Faces of the BIA: Fargo Linoleum

Category: Member-Features
05/06/2026

Charter member embodies a legacy built from the ground up

Welcome to our “Faces of the BIA” series! We are excited to introduce you to the organizations and people behind our Building Industry Association. It’s all about fostering connections, celebrating our members and helping you get to know the incredible companies that make up our BIA family!

Fargo Linoleum represents nearly a century of commitment not only to craftsmanship, but to the growth, advocacy and relationships that define our local building industry. It is a charter member of the Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead (renamed Building Industry Association) with a handful of visionary companies pledging affiliation with the National Association of Home Builders in 1956.

Founded in 1926 by L.W. Duerner, Carl Forslund and Fred Tharalson alongside Dakota Weatherstripping, Fargo Linoleum has remained a trusted name in the Fargo–Moorhead construction community through generations of change. Recently, the company celebrated its 100th anniversary with an open house attended by BIA-RRV staff, members and the public, marking a milestone moment for both the business and the Association it helped shape.

Above: Jana and Rob Bye pictured at their 100th anniversary celebration open house in April.

Fargo Linoleum originally focused on primary floor coverings like linoleum, linoleum tiles, woven carpet, ceramic tiles and hardwood floors. While products, materials and installation methods have changed dramatically over the decades, the company has adapted, evolving with the industry.

A project-oriented approach, paired with an in-house installation staff, allows the team to work closely with clients from start to finish. They now specialize in all aspects of flooring for both residential and commercial projects, including remodeling and new construction.

Rob and Jana Bye now lead the company. Rob is a 1985 graduate of Concordia College with a degree in business administration and built his career in the financial industry and agribusiness. Jana earned her business management degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 1987 and built her career in jewelry sales and management.

Emery Bye, Rob’s father, came into ownership of Fargo Linoleum after decades working through the ranks from installation to estimating. He passed the company down to Rob and Jana  in 1999 and they carry on his commitment. Emery also played a large role laying the foundation of the Building Industry Association over the years. He built up advocacy involvement and constantly gave back to his community. His sense of servant leadership and work ethic was strong throughout his career.

BIA CEO Bryce Johnson worked closely with Emery in her early years at the Association as membership coordinator. She says, “His footprint in the business is visible today. What is so neat is that Rob and Jana evolved and built the business to what it is today, but you can still see the amazing work in the footprint Emery established."

She emphasizes his focus on making meaningful connections. “A lot of that was built up from customer relationships, and that helped them succeed,” she says. “He had this amazing personality that was so infectious it just lit up the room and Rob is the same way.”

Sadly, Emery passed away at age 65 - just four months after retirement. Rob and Jana now carry on that tradition of being involved in the BIA; Jana currently serves as a trustee on the health plan management committee and Rob volunteered for membership recruitment and retention in the past. Both contribute skills honed through being part of a successful,  long-time small business.

Above: A Fargo Linoleum advertisement from the 1961 Parade of Homes "Idea Book."

The BIA-RRV's Parade of Homes began locally in 1960.

Rob says, “We like working with our customers including retail and contractors in the selection of flooring and being involved in the installation process.”

As flooring technology continues to advance, Fargo Linoleum keeps pace with product lines, design trends and installation techniques. This evolution is an opportunity and a challenge, especially as the company navigates workforce shortages, pricing pressures and increased regulation. Still, their focus remains clear and consistent.

Above: Fargo Linoleum celebrates a ribbon cutting facilitated by the FMWF Chamber of Commerce. 

“Show up every day, work hard and listen to your customers," Rob says. "Build a good team and strong relationships and use your expertise to help customers achieve their project objectives.”

After nearly 100 years in business, Fargo Linoleum’s success is rooted in relationships, adaptability and a commitment to doing the job right.

Written by Lydia McLaughlin, BIA-RRV Communications Intern