For over two decades, Joe Evenson, a Project Manager with Egan Company’s Outdoor Electrical team, dedicated himself to serving his community as a firefighter and fire captain. With 26 years in the fire service, his role extended far beyond responding to emergencies—it was about leadership, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to safety and protecting others.
COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY As a Fire Captain, Evenson was responsible for overseeing Station 3 at the Elk River Fire Department, leading his team through training, daily operations, and emergency response. Beyond the station, he also worked duty officer shifts and responded to calls even when off duty. On the scene of a fire, his role was clear: lead from the front, protect his crew, and be the last to leave–prioritizing safety and efficiency in every operation.
Evenson’s passion for firefighting started at an early age, inspired by his father’s 17 years of service. “At a very young age, I knew I wanted to be a firefighter,” Evenson shared. That passion quickly turned into a career built on dedication and service, shaping the way he approached leadership and teamwork. Over the years, he honed his skills in emergency response, mentorship, and problem-solving—qualities that continue to serve him well in his professional life today.
FROM THE FIREHOUSE TO JOBSITES This lifelong dedication to service and teamwork has carried over seamlessly into his role at Egan, where he contributes his leadership and expertise in a different way. “Being part of Team Egan is awesome,” said Evenson. “We have a great Safety department, and the crews have whatever tools they need. In the office, we have an incredible team that supports each other every day.” His experience in high-pressure environments and his ability to lead and support a project team make him a valuable part of Egan.
After 26 years of dedicated service, he recently retired from the Elk River Fire Department, closing an incredible chapter of his career. From the firehouse to the jobsite, Evenson’s commitment to safety, teamwork, and excellence continues to leave a lasting impact. His journey reflects the core values of Egan Company—staying safe, promoting teamwork, embracing innovation, acting with integrity, and pursuing growth, all while demonstrating his commitment to excellence in every aspect of his work.
A new chapter has officially begun in Kasson with the opening of Egan Company’s 40,000-square-foot prefabrication facility, celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Recently welcomed into the community by the Rochester and Kasson Chambers of Commerce, Egan is proud to contribute to the local business community.
Along with the project and prefabrication teams, James Ford, Egan Company President and CEO, had the honor of cutting the ribbon, officially recognizing Egan’s presence in Kasson. Members of the Kasson Chamber of Commerce, Ambassadors of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce, and representatives from the Post Bulletin and the Dodge County Independent were in attendance, celebrating Egan’s growing role in the local business community.
The Kasson facility is more than just a new building—it serves as a foundation for future growth and exciting new opportunities at Egan. The space is prepared to help drive success and innovation in the years to come.
Glass, metal, and vision—every iconic project begins with a bold idea and the experts to bring it to life. We caught up with Ryan Woodruff, Vice President of InterClad, and Laura Casas, InterClad Operations Manager, to talk about all things curtainwall, glass, and metal panels—what Egan’s InterClad team does, what sets them apart, and what’s shaping the future of building exteriors.
What is InterClad? As one of Egan Company’s groups, InterClad is often referenced as its own entity—because at one point, it was. Originally formed in 1998 to serve the growing glazing market, InterClad was briefly considered for a sale before Egan decided to keep it in-house. Today, it’s a fully integrated part of Egan’s multi-trade offering, specializing in exterior building envelope systems.
“InterClad is just another group within Egan, like our mechanical or electrical divisions,” Woodruff explained. “We focus on glass, aluminum framing, curtainwall, metal panels, and everything related to the exterior skin of a building.”
The scope of work for InterClad includes both stick and unitized curtainwall and storefront glazing, metal panel systems, custom fabrication including in house pre-glazing. To support those field and shop activities, InterClad utilizes 3D modeling, BIM coordination, in-house 2D shop drawings, and project management from design through installation. With a union workforce that includes glaziers, ironworkers, and sheet metal workers, Egan’s InterClad team has steadily grown since its inception, now handling a diverse range of multi-million-dollar high rise, healthcare and multi-family projects, along with a broad array of additional industry sectors.
What Sets InterClad Apart? Expertise and execution. “It comes down to our people and processes,” Woodruff said. “Our quality control and project management are some of the best in the industry. We’re customer-focused, adaptable, and willing to take whatever steps necessary to deliver.”
