Bjarne Rustad joined Opatril Concrete in 2022 after teaming up with Mike Stotts to purchase the business from Steve Opatril. Bjarne brings over 25 years of experience in the construction industry and a lifelong passion for building. A native of Fosston, MN, Bjarne earned his degree in Construction Management from Minnesota State University Moorhead and has led projects of all sizes across the region.

Born into a family of craftsmen, Bjarne was immersed in construction from a young age, helping his father in the mechanical trades and playing with Tonka trucks in the driveway. That early exposure shaped his career and instilled a deep respect for hard work, problem-solving, and the value of craftsmanship.

At Opatril, Bjarne’s role is hands-on and dynamic: introducing new ideas, fixing what’s broken, and helping the team succeed. He thrives on the daily challenges of construction, from unpredictable weather to complex project scopes, and finds reward in aligning all the moving parts to deliver successful outcomes. His leadership is guided by a simple but powerful principle: helping others succeed.

Bjarne contributes to Opatril’s family-oriented culture by getting to know every member of the team and fostering an environment of trust, communication, and shared success. He believes in the company’s potential and its reputation for quality, and he’s committed to building on that legacy.

Outside of work, Bjarne enjoys time with his wife, a nurse and their two daughters, a senior in college studying nursing, and a college freshman, who is pursuing Business Management. His hobbies include hunting, reading, and taking family vacations out west. He also appreciates the unique blend of industries and people in the Fargo-Moorhead area, which he sees as a strong and diverse climate for business and community growth.

Mike Stotts has been a cornerstone of Opatril Concrete since 2001. With over two decades of experience and a degree in Construction Management from M-State, Mike has played a key role in shaping the company’s growth and reputation for quality craftsmanship. Starting as an estimator, he partnered up with Bjarne Rustad in 2022 and purchased the Business from Steve Opatril. Mike worked his way up and now on his ownership role he helps oversee all departments to ensure operations run smoothly and efficiently.

Raised in Ulen, MN, Mike grew up on construction sites, learning the trade hands-on while helping his father with everything from new builds to remodels. That early exposure sparked a lifelong passion for building, and for solving the complex challenges that come with it.

Mike is driven by a commitment to continuous improvement, always looking for ways to enhance the services Opatril provides to its customers. He takes pride in helping projects run smoothly and in fostering a company culture rooted in common sense, teamwork, and trust.

Outside of work, Mike and his wife stay busy raising two high schoolers and cheering them on at sporting events. He’s an avid fan of outdoor recreation, enjoying everything from motorcycles and snowmobiles to boating and off-roading, embracing the adventures that come with each of Minnesota’s seasons.

Zak joined the Opatril team in June 2008. Starting as a job site Forman then moving to the Foundation Superintendent. Zak is now the Chief Estimator, working on bids for Residential, Commercial, Light Industrial, and Agricultural concrete projects. With over 25 years of experience in the concrete industry, Zak uses his experience to keep the jobs and information flowing from estimating to the field of operation. 

Desirae Holum joined Opatril Concrete on July, 2025 as Lead Estimator, bringing hands-on experience and a sharp analytical mind to the team. She manages and coordinates the preparation of project cost estimates, ensuring accuracy and completeness by analyzing plans, specifications, and materials to determine labor and equipment needs for each concrete project.

Originally from Harwood, ND, Desirae’s path into construction was non-traditional. She began studying nursing but pivoted into her family’s manufacturing business, where she discovered a passion for estimating and learned the trade through real-world experience. Her first concrete project was a major one, and she nailed it, earning the company the job and setting the tone for her career.

Desirae was drawn to Opatril for its small family-business feel and its ambitious goals for growth. She thrives on the challenge of estimating, where no two projects are the same and each day brings something new. Guided by integrity, she believes in doing the right thing,whether it’s being honest about costs, owning mistakes, or delivering on promises. That mindset builds trust with both coworkers and customers.

At Opatril, Desirae contributes to the company’s family-oriented culture by fostering teamwork, open communication, and helping others succeed, just like in a close-knit family. Outside of work, she enjoys life with her husband and their three adult sons. Her hobbies include hunting, gardening, spending time at the lake, reading, and baking sourdough bread.

Desirae's favourite quotes are:

• “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing you will be successful.”
  
• “Be the kind of person you want to meet.”