Long-time friends and co-workers, you'll like this bunch.

With a focus on details, customer service, and beautiful living spaces, they love what they do and it shows.

Jim Moras, Partner

Jim learned about the inner workings of houses at an early age from his dad, who was both a plumber and electrician. That interest blossomed into a career that has spanned 20 years and included stints with commercial as well as residential construction firms from the Twin Cities to L.A.

Jim loves going to work every day, meeting new clients and taking on new challenges. He particularly enjoys using his gift for design to create homes for clients that combine beauty with unique functionality. It’s also important to Jim that Highmark offers a warm, open and family-oriented environment where people can thrive in their positions. He and partner Terry work hard to recruit the best people and make it place that they want to stay.

Jim has a B.A. in Construction Management from Mankato State University. He enjoys spending time with his family as well as participating in many outdoor sports. He is married to Katie, a Spanish teacher, and the father of Courtney and Cody. Email Jim

Terry Gaulrapp, Partner

Terry has worked in nearly every facet of the construction industry in his over 20 years in business. His hands-on experience in everything from design to scheduling to building and finishing give him unparalleled knowledge and understanding of clients’ needs.

On any given day you’ll find Terry meeting with clients, estimating or managing projects, and overseeing Highmark finances. He enjoys the opportunity to work closely with clients to create the spaces that will transform and enrich their families’ lives. Highmark’s strong culture of ethics and teamwork is a direct result of his leadership.

Terry has a B.A. in Construction Management from Mankato State University. He subsequently spent five years at Ryan Companies as a Project Manager for both residential and commercial construction projects. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends as well as many outdoor sports. Terry is married to Sara and father to Adrianna, Riley and Addison. Email Terry

Kristen Schammel, Interior Designer

Kristen is a highly skilled and talented designer who loves working with clients to bring their spaces to life. She enjoys designing functional cabinetry, working with tile and selecting countertops and lighting, all of which she uses to bring color and texture into her rooms.  Kristen’s knowledge of all phases of design and construction benefit clients through a more functional use of space.

Kristen holds a B.A. in Interior Design and Construction Management from Mankato State University.  She is currently pursuing certification in Kitchen and Bath Design through the National Kitchen and Bath Association. She and husband Tim are parents to two beautiful girls. Learn more about her here. Email Kristen

Melissa Dieckmann, Office Manager and Project Administrator

An energetic and highly capable multi-tasker. Melissa runs the office and has the scoop on everything Highmark. It’s often said that if Melissa doesn’t know where to find it, it doesn’t exist—that’s how organized she is.

She credits Highmark’s success with the company’s family approach to business and commitment to building long-term client relationships. Melissa received her degree in Business Management and Business Administration from Rasmussen College. In her spare time, she loves tracking down great deals for clients and spending time with her husband Chris and their son, Caleb. Email Melissa

Dave Maurer, Client Liaison

An Apple Valley native, Dave learned the construction business early on from his father, who also was a custom homebuilder. After stints as a professional baseball player and ace realtor, Dave joined The Highmark family. He brings energy, patience, and attention to detail to his job as your key contact throughout the project exploration and design phases. A married father of two, Dave enjoys spending free time with his family and being outdoors.
Email Dave

Jason Hoernke, Project Manager

As a Project Manager for Highmark, Jason is responsible for overseeing a new construction or remodeling project from start to finish. He enjoys the high level of detail that characterizes Highmark homes, especially trim work, and the challenge of coordinating the many activities going on at once, within the framework of a schedule. Jason has a B.A. in Construction Management from Mankato State University. He and his wife Jaimi are proud parents of their son, Brexton. Email Jason

Matt Kruckeberg, Project Manager

An award-winning communicator with a wealth of experience in construction management, Matt knows how to get things done on the jobsite. His favorite parts of the job are meeting with clients about their projects and working with other creative team members. Beginning his career at age 16 as a carpenter, he went on to get his degree in Construction Management from Mankato State University. In his off hours, he enjoys hockey, broomball and snowboarding. Summers are way too long for Matt, but he takes comfort in the fact that our snow season officially starts in October. Email Matt Kruckeberg

