WHO WE ARE
Meet the team behind JDI Contracts, Inc
At JDI Contracts, we help industrial plant owners and operators navigate change—whether it’s expanding operations, meeting regulatory requirements, or upgrading outdated systems. Since 2003, we’ve been solving complex challenges with a hands-on, practical approach grounded in decades of experience in finance, operations management, and technical support.
Founded by Roger Hoyum, JDI was built on real-world experience in heavy industry and construction. From working with limited resources to leading cross-functional teams, our roots are in rolling up our sleeves and getting the job done. Over the years, we’ve witnessed significant shifts in the industry—from evolving workforce dynamics to the pressures of globalization and leaner operations—all of which have impacted long-term growth and knowledge transfer.
That’s why we do what we do. We bring deep industry insight, technical expertise, and a strong commitment to helping our clients succeed. We understand what it takes to manage complex projects, reduce risk, and keep operations running efficiently.
At JDI, we don’t just manage projects—we connect people, share knowledge, and solve problems. Let’s talk about how we can help your business move forward.
JDI Contracts
Connecting People, Solving Problems.
We dedicate our training, experience, and attention to solving the challenging problems our clients bring to us.
Early in our careers, we thrived in accounting, finance, operations, and engineering, learning to succeed with limited resources and cross-functional teams. As senior engineers and project managers, we built new facilities and drove company growth with hard work and attention to detail. Decades of expertise are fading due to an aging workforce, globalization, and short-term operating strategies. The era of deep, cross-functional learning under experienced mentors is disappearing.
With nearly 40 years of multi-disciplinary project and operations experience, JDI has learned from the best. We listen, share our expertise freely, and understand success because of those who came before us.
We’re here to help solve your toughest challenges. Call us today.
Roger L. Hoyum
Co-Founder & President
Roger offers 37 years of executive experience in project and operations management, engineering and construction. He began his career at LTV Steel Mining Company as an electrical engineer and maintenance supervisor, and later transferred to the process automation field team under Cleveland Cliffs Inc. where he was responsible for plant wide integrated automation projects at multiple facilities. Project work included multi-disciplined engineering, systems integration and information management projects for process plants located in the U.S. and Canada.
EDUCATION
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Master of Arts in Management, College of St. Scholastica, 1998
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Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, University of North Dakota, 1988
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Associate of Science in Computer Science, University of North Dakota, 1988
Braeden W. Lawrence
Mechanical Engineer
Braeden is an experienced mechanical engineer with a strong background in mechanical systems design, operations support, and project coordination across various industries.
He brings over 5 years of engineering experience, including 3+ years in mechanical design and field work, and 2 years in project coordination and procurement. His projects include commercial HVAC systems, wastewater treatment skids, and industrial construction. Braeden has supported engineering from design through startup, managed vendor relationships, improved tooling processes, and ensured safety compliance. His technical skills and problem-solving abilities make him a valuable asset to any engineering team.
EDUCATION
Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI | 2020
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Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
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Member, Formula SAE Powertrain Team
Itasca Community College, Grand Rapids, MN | 2018
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Associate of Science in Engineering
Patrick A. Baumchen
Mechanical Engineer
Patrick has over 10 years of experience in mechanical design, project management, and fabrication, primarily within Minnesota’s Iron Range. He has led capital equipment and infrastructure projects for companies such as JDI Contracts and Range Steel Fabricators.
Patrick specializes in structural and process design, energy balance, and project execution across multiple trades. He is proficient in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and Plant 3D, with field certifications in OSHA 10 and MSHA. Known for his leadership and technical skill, he has successfully delivered projects involving water treatment systems, conveyor upgrades, and launder system replacements.
EDUCATION
University of North Dakota — Grand Forks, ND | 2012 – 2014
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | GPA: 3.32
Hibbing Community College — Hibbing, MN | 2010 – 2012
General Engineering Courses |GPA: 3.43
Hibbing High School — Hibbing, MN | 2006 – 2010
High School Diploma | GPA: 3.88
Steven W. Edgington
Electrical and Controls Engineer
Steve is a veteran electrical and controls engineer with extensive heavy industrial experience in multiple industries.
As a project and engineering team leader Steve completed numerous projects involving complex control systems specification, engineering design, procurement, installation and startup. Projects include material handling, P&ID and process controls, programming, networking, and systems integration for many applications.
EDUCATION
North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering (BSEE) 1991
Mark L. Erikstrup
Controls and Field Engineer
Mark Erikstrup is a highly experienced Controls and Field Engineer with over 30 years of expertise in industrial automation, instrumentation, and control systems. He currently works at JDI Contracts Inc., where he supports engineering and construction projects with control system design, technical troubleshooting, and stakeholder coordination.
Previously, Mark served as a Field Applications Engineer at NEDCO Electronics and spent over a decade at Weyerhaeuser as a Senior Control Systems Design Engineer, where he led controls engineering for plant-wide process improvements involving thermal energy, motion control, and environmental systems.
