The Team

Aaron Benike

Carter Benike

Mike Benike

Mary Benike Kisilewski

Adam Benike

Rich Bakken

Jim Berg

Kim Berndt

Peggy Buehler

Brian Burmester

Jack Burns

Nick Cunningham

Jessi Hanson

Kerry Hayden

Alex Heitz

John Hill

Rose Hoese

Levi Kaiser

Brea Koebele

Kinsey Koebele

Travis Lange, AIA

Amy Mentes

Madeline Steffel

Renita Mentes

Ian Swanton

Nate Roth, PE

Bill Smith

James Theobald

Jake Zimmerman

Diane Zitzmann

Join our team! Apply now.

Aaron Benike

Vice President of Operations

Aaron joined the Benike Team in 1995 and has held the position of President since 2011.  As a Construction Engineer, Aaron has a comprehensive understanding of commercial construction and how to effectively lead our team of 200+ crew members. Aaron enjoys being active outdoors with his family.

Carter Benike

ESTIMATOR

Carter has completed 4 internships with Benike Construction within various fields: on-site construction, estimating, and project management. He has a Construction Management Undergraduate degree from the Minnesota State University, Mankato. Carter and his wife enjoy spending time camping, fishing, and hiking with their black lab – Butters!

Mike Benike

President

With dual degrees in Civil Engineering and Construction Management, Mike joined the Benike team in 2007. Mike provides overall direction and support to projects and the Benike Team. He is a self-proclaimed “green building enthusiast,” is trained in lean construction principles, and has experience across multiple project types.

Mary Benike Kisilewski

Brand Ambassador

Mary is a Construction Engineer who joined the Benike Team in 1987. As a Project Manager, Mary has expertise in healthcare, senior living, education, and financial construction projects. She enjoys boating and traveling with her husband, Greg.

Adam Benike

Vice-President

Adam joined Benike in 2004 as a Project Manager / Estimator. In addition to specializing in healthcare construction, Adam manages the Benike shop and equipment yard. Adam enjoys spending time with his family and is an avid bow hunter.

Rich Bakken

General Superintendent

With over 35 years of commercial construction experience, Rich oversees large projects, provides support to Superintendents, assists with estimating, and manages labor resources. His ability to earn the trust of crew members, subcontractors, and owners is the direct result of his dedication to honesty, service, and quality.

Jim Berg

Controller

Jim joined Benike in 2014 with 8+ years of experience in public accounting. He has an accounting degree from WSU and maintains his CPA license. Jim leads the Accounting team and strives for accuracy and reliability. When he’s not staring at a spreadsheet, Jim enjoys fitness activities and spending time with his wife and three children.

Kim Berndt

Payroll & HR Specialist

Kim brings over 20 years of bookkeeping experience to the Benike Team. She has a degree in Finance and Credit and formal payroll training. Kim is known for her light spirited attitude both during and away from work! In her free time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, gardening, and riding motorcycles.

Peggy Buehler

Accounts Payable Specialist

Peggy joined the team in 2021 as the Accounts Payable Specialist. She has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a background in structural steel project mngmt. Peggy is dedicated to ensuring our vendors are timely and accurately paid for their services and products. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her dog Stella, and playing with her nieces and nephews.

Brian Burmester

Project Manager

Brian brings over 27 years of architectural design and project management experience to the Benike Team. His knowledge & persistence ensure the success of every project he is a part of. Outside of work, Brian enjoys spending time with his family at the cabin and fishing.

Jack Burns

Project Manager

After interning with Benike in 2013, Jack graduated from North Dakota State University with a Construction Management degree in 2014.  He rejoined the Benike team in 2016. Jack’s thorough approach to projects means he is fully engaged in developing collaborative customer-focused solutions and mitigating unnecessary delays. 

Nick Cunningham

Assistant Project Manager

A Construction Engineering graduate from NDSU, Nick is an Assistant Project Manager who joined the team in 2022. He is passionate and dedicated to each project’s success. Nick is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys fishing and hiking.

Jessi Hanson

Project COORDINATOR

Jessi joined the Benike team in 2016 as a Project Assistant.  She earned a Bachelor of Architecture Degree from Iowa State University in 2012 and has been working in the construction industry since graduation.  In addition to her work at Benike, Jessi is a self-proclaimed farm girl and enjoys renovating her home.

Kerry Hayden

Project Manager

Kerry joined the Benike team in 2020 with 15 years of experience in project management and the design of electrical systems. He brings experience working with a mechanical, electrical, and engineering firm and has expertise in providing preconstruction services.

