Our Team
Our team is what defines us, by bringing experience, talent, character and authenticity to every project. We represent a group of high-caliber individuals, strategic thinkers and persistent problem solvers. We love what we do and we love doing it together. Our rich history has a lot to do with who we are working with every day.
Interested in working at Merit Construction? Visit our Careers page → Join Our Team!
Tammy Birklid | Principal
Tammy has been with Merit for 15 years and has more than 25 years of experience in business management, cost accounting, human resources and financial controls within the construction industry. The commitment Tammy brings to teamwork and customer service is unparalleled. Her attention to detail and dedication to excellence ensures successful projects.
Jason Fridlund | Senior Superintendent
Jason is a skilled superintendent with more than 22 years of construction experience and 19 years at Merit. His responsibilities on the job include reviewing project plans, working closely with the management team to monitor budget and develop schedules, selecting crews and overseeing subcontractors. His experience also includes negotiating with vendors and purchasing equipment, cooperating with regulatory agencies to assure compliance, providing ongoing status reports and communication, monitoring all work for quality and adherence to contract specifications and facilitating regular production and safety meetings.
Adam Coleman | Project Manager
Adam has more than 15 years of industrial and commercial construction management experience across several aspects of the business including planning, scheduling, project controls, project management, and program/operations management. He began his career in residential construction while in college working as a laborer in plumbing, concrete, and underground utilities. After college he started his construction management career in the energy sector, and has expanded that to commercial construction as his career has progressed. Adam prioritizes safety and quality above all else; and believes a team can achieve anything if they are willing to take on challenges together and put in the hard work required to meet that common goal.
Kasey Byorick | Marketing Coordinator
Kasey is the Marketing Coordinator at Merit. She joins Merit as a seasoned marketing professional, previously working for financial service institutions where she led marketing and business development efforts. She is behind all things surrounding the Merit brand and works to create compelling content that highlights Merit’s commitment to quality.
Scott Seelye | Senior Estimator
With more than 30 years of construction experience and 11 years at Merit, Scott brings a diverse background to Merit Construction. His experience includes but is not limited to estimating, project management, safety director, vice president and partial ownership of a local general construction firm. His project experience includes credit unions, auto dealerships, dental offices, food processing plants, pre-engineered metal buildings, health care facilities and office buildings. His work ethic, commitment and dedication to being a successful team player are second to none.
Esther Savchuk | Executive Administrator
Esther is the Executive Administrator at Merit Construction. In her role, she provides essential support to the leadership team, handling scheduling, coordinating meetings, and ensuring operations run smoothly. With previous experience in the construction industry, Esther is passionate about creating efficient workflows and fostering collaboration. She is excited to be part of a dynamic environment where she can contribute, continue learning, and grow in her career.
Ben Guttromson | Project Manager
Ben is an experienced construction professional, bringing his project management and estimating background to Merit.
Ashley is the Accounting Assistant at Merit. She plays a key role in Merit’s Team Build approach, working closely with subcontractors to ensure all payments and paperwork are in place. Her favorite thing about working at Merit is opportunity to learn and grow!
Trent Cameron | Foreman
Trent is a Foreman at Merit. Born in New Zealand, but growing up in the Pacific Islands, Trent has a unique and diverse educational and professional background. He obtained his Carpentry Certification from New Zealand and started working for New Zealand's largest construction company. He spent 20 years working in America Samoa working on a variety of projects in housing, airports, fire stations, wastewater treatment plants, and general commercial buildings.
Brandie Burbidge | Payroll Specialist
Brandie is the Payroll Specialist at Merit. She brings over 25 years of accounting experience, including 7 years in the construction industry. In her role, she ensures payroll is processed accurately and on time, while also managing the timely filing of intents and affidavits. With an open-door approach, she is always available to answer questions and support the team. She is excited to be part of the Merit family.
Kathy Degman | Accounts Payable Specialist
Kathy has more than 20 years of industry experience and 25 years at Merit. With attention to detail and efficiency, Kathy consistently maintains the flow of productivity in the office. The organization and administrative support Kathy provides greatly assists our company operations.
Miles Langer | Equipment Manager
Miles has 12 years of experience in construction and a Class A CDL license and NCCO certification. At Merit, Miles helps keep a smooth and safe workflow between the field and office staff by inspecting and delivering equipment/materials to jobsites. Miles has a team-player mindset and brings positivity, joy and laughter to everything he does, keeping company morale high.
Brett Johnson | Superintendent
Brett is a “boots-on-the-ground” kind of guy. His more than 30 years in the construction industry and 19 years at Merit provide the client with valuable experience in all manner of trades: electrical, plumbing, concrete, siding, and the list goes on. He possesses an excellent knowledge of code requirements and keeps a keen eye on the overall process of every project he oversees. Working as a point of contact between the various subcontractors on each job, the Owner and design team, Brett’s sense of humor keeps morale high and strengthens Merit’s relationships.