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Cam Knutson

Broker/Owner

Cam Knutson is a real estate developer, entrepreneur, and community leader based in Bismarck, North Dakota. As the founder of Knutson Realty, Knutson Commercial, and Knutson Companies, he leads multiple real estate ventures focused on residential and commercial development. His projects include Elkridge, a 600-acre master-planned community in Northwest Bismarck; Summit Point, a nearly 1,000-acre residential development near Hawktree Golf Course; and Boden, a live-work community integrating business and residential spaces.

Cam’s career began at Kilbourne Group, a Fargo-based real estate development firm, where he served as Business Development Manager and Commercial Realtor. Over six years, he played a pivotal role in the acquisition of more than 70 properties and helped facilitate over $250 million in real estate transactions. His work contributed to the company’s rapid expansion, growing from a six-person team to over 30, with an annual development portfolio averaging $50 million.

Beyond real estate, Cam is actively involved in the North Dakota business and nonprofit community. He serves on the Board of Directors for Sanford Health Bismarck West Region, one of the region’s largest employers, and Starion Bank, a $1.6 billion asset bank serving North Dakota and Wisconsin. Additionally, he sits on the University of Mary’s Board of Regents, supporting higher education initiatives.

An advocate for local business and historic preservation, Cam is a co-owner of Sanctuary Events Center, a premier event venue housed in a restored century-old church in downtown Fargo. In recognition of his contributions to the business community, he was named to Prairie Business magazine’s 40 Under 40 list in 2015.

A Bismarck native, Cam graduated from North Dakota State University (NDSU), where he served as Student Body President. He remains passionate about fostering economic growth, enhancing local communities, and creating meaningful opportunities for businesses and residents across North Dakota.

Jessica Knutson

Commercial Realtor, CCIM

Jessica Knutson is a commercial real estate professional and attorney based in Bismarck, North Dakota. As a key member of Knutson Commercial, she specializes in Buyer/Seller and Landlord/Tenant representation, leveraging her legal expertise and deep market knowledge to guide clients through complex real estate transactions.

Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Juris Doctorate (JD) from the University of North Dakota. Before transitioning to real estate, she practiced law at Rodenburg Law Firm, where she focused on consumer and commercial transactions, litigation, and negotiations. Her legal background provides her with a strategic approach to deal structuring, ensuring seamless transactions and favorable outcomes for her clients.

Committed to professional excellence, Jessica holds the prestigious Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation, signifying her expertise in commercial real estate investment analysis. She is also an active member of several industry organizations, including the North Dakota Bar Association, Bismarck Mandan Board of REALTORS®, International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), North Dakota Association of REALTORS®, and the National Association of REALTORS®.

Jessica is passionate about building strong, lasting relationships with her clients and guiding them toward successful investments. With a keen eye for market trends and a results-driven mindset, she is dedicated to fostering growth and opportunity in North Dakota’s commercial real estate sector.

Ronald Knutson

Chairman of the Board & Visionary
Knutson Companies

With over 40 years of real estate development experience, Ronald Knutson has built a legacy of transformative, community-focused projects that have shaped the landscape of the region. His journey into real estate began in an unconventional way—while attending medical school, he sought a site for his growing fireworks business, igniting a passion for real estate that would ultimately evolve into a lifelong pursuit.

Throughout his distinguished professional career as an anesthesiologist, Ron continued to expand his real estate portfolio, drawn to the challenge of strategic land acquisition, development, and placemaking. What started as a practical business need soon became a deep-seated commitment to shaping communities through thoughtful, well-planned developments.

Today, Ron serves as the visionary leader behind Knutson Companies, guiding an ever-expanding footprint that includes:

  • Master-planned residential communities designed for long-term sustainability and quality of life.
  • Vertical-use residential projects that enhance urban living.
  • Master-planned commercial developments that drive economic growth.
  • Mixed-use and infill projects that revitalize neighborhoods and create dynamic spaces.

With a forward-thinking approach, Ron’s expertise lies not only in real estate development but also in problem-solving, strategic planning, and fostering innovation. His ability to recognize untapped potential in overlooked properties, coupled with his commitment to community-driven design, has led to the creation of projects that enhance the fabric of the areas in which they are built.

At Knutson Companies, Ron is the inspiration behind the team, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible. He champions a solutions-based approach to development, encouraging creative thinking, collaboration, and a focus on both economic impact and community well-being. His leadership ensures that each project is executed with a balance of vision, practicality, and long-term value.

When he’s not spearheading new development opportunities, Ron enjoys spending with his lovely wife Ruth traveling.  He is an avid golfer and is a lifelong learner.

Shayla Knutson

Designer

Shayla Knutson is a Designer at Knutson Companies, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the aesthetic and functional aspects of our developments. A graduate of North Dakota State University (NDSU), Shayla brings a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for design that enhances both form and function in our projects.

With a passion for creating spaces that balance modern innovation with timeless appeal, Shayla specializes in the intricate design elements that make our developments stand out. From material selection to architectural nuances, she ensures that every project reflects the thoughtful craftsmanship and quality that Knutson Companies is known for.

Most recently, Shayla has been instrumental in the renovation of the historic Downtown Depot, blending its rich history with contemporary design elements to create a space that honors the past while serving the needs of today. She has also played a key role in Boden Development, where she has helped shape the vision for residential-scale office buildings that offer both functionality and aesthetic appeal. As Knutson Companies continues to expand its vertical footprint, Shayla remains at the forefront, ensuring that each new project is executed with precision, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Beyond her work in design, Shayla collaborates closely with project teams, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of her vision into the built environment. Her ability to merge creativity with practicality makes her an invaluable part of the Knutson Companies team.
 
