Employees

Brandi Hoerner - Sr. Director of Retail Operations and Leadership Development

Brandi is originally from Onida, SD. She graduated from the University of South Dakota with a bachelor’s degree. Brandi has spent 20 years of her career working in retail and managing stores across South Dakota. For the last 4 years, she has enjoyed working for Farmers Coop Society in Human Resources and Talent Development. Brandi and her husband along with their two children currently live in Vermillion, SD.

Austin Sandbulte - Yardman and Delivery Team

Austin has been with the How-To Building Center since 2014. He grew up on his family farm in Carmel, Iowa, assisting with raising pigs, calves & cows throughout his childhood. When Austin is not working he enjoys spending his time kayaking, camping, and fishing.

Darren Kruid - Contractor Sales

Darren Kruid is in the contractor sales position and has worked at How-to Building Center for over 10 years. He went to NCC for carpentry after graduating from Unity Christian. Darren currently lives in Brunsville, he has two daughters. Outside of work he enjoys fishing, archery shooting, riding horses and side by sides, and spending time with family.

Doug Broek - Sales Counter Associate

Doug Broek works as a part time assembler, stocker, and sales counter associate. Doug earned an AA degree in broadcasting from Iowa Central Community College, before this he graduated from Unity Christian High School. Doug is originally from Ireton and still lives there today with his wife of over 30 years, they have three children. Outside of work Doug enjoys reading, water skiing, boating, and sports.

Joe Ries - Hog Service Team Member

Joe Ries is a member of our hog service team. He currently lives in Doon, but he was raised on a farm in Goodwin, SD. He graduated from Watertown High School. Joe is the second youngest of 4 boys! Outside of work he enjoys ice fishing and welding.

Laura Janssen - Sales Associate

Laura Janssen is one of our sales associates. She lives in Sioux Center with her husband Mike and two kids! Laura grew up in Minnesota and went on to the University of Nebraska where she received her bachelor’s in mathematics, afterwards she went on to earn her masters in math/education. Outside of work Laura enjoys wood working, boardgames, and camping with her family!

Linda Mulder - Sales Associate

Linda Mulder is currently a sales associate. She has been working retail ever since graduating high school from Sheldon. Currently she lives on an acreage south of Boyden with her husband, they have 2 boys and 4 grandkids. Outside of work Linda enjoys cross stitch, camping, fishing, and spending time with her family.

Nelvin Brons - Lumberyard and Delivery Team

Nelvin has over 15 years of construction experience ranging from residential to commerical to farm and agriculture. Nelvin has been with the How-To Building Center since 2013 and enjoys helping customers with their project questions.

Norma Geels - Paint and Customer Service

Norma Geels works in our paint and customer service departments, with over 30 years of experience, seven years at HTBC. Norma has gained unique experience through remodeling her own home. She graduated from Western Christian and currently lives in Sioux Center with her husband, Randy. They have four children and ten grandkids. Outside of work Norma enjoys reading, crafting, spending time with family, and traveling to visit her children and grandchildren.

Norma Van Vleit - Freight and Stocking

Norma Van Vliet works with freight and stocking at How-to Building Center. She graduated from MOC High School and currently lives east of Sioux Center on an acreage with her husband, Steve. Norma has a son and daughter in law who have two children, and a daughter, who is survived by her husband and four children. Outside of work she enjoys riding horses with her husband.

Rod De Jong - Part Time Sales Associate

Rod De Jong has been with How-to Building Center on a part time basis for about 2 years. Rod has spent his whole life in Sioux County, around the Orange City area, graduating from MOC. He has two kids and outside of work he enjoys fishing.

Ron Schmith - Lumberyard Foreman

Ron Schmith is our lumberyard foreman. Ron has been working at How-to Building Center for close to 30 years. He grew up in George and currently lives west of Sioux Center. Outside of work Ron enjoys riding motorcycles and spending time with his family.