[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 124 (Tuesday, July 30, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S5578]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING L.R. FALK CONSTRUCTION CO.

 Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize 
an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American 
entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize L.R. 
Falk Construction Co. of St. Ansgar, IA, as the Senate Small Business 
of the Week.
  In 1922, LaVerne Falk founded L.R. Falk Construction Company. With 
just a Ford Model T and a shovel, LaVerne established a hauling 
business, moving items between Chicago and Iowa. LaVerne recognized the 
untapped potential of the transportation industry and, over time, 
expanded the company to encompass more services. By the late 1930s, the 
company acquired its first rock quarry in St. Ansgar, IA. Now, L.R. 
Falk Construction hauls everything from large vehicles to agricultural 
materials.
  In 1970, LaVerne's son David Falk became president of L.R. Falk 
Construction. Under his 40 years of leadership, the company grew to 35 
employees, expanded operations to seven quarries, and achieved 
sustainable growth across the State of Iowa. For over 50 years, the 
company's main office stayed on St. Ansgar's Main Street. In 2009, L.R. 
Falk Construction moved its office but remained in the community. In 
2010, David stepped down from leadership, and his son Lindsey Falk 
assumed the role of president of the company.
  Over its 102-year history, L.R. Falk Construction has consistently 
developed and diversified its products and services. Today, Lindsey 
Falk, the third-generation owner-operator, leads a team of over 60 
full-time employees across nine quarries and three sand pits. The 
company has expanded its offerings to include custom crushing and 
products such as concrete stone, landscaping materials, and 
agricultural lime. In 2018, Lindsey founded Saint Stone, a subsidiary 
of L.R. Falk Construction that repurposes excess stone into marketable 
products that ships products nationwide.
  L.R. Falk Construction Company plays an active role in the St. Ansgar 
community, organizing events such as the Quarry 5K Run to benefit the 
Clausen Park Renovation Project. The company also established the ROCK 
Foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization which supports local 
projects ranging from organizing starting a local food bank to 
financing mental health professionals in local schools. Lindsey also 
acquired the Enterprise Journal, the local Mitchell County newspaper. 
He hopes that it would stay local and continue to serve as a community 
resource for Mitchell County residents, as it has done since 1861.
  In September of 2022, the North Iowa Area Community College Pappajohn 
Entrepreneurial Center and the Iowa Small Business Development Center 
honored L.R. Falk Construction Co. with the Entrepreneur of the Month 
Award. Additionally, the Limestone Producers Association presented the 
company with the Good Neighbor Award several times. The Falk family has 
embedded their life into the great State of Iowa, and all three 
generations have served as president of the Iowa Limestone Association, 
marking a first in the organization's history.
  L.R. Falk Constructions' commitment to providing quality services and 
products in St. Ansgar, IA, is evident. I want to congratulate the 
entire Falk family for building such an incredible family-owned and 
operated business that continues to serve Iowans and beyond. I am eager 
to see how the company continues to expand and reach new heights of 
success.

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