We Pour Concrete, We Build Careers, We Deliver Quality

Built on Hard Work, Grit, and Precision

What started as weekend work for family and friends grew into a company that delivers precision, speed, and top-tier craftsmanship on every job. But Crete & Co. isn’t just about concrete—it’s about people. Our team works hard, puts in the effort, and takes pride in what they do, knowing that when the job is done, they get to go home and enjoy the life they’ve built.

The Crew That Makes It Happen

At Crete & Co., we’re more than coworkers—we’re a crew that builds together, grows together, and delivers results that last. Today, we are a Lean, Mean, Concrete Pouring Machine delivering fast, precise, and high-quality concrete work on every job, no matter the size

John Forseth
Owner / President 

John, the dynamic entrepreneur who founded Crete & Co. in 2015, has been steadily expanding the team since then. A native of Bemidji, he completed his education at Bemidji High School (2012) and Bemidji State University (2015). While owning Crete & Co. holds significance for John, his primary focus lies in nurturing his family team alongside his wife Lindsey. Together, they have two boys, Brooks and Graham, who share a passion for construction, often seen operating "their" bobcats and cheering for the Beaver Hockey team. In his rare moments of leisure, John indulges in his personal hobbies, which include bow hunting, fishing, and constructing an outdoor hockey rink for his sons.

Smiling couple standing hand-in-hand against a dark stone wall; the man wears a brown t-shirt and black pants, and the woman wears a sleeveless white dress, leaning her head on his shoulder.
Smiling couple sitting at an outdoor table with a black and white spaniel between them, under red and black patio umbrellas at a busy café or restaurant.
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Jaret Lalli
Vice President

Jaret began his journey with the Crete & Co. team in 2017, initially joining as a seasonal employee while pursuing his education. After graduating from Bemidji High School in 2017, he continued to balance his studies with work until he completed his Business Management degree at Concordia College Moorhead in 2023 while also participating in collegiate hockey. Beyond his professional pursuits, Jaret finds joy in a variety of hobbies, including hockey, golfing, traveling, enjoying lake activities, and spending quality time with his fiancé, Jodi, and their puppy, Leila. Leila is a frequent shop employee and has become a sort of Crete and Co. mascot and shop greeter.

Smiling couple standing together in front of a rustic wooden wall. The man is wearing a tan t-shirt and black shorts while holding a drink can, and the woman is in a white cropped top and black skirt with a front knot. They are standing close, with his arm around her shoulder.
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Steve Johanns
Lead Foreman

Joining the Crete & Co. team back in 2018, Steve has steadily risen to his current position as Foreman. He completed his high school education at Bemidji High School in 2017 and later graduated from Bemidji State University in 2021 with a degree in Business Management. Beyond the job site, Steve finds fulfillment in golfing and indulging in lake life activities. He enjoys spending time outdoors with friends and takes delight in renovating his newly acquired home in Bemidji. An amusing tidbit about Steve is that he holds the record among all Crete & Co. members for his skill at riding a mechanical bull.

Bride and groom posing outdoors on their wedding day with a golden retriever. The groom is wearing an all-black suit with a white boutonniere, and the bride is in a white lace gown holding a bouquet of white roses and greenery. They are both smiling, kneeling beside their happy dog in front of a garden and building with large windows.
Caleb Manecke
Crew Foreman

Caleb became a member of the Crete & Co. team in 2018 while simultaneously pursuing his education and playing baseball for Bemidji State. He graduated from New Richmond High in 2016, where he actively participated in baseball, football, and basketball. Caleb continues to showcase his passion for baseball by playing competitively for the Bemidji amateur baseball team, the Blue Ox. Among his hobbies are playing video games, constructing with Lego bricks, engaging in cornhole matches, and golfing alongside his colleagues from Crete & Co. In 2023, Caleb tied the knot with his wife, Erin. An interesting tidbit about Caleb is that he has never eaten any kind of rice!

Couple posing together in front of a tropical resort backdrop with palm trees, a pool, and the ocean in the distance. The woman is wearing a black and tan patterned dress, and the man is dressed in a black Crete & Co. polo, gray pants, and a cap. They are smiling and standing close, with manicured landscaping and ornate railing in the foreground.
Tony Long
Site Superintendent

Tony became a valued member of the Crete & Co. team in 2021, seamlessly integrating into the workforce. Prior to joining Crete & Co., Tony spent four years at Mortenson Company, operating a range of heavy machinery across different states. A native of Bemidji, he graduated from Bemidji High School in 2017. Tony's leisure pursuits include hunting, fishing, ice fishing, exploring the outdoors on his side-by-side, and cherishing moments with his loved ones, including his family, friends, and girlfriend, Jada.