His career also includes roles in schematic design, PLC/HMI programming, commissioning, and vendor management across a variety of industries
EDUCATION
Northwestern Electronics Inst | Jun. 1985
Associates Degree in Electronics Technology (2880 hours)
Computer systems major with emphasis on hardware and software troubleshooting.
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Controls specific education also includes completion of many vendor specific and equipment specific training courses, including: AC-DC motor theory and design, PLC-HMI, data and control network architecture, AutoCad, Control valve applications and troubleshooting (Fisher-Rosemount), Hydraulics design and troubleshooting, OSHA 29 part 1910, “Qualified and Unqualified worker electrical safety training” (Minnesota Power), Also have obtained ISA (Instrument Society of America) Level 1 Certified Control Systems Technician certification.
David L. Schaeffer
Contractor Coordinator
David is a skilled project coordinator with a background in engineering, construction, and operations. After earning a B.S. in Paper Science & Engineering from the University of Minnesota, he began his career in chemical sales, focusing on process optimization in the paper industry.
He then founded Birchwood Remodeling, a residential design/build firm he ran for over 15 years. At American Peat Technology, he served as VP of Operations, increasing production by 150%, managing $20M in expansions, earning a patent, and co-designing a new mining site. He later helped launch Headwater Technologies, leading fieldwork and rapid construction of a major Kansas water treatment plant.
Now at JDI Contracts, he manages complex industrial projects through effective contractor coordination and communication.
EDUCATION
1993 – BS in Paper Science & Engineering UofMN
Dane C. Kennedy
Mechanical Engineer in Training
Dane is a driven and detail-oriented Mechanical Engineer in Training with a strong foundation in engineering principles and hands-on experience in design, prototyping, and team collaboration. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Minnesota State University and an Associate of Science in Pre-Engineering from Minnesota North College.
Dane has demonstrated his ability to solve real-world problems through prototype testing and capstone projects, and he brings strong communication and leadership skills developed through work, coaching, and volunteer experiences. Proficient in SolidWorks, Creo, 3D printing, and a variety of productivity tools, Dane is eager to contribute to innovative engineering teams and continue growing as a professional.
EDUCATION
Minnesota State University, Mankato College (IRE)
Bachelor of Science in Engineering
January 2024 – May 2024
Minnesota North College – Itasca Campus
Associate of Science in Pre-Engineering
August 2021 – May 2023
Brady P. Hansen
Mechanical Designer
Brady Hansen is a skilled mechanical designer and hands-on problem solver with a strong background in engineering drafting, mechanical design, and fabrication. With an A.A.S. in Engineering Drafting & Design from Dunwoody College of Technology and certifications including OSHA 30 and NIMS, Brady brings nearly a decade of experience designing structural and mechanical systems—most notably for retractable stadium roofs at Uni-Systems Engineering.
Known for his creativity, precision, and ability to turn ideas into functional solutions, Brady combines technical expertise with practical experience in painting, carpentry, automotive repair, and more. He thrives in collaborative environments where he can innovate, troubleshoot, and improve complex components.
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION
Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Drafting & Design, Dunwoody College of Technology – Minneapolis, MN, Graduated: May 2016 | GPA: 3.4
National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Certification – Measurement, Materials & Safety (2014)
OSHA 30 Certification
Grant D. Ewen
Mechanical Engineer in Training
Grant Ewen is a junior at North Dakota State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. With a solid academic foundation—including an Associate of Science in Engineering from Itasca Community College—Grant brings hands-on experience from roles at ComDel Innovation, where he worked with injection molding machines, and Ewen Stone Works, where he developed leadership and organizational skills as a stone mason. Proficient in CAD, SolidWorks, CNC machining, and G-code programming, Grant is eager to apply his technical knowledge and strong work ethic in an engineering internship at JDI Contracts to gain real-world industry experience.
EDUCATION
North Dakota State University (Fall 2024 – Present)
Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (currently a junior)
Itasca Community College (Fall 2022 – Spring 2024)
Associate of Science in Engineering
Grand Rapids High School (Fall 2018 – Summer 2022)
Engineering & Advanced Courses:
Welding, Small Engines, Woodworking, CAD, CNC Machining with G-code, SolidWorks, Advanced Engineering and Design
OUR MISSION
At JDI Contracts, Inc, our mission is to empower industrial businesses with strategic guidance and innovative solutions, enabling them to thrive in a rapidly evolving market.
We are committed to fostering long-term partnerships with our clients, driving their success through our dedication to excellence, integrity, and continuous improvement.
CORE VALUES:
Expertise
We are dedicated to continuously enhancing our expertise and staying at the forefront of industrial advancements to provide the highest quality of service to our clients.
Collaboration
Collaboration is at the heart of our approach. We work closely with our clients, leveraging our collective knowledge and experience to achieve exceptional results.
Innovation
We embrace innovation as a driving force behind our solutions, constantly seeking new and creative ways to address the evolving needs of the industrial sector.