Ben O’Neil is a Carpenter Foreman for Mortenson’s North Dakota team. He currently leads carpentry crews that install door frames, doors, hardware, and all components of caseork for complete installation. He ensures that all materials and assemblies are of good quality and ready for placement.

Known on-site as “The Ben,” team members appreciate his leadership and direction. “He is skilled in many areas,” said Senior Project Manager Rob Riness. “Ben approaches his work with a great attitude and consistently goes above and beyond what is asked of him.”

Ben has worked in the construction industry for over 22 years and got his first job by walking onto a construction site and starting to work. He worked for an entire day without actually being an employee. At the end of the day the owner walked up to him and asked if he was looking for work. Ben was hired on the spot and officially started working the next day!

For the past three years Ben has worked with Mortenson on the new Sanford Medical Center - Fargo as well as supporting West Fargo Public Schools Hockey Arena and North Dakota State University Churchill projects here in Fargo. He is currently working on the 32,000 square foot Vibra Healthcare Long Term Acute Care Hospital, located on the seventh floor of the Medical Center.

O’Neil is using the Door-minator, a new-to-market door installation system which revamped the way we install doors by eliminating awkward postures and reducing the risk of strains and sprains. The Door-minator allows for one person installation, equating a 5-fold reduction in time to install doors. 


“I have really enjoy working with Mortenson the past few years,” said Ben. “I especially like the people and the environment.” Ben and his wife Jacqui have five children and live in Fargo. When not on the job site Ben enjoys drag racing, anything outdoors, and spending time with family.