Beyond technical expertise, the InterClad team’s ability to leverage Egan’s multi-trade structure sets it apart. “If we run into a challenge, we have an entire company’s worth of resources to pull from—mechanical, electrical, technology,” Casas added. “That’s a huge advantage.”
Egan’s InterClad team has worked on some of the region’s most complex glazing projects, including Minnesota Vikings – U.S. Bank Stadium, Essentia Health – Vision Northland, and Boston Scientific – Maple Grove Campus. Each of these projects require intricate design, technical precision, and the ability to overcome unique challenges in installation and performance.
Despite our robust capabilities, many customers don’t realize Egan does glazing. “Even within the industry, there are people who don’t know the full scope of what we offer,” Woodruff said. “Our estimators have been here for years and are well-known among clients. They help customers with budgeting and design guidance before a project even takes shape.”
Precision, Quality, and Compliance in Building Exteriors Delivering high-performance building envelopes starts with precision, material selection, and strict quality control. Egan’s fabrication process ensures accuracy at every stage, using a barcode and QR code system to track progress and conduct five quality checks before materials ever reach the field.
Choosing the right materials is equally critical. “System performance is always the priority—structural integrity, thermal efficiency, and air and water resistance all come into play,” Casas explained. “Reliability matters, too. We need to trust our vendors to deliver what they promise. Everything we do is highly spec-driven, so we’re always researching and sourcing the best materials for the job.”
Beyond quality and materials, ensuring code compliance is a key part of the process. “We do thermal modeling, structural calculations, and Design/Assist contracts to ensure compliance from the start,” Woodruff said. “By working closely with architects and general contractors, we can guide material selection and system design to meet performance goals without backpedaling later.” Where You’ll Find Egan’s InterClad Work Egan’s InterClad portfolio shapes the Twin Cities skyline, extends across Minnesota, and reaches cities nationwide. Their work spans corporate headquarters, stadiums, hospitals, multi-family housing, and government buildings, delivering high-performance exterior solutions that enhance both aesthetics and functionality.
While some industries, like data centers, require minimal glazing, curtainwall and panel systems are essential for most commercial and institutional buildings—providing natural light, energy efficiency, and structural integrity. From sleek glass facades on modern office towers to durable metal panels on large-scale healthcare facilities, Egan’s expertise plays a key role in shaping the built environment.
What’s Next for the Industry? The future of curtainwall and glazing is all about bigger, clearer, and more advanced glass. “Larger panels, improved energy efficiency, and robotic and AI-driven installation techniques are trends we expect to see,” Casas said. “The demand for high-performance, sustainable building envelopes will only continue to grow.”
InterClad is at the forefront of these innovations, particularly in sustainability. “Vacuum-insulated glazing and solar glazing—where the glass itself generates power—are among the biggest advancements we’ll see in the next decade,” Woodruff shared.
With a strong foundation of expertise, resources, and forward-thinking solutions, Egan’s InterClad team continues to shape the future of building exteriors.
From Detection to Protection: Fire Alarms & Life Safety Systems When you hear “fire alarm,” what comes to mind? Probably a small, round smoke detector mounted on the ceiling that lets out an ear-piercing beep when it senses smoke. But according to Kurt Johnson, Egan Company Director of Sales, and Jeremiah Perkins, Egan Company Service Business Group Manager, fire alarm and life safety systems are much more than that.
“A lot of people don’t realize the full scope of what a fire alarm system can do,” said Johnson. “They think of a smoke alarm, but what we do is far beyond that. We design and install full fire systems—systems that are integrated into a building’s infrastructure to provide early detection, evacuation guidance, and even mass notification in emergencies.” These systems can automatically trigger sprinkler activation, shut down HVAC systems to prevent smoke spread, and send real-time alerts to building occupants and first responders.
Life safety systems go even further, incorporating emergency lighting, voice evacuation technology, and lockdown capabilities for critical situations. Whether it’s a fire, severe weather, or a security threat, these integrated systems ensure that people receive clear, immediate instructions on how to stay safe. These systems aren’t just reactive—they’re proactive, helping to contain threats before they escalate and ensuring that people know exactly where to go in an emergency. What Sets Egan Company Apart? One of the biggest differentiators for Egan is its ability to provide a single-source solution—offering design, installation, and service all under one roof. “We handle everything,” said Perkins. “From the initial design to making sure it’s compliant, to maintaining the system long-term, we take care of it all. That means our customers don’t have to go back and forth between multiple vendors. One call to Egan, and we’ve got it covered.” Another key advantage? Egan’s flexibility. “We tailor-fit to what our customers need,” Johnson added. “Some businesses can’t afford downtime, so we work around their schedules. If that means working overnight or during off-hours, we do it. We’re not rigid with timeframes—we make it work.”
