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.

Brandon Jacobson joined Opatril Concrete in May 2025, bringing with him a strong background in financial leadership and a passion for building systems that support long-term growth. As Controller, Brandon oversees all financial operations, from payroll and accounts payable to banking and regulatory compliance. His focus is on ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and transparency across the board.

Originally from Barnesville, MN, Brandon holds both a Bachelor and Master of Business Administration from the University of North Dakota. His career began in finance, but he found his niche in manufacturing and construction industries where strong financial systems can make a real difference. Brandon was drawn to Opatril’s reputation for trust and craftsmanship, and he saw an opportunity to contribute to a company with deep roots and a bright future.

Brandon is especially proud of implementing a weekly KPI report and streamlining vendor payments, helping reduce reliance on credit and improve financial clarity. Guided by the principle of integrity, he works to make accounting approachable and supports both ownership and staff with clear, reliable information.

Outside of work, Brandon stays busy with his wife and four children, often found at school events or youth hockey games. He is a coffee enthusiast, he also enjoys fitness, yardwork, and giving back to the community through volunteer coaching. For Brandon, the Fargo–Moorhead area offers the perfect blend of small-town values and big-city opportunity. In Brandon's own words "It has the right balance of community feel with big-city opportunities, and it’s a great place to raise a family."

Brandon's favourite quote is:“Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” — St. Francis of Assisi

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.”

Amanda Sundby joined Opatril Concrete in February 2025 and quickly became the heartbeat of the office. As the Administrative Assistant and Accounts Payable lead, Amanda handles everything from processing invoices and balancing statements to coordinating permits and insurance for our estimators and project managers. But around here, the self-proclaimed “chaos coordinator.” When something breaks or someone needs help, Amanda is the one we call.

Born and raised in Moorhead, Amanda holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Minnesota State University-Moorhead. Her career path has been as versatile as her skill set, and she brings a sharp eye for detail and a steady hand to the fast-paced world of construction administration. She was drawn to Opatril for its small-town feel and big potential, and she’s fully embraced it both with energy and heart.

Amanda is a key point of contact for customers and employees alike, and she keeps the executive team running smoothly. She’s also the creative force behind our Social Media presence, making sure the team looks sharp in new gear and sharing behind-the-scenes moments that connect us with the community.

Outside of work, Amanda and her husband enjoy life in Moorhead with their two dogs. They spend weekends working on their DIY home projects, playing and watching softball, relaxing at the lakes with family, and gardening, often at relatives’ homes just for fun.

Amanda's favourite quote is:“Knowing and doing are two different things.”

Rodrigo Pérez Novelo joined Opatril Concrete in May 2025, bringing a global perspective and a deep commitment to people and community. Originally from Mexico City, Rodrigo earned his Bachelor of Arts from Concordia College, double majoring in Global Studies (with a concentration in Global Systems & Processes) and Political Science.

At Opatril, Rodrigo wears many hats. He leads community engagement, manages hiring and HR, supports marketing efforts, and ensures that internal communications run smoothly. He also advocates for employee wellbeing, working to secure better benefits and insurance options for the team. His role bridges strategy and culture, helping shape a shared vision from leadership to crew, and ensuring that every voice is heard.

Rodrigo was drawn to Opatril through a personal connection with President Bjarne Rustad, and quickly recognized the company’s genuine belief in people and its commitment to creating opportunities. He thrives on the variety and challenge of his work, and finds fulfillment in building relationships and helping others grow.

Guided by honesty and care, Rodrigo approaches his work with the heart of a big brother, bringing youthful energy, fresh ideas, and a deep sense of responsibility to the team. He’s proud of the company’s growth, its increasing presence in the community, and the ownership’s support in helping employees become the best version of themselves. 

Outside of work, Rodrigo enjoys road trips, podcasts, and sports, especially football. He’s passionate about learning and loves watching global competitions where nations come together in pursuit of glory. He lives in Moorhead and stays closely connected to his family back home in Mexico, including his younger brother and parents. 

Rodrigo's favourite quote is:“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” — Viktor Frankl