Faces of the BIA: ROERS

Category: Member-Features
07/20/2026

Celebrating 50 years of building partnerships

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!

From a small, family-driven construction company to a diversified organization shaping communities across the region, ROERS has built its reputation on growth, relationships and long-term vision.

Founded in 1976 in Fargo, ROERS originally focused on small commercial projects and residential construction, with crews traveling to other states as needed. Today, they specialize in commercial construction and development including multifamily housing, senior living, hospitality and mixed-use projects throughout the Midwest and beyond.

The company also manages commercial properties and residential housing, including that for students. Over the years, they have developed strong experience in projects that require close collaboration, phased construction and long-term operational considerations.

ROERS Vice President of Marketing, Communications and Culture Heidi Knutson says, “We truly value partnerships — whether that’s with clients, subcontractors, employees or the communities we work in. We’ve built our company around collaboration, communication and doing what we say we’re going to do.”

Currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, ROERS has an exciting opportunity to reflect on its history while also looking toward the future. One of its newest projects is COVE - Center of Innovative Ventures & Entrepreneurs. It will transform the former West 45th Business Center (pictured below) into a collaborative environment for entrepreneurs, businesses and innovation, including residential units and amenities.

Looking ahead, Founder and CEO Jim Roers’ legacy continues through his children Shannon and Shane who serve in key leadership roles, positioning the company for its next chapter. Adding to the 2026 achievements, Shannon currently leads the Building Industry Association’s board as president. ROERS also is a Very Invested Partner sponsor, supporting the Association’s mission, and has strongly supported the Herdina Construction Trades Camp (which was named in memory of former ROERS employee Neil Herdina) for more than 25 years.

BIA-RRV CEO Bryce Johnson says, “Congratulations on 50 years! The success of ROERS reflects not only the vision and leadership of Jim, but also the commitment of Shane and Shannon who continue to build on that foundation. We are grateful for the family’s dedication to this region, and especially to Shannon for her leadership within the Association."

Shane Roers, Jim Roers and Shannon Roers

Shannon has played a vital role in the company's growth through her expertise in law, real estate and development. As general counsel and a developer, she provides legal oversight for land acquisitions, partnerships, and development projects while also serving as a real estate broker with ROERS Real Estate Services. In addition to her work with the family business, Shannon has been an active community leader, serving on numerous regional boards and organizations.

Public service is a hallmark of the ROERS family legacy. Jim served in the North Dakota Senate for more than eight years, while Shannon represented District 46 in the North Dakota House of Representatives for eight years and served as House Republican Caucus Chair.

Shane built his career within the family business starting with hands-on work during his high school years and advancing through project management roles before becoming president of ROERS. Today, he leads business development, oversees key client and subcontractor relationships, and helps guide the company's continued growth across North Dakota. His leadership was instrumental in establishing Roers' western North Dakota presence, including the opening of the Dickinson office in 2010.

Heidi says, “One of the best parts of this industry is seeing a project come to life and knowing the impact it has on people and communities. Every project is different, and there is a strong sense of teamwork involved in bringing ideas from concept to completion. The relationships built along the way make it especially rewarding.”

ROERS Founder and CEO Jim Roers with daughter, Shannon, at the company’s 50^th anniversary celebration at The Lights in West Fargo in May.

Like many companies in the industry, ROERS faces challenges through workforce availability and the increasing complexity of projects, schedules and material lead times. Through decades of growth and change, ROERS continues to focus on what has always mattered: strong partnerships, clear communication and building projects that create long-term value for the communities they serve.

Written by Lydia McLaughlin, BIA-RRV Communications Intern