Egan’s fire alarm and life safety expertise extends across various industries, including healthcare, industrial manufacturing, hotels, senior living communities, public housing, and more. “We do apartment and condo buildings, and typically we’re working with property management companies, not individual owners,” Perkins explained. “We also have a lot of projects in hospitality, industrial spaces, and healthcare facilities, where fire and life safety are absolutely critical.”
Staying Ahead of Fire Codes and Compliance Fire codes are constantly evolving, and businesses must stay compliant to avoid fines and ensure safety. Egan takes a proactive approach to keeping its customers informed.
“We actually have relationships with nearly all the city agencies in the five-county metro,” said Johnson. “That gives us insight into code updates before they even become an issue for our customers. We schedule regular check-ins with our clients—sometimes monthly, sometimes quarterly—to educate them on what’s changing and make sure they’re ahead of compliance issues.” Another thing that sets Egan apart is its team of NICET-certified fire alarm technicians. “NICET certification isn’t just a quick class,” said Perkins. “It takes years to achieve. You need on-the-job experience, have to pass tough exams, and even complete project reviews.
Trending: The Shift to Mass Notification & Voice Evacuation A trend in fire alarm technology is the shift toward mass notification and voice evacuation systems. “Traditional fire alarms just make noise and flash lights,” Johnson explained. “But today, systems can integrate voice messaging, digital signage, and even text alerts. A fire alarm system isn’t just for fires anymore—it can be used for severe weather, security threats, and other emergencies.” Perkins agreed, adding, “mass notification systems are becoming the standard in high-occupancy buildings like schools, hospitals, and corporate campuses. It’s all about clear, immediate communication in an emergency.”
Fire Alarm Installation: Timing is Everything One of the biggest mistakes in construction is waiting too long to plan fire alarm systems. “Fire alarm systems are often an afterthought,” said Perkins. “People assume they can just be added at the last minute, but that’s not how it works. These systems need to be planned from the start—ideally, right after the building is designed.” Johnson added, “If you wait too long, you run into all kinds of issues—having to retrofit wiring, delays in permitting, and even extra costs. The best time to get us involved is early in the design phase.”
A common misconception is that fire alarm installations are quick and easy. In reality, they require significant planning, engineering, and approvals. “People assume we can be out there installing within a week,” said Johnson. “But just engineering a system takes time. Then, we have to get permits, city approvals, and coordinate with other trades. It’s not as simple as sticking a smoke detector on the ceiling.” Perkins added, “And it’s not just about fire. A lot of people don’t realize how much fire alarm systems do beyond just detecting smoke. They can trigger lockdowns, integrate with security systems, and provide building-wide communication during an emergency.”
What If You’re Unsure About Your Current System? If a business isn’t sure whether its fire alarm system is up to code or needs an upgrade, the best thing to do is get an assessment. “Just give us a call,” said Perkins. “Egan can come out, take a look at what you have, and guide you through your options. Whether it’s an upgrade, a code compliance check, or just routine maintenance, we can help.”
At the end of the day, fire alarm and life safety systems are about more than just compliance—they’re about protecting people, property, and businesses. And with Egan’s expertise, comprehensive solutions, and commitment to service, customers can trust that their systems are in good hands.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (March 1, 2025) – Egan Company, a local multi-trades contractor and system integrator, announced Grant Price, Senior Vice President, has been appointed to its Board of Directors.
“I’m excited for Grant to join Egan’s Board of Directors. He has been with Egan for over 25 years, where he has grown his career from an electrician in the field to his current role as Senior Vice President of Electrical,’ said James Ford, Egan Company President & CEO. “Along his career journey, Grant has proven to be a passionate driver of change and growth. His experience and deep understanding of Egan’s business will be extremely valuable in his role on the Board.”
A graduate of Minneapolis Technical Institute, Price has over 33 years of experience in the electrical and system integration industries, nearly all of which has been with Egan. He has held various roles, including Electrician, Project Manager, Operations Manager, Group Manager, Vice President, and now Senior Vice President of Electrical. In this position, Price oversees Egan’s largest business bringing hands-on trades knowledge and operational expertise to the role.
