We recently had the privilege of celebrating a major milestone at Sunkota Construction, 20 years of service for Amy Christoffels.
Amy has been a steady and trusted part of the Sunkota team for two decades. From her early days handling administrative responsibilities to her current leadership of the company’s financial operations, she has supported countless projects, teams, and partnerships along the way.
Beyond her work at Sunkota, Amy is also actively involved in the industry. She currently serves on the Sioux Falls chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), supporting and advocating for women in the construction industry.
With Women in Construction Week (WIC Week) taking place, it felt like the perfect time to celebrate Amy’s contributions to both Sunkota and the industry as a whole.
To mark the milestone, we asked Amy 20 questions about her career, the construction industry, and the people who have made the journey meaningful.
1. What originally drew you to construction?
A close friend of mine worked at Sunkota as a Project Manager. He came to me one day and told me I needed to come work here.
2. What was your role when you first started at Sunkota?
I started as an administrative assistant and also handled receptionist duties. After a couple of months, I began doing payroll and eventually took on all of the accounting. It was always the plan for me to take over the finance department when the founders retired.
3. How has the industry changed over the past 20 years?
Like many industries, construction has evolved as new generations enter the workforce and expectations around work and career paths continue to shift.
4. What’s one lesson construction has taught you about leadership?
Respect is huge, from owners to subcontractors to architects and contractors.
5. What project stands out most in your career?
I don’t get to visit jobsites very often, but I remember the SDSU Wellness Center project back in 2007–2008 because when we bid it, it had more than 30 alternates. I’ve since been able to see it again during college visits with my kids.
6. What does Women in Construction Week mean to you?
WIC Week to me means honoring the women in the industry. We make up a small portion of the workforce but can still make a huge impact.
7. What advice would you give young women considering construction careers?
I would tell young women to consider the trades and think about attending a tech school instead of getting a 4 year degree.
8. What makes Sunkota different after 20 years?
I have seen 3 ownership changes. The management styles has varied with each ownership.
9. What has kept you here for two decades?
Well, I don’t like change. But also the people have kept me here. I am thankful for the flexibility that I had as a working mom. I never missed an awards ceremony or ball game.
10. What are you most proud of professionally?
I am extremely proud of my 20 years of service at Sunkota. I am also proud of the respect I get from my coworkers.
11. What do you value most about your coworkers?
Hard work and respect.
12. How would you describe the culture at Sunkota?
Relaxed and family-oriented.
13. What makes a great project team?
Communication is the most important thing for a team.
14. What does accountability mean in construction?
Taking responsibility for your mistakes or oversights. Not putting the blame on someone else. Accountability equals honesty to me.
15. Coffee or energy drink on bid day?
White Monster Energy drink.
16. Early bird or night owl?
Neither. Is there a late morning bird?
17. Most memorable jobsite moment?
I went to visit the Augustana Elmen Center project. We were putting on a second-story addition. I climbed up the ladder to get up there, and I was scared to death.
18. A hobby people might not know about?
I like to play a lot of card and dice games with my friends and family.
19. One word to describe your 20 years?
Dedicated.
20. What excites you about the next 20?
I look forward to seeing how Sunkota grows through the collaboration with designArc Group. Personally, I can’t wait to be a grandma.
An Incredible Milestone
Amy’s dedication, leadership, and steady presence have helped shape Sunkota Construction into what it is today. From supporting project teams behind the scenes to serving the broader industry through NAWIC, her impact reaches far beyond the office.
We’re grateful for the past 20 years, and even more excited for what’s ahead.
Congratulations, Amy!
