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Loken Construction, LLC
Next Generation Carpentry
Bringing a lifetime of experience to the Alaska construction industry
By Rachael Kvapil
Using a crane, a Loken Construction crew places the top hat on Hyatt House hotel in Anchorage. As a subcontractor, Loken Construction, LLC specializes in wood and metal framing and siding. Every project requires a different blend of services.

Photo courtesy of Loken Construction, LLC

Loken Construction worker assisting crane position roof framing
Using a crane, a Loken Construction crew places the top hat on Hyatt House hotel in Anchorage. As a subcontractor, Loken Construction, LLC specializes in wood and metal framing and siding. Every project requires a different blend of services.

Photo courtesy of Loken Construction, LLC

Next Generation Carpentry
Bringing a lifetime of experience to the Alaska construction industry
By Rachael Kvapil
T

yler Loken speaks about his ownership of Loken Construction, LLC with a humbleness rarely seen today. He takes every opportunity to acknowledge his employees’ hard work contributing to his success and to express gratitude for the lifelong journey into a rewarding construction career.

“I’ve had the privilege and honor to work with a lot of people who seem to make everything work,” says Loken.

By the time Loken started Loken Construction in 2003, he already had an in-depth knowledge of the industry obtained by growing up in it. Loken’s father owned a contracting business in Montana and South Dakota, and used it to teach his children the value of hard work and leadership by bringing them into the workforce.

“When we went to work with him, it wasn’t play-work. You were put to work,” says Loken.

Loken left the Lower 48 at the age of nineteen, following a sense of adventure that captivates many who have made Alaska their home. In his early years here, he continued “swinging a hammer” while considering the idea of becoming an engineer or a wilderness guide. Eventually, he decided to build a business based on his existing skills.

Multi-pronged Approach Provides Stability

Loken Construction focuses on four main areas: framing, siding, solar, and steel. As a subcontractor, the company specializes in wood and metal framing; various types of siding, steel structural upgrades, and more.

Though they saw a surge in photovoltaic and thermal solar technologies a few years ago, Loken says those kinds of projects have tapered due other opportunities.

Loken also runs a crane company, with several employees splitting time between construction and rigging operations.

Eighty-five percent of the projects handled by Loken Construction are commercial. They have worked on many projects, including Hyatt Place, Raising Cane’s, Alaska Surgery Center, and Rabbit Creek Shooting Park.

Loken says most of the challenges of running a construction company in Alaska are environmental in nature. Aside from working outside 97% of the time, he says factors such as earthquakes, extreme cold, high winds, and heavy snow loads mean stricter building codes.

“Structurally, we live in one of the weightiest code areas,” says Loken.

The company’s dedication to these details has earned them the respect of both their clients and suppliers. Luke Blomfield, senior project manager and principal of Davis Constructors and Engineers, says Loken Construction has a consistent ability to deliver a quality product on time and in a cost-effective manner.

“They take immense pride in their work,” says Blomfield. “It is reflective of their leadership’s proactive management and planning.”

Gary Keyes from MCN Construction agrees. “They have a great crew who are easy to work with, do quality work, and meet deadlines,” he says.

Loken Construction workers install ACM, or Aluminum Clad Material siding to the multi-use Creekview Plaza development by Cook Inlet Housing. Owner Tyler Loken says the COVID-19 pandemic only briefly interrupted company operations. With the crews working outside 97% of the time, they have continued working on new and existing projects.

Photo courtesy of Loken Construction, LLC

Loken Construction workers install ACM

Loken Construction workers install ACM, or Aluminum Clad Material siding to the multi-use Creekview Plaza development by Cook Inlet Housing. Owner Tyler Loken says the COVID-19 pandemic only briefly interrupted company operations. With the crews working outside 97% of the time, they have continued working on new and existing projects.

Photo courtesy of Loken Construction, LLC

Randy Bridwell, area manager for Spenard Builders Supply, says Loken Construction is an excellent, professional company that has also been a great customer.

“No job is too big or too small,” says Bridwell. “They have a good safety culture and high expectations of their employees to act professional and do a professional job for their client.”

He adds that Loken Construction also actively participates in several construction organizations around the state.

Loken Construction has earned many awards, including the 2010 Dept. of Labor Commissioner’s Award, Alaska Construction Academy’s 2011 Employer Excellence Award, and the 2011 and 2013 Anchorage Home Builders Association’s Builder of the Year Award.

A Loken Construction crew framed the Wasilla McDonald’s restaurant recently. Loken Construction, LLC estimates approximately 85% of their work is commercial and centered in the Anchorage area. A majority of their projects include framing, siding, and a lot of other unique jobs.

Photo courtesy of Loken Construction, LLC

A Loken Construction crew framed the Wasilla McDonald’s restaurant

A Loken Construction crew framed the Wasilla McDonald’s restaurant recently. Loken Construction, LLC estimates approximately 85% of their work is commercial and centered in the Anchorage area. A majority of their projects include framing, siding, and a lot of other unique jobs.

Photo courtesy of Loken Construction, LLC

AGC Networking Opportunities a Valuable Tool

Loken Construction has been an AGC member since July 2014. Loken says AGC provides support for the construction industry and allows companies to network with professionals who can give advice and ultimately work towards the same goal.

“Being able to work with a group of like-minded people benefits us all in terms of growth and stability,” he says.

As for the future, Loken acknowledges that nothing is guaranteed. Though the COVID-19 pandemic only briefly affected operations, he still feels there is always a “strong, healthy dose of the unknown.”

At the same time, he is optimistic that steady growth is achievable by focusing on the day in and day out with tip-top people, hammering down every single day.

Rachael Kvapil is a freelance writer from Fairbanks.