As an active Rochester community member, the TLS team has managed construction projects in and around the Rochester area for over nine years. Founded on strong old-fashion values of integrity, honesty, and handshakes; TLS Companies offers clients a unique blend of Commercial Development, General Contracting, Design-Build, Construction Management, and Owner Consulting services.
TLS Companies acknowledges that every project, and every client, is unique. Our approach of creating project specific plans centered on client goals allows us to surpass client expectations.
Who We Are
Our Team
Todd Severson
Company Founder Todd Severson serves as "central command" for our projects. His involvement begins as early as the conceptual stage and continues through construction, engaging all stakeholders and team members while managing relationships at each and every “command post.”
With 14 years of experience across market sectors, clients continuously lean on Todd's knowledge and ability to deliver cost effective projects that meet goals at all levels and enhance our communities. Upon founding TLS Companies, Todd envisioned a construction company embraced by his old-fashion values of integrity, honesty, and handshakes.
Over the course of Todd’s career, he has been responsible for over $625 million in construction projects throughout the Midwest. Entering the field as a Project Engineer, Todd has performed under many roles including Project Manager, Estimator, Project Executive, and Associate Vice President.
Todd’s knowledge of city processes coupled with his extensive experience managing the pre-construction and construction process helps him assist clients in setting and meeting project goals all the way from design to Grand Opening.
Christian Peterson
Business Development & Project Manager Christian, known to friends and colleagues as Chris, joined TLS in 2023. He started his career in construction at age 18 and has been a part of many amazing and successful builds since, ranging from residential homes to large industrial projects, hotels to assisted living, retail to festivals/wedding venues, and more.
With his extensive experience, Chris is an invaluable asset to our current and prospective clients when it comes to bringing their new construction and expansion projects to fruition. From defining project development strategies and negotiating contracts to project and schedule management all the way to turning over closeout documents, Chris is a key contact for making each project a success.
KEN WALVATNE
Superintendent Ken Walvatne has worked in the carpentry industry for more than 40 years. With 35 years of building homes, and 6 years of being a commercial supervisor, he has an extensive specialization in renovation and restoration projects.
Ken is responsible for managing the daily operations of projects on-site, ensuring that each project is completed to exact specifications, on schedule, and code-compliant. With each project Ken is focused on, he values building relationships with both customers and fellow tradespeople to achieve the common goal, while prioritizing quality control and safety.
JAKE SOCWELL
Superintendent Jake Socwell spent 6 years in the Minnesota National Guard as a Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Specialist, which included being the NCOIC of the state search and extraction team.
Before TLS Companies, Jake spent 15 years at Tamarack where he started delivering materials before moving into sales, then eventually running his own Tamarack location in Iowa City.
After spending a majority of his time in the metro area, he came to TLS Companies with experience in the commercial building industry from the job sites to product knowledge and plan reviews – all of which serve him well in his role.
Bryce Johnson
Bryce Johnson, hailing from Mondovi, WI, brings his expertise and passion for construction management to TLS Companies with commitment to quality and excellence. A graduate of UW Stout with a degree in Construction Management, Bryce began his journey with TLS as an intern in the summer of 2023, demonstrating remarkable dedication and skill. Recognizing his outstanding contributions, Bryce was welcomed aboard as a full-time team member in 2024, where his proactive approach and collaborative spirit continue to drive success in every project he undertakes.
Spencer HolmEn
Vice President Spencer Holmen is well versed in a variety of areas within the construction industry, including construction management, project management, scheduling, estimation, and interior design. With 14 years of experience, Spencer has delivered projects across several markets, including commercial offices, multifamily residential, senior living, retail, dental, and mixed use.
As Vice President for TLS Companies, Spencer oversees all TLS Companies’ projects at once. Spencer’s main objective is to ensure active TLS projects meet desired budgets and schedules.
Along with confirming proper resources are allocated to each project, Spencer designs and executes construction strategies as well. He oversees subcontractor selection, schedule development, and outlines project quality assurance checks. Throughout the duration of each project, Spencer stays in constant communication with project teams and is available to address challenges that arise and provide final plan interpretation, which ultimately keeps projects within budget and schedule.
JAMIE OIE
Superintendent Jamie Oie came to TLS Companies with more than 16 years of industry experience. He has worked on projects of all types including multi-family residential, senior living, hospitality, retail, and a variety of commercial spaces.
Jamie runs the day-to-day operations of projects on-site. He is accountable for ensuring that each project is constructed in strict accordance with plans, specifications, and local codes. Effective coordination of subcontractors, materials, and equipment by Jamie controls the project schedule and ultimately delivers TLS projects on time. In addition, Jamie oversees inspections, quality control, job site safety, and scheduling.
SHAWN WOYAK
Superintendent Shawn Woyak has a wide background with experience ranging from material handling to manufacturing. In 2005 he started his construction career with a local company as laborer, then ranked up to Foreman, and eventually became Superintendent.
Shawn’s role includes the on-site management of day-to-day project operations. He is responsible for the project’s execution in adherence to plan specifications, along with scheduling, material and equipment planning, overseeing quality control and inspections, as well as the safety of the job site.
He brings experience in CAD drafting along with a portfolio of designing and drawing buildings that were constructed in Rochester, MN. Before he worked his way up to Superintendent in the field, Shawn worked for McNeilus Steel as a forklift driver, Benchmark Electronics as a circuit board printing machine operator, and Pemstar Inc. doing quality control in their cardiac stent coating lab.
TYLER VOGES
Carpenter and Field Technician Tyler Voges has been in the construction industry for over 5 years, bringing to us experience from both the residential and commercial markets. He’s knowledgeable in steel work and has acted as Foreman for commercial construction projects, which makes him an asset on any project he works on.
melissa baRbOUr
As Office Manager for a growing firm, Melissa provides top-level support across multiple areas extending from project support to corporate level activities.
From a corporate perspective, Melissa oversees all tasks associated with the firm’s accounting department. She is responsible for bookkeeping functions including general ledger, payroll, cost accounting, and cost management. In addition, Melissa oversees TLS Companies’ human resources and employee benefits program, executes targeted marketing goals, and represents the firm at various community engagement events.
Melissa keeps projects running smoothly through processing project-related payments, updating project personnel on OSHA and labor law policies, and continually monitoring project documents to ensure contract compliance.
brian luckhardt
Superintendent Brian Luckhardt came to TLS Companies with a 20-year construction career. Having spent significant time as a carpenter and foreman, Brian’s exceptional communication skills in the field make him an asset to every project he oversees.
Brian manages the day-to-day operations of projects on-site to ensure each project’s construction strictly adheres to all plans, specifications, and local codes. His primary responsibilities include maintaining and informing project schedules through effective workforce, materials, and equipment planning. In addition, Brian is accountable for enforcing safety protocols and quality control measures, overseeing inspections, and preparing and executing project punch lists.
KARA BROWN
Kara Brown is our Designer, Drafter, and Project Manager with over 20 years of experience in Commercial, Hospitality and Healthcare Design. She oversees projects from programming to design, estimation into project management, and all the way through construction.
With excellent communication and interior design skills, Kara creates interactive 3D presentations of our projects utilizing rendering and fly-through technology to effectively present each project visually to our clients before construction starts. She also creates 3D models of products with Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documentation and Finish Selection.
BEN WALVATNE
Carpenter and Field Technician Ben Walvatne brings to the team his experience in the building supply industry where he’s worked as a load builder, delivery driver, and commercial building maintenance. He has the drive to learn the inner workings of each and every project and is proactive in continually adding to his broad skillset.
