A company with a long history in the region, TrueNorth Steel’s story starts in 1945 when Ole Rommesmo, a Norwegian immigrant, launched the business with modest resources and a vision to help communities build with the strength of steel.
It is known as a manufacturer of steel-based construction and storage product solutions for a variety of industries, from construction and architecture to stormwater management, energy, and agriculture.
In 2004, Dan Kadrmas joined the company as president and still sits at the helm.

The business was built on principles important to Ole. Personal responsibility, outcome focus, team player attitude, positive, trust, and commitment, are at the heart of the driving values today.

On both a quarterly and annual basis, TrueNorth Steel recognizes employees who exhibit these values through the company’s internal leadership program called Game Changer. So far, 685 employees have graduated from the program.
Knowing the importance of developing a talent pipeline locally, TrueNorth Steel joined the Ignite FMWF initiative to highlight the benefits of a career in the trades. It also partnered with the F5 Project to help reduce the stigma of employing people establishing their lives after incarceration.

True community supporters, it partners with area organizations to give back, including the United Way, Great Plains Food Bank, Salvation Army, and more.

TrueNorth Steel also steps up to the public policy plate. In 2018, company leadership visited the White House to discuss tax reform and later hosted the Secretary of Commerce in Fargo to discuss the impacts of steel tariffs.
Throughout Dan’s tenure, TrueNorth Steel has navigated through the 2008 recession, volatile markets, supply chain and workforce issues, and a pandemic. Despite this, it continues to grow, and at a pace that mirrors the growth of the community. In the past seven years, it has increased revenue significantly and grew employees by 33%.

Leadership credits this to a culture of resilience and diligence through change management. As just one example, the company converted its Casper, Wyoming, plant to manufacture storage tanks to better serve the emerging shale oil market, which allowed its West Fargo location to add bridge fabrication to its capacity.

TrueNorth Steel is always looking at new, innovative solutions. Many of its systems hold proprietary trademarks. Another differentiator is its in-house transportation logistics, drafting, and engineering services.
In 2021, the company acquired Texas-based Beck Steel, which brought on 300,000 square feet of additional manufacturing space in West Fargo.
Recent notable construction projects include work for Google, Disney, Amazon, and Bayer Monsanto. And, it’s nearing completion of a steel project for the Sacramento, California, courthouse. Locally, it shaped the Fargo skyline with its work on Block 9 and Sanford’s medical center.
This innovation has allowed TrueNorth Steel to truly thrive, stand the test of time, and prove its place as this year’s reigning Business of the Year.