Ames Construction Announces Leadership Transition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ames Construction Announces Leadership Transition
Justin Gabrielson to become CEO; Tom Bessel named President.
Burnsville, Minnesota – March 18, 2026 – Ames Construction announced a planned leadership transition that reflects the company’s long-standing approach to developing leaders from within while protecting the culture and values that have defined Ames for generations.
Beginning August 1, 2026, Chief Operating Officer Justin Gabrielson will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Financial Officer Tom Bessel will become President.
Jerry Ouimet will remain Chief Executive Officer and President through July 31, 2026, to support a smooth transition. Following that date, he will continue serving on the Ames Board of Directors and remain engaged with the company as a mentor and advisor.
Ouimet joined Ames five years ago at the request of the Ames family to help guide the company through an important ownership transition. During that time, Ames successfully evolved from a first-generation, family-led organization to an employee-owned company while maintaining the culture and values that have defined the business for decades.
“The Ames story is truly one of the greatest American success stories, from humble beginnings and strong family leadership to where we stand today as one of the nation’s leading contractors,” said Ouimet. “Our responsibility has always been to protect what makes Ames special while preparing the next generation of leadership.”
Gabrielson began his career at Ames as a Project Engineer and has grown within the organization for more than two decades, reflecting the company’s long tradition of developing leaders through the work itself.
“I’m honored to continue building on the foundation that has made Ames successful,” said Gabrielson. “Our focus will remain on the work, the people and the culture that have defined Ames for generations.”
Bessel has worked alongside Ames for many years, first as an advisor early in his career and, since 2011, as a member of the company’s leadership team. His financial leadership and strategic perspective have helped guide Ames’ continued growth.
“Ames is strong because of its people,” Ouimet said. “Our culture remains our foundation, and our mission continues to guide how we serve our teams, clients and communities as we build what matters.”
About Ames Construction
Ames Construction is a full-service, heavy civil and industrial general contractor that performs high-quality construction across the United States. Our mission is to provide construction solutions in harmony with nature so that our people, clients, partners, and communities flourish. Founded in 1962, Ames is an employee-owned company that retains an entrepreneurial spirit while offering the experience of a proven construction industry leader. Visit us at www.AmesConstruction.com.
