In the rapidly evolving landscape of industrial and construction sectors, 2025 stands as a pivotal year. Driven by unprecedented technological advancements, a global push for sustainability, and the ever-present demand for efficiency, the industry is undergoing a profound transformation. At the heart of this change are the visionary leaders who are not just adapting to new realities but actively shaping them. They are the architects of innovation, the champions of smart solutions, and the proponents of a more resilient, human-centric future.
Chris Wipson (General Manager) aligns with Allan Dorney Construction‘s core values of Faith, Integrity, Excellence, People Smart, and Family. The company’s workforce and management team are deeply rooted in these principles, fostering an environment where continuous growth and improvement are paramount. While acknowledging that perfection is unattainable, their tight-knit team consistently encourages one another to embody these values and strive for their best.
Bridging Financial Expertise and Entrepreneurial Spirit
Before joining Allan Dorney Construction, Chris Wipson honed his skills as a banker/broker customer service specialist at a prominent financial institution. His tenure provided him with significant experience in crucial areas such as risk management, the review and implementation of policies and procedures, banking operations and transactions, and the complex world of security transactions, supported by his Series 7 license from FINRA. Chris also has a background in education, where he taught high school business classes to students in disadvantaged communities, fostering an appreciation for entrepreneurship.
Client-Centric Approach
Chris Wipson ensures that Allan Dorney Construction consistently impresses clients with its honesty and meticulous attention to detail. This commitment extends even to those who don’t proceed with their projects after an honest consultation. The company, through Chris, embraces the human element of construction, recognizing the personal impact of their work and building strong relationships through each project. They distinguish themselves by their unwavering follow-through and dedication to quality, ensuring clients are never left unsupported.
From Industrial Renovation to Accessibility Remodels
Chris plays a key role in the execution of Allan Dorney Construction’s varied projects, which span from large-scale undertakings like an over $1 million office buildout and manufacturing space renovation for a water treatment industrial company in Ramsey, MN, to vital apartment remodels accommodating disability and accessibility needs throughout the greater Twin Cities area. He and his team ensure that every project, regardless of its size, is approached with exceptional care and close attention to detail.
Technology and Continuous Improvement
For Chris Wipson and the team at Allan Dorney Construction, the constant need for software updates and the integration of new systems for project management, marketing, and construction modeling/design are an inherent part of modern construction. While the array of technological choices demands significant evaluation time, Chris is particularly pleased with the systems they’ve chosen. The ongoing updates to these tools, combined with the team’s expanding knowledge, ensure they are continuously enhancing their capabilities and maintaining a competitive edge.
The Balancing Act
A primary challenge for Chris Wipson, common across the construction industry, is the demand to be in two places at once. Every project is important and requires expert human problem-solving and oversight from skilled construction professionals. When multiple projects face simultaneous issues, effective management becomes exceptionally complex. Chris highlights that increasing staff isn’t always the most viable solution, especially given fluctuating workloads that might not sustain full employment. He recognizes this as an ongoing balancing act that contractors constantly work to optimize.
Expanding partnerships in Construction
In the past three years, Chris Wipson and Allan Dorney Construction have forged partnerships with two premier manufacturers in their fields. They are now Minnesota’s authorized Betterliving Sunroom Dealer, offering high-quality sunrooms and shade products. Additionally, they’ve become an authorized Wick Builder, collaborating with one of the Midwest’s leading post-frame construction manufacturers.
Strategic Growth and Values
In the past year, Chris Wipson helped oversee the complete OSHA 10 training and certification of Allan Dorney Construction’s entire production team, further enhancing their commitment to safety. They also consistently conduct Jobsite Safety Analysis (JSA) on all applicable sites. Over the last five years, under his guidance, Allan Dorney Construction has experienced significant growth, expanding from 3 to 18 full-time employees.
Chris is deeply invested in several key areas: Efficiency, focusing on getting more done with less “firefighting” – a concept well understood by project managers. He prioritizes Customer Satisfaction, driven by the desire to positively impact people’s lives through their projects. Finally, he champions Employee Performance and Compensation Increase, ensuring that all performance-based workers are improving their skills and earning more for their families
The Future of Allan Dorney Construction
Chris Wipson firmly believes that no amount of accolades, statistical achievements, or profits can ever outweigh the importance of how one treats others. He champions the idea that conducting business honorably is the surest path to setting oneself and others up for long-term mutual success.
Looking ahead five years, Chris envisions Allan Dorney Construction as a “well-oiled machine.” While he anticipates continued growth in revenue and the number and size of projects, he is committed to ensuring this growth is smooth, sustainable, and enjoyable, rather than hectic, stressful, or leading to burnout. Chris sees the systems and structures he helps establish or improve, along with the company’s digital footprint, as his lasting legacies. He also embraces
Business Mantra of Chris Wipson
- Leverage Diverse Backgrounds for Holistic Growth: Chris Wipson’s journey from finance to construction demonstrates the power of a varied professional background.
- Values as the Foundation of Business Excellence: His commitment to core values like Faith, Integrity, Excellence, People Smart, and Family isn’t just a mission statement; it’s the bedrock of their operations.
- Human-Centric Client Relationships Drive Loyalty: Beyond technical expertise, Allan Dorney Construction prioritizes the “human side” of the industry.
- Strategic Embrace of Technology and Continuous Learning: Chris Wipson and his team actively evaluate and integrate new systems for project management, marketing, and design.
- Sustainable Growth Prioritizes People and Efficiency over Hectic Expansion: While growth in revenue and projects is anticipated, Chris’s vision emphasizes that it must be smooth, sustainable, and enjoyable, rather than leading to stress and burnout.