Alex Heitz

Project Manager

Alex joined the team in 2019 with 10 years of experience. He has put his construction management degree to work on large projects throughout the US, Asia, and Africa. In his free time, Alex enjoys the outdoors, traveling with his wife, and using his construction skills to help others.

John Hill

Preconstruction Manager

John joined the Benike Team in 2023 as Preconstruction Manager. He has construction backgrounds in project management, estimating, and preconstruction services. John enjoys assisting customers in achieving their construction dreams and goals. In his free time, John can be found camping, hiking, or golfing with his friends and family.

Rose Hoese

MARKETING COORDINATOR /
PROJECT COORDINATOR

After interning with Benike in 2018, Rose graduated from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls with dual degrees in Business Management and Economics. She rejoined the Benike team in 2019. Outside of work, Rose enjoys working on DIY projects and all things outdoors.

Levi Kaiser

Project Manager

Levi joined the Benike Team in 2012 as a Project Manager.  He is passionate about LEAN Construction and has an inventive approach to project delivery methods. Levi’s methods and practices are sought after by customers and vendors because they have confidence in his ability to effectively manage any project.

Brea Koebele

Director of Preconstruction

Brea joined Benike in 1998 and has extensive experience estimating many different types of projects. She is an expert in her field at budget and conceptual estimating and has a proven history of providing accurate and timely estimates. She has long-standing relationships with subcontractors and is committed to accuracy and fairness.

Kinsey Koebele

Assistant Project Manager

After two internships with Benike, Kinsey graduated from Minnesota State University-Mankato with a degree in Construction Management. She utilizes her innovative and collaborative approach on each project she is a part of. Kinsey enjoys hunting, golfing, and spending time on the lake.

Travis Lange

CONSTRUCTION EXECUTIVE

Travis joined Benike in 2011 as a licensed Architect and Project Manager with over 20 years in the construction industry working in all market segments. Travis has a reputation for being a strong project leader who builds lasting relationships. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family.

Amy Mentes

Project COORDINATOR

Amy is a Project Coordinator with an associate degree in Exercise and Sport Science. She brings 8 years of financial expertise to the team. Known for her communication and customer service skills, Amy is a proactive problem solver, ensuring project success with a strategic approach. Her passions include baking, reading, crafting, and spending time outdoors.

Madeline Steffel

Administrative Assistant

Madeline started at Benike in 2022 and provides administrative support to the entire team. She graduated from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in 2020. In her free time, Madeline enjoys camping, boating, and attending MN Gopher football games.

Renita Mentes

Accounts Receivable

Renita started her career with Benike over 40 years ago in the Accounting Department. As Benike’s Accounts Receivable Specialist, she processes invoices, coordinates shop stock and equipment purchases, and assists office staff with accounting needs. In her free time, Renita enjoys spending time with her family, camping, Twins baseball, and crafting.

Ian Swanton

Site Safety Coordinator

Ian brings over 32 years of experience to the Benike team. He is self motivated, honest, and ensures that safety is the number one priority on all construction projects. Outside of work, Ian enjoys fishing, hunting, and riding his motorcycle.

Nate Roth

Project Manager

Nate started at Benike in 2022 as a Project Manager. He makes it his top priority to ensure that customer’s expectations are being met. Some of Nate’s many hobbies include bass fishing, deer hunting, and broomball.

Bill Smith

Superintendent

Bill has over 32 years in the Laborers Union and specializes in Infection Control and working in healthcare facilities. He is well known for his dedication towards his work and enthusiasm that he brings to his teammates. Bill’s hobbies include golfing, hunting, and spending time with his 5 children and growing number of grandchildren.

James Theobald

Estimator

James joined the Benike team in 2013 as a Project Estimator. He brings multiple talents to the company with his deep knowledge of Construction Specifications, AutoCAD proficiency, and extensive local industry experience. He and his wife enjoy supporting their 3 children in Rochester youth sports.

Jake Zimmerman

Estimator

After graduating from Minnesota State University – Mankato, Jake joined Benike as an Estimator. His dedication to thoroughness and accuracy makes him a valuable asset to the team. Outside of work, you can find Jake hunting, hiking, or playing a round of golf.

Diane Zitzmann

Project COORDINATOR

Diane joined the Benike team in 1999 and has been an exceptional administrative support resource to the crew throughout her tenure. As a Project Assistant, she assists the Project Managers and field personnel. In her free time, Diane enjoys riding motorcycle, crafting, baking, and spending time with her grandchildren.