Business Details
43 Years
experience
Your Trusted Construction Partner in Dubuque, IA
Founded in 1983, Portzen Construction has evolved into a leading multi-faceted construction firm serving Iowa and Southwestern Wisconsin. Our expertise spans commercial and industrial projects, with a unique advantage in self-performing critical trades like concrete, excavating, carpentry, and plumbing. This capability allows us to deliver value-added services while maintaining strict quality control across diverse projects ranging from educational facilities to water treatment plants.With over four decades of experience, we combine technical precision with a commitment to client satisfaction, evidenced by our long-standing partnerships with municipalities, private developers, and institutional clients. Our team's mathematical rigor and dedication to timely, budget-conscious delivery have solidified our reputation as a trusted construction partner in the tri-state region.
Services
General Contracting
Concrete Services
Excavating
Carpentry
Plumbing & Heating
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We've delivered construction solutions across Iowa and Wisconsin since 1983
- Our self-performed trades ensure quality control and cost efficiency
- Recognized as Dubuque's largest union contractor for skilled workforce reliability
- Proven expertise in complex projects from wastewater treatment to municipal infrastructure
- Client testimonials highlight our timely delivery and budget adherence
What people say
Speed and quality of work
Knowledge and expertise
Beautiful, functional home
Honesty and integrity
No negative impacts
Services
General Contracting
Our general contracting services encompass construction management and design-build solutions for commercial and industrial projects. We coordinate all aspects of development from initial planning through final delivery, ensuring seamless execution for clients across multiple sectors including education, healthcare, and municipal infrastructure.
Concrete Services
We offer comprehensive concrete solutions including flatwork, structural concrete, paving, and tilt-up panels. Our expertise handles everything from foundational work to large-scale paving projects, meeting both functional requirements and aesthetic standards for commercial and municipal developments.
Excavating
Our excavating division handles building demolition, utility installation, and site preparation. We manage stormwater systems, sewer lines, and water mains while maintaining environmental compliance during earthwork operations for both private and public infrastructure projects.
Carpentry
We provide full-spectrum carpentry services covering rough and finish work, framing, steel stud installation, and drywall. Our union-certified craftsmen deliver precision in both structural and aesthetic wood components for residential, commercial, and industrial construction applications.
Plumbing & Heating
Through our Dubuque Plumbing & Heating division, we deliver comprehensive plumbing systems, hydronic heating, medical gas piping, and industrial process piping. Our licensed professionals ensure code-compliant installations that meet both residential and commercial building requirements.
People
Mike Portzen
Chairman of the Board
Founder since 1983 with mathematical expertise and commitment to timely project delivery. Transformed company into regional construction leader while maintaining hands-on involvement in key projects.
JR Portzen
President
Current president overseeing daily operations. Maintains family legacy of excellence in construction management while expanding service capabilities across multiple states.
Jayme Kluesner
Chief Financial Officer
Manages financial operations with focus on project cost control and long-term business sustainability. Ensures fiscal responsibility while supporting growth initiatives.
Adam Portzen
Vice President
Supports strategic leadership in construction operations. Brings technical expertise and operational oversight to complex infrastructure projects across the company's service area.
Travis Kraus
Plumbing Estimator/Project Manager
Specializes in plumbing project estimation and management. Coordinates technical aspects of mechanical systems while ensuring budget adherence and client satisfaction.
Questions
What construction services do you offer?
We provide general contracting, concrete work, excavating, carpentry, and plumbing/heating services for commercial, industrial, and municipal projects.
How long have you served the Dubuque area?
We've been operating since 1983 and incorporated as Portzen Construction, Inc. in 1989.
What project types do you specialize in?
We excel in schools, hospitals, water treatment facilities, swimming pools, and flood mitigation infrastructure projects.
Do you work outside Iowa?
Yes, we serve Southwestern Wisconsin and surrounding regions while maintaining our Dubuque headquarters.
What makes you different from other contractors?
Our self-performed trades and union workforce ensure quality control while handling complex projects from start to finish.