A Camp Morton-based Metis entrepreneur was recognized for her leadership in business and a finalist for a Red River Metis Business Excellence Award last month during the Manitoba Metis Federation’s (MMF) first annual event.
Asia Knutson of Knutson Building Ltd. (KBL) was nominated for an Infinity Women Secretariat Spokeswoman’s Award, and attended the MMF’s awards gala on May 30 at the Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg.
The Infinity Women Secretariat is a non-profit organization and an affiliate of the Manitoba Metis Federation. The IWS connects and empowers Metis women throughout Manitoba, promoting their social, economic and political wellbeing, safeguarding Metis traditions and history, and addressing challenges they face, among other goals.
Knutson shared the nomination honour with many other “very strong Metis women,” she said. Even though she did not ultimately win the award, having been chosen as a finalist was “very astonishing” and she was “ecstatic.”
“This did not deter my excitement, my pride or my gratification of this award,” said Knutson. “Nothing could take away the happiness I felt that evening. I still have the glowing smile today.”
Nominated for the IWS award by her mom Donna Austfjord of the Gimli Red River Metis Local, Knutson had to complete a set of in-depth questions about herself as a Metis woman in business and information about Knutson Building, a construction company she runs with her husband Ryan. As a finalist for the award, she was required to take part in a 60-second video and answer more interview questions.
Knutson and her husband, who both come from entrepreneurial families, started KBL in 2008 on a “leap and a prayer, a truck and a trailer and minimal monies,” along with determination, commitment and hard work.
“Ryan had the carpentry skills and the desire to be self-employed while I initially was studying at the U of M. However, we chose to build on the company together,” said Knutson. “I took on the managerial role, taking care of administrative duties and the accounting while Ryan had his boots on the ground all while we raised a very young family.”
Over the years they’ve taken on everything from small residential projects to large multimillion-dollar commercial and industrial projects, as well as insurance renovation projects, water treatment plant rehabilitation, mining reclamation and structural concrete, multi-level commercial buildings such as apartments, multiplexes, aircraft hangers, machine shops and farm implement buildings. The company worked on a relocation project for Dauphin River that involved 44 homes. The company has worked on projects in places such as Gillam, The Pas, Sheridan, Thompson and at the Keewatinohk Converter Station (Manitoba Hydro) north of Gillam.
Knutson said KBL is a proudly owned Metis business and that its strength lies in cost-effective solutions, strong ethics and building trust through a number of means, including devoting time to its varied clientele.
“We can work with local farmers and homeowners, insurance companies and RMs, as well as all industrial and commercial Merx projects. When you know you have the expertise and confidence within your specialties, you can market correctly to beat out the competition. Knowing your market allows you to have the advantage of bidding first competitive pricing. We are well within targeted bids which allows KBL to win projects,” said Knutson.
KBL is a COR-certified (safety and health program), fully insured company that offers developmental project management from its initial concept to engineered drawing, architecture and permits within the feasibility of finances, she added.
The company has a full complement of staff, experienced work crew and full fleet of trucks, trailers and other equipment to service “any project.” In addition to residential, commercial and industrial construction, the company offers services such as drilling, insurance claims and transport and cartage. With its roots in the Interlake and 17 years in business, KBL has poured over 100 foundations, as well as over 75 across Manitoba.
“We have completed many commercial and industrial projects within the Interlake area such as shops, aircraft hangers, firehalls, community halls and Federated Co-ops as some examples,” said Knutson.
Donna Austfjord said she’s so proud that her daughter was chosen as an award finalist in one of the toughest categories.
“As a proud Metis business owner and mom, I am very proud that Asia was a finalist in one of the largest and toughest categories,” said Austfjord. “She has worked many years volunteering with the Metis government as youth representative – and now as community liaison for the Gimli Red River Metis Local – and deserves this honour.”
MMF president David Chartrand said in a May 31 news release that the Metis business community has a deeply rooted entrepreneurial spirit.
“On behalf of the nation, MMF cabinet members and our community, we congratulate the award recipients, as well as all those who were nominated,” said Chartrand. “It was an event to be proud of, and it was great to see family, friends and community come out to support our award nominees and recipients. There can be no doubt that we have a highly engaged and optimistic business community, deeply rooted in the entrepreneurial spirit that is a hallmark of our culture and nation. Our business community continues to rev our economic engine, secure in the knowledge that their Red River Métis Government has their backs – always.”
For more information about Knutson Building, call (204) 642-8839 (office) or (204) 641-1477 (cell). Visit the company online at www.gokbl.com
Express Photos Courtesy of Asia Knutson