Young couple smiling at an outdoor restaurant table at night, sitting close together with a giant yellow frozen drink in front of them with two colorful straws. The woman is wearing a sleeveless white dress and the man is in a short-sleeved button-up shirt and backward baseball cap. Dim lighting and foliage create a cozy, festive atmosphere.
Man standing on a boat holding a freshly caught tuna with both hands. He is wearing a light-colored ESCH Construction Supply hoodie, sunglasses, a black APM hat, and dark shorts. The ocean stretches out behind him under a clear blue sky, with fishing rods and gear visible around the boat.
Young man standing in a boat on a calm lake, holding up a largemouth bass. He is wearing a blue hoodie with “Iron Horse” text, gray sweatpants, sunglasses, and a tan baseball cap. The background includes a treeline and overcast sky.
Parker Mistic
Crew Foreman

Parker began his journey with Crete and Co. in 2021 and has steadily risen through the ranks ever since. Graduating from Lineman school at M. State Wadena in 2023, Parker briefly explored other career paths but ultimately returned to his passion for concrete work and camaraderie with his colleagues. During his downtime, Parker enjoys activities such as hunting, fishing, spearfishing, and quality time with his girlfriend, Gracie. An interesting tidbit about Parker is that he was gifted the nickname "Sparky" by his work team members.

Ice hockey player in a white, red, and black uniform preparing to pass or shoot the puck during a game. He wears a “C” on his jersey, indicating captain status, and his gear includes Bauer gloves and skates. The team logo features a fierce wolf with flames, and the player is intensely focused on the action.
Josef Lalli
Crew Foreman

Josef was warmly convinced to join the Crete and Co. team by his elder brother Jaret, who is also part of the crew. Starting in 2022, Josef began working during the summers while not residing in Wyoming, where he pursues junior hockey. Born and raised in Bemidji, MN, he graduated from high school in the same year, 2022. Apart from his passion for hockey, Josef enjoys hunting, fishing, weightlifting, spending time with his girlfriend Maddie, and golfing. On the job site, you'll likely spot Josef with his sleeves rolled up, sporting a pair of stylish Rico Suave sunglasses.

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Hunter Olson
Advanced Concrete Finisher

Hunter became part of the Crete & Co. team in 2022. You can’t miss him on a jobsite—he’s usually working hard and flashing a big smile while doing it. A 2018 graduate of Bemidji High School, Hunter recently graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, where he balanced academics with his love for hockey and baseball. Now stepping into the next chapter, he stays active with sports and fishing and never misses a chance to spend quality time with his nieces and nephews. He’s also known to bust a move whenever there’s music playing and loves making memories with his longtime girlfriend, Mikerra.

Brock Bouchie
Laborer

With four years of construction experience already under his belt, Brock Bouchie joined Crete & Co. in the fall of 2025 ready to work and eager to keep building his future in the trades. Brock is the kind of guy who enjoys staying busy, working with his hands, and pushing himself toward the next goal.

Known for his grounded attitude and strong work ethic, Brock plans to continue expanding his skills by earning both his operator’s license and CDL after graduation. Whether he’s on the jobsite or learning something new, he’s always looking for ways to improve and grow within the industry.

Outside of work, Brock spends plenty of time in the gym and enjoys fishing whenever he gets the opportunity. Family also plays a huge role in his life, growing up alongside four brothers and one sister in a close-knit household. At home, he also cares for his albino corn snake, Draco — which tends to surprise people almost as much as his completely plain burgers.  Whether he’s lifting weights, chasing fish, or chasing career goals, Brock brings a hardworking mentality and laid-back personality to the Crete & Co. team every day.

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High school football player in a white uniform running with the ball during a night game. He wears a helmet with a “B” logo and is closely pursued by opponents in blue jerseys labeled “Sartell.” Teammates and other players are seen in the background amid the play.
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Ephram Boucher
Advanced Concrete Laborer

Ephram joined Crete & Co. in 2022 at just 15 years old, marking his first step into the construction world—and he’s been a dedicated part of the crew ever since. While he may be the youngest on the team, his work ethic and skill speak for themselves. Ephram graduated from Bemidji High School in 2025 and plans to attend St. Scholastica in Duluth to further his football career. When he’s not working or training, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and staying active with hockey, track, and more.

