBC! Outside the office, you can find her enjoying time with her family or enjoying time at the lake.

Teresa Robinette

Teresa joined the Apartment Property Team in March 2022.  Teresa has 9 years experience as a Property Manager and brings 20 years of customer service experience to her position.  In her spare time, Teresa likes to hang out with family and her dog, put together jigsaw puzzles, and spend time with her 4 kids and 5 grandchildren.

Russell Sorensen

With twelve years of experience in property maintenance, Russ is a valuable part of the commercial property management team. He helps coordinate property improvements, day-to-day maintenance and ensures that all tasks are done in accordance to property standards. He is an outdoorsman with a love of camping, fishing and golfing.

Kaylene Sudrla

Kaylene is the Controller for Van Buskirk Companies.  She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Dakota and has over 30 years of leadership and accounting experience.  Kaylene oversees the accounting department and all accounting functions including AP, AR, payroll, and financial reporting.  Kaylene’s work in construction accounting and multi-family housing management has provided her with the specific skills required for her role and necessary for supporting our company in these areas.  A season ticket holder to both College World Series and Iowa Hawkeye football, Kaylene enjoys watching sports as well as participating in sand volleyball and coed softball.  Supporting her teams, camping, boating, her two cats, Esther and Pearl, and black lab, Cooper, keep her busy when not at work.

Ryan Tysdal

Ryan Tysdal’s career in sales began in 1991, when he broke the state record for Boy Scout popcorn sales. Ryan wanted a Nintendo worse than anything, but his parents wouldn’t buy him one, so he sold enough Boy Scout popcorn to earn one.  After helping deliver popcorn every night for nearly a month, his parents probably regretted not just buying him the Nintendo…

Years later, Ryan still enjoys being in sales as a Commercial Broker with Van Buskirk Companies. Ryan focuses on sales and leasing of retail and office properties.

Ryan also dedicates a considerable amount of time to land development, most notably with the Foss Fields property, which is Phase II of the Shoppes on 100 project, a major retail development along Highway 100 in East Sioux Falls.

He works with all types of clients, from small locally-owned businesses to large national tenants. Ryan prides himself on making each transaction as smooth as possible for his clients. Ryan brings considerable experience in deal negotiations and has the unique ability to see the “bigger vision” while being able to manage the small details of a project.

After obtaining a Business degree from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD, Ryan went on to receive an MBA from the University of Sioux Falls.

Ryan has served on several boards and committees over the years, including Sioux Falls Rotary West and the South Dakota Advertising Federation. He is also a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers and El Riad Shrine.

In his spare time, Ryan enjoys spending time at Lake Okoboji with his wife Sara, their two daughters Harper and Emerson, and their son Henry.

Click HERE to view Ryan Tysdal’s website

Mike Van Buskirk

Mike is a licensed real estate broker and mechanical engineer who graduated from South Dakota State University with decades of experience in the identification and development of commercial and residential properties within the region. Managing nearly 500,000 square feet of commercial properties and 560 apartments in the area with the vast majority of the properties originating as ground up developments. In the industry Mike has been President of Sioux Falls Multi-housing Association, a member of the Dakota Business Finance board and is currently joining the Sioux Falls Development Foundation board. Responsibilities include development of new properties from project selection, land and lease negotiations, financing arrangements and ultimately the management of the properties. Projects include developments such as the Bridges at 57th Street, Remington Pointe, Lake Lorraine and many other commercial properties.

Steve Van Buskirk

Steve Van Buskirk is President of Land Development for Van Buskirk Companies, a full service real estate company located in Sioux Falls, SD. Steve received his BA degree and his MBA in finance from the University of Minnesota.

With his father, Myron, as the founder of the family-owned business, Steve grew up in the industry. Since 1992, Steve has built a successful career in commercial construction and real estate development by gaining knowledge and expertise from firsthand experience. His development focus has been on VBC’s nineteen (and growing) residential neighborhoods and several commercial developments in and around Sioux Falls region. Highlights of their commercial work are two premiere lifestyle centers; The Bridges at 57th Street and the Lake Lorraine, both are innovative mixed-use properties.

Steve has also served as an active member of the Infrastructure Review Advisory Board, President of the Home Builders Association, and is currently the Chair of the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. Among many organizations, some of his volunteer time includes Habitat for Humanity, Boy Scouts of America, and United Way.

Steve and his wife, Shannon, have 2 boys and together they enjoy skiing, swimming, boating, and camping.

Chad Van Buskirk

Chad Van Buskirk manages and works directly on every project that comes through Van Buskirk Construction. His background as a civil engineer and a decade of experience working on world class projects including Project Management positions on Major League Baseball stadiums, convention centers, and automotive plants has prepared him well for bringing an entirely new level of skill and professionalism to the Sioux Falls market. Chad’s deep knowledge of the construction industry and history of results combined with the expertise gained at Van Buskirk Construction makes him a strong asset to any project.

Morgan Wrasper

Morgan started her career as a Civil Engineer in 2017 after graduating from South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. She joined Van Buskirk Construction in August 2022 to pivot her career from transportation into construction. She is excited to dive into the world of project management and provide civil design as needed. Morgan currently lives in Tea, SD with her husband Mitch, son Hudson, and two rescue pups Grunt and Riley.  In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, golfing, reading, cooking, and watching the Kansas City Royals.