Company Culture | 02nd Dec 2025
An Inside Look at Our First Year in Montana
Hear from the President of Haselden Montana Constructors, Daniel Bates
As I look back on our first year in Montana, the word that comes to mind is gratitude. Opening Haselden Montana Constructors has been both humbling and energizing, and I’m incredibly thankful for the people who’ve welcomed us. From day one, owners, architects, trade partners, and community leaders have taken the time to get to know us, share their vision for this state, and invite us into meaningful conversations about its future. Those relationships have been the foundation of everything we’ve accomplished this year.
One of the highlights of our first year was completing our inaugural project, the Paisley Court Residences at Montana State University. We couldn’t have asked for a better project to kick off our Montana operations, as we built a great partnership with the university while renovating a building with so many memories for students and alumni alike.
From there, we’ve been fortunate to continue building momentum with projects throughout the community. We were selected to deliver the Gallatin County Morgue, an important facility that supports critical regional services. We also earned the opportunity to work on the I-Ho Pomeroy Peace Park, a project that reflects the values of connection, reflection, and community well-being.
While the projects are exciting, what I’m most proud of is the team we’ve built here in Montana. This year, we welcomed our first business developer, Jami Lorenz, whose deep relationships and understanding of the Montana market have been invaluable as we grow. We also had the privilege of having Ashley Vesely relocate to Bozeman to serve as our preconstruction manager, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a strong connection to Haselden’s culture. On the operations side, we’ve assembled a strong core team around Tony Soddy and Levi Prevost, whose leadership in the field is already making a difference on our jobsites.
As encouraging as this first year has been, I genuinely believe we’re just getting started. In 2026, we’ll embark on our first design-build project in the state— the Belgrade Justice Center. This project will transform the existing Heck Elementary into the new Justice Center, which will house the Belgrade Police Department and Municipal Court System. It is an exciting milestone that will allow us to bring our strengths in collaboration and preconstruction to the forefront, as well as continue our partnership with Hennebery Eddy Architects.
Looking ahead, we’re focused on thoughtful, sustainable growth. We’re excited to continue expanding our team with people who share our commitment to Montana and to the communities we serve. Our goal is to continue to deepen the roots we have built as we serve the Montana community we have come to call home.
Thank you to everyone who has met with us, shared a cup of coffee, invited us to the table on a project, or simply stopped by to learn more. This first year has been a reminder that great buildings start with great relationships. We’re honored to be here, and we’re looking forward to what we’ll build together in the years to come.
About the Author
Daniel Bates
President, Haselden Montana Constructors