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Man smiling and leaning over construction plans at a building site. He is wearing a gray “BPI” cap, tan t-shirt, and has a tattoo on his forearm. He’s holding a pen and a calculator, surrounded by unfinished wooden framing and structural plywood.
Dominic Mapes
Estimator / Project Manager

Dominic brings fresh talent to the Crete and Co. team starting in 2023, complemented by a rich background in construction. With six years of carpentry and masonry experience in the Army reserves, Dominic is well-versed in hands-on work. Additionally, he boasts extensive expertise in residential estimation and project management. Holding a Construction Management degree from NDSU, earned in 2019, Dominic is equipped with comprehensive knowledge in his field. Beyond work, Dominic enjoys farming, cooking, hunting, and completing his home construction project. Family is central to Dominic's life, with his wife, Samantha, and their two daughters, Margo and Wrenley.

Smiling woman holding a large, colorful mahi-mahi fish on a boat, with a man standing behind her with his arm around her shoulders. Both are dressed in casual fishing attire, and the man’s shirt has “Cabo San Lucas” printed on the sleeve. The boat's cabin and coolers are visible in the background, with calm water nearby.
Collin Strain
Estimator / Project Manager

Collin brings new energy to the Crete and Co. team, though his expertise in the construction industry is anything but new. His journey began with earning a Construction Management Engineering degree from NDSU. Over the span of 16 years, Collin served as Chief Estimator, Project Manager, and Vice President at two prominent highway heavy construction firms. Beyond his professional pursuits, Collin finds joy in hunting, fishing, woodworking, and traveling, alongside cherished moments with his wife Trisha and his two sons, Gannon and Connor. He also dedicates time as a volunteer for the Clearwater County Sheriffs reserve, and when called upon by Trisha, you might find him calling Bingo in Bagley!

Caide Staker
Laborer

If there’s work to be done, chances are Caide Staker is already on it. Since joining Crete & Co. in 2025, Caide has built a reputation as someone who shows up ready to work, takes pride in doing things right, and never backs away from a challenge.

A graduate of Bemidji High School, Caide built his experience through hands-on work in the concrete trade, learning the value of consistency, reliability, and attention to detail along the way. Whether it’s long days on the jobsite or problem-solving in the field, he brings a steady and hardworking attitude to the crew every day.

Outside of work, Caide enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with family whenever he gets the chance. Life at home stays busy with four cats, two dogs, his fiancée Emily, and their son Tate, who already has Caide wrapped around his finger at just a few months old.  Whether he’s out in the woods or on the jobsite, Caide brings grit, loyalty, and a strong sense of responsibility to everything he does.

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Shawnathan Peterson
Advanced Concrete Laborer

Shawnathan Peterson joined Crete and Co in 2024, bringing five years of valuable experience in residential and commercial damage restoration. A Bemidji High School graduate from the class of 2016 and the youngest sibling to two sisters, Shawnathan is passionate about hands-on craftsmanship and problem-solving. Outside of work, he enjoys collecting and working on automotive and motorcycle projects, photography, and staying active through golfing, basketball, hockey, and going to the gym. He finds the greatest joy in sharing these hobbies with close friends. Shawnathan’s enthusiasm, skill, and collaborative spirit make him a great addition to the Crete and Co team.

Christine Mills
Office and Finance Administrator

Christine Mills recently joined the Crete & Co. team, bringing with her years of accounting experience, professionalism, and a strong attention to detail.

After graduating in 2009, Christine built a career in accounting through years of hard work, dedication, and dependable service. Her experience and organized approach make her a valuable addition to the team.

Outside of work, Christine enjoys spending time with her husband Dan and their two sons, Austen and Jace. Whether it’s relaxing on the boat during the summer months or enjoying snowmobile rides through the winter, she appreciates any opportunity to spend time outdoors with family and friends. Christine’s strong work ethic, family values, and positive personality make her a great fit for the Crete & Co. team.

Connor Strain
Laborer

Connor Strain joined Crete & Co in early 2026 and quickly earned a reputation as a hard worker with a strong attitude and even stronger curiosity. Connor is the kind of team member who’s always asking questions, always looking to learn, and always trying to improve. This has made him a fast learner and a great fit for our team.