Matt Eastman, Project Manager

Matt joined Highmark in September 2011 as a Project Manager. While new to Highmark, he’s not at all new to custom homebuilding, with 7 years of field experience and a degree in Construction Project Management. Matt likes to be involved in different aspects of the building process, from design to scheduling to sitting down with clients. When he’s not climbing ladders or checking tasks off a punch list, Matt enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with his wife Ashley and their toddler Chloe. Email Matt Eastman

Joel Gaulrapp, Assistant Project Manager

A graduate of Stout University with a degree in Construction and younger brother of Terry, Joel interned at Highmark this past summer before becoming full-time APM. Both Jim and Terry have been impressed by Joel’s hard work and dedication. “Joel’s an effective communicator,” says Terry. “We can count on him to hold his subcontractors accountable, assure a quality product and create a positive experience for our clients.”

When he’s not on the construction site, Joel enjoys hockey, fishing and hunting. He recently married Ashley, his high-school sweetheart. Email Joel

Nathan Carlson, Sales Associate

Nathan hits many notes working in sales for Highmark. Experienced in all areas of construction, he is detailed, organized, honest and funny—it’s not surprising that he creates special relationships with clients. Nathan counts project management and insurance work among his specialties, and is certified in lead detection as well as installing GAF, James Hardie and LP SmartSide products. He values the integrity at Highmark as well as the family-oriented culture.

WIth girlfriend musician Molly Dean, in his free time Nathan enjoys playing guitar and connecting with his Native American heritage. Email Nathan

Dan Archambault, Carpenter and Superintendent

Dan has been with Highmark Builders for seven years and is a crucial team member. With more than 15 years of construction experience, Dan enjoys that no two homes are the same and that he is constantly able to work with different homeowners. All-around skilled Carpenter, he's got the best one-liners around (we call them Arch-isms). In his spare time he enjoys muskie fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling in the Rocky Mountains.

Jeremy Gregorich, Carpenter Extraordinaire

Jeremy has been working in construction since he was 12 years old. He loves watching each home project progress and how excited the homeowners get! Married to Amanda and expecting their first baby in January. In his spare time he loves to practice jiu-jitsu, play with his spoiled dog, Nellie, and read.

Kyle Lemke, Carpenter's Apprentice

A hard-worker, and the youngest of the bunch. Kyle enjoys learning the ropes from the other Highmark guys. Loves BLT sandwiches and asparagus.

Melissa Kettwig, Architectural Drafter

Melissa brings 8 years of drafting experience to Highmark, where she specializes in creating floor plans for both new construction and remodeling projects. She loves working with clients to create spaces that reflect their everyday lives and that they are excited to call ‘home’. Melissa appreciates homes with unique features inside and out and brings her keen eye for detail to every assignment.

Melissa holds a degree in CAD/Architectural Design from Northwest Technical Institute. A native of Owatonna, she enjoys traveling, reading, decorating and spending time with her husband Matthew and their sons Bennett and Grant. Email Melissa Kettwig

Lola, Greeter and Stress Reduction Specialist

A  4-year old Black Lab, Lola spends her days welcoming visitors and positioning herself strategically for optimum petting (don’t be shy). In her free time she enjoys chasing squirrels and tennis balls and snoozing on her bed.

As Jim's hunting buddy, Lola loves duck, goose, and pheasant hunting.

Highmark’s College Connection

It’s been said that like attracts like, and that’s clearly the case at Highmark Builders.

Partners Jim Moras and Terry Gaulrapp are both graduates of Minnesota State University / Mankato’s construction management program.

Other former Mankato students on staff include:

• Chuck Glum   
• Jason Hoernke    
• Kristen Schammel
• Dan Archambault  
• Matt Kruckeberg
• Nathan Carlson