Price joins three other members on Egan’s Board, including James Ford, President and Chief Executive Officer; Jim Nonn, Chief Information Officer and Chairman; and Mike Tengwall, Strategic Advisor.
About Egan Company
Egan Company is a privately-owned, multi-trades contractor and system integrator providing services and solutions to general contractors, engineers, building owners, property managers, and facility engineers. Specialties include: electrical, mechanical, curtainwall/glazing/metal panels (InterClad), millwrights, building technology, controls and system integration, and 24/7 service. Egan serves every stage of a building and provides in-house expertise in planning, design and engineering, construction, and maintenance. For more information about Egan Company, visit www.eganco.com.
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Media Contact:
Angela Schmidt Marketing Communication Manager ars2@eganco.com // 763-504-3471
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (January 6, 2025) – Egan Company, a local multi-trades contractor and systems integrator, announced the promotion of Grant Price to Senior Vice President of Electrical. In this senior leadership role, Price is responsible for overseeing business operations and strategy for Egan’s business unit that delivers complete electrical services.
“Grant’s transition into this role is an exciting step for Egan,” said James Ford, Egan Company President & CEO. “His proven track record at every level of the company, combined with his drive and passion for innovation, leaves no doubt that he will lead us to new heights.”
The electrical business encompasses construction with a focus on commercial, solar, data center, and institutional projects; special projects for flexible, rapid-response upgrades, campuses, and remodels; outdoor services for lighting, utility infrastructure, civil projects, light rail, and public spaces; and industrial controls with electrical, process controls, engineering, a UL 508A panel shop, Refrigeration-IQ™, Egan’s refrigeration controls solution, and IntelliBatch®, Egan’s concrete batching product.
Price has over 33 years of experience in the electrical, industrial controls, and system integration industries, nearly all of which has been with Egan Company. A graduate of Minneapolis Technical Institute, he has held various roles, including Electrician, Project manager, Operations Manager, Group Manager, Vice President, and now Senior Vice President of Electrical. With this promotion, Price oversees Egan’s largest business bringing hands-on field knowledge and operational expertise to the role. His leadership and scale-up mindset have been instrumental in supporting Egan’s expansion into new markets—including North Carolina—advancing the capabilities of Egan’s new prefabrication facility, and driving the growth of Egan’s electrical operations.
The Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal highlighted Price’s promotion in its People on the Move feature.
About Egan Company
Egan Company is a privately-owned, multi-trades contractor providing building trades to general contractors, engineers, building owners, property managers, and facility engineers. Specialties include: electrical, mechanical, curtainwall/glazing/metal panels (InterClad), millwrights, building technology, controls and system integration, and 24/7 service. Egan serves every stage of a building and provides in-house expertise in planning, design and engineering, construction, and maintenance. For more information about Egan Company, visit www.eganco.com.
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Media Contact:
Angela Schmidt Marketing Communication Manager ars2@eganco.com // 763-504-3471
Starting in a pipe shop on Minnesota’s Iron Range, Joseph Egan had a dream of running his own business. In 1945, he and his sons Bill and Costney opened the doors of Egan and Sons Plumbing and Heating Company in the Twin Cities, putting into motion his dream that would forever change the landscape of the state of Minnesota and beyond.
Eighty years later, Egan Company has grown to four locations in two states, 12 trades, nearly 1,000 employees, and countless valued customers. What hasn’t changed in the last eight decades is the commitment to safety, quality, excellence, and following through on every project.
This framework has helped us grow, kept us safe, and has played a fundamental role in the projects we’ve touched in our community. We are proud to be a part of the rich history and exciting future of everywhere we work.
Join Egan in celebrating 80 years of Building On Promises Kept in 2025!
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (July 5, 2024) – Egan Company, a local specialty contractor and systems integrator, announced the upcoming retirement of Mike Tengwall, Senior Vice President of Electrical, in 2025.
Tengwall joined Egan in 2007 and has held many roles from Project Manager, Business Group Leader, and Senior Vice President. He also serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors. He began his 35 year trades career as an Electrician, Master Electrician, and Project Manager before moving into leadership positions. During his tenure, the industrial controls and electrical businesses have experienced significant growth under his leadership; additionally, his technical and operational contributions have reinforced the Company’s strengths in delivering trades and professional services to building owners and operators, general contractors, and OEMs.