Outside of work, Connor enjoys shooting pool, working on motors and cars, spending time with friends, and watching UFC fights. When fall rolls around, you’ll likely find him somewhere in the woods enjoying the outdoors and chasing whitetails.

Whether he’s turning wrenches, learning something new on the jobsite, or jumping into the next challenge headfirst, Connor brings great energy and character to the Crete & Co team every day.

Gavin Osborn
Advanced Concrete Laborer

Gavin Osborn started with Crete & Co. in 2024 while finishing his senior year at Bemidji High School, gaining valuable hands-on experience and building a strong foundation of responsibility and discipline early on. His ability to balance school, athletics, and work showed the kind of maturity and work ethic that continues to serve him well today.

Gavin currently attends Concordia College, where he is pursuing a degree in Pre-Physical Therapy while also competing in wrestling. The commitment and toughness required in the sport carry over into everything he does, both in the classroom and on the job.

Outside of school and work, Gavin enjoys staying active in the gym, spending time with friends, and making the most of Minnesota summers on the water wakeboarding and fishing whenever possible. Whether he’s training for competition, learning new skills, or spending time outdoors, Gavin brings focus, determination, and a positive attitude to the Crete & Co. team.

Lee Walter
Advanced Layout Specialist

When Lee Walter isn’t hunting, fishing, or ripping around the trails on a four-wheeler with friends, he’s helping drive precision and production at Crete & Co. Known for being one of the first guys to jump in, grab a shovel, and get to work, Lee brings a hard-working, no-complaint attitude to the team every single day.

As Crete & Co’s layout specialist, Lee operates the company’s total station equipment and plays a major role in ensuring projects are executed with precision and attention to detail. His ability to dial in the fine details and keep projects moving efficiently makes him a valuable asset in the field.

Before joining Crete & Co in 2025, Lee built more than 80 playgrounds across Northern Minnesota. So there’s a decent chance your kids have played on something Lee helped build, which might explain why he’s still young at heart.

Kade Nelson
Advanced Concrete Laborer

Kade Nelson joined Crete & Co. in 2025 after spending four years in the accounting field, bringing with him a team-first mindset and a strong work ethic that fits right in with the company culture. A graduate of Lincoln High School in 2016, Kade continued both his education and baseball career at Northland Community & Technical College before transferring to Bemidji State University, where he earned his Finance degree in 2020 while continuing to compete on the baseball field.

Kade is someone who values hard work, loyalty, and making meaningful connections with the people around him. Whether he’s helping the team stay organized and efficient or stepping up wherever he’s needed, he brings a dependable attitude and steady presence every day.

Outside of work, Kade enjoys spending as much time outdoors as possible hunting, fishing, and golfing whenever Minnesota weather allows. Family is a huge part of his life, and he especially enjoys making memories with his fiancée Erin, whom he will marry in August of 2027. Whether he’s on the lake, in the woods, or spending time with the people closest to him, Kade brings the same grounded and genuine personality to life outside of work as he does to the Crete & Co. team.

Thandi Rood
Laborer

Thandi Rood recently joined the Crete & Co. team and has already made an impression through his strong work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to learn. As a junior in high school, Thandi balances school, athletics, and hands-on work experience with a level of discipline that stands out well beyond his years.

Driven and competitive by nature, Thandi is heavily committed to football and continues to push himself both physically and mentally with the goal of playing at the college level after graduation. His dedication to improving every day carries over into the workplace, where he’s always willing to listen, learn, and put in the effort needed to grow.

When he’s not working or in school, Thandi enjoys staying active in the gym and focusing on strength and conditioning. He also enjoys riding dirt bikes, spending time outdoors, and making the most of every free moment away from his responsibilities. Whether he’s training for football, learning on the jobsite, or chasing the next challenge, Thandi brings energy, determination, and a strong future-focused mindset to the Crete & Co. team.

Proven Excellence, Recognized by Our Community

best-concrete-contractor-bemidji-awards
Hard work, precision, and dedication don’t go unnoticed.

Crete & Co. has been voted the Best Concrete Contractor in the Bemidji area for two years running (2022 & 2023), and we take that recognition seriously. Every pour, every foundation, every finish—we deliver work that stands the test of time, and our community knows it.