Meet The Team
Welcome to our Meet the Team page, where you'll get an exclusive glimpse into the heartbeat of our concrete business. At Crete and Co., we believe that behind every successful project lies a dedicated team of individuals committed to excellence. With years of collective experience and a passion for delivering top-notch concrete solutions, our team embodies professionalism, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction. Beyond the job site, you'll find our team members enjoying hobbies and cherishing family time, as they understand the importance of maintaining a balanced life outside of work. From skilled craftsmen to visionary leaders, each member brings unique expertise and a shared commitment to exceeding expectations. Get to know the faces behind our success and discover the driving force behind our commitment to quality and service.
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.
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 girlfriend, Jodi, and their puppy, Leila. Leila is a frequent shop employee and has become a sort of Crete and Co. mascot and shop greeter.
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Ethen Pickett - Lead Foreman
Ethen began his journey with the Crete & Co. team in 2018, steadily advancing to the role of foreman. Prior to entering the concrete industry, he accumulated four years of carpentry experience specializing in framing houses. Ethen completed his education at Bemidji High School in 2017, actively participating in hockey and soccer. Nowadays, he relishes his leisure hours by engaging in outdoor activities, exploring hunting grounds across various states, bonding with his black lab Odin, and hitting the golf course with his friends.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Hunter Olson - Advanced Concrete Finisher
Hunter became part of the Crete and Co. team back in 2022. You'll easily spot Hunter on any jobsite - he's usually seen working extremely hard and cracking a large smile while doing so. A graduate of Bemidji High School in 2018, Hunter continues his education journey at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, where he balances his studies with his passion for hockey and baseball. Outside of work and school, Hunter's interests span from fishing and playing sports to enjoying quality time with his nieces and nephews. He's also known to bust a move whenever there's music playing and cherishes moments with his longtime girlfriend, Mikerra.
Riley Miller - Concrete Cutting Specialist
Riley embarked on his professional journey with Crete and Co. in 2021, transitioning from a role in social work. Graduating from Blackduck High School in 2014, he pursued further education in Law Enforcement. This summer of 2024 marks a new chapter as he ties the knot with his fiancée, Jessica, embracing married life. Together, they nurture their blended family of four, Riley, Jessica, Allisyn, and Geena. Riley finds solace in outdoor pursuits like hunting, trapping, and fishing, often venturing to different state parks with his loved ones to hike and fish. His zest for life extends to a love for comedy, sharing laughter with his family and colleagues on a daily basis.
Ephram Boucher - Advanced Concrete Laborer
Ephram began his tenure at Crete & Co. in 2022, joining the team at the young age of 15. This marks Ephram's inaugural experience in the construction field, and he has remained a dedicated member of our team ever since. Though Ephram is the youngest Crete and Co. employee, the work he can produce is unmatchable. Currently in his senior year at Bemidji High School, Ephram actively participates in various extracurricular activities, including hockey, football, track, hunting, and fishing. Notably, he also competes on the high school fishing team, showcasing his passion for outdoor sports and teamwork.
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 (2) and Wrenley (7 months).
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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!
Owen Stapleton - Advanced Concrete Laborer
Owen embarked on his professional path with Crete and Co. back in 2022. Originally from Bemidji, MN, where he finished high school and still calls home, Owen thrives on teamwork and building alongside his coworkers. Although he enjoys his job, his passion truly lies in exploration and adventure. His greatest joys revolve around motorcycles and trucks, spending his free time tinkering with and, most importantly, riding his collection of motorized vehicles. Above all, Owen is ever ready for new adventures!