When she’s not working on the next big project, Shayla enjoys spending time with her family, exploring a new recipe or spending time keeping up on new design trends. 

Chad Neff

Operations Manager

With 15 years of experience at Knutson Companies, Chad Neff is a key leader in operations, playing an integral role in the growth, efficiency, and success of the company’s diverse portfolio. As Operations Manager, Chad oversees the self-storage holdings and manages the western region of the fireworks business, ensuring seamless operations, strategic expansion, and top-tier customer service.

Chad’s expertise spans construction management, operations, and business development, making him a critical asset in the ongoing expansion of Knutson Companies’ footprint. His ability to blend hands-on experience with strategic decision-making has been instrumental in acquisitions, development, and operational efficiency across multiple business sectors.
 
Beyond his operational expertise, Chad is known for being a people-first leader. Whether working with internal teams, contractors, or customer-facing staff, he fosters a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence. His leadership ensures that projects run smoothly, teams are empowered, and customers receive the highest level of service.

With a keen eye for optimization and growth, Chad continues to drive efficiency, innovation, and expansion within Knutson Companies, ensuring that each business unit operates at its full potential.
 
When he’s not managing day-to-day operations, Chad enjoys chasing his kids around to various recreational activities alongside his wife Courtney.  He has a knack for anything construction related so is usually spending time tinkering on a project.

Alicia Rogstad

Director of Operations

Alicia Rogstad serves as the Director of Operations at Knutson Companies, bringing a practical, hands-on approach to managing the company’s diverse real estate and business ventures. With a background in financial services and banking, she spent 10 years in the financial sector and another 10 years in banking before joining Knutson Companies in 2020. Her experience in these industries has given her a strong foundation in strategic planning, financial management, and operational efficiency, which she applies to her work in real estate development and business operations.
 
Alicia plays a key role in ensuring that projects—whether residential, commercial, or mixed-use—are executed smoothly and efficiently. She is involved in development timelines, acquisitions, financial oversight, and team coordination, helping to keep operations running seamlessly. She takes pride in working behind the scenes to support the team, troubleshoot challenges, and find ways to improve processes as Knutson Companies continues to grow.
 
Known for her practical mindset and problem-solving skills, Alicia focuses on creating structure and efficiency while maintaining a collaborative and team-oriented approach. She enjoys working with contractors, developers, and stakeholders to bring projects to life, ensuring that details are managed thoughtfully and that long-term success remains a priority.
 
Outside of work, Alicia enjoys spending time with her husband Dave, watching their children participate in sports and activities. She enjoys volunteering in the community alongside her family and friends.

Tyler Burian

Project Manager / Realtor

Tyler is a Commercial Real Estate Associate at Knutson Companies, bringing a diverse background in engineering, business, and real estate development. Based in Mandan, North Dakota, he resides with his wife, Calli, and their pets, Moose and Ms. Kitty. Tyler enjoys running, biking, hunting, and spending quality time with family and friends. Originally from Grand Forks, North Dakota, his frequent visits to Bismarck during his youth inspired his relocation to the Bismarck-Mandan area in late 2022. Since then, he has immersed himself in the community, engaging with both public and private sectors.

Educational Background

Tyler graduated from Red River High School in Grand Forks and pursued civil engineering at the University of North Dakota, where he also played as a wide receiver on the football team. He furthered his education with a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). During his academic tenure, Tyler served on the football team’s leadership council and was inducted into honorary academic organizations such as Tau Beta Pi and Beta Gamma Sigma.

Professional Experience

While completing his civil engineering degree and during his graduate studies, Tyler gained valuable experience at Burian & Associates, LLC, a consulting civil engineering firm. There, he worked as an engineer in training on projects ranging from field surveying and water demand analyses to wastewater discharge analyses and contract development. Tyler collaborated with a team of partners to drive the development of 266 residential units and over 78,000 square feet of commercial real estate on the University of North Dakota campus. His role involved negotiations for long-term land leases, condominium leases, and commercial leases, as well as business development, financial analysis, and stakeholder management.

Tyler’s multifaceted expertise in real estate development, engineering, and business makes him a valuable asset to Knutson Companies. We are excited to have him on board and anticipate his significant contributions to our team and the community. Welcome, Tyler!

Gabby Gannon

Financial Coordinator / Office Administrator

The Knutson Team is thrilled to have Gabby Gannon, a Bismarck native, as part of our growing team of professionals. With a strong foundation in customer service and a deep passion for real estate, Gabby has spent the past few years building hands-on experience in the industry, making her a valuable resource for our clients.

Gabby earned her Bachelor of Science in Financial Services and Banking from the University of Mary, equipping her with the financial acumen and analytical skills essential for navigating complex real estate transactions. Her ability to combine financial expertise with a client-focused approach ensures she provides top-tier service to buyers, sellers, and investors alike.

Gabby is a valued member of the Knutson Team, bringing energy, expertise, and dedication to our clients and community. Her passion for real estate and commitment to exceptional service make her an asset to our team.
Beyond real estate, Gabby is a dedicated artist and educator, sharing her passion for ballet through teaching. Her commitment to mentoring and community involvement aligns with our team’s commitment to education, engagement, and lifelong learning.

In her free time, Gabby enjoys exploring Bismarck’s recreational opportunities with family and friends. An avid animal lover, she dotes on her stylish Chihuahua, Javi, famous for his impressive wardrobe and unique personality.