ufgSuretyConnections_Winter2018

connections
SURETY
WINTER 2018
Built with Pride, Led with Pride
Bruening Rock Products
Bruening Rock Products prides itself on being able to handle all of its customers’ aggregate needs, from driveways to streetscapes and bridges to highways. In fact, there’s no job too big or too small for this fourth-generation family business based in Decorah, Iowa.
“As I always say, the best job is the one you can make money on,” chuckled Keith Bruening, who has managed and led Bruening Rock Products with his brother Greg for nearly 40 years.
The company was formed during the 1930s by Leo Bruening, who worked in the Decorah area hauling coal from the railroads and helping farmers with excavation and lime work. In 1954, his eldest son, Duane, returned from the military and began working for the family business, growing it to more than 30 employees over two decades.
Under the leadership of Duane’s sons, Keith and Greg, Bruening has grown into one of the top stone producers in the country, with over 400 employees spanning seven associated companies in Iowa, Minnesota and Missouri.
“We just guide the ship,” insisted Keith, giving all credit to his workforce and their culture of hard work. He estimates that more than half of their employees have been at Bruening for over 25 years, which is a positive re ection of how they treat their people.
While new technology and equipment have brought many changes to Bruening over the years, the way the company does business has stayed the same. “We’re handshake guys, not contract guys,” emphasized Keith, who believes this has played a huge role in their success.
ON THE JOB
Bruening has been part of several streetscape and bridge projects over the years, including:
Interstate 35 and U.S. Route 30 Interchange Bridge for Iowa DOT
U.S. Route 63 Pavement Project for City of Waterloo, Iowa
Iowa Route 3 Pavement Project for Iowa DOT
Trout Run Trail Sidewalk and Trail Project for City of Decorah, Iowa
continued