Welcome to our year‑long series celebrating the entrepreneurs and small businesses that have shaped the nation’s economy over 250 years. You can view the entire series here.
For 115 years, Rohde Brothers Inc. in Plymouth, Wisconsin, has been a family-owned construction business that has weathered economic cycles, generational transitions, and evolving market demands. From navigating labor shortages and supply disruptions to rising construction costs, the company has thrived by confronting challenges head-on and adapting with discipline and purpose.
One of the company’s most consequential challenges occurred during a leadership transition in the mid-2000s. Differing visions for ownership and long-term strategy coincided with the onset of the Great Recession, creating both internal strain and financial pressure.
“Rebuilding at that point required more than cost control,” said Claudia Krepsky, the Human Resources Director at Rohde Brothers.
With a smaller organization and a strong core of experienced tradespeople, the company reshaped itself to withstand inflationary pressures and market uncertainty, focusing on value-driven solutions rather than low-bid competition.
Every successful business evolves over time, often in ways that are impossible to predict. The key is having the discipline and humility to adapt your vision as markets, customers, and circumstances evolve.Claudia Krepsky, the Human Resources Director at Rohde Brothers
Through strategic hiring and shifting to a full-service mechanical contracting model that emphasized engineering expertise and early collaboration, Rohde Brothers strengthened its foundation while maintaining its reputation for quality and reliability.
Today, the company continues to manage construction inflation and cyclical demand, proving that long-term success comes from resilience and thoughtful adaptation. For entrepreneurs who are just starting out, Krepsky emphasizes that they balance clarity with flexibility.
“Every successful business evolves over time, often in ways that are impossible to predict,” Krepsky explained. “The key is having the discipline and humility to adapt your vision as markets, customers, and circumstances evolve.”
Equally important is focusing one’s energy where it creates value and building a distinct offering in the marketplace. Differentiation ensures relevance and resilience in an increasingly competitive industry.
“The most important lesson we’ve learned is the value of resilience — both in how we structure the business and how we approach change,” Krepsky added.
“Maintaining a diverse customer base and broad capabilities allows us to adapt rather than resist, and treating this work as a calling sustains the company through both challenging and successful times,” she added.
Through more than a century of challenges, Rohde Brothers demonstrates that longevity results from facing disruption directly, making disciplined decisions, and continuously evolving — a blueprint for resilience in any industry.
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