Faces of the BIA: JN Contracting

Category: Member-Features
07/18/2025

Bringing big ideas to local projects

Welcome to our “Faces of the BIA” series! We are excited to introduce you to the businesses 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!

One of those companies is JN Contracting, a Fargo-based general contractor, founded in October 2022. JN Contracting (JNC) started by supporting developers and customers in busy markets such as Bozeman, Montana, and remote areas like Cheyenne, Wyoming.

While multi-family projects built under JNC are at the core of their work, the team’s experience extends beyond that, from commercial office space and restaurants to healthcare, sports facilities and light industrial projects. 

What sets JNC apart is its approach to assisting customers in achieving their goals. The team sees itself as more than just contractors, but as trusted partners. Their structure, transparency, involvement in each phase, and attention to detail make them stand out. A hands-on project management approach helps ensure they meet the highest standards.

One individual helping expand that approach is Loock Kouba, business development & marketing executive, who brings a people-first mindset to his work in the construction space.

Originally from Milbank, South Dakota, Loock earned a degree in business administration from Valley City State University. He spent 16 years working in the employee benefits industry, collaborating with brokers and consultants serving major companies like Facebook/Meta, Airbnb, Lyft, Uber, and SpaceX. He also helped develop partnerships with platforms like ADP and Workday, gaining experience that shaped his ability to build strong relationships and think strategically.

In 2024, Loock made the transition into the construction industry, shifting his focus on expanding JNC’s network of business partners and uncovering new project opportunities. He’s the kind of person who thrives on connections, building an extensive network that has helped grow the JNC brand and secure new business. 

“We joined the BIA to connect with fellow professionals, contribute to the local construction community, and take full advantage of the valuable resources the association offers,” says Loock. 

Since becoming a member, JNC has actively participated in the organization, attending events, serving on the Public Issues Committee and using BIA resources and benefits to support company growth. 

Today, JNC specializes in multi-family construction, spanning developments of all sizes. They also handle commercial construction and light industrial projects, as well as real estate development, positioning them as a versatile and reliable partner across multiple sectors. Recently, the company has implemented the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to improve team alignment and operations. Combined with North Dakota’s strong business climate, this has fueled their momentum.

Like many in the industry, JNC faces challenges such as a shrinking labor force and rising interest rates. To adapt, they’ve focused on affordable housing (Low Income Housing Tax Credit), explored modular construction, and shifted toward institutional and government contracts to keep projects moving.

For Loock, the best part of the job is simple: the people.

“Every day, I have the privilege of meeting with great people and working alongside them to navigate the complexities of various projects,” he says. “It’s all about building meaningful relationships and creating value through connection and communication.”

His advice to anyone just starting in the industry is to “work harder than you think you need to, and create strategic partnerships to help achieve your goals.”

Written by Abby Marthaller, Communications Intern