“It has been a privilege to work and provide leadership at Egan for the past 17 years,” said Tengwall. “I have had the opportunity to work with a lot of very smart and talented people to assist our customers and grow our business. With constant steady pressure, we have been able to accomplish a lot together. I’m looking forward to spending retirement with my family on the lake and taking trips together.”
In January 2025, Tengwall will step down from his current role; he will remain with Egan in the role of Secretary of Egan’s Board of Directors. Grant Price, who joined Egan in 2002 following the merger of Comm Tech Electrical, will succeed Tengwall as Senior Vice President of Electrical.
About Egan Company
Egan Company is a privately-owned, specialty contractor providing building trades to general contractors, engineers, building owners, property managers, and facility engineers. Specialties include: electrical, mechanical, curtainwall/glazing/metal panels (InterClad), millwrights, building technology, controls and system integration, and 24/7 service. Egan serves every stage of a building and provides in-house expertise in planning, design and engineering, construction, and maintenance. For more information about Egan Company, visit www.eganco.com.
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Media Contact:
Angela Schmidt Marketing Communication Manager arschmidt@eganco.com // 763-504-3471
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (July 1, 2024) – Egan Company, a local specialty contractor and systems integrator, announced Jim Nonn, Chief Information Officer, has been appointed as Chairman of the Board of Egan Company’s Board of Directors.
“As Egan’s new Chairman, Jim brings a very unique perspective to the Egan Board of Directors,” said James Ford, Egan Company President & CEO. ”He has worked at Egan for over 25 years and has been part of our leadership team for many of those years. That deep experience gives him the insights to quickly see challenges we may be facing or opportunities we should be pursuing.”
Since joining Egan’s IT group in 1998, Nonn has spearheaded the implementation of innovative technologies like server and desktop virtualization. His leadership and vision led to his appointment to the Board of Directors in 2016.
As Chairman of the Board, primary responsibilities will include leadership, governance, agenda setting, and meeting facilitation.
Alongside Nonn, Egan’s Board of Directors includes James Ford, President and Chief Executive Officer; Mike Tengwall, Senior Vice President; and Duane Hendricks, Board Member.
About Egan Company
Egan Company is a privately-owned, specialty contractor providing building trades to general contractors, engineers, building owners, property managers, and facility engineers. Specialties include: electrical, mechanical, curtainwall/glazing/metal panels (InterClad), millwrights, building technology, controls and system integration, and 24/7 service. Egan serves every stage of a building and provides in-house expertise in planning, design and engineering, construction, and maintenance. For more information about Egan Company, visit www.eganco.com.
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Media Contact:
Angela Schmidt Marketing Communication Manager ars2@eganco.com // 763-504-3471
Innovation and safety is the name of the game with Egan’s utilization of the new SpyderCrane mini lift. Identifying a need to install glass in a different way than before at a high-rise project, Egan’s InterClad and Safety teams brainstormed possible options. The innovative and compact SpyderCrane was the solution that fit the installation needed in the confined working area.
“Typically, Egan’s InterClad team utilizes a ground crane to install glass and windows in large high-rise buildings,” said Jason Lindula, Egan Company Safety Manager. “We now use the SpyderCrane to reduce material handling, create a safer installation process, and provide an opportunity for a smaller crew size.”
On a high-rise project jobsite, imagine the SpyderCrane on level six, two Egan employees on level five, and two Egan employees on level four. The SpyderCrane lowers the glass into place from above, allowing the Egan crews on the lower levels to install the glass into place quickly and safely.
Specifications of Egan’s SpyderCrane:
Capacity to lift 2,000 lbs.
Variable Geometry Outriggers – allows for lifts in tight spaces
Remote control and pressure sensitive controls
Narrow track width and low center of gravity
We’re still working out the kinks of utilizing a new piece of equipment,” said Ryan Woodruff, Egan Company Vice President. “But the SpyderCrane’s ability to install glass in tight spaces while we utilize additional installation tactics in other areas ensures we’re staying on track for the overall project.
With one SpyderCrane already active on a jobsite, a second SpyderCrane will be arriving soon for use on additional jobsites where confined installation is needed. The precision and safety of the SpyderCrane mini lift provides Egan an opportunity to increase accuracy and ensure safety while continuing to install glass on even the tallest high-rise buildings in the Midwest.
