When you ask Pierce Johnson how he ended up in construction, he’ll tell you it wasn’t the path he originally imagined, but it’s absolutely the right one.
Pierce is a senior at M State Moorhead, where he made the leap from criminal justice to construction after realizing how much he enjoyed hands-on projects at home. One of his earliest builds, a pole barn he constructed alongside his dad and uncles, took months of hard work but left him proud of what they created together. That experience sparked something. Soon after, he began looking for a place to learn the industry from the ground up.
A connection through the military to Construction Estimator Kelly Carney opened the door to Great States Construction. Pierce has served in the National Guard for nearly seven years, and the values he learned there such as discipline, problem-solving, and staying adaptable have shaped his approach to his internship.
Diving into the Field (and the Office)
From day one, Pierce wanted to understand every angle of construction. His internship has given him just that. He has experienced both field work and office responsibilities and has gained real-world project problem-solving exposure.
His primary focus has been supporting our Kwik Trip builds, especially the Moorhead project, which has become his favorite. Working closely with Project Manager Mark Singleton, Pierce helped with change orders, day-to-day project tasks, and hands-on fieldwork.
One moment that stands out is setting gas tanks in the ground, a large-scale operation unlike anything he had done before. Weather delays in Dilworth and floating tanks in Fargo required the team to make quick adjustments, shuffle schedules, and find opportunities to gain back time. For Pierce, it was an invaluable lesson in staying flexible and solutions focused on fast-moving jobsites.
Learning from the Best
Throughout his internship, Pierce felt supported by everyone around him, especially MarkSingleton, as well as Blake Madson and EddyKramer out in the field. Their mentorship has shaped the way he thinks about construction.
Working with Mark taught him how to prioritize tasks, manage time, and make decisions quickly to keep projects moving. He also learned how to look ahead, anticipate challenges, and solve problems before they slow progress.
“These guys don’t just tell you what to do. They show you how to think through things,” Pierce shared. “They let you learn by doing, but they’re always there to help.”
Growing Into His Future
This internship didn’t just help Pierce build technical skills. It clarified his career path.
Pierce wants to continue building a future in construction, ideally right here with Great States after graduation. The mix of teamwork, hands-on work, and seeing major projects come together has confirmed that this is exactly where he wants to be.
Advice for Future Interns
When asked what guidance he would give the next intern who walks through the door, Pierce didn’t hesitate:
Keep asking questions.
Don’t stand in the background. Get involved.
Learn as much as you can from everyone around you.
Construction moves fast, and there is no better way to grow than by staying engaged.
Looking Ahead
Outside of work, you’ll find Pierce at the lakes, soaking up summer, boating, and enjoying time with family and friends. But when it comes to his career, he is all in.
“This internship showed me what the industry is really like,” he said. “I’ve learned a ton, and I’m excited to keep going.”
We’re grateful to have Pierce on our team and proud to be part of his journey into the construction field. The future is bright, and he is already building it.