Arctic directory 2020: Alaska Dreams, providing unparalleled excellence in innovative building solutions

Company approaches 10-year safety milestone while working in some of the most remote areas and harshest climates

Petroleum News

Q. What is the official name of your company?

A. Alaska Dreams, Inc.

Q. What do you most want people to know about your company?

A. If it can be imagined, AKD can build it. AKD is Alaska’s leading supplier and erector of steel-framed, fabric covered buildings. AKD has the ability to provide building solutions tailored to fit our customers’ needs.

Q. Where is your company located?

A. Our headquarters are in Fairbanks, AK along with a sales office in Anchorage, AK.

Q. What year was the company founded?

A. AKD was incorporated in 1994.

Q. What is your company’s primary business activity?

A. Design, sales and construction of commercial and industrial buildings.

Q. Who are your primary customers?

A. AKD’s customers are many of the oil producers on the North Slope, the U.S. Military, municipalities, the mining industry along with many general contractors and private customers.

Q. How many employees does your company have?

A. AKD employs an average of 15-30 employees - depending on the season.

Q. Describe the tools and equipment your company uses.

A. AKD utilizes a variety of custom and industry-standard tools and equipment. We use our own tools and equipment and support other local businesses by renting specialized equipment including man lifts, fork lifts, cranes, plant lights, heaters, etc.

Q. Is your company expanding any of its operations or locations?

A. AKD has no concrete plans to do so at this time, although we are always evaluating opportunities to expand and improve our ability to better serve our clients.

Q. Is the company changing any of its services or products?

A. In Alaska – and in the oil and gas industry predominantly – innovation is critical. AKD is always looking for ways to improve our products and services. Over the past few years, we have designed and introduced two new building lines that are now being used throughout the state of Alaska. Over the years, we have developed multiple components, tools and methods that are now widely used in the fabric building industry.

Q. What is your company’s main strength or its edge over the competition?

A. The foundation of our long-term success is our client-centric approach to doing business. AKD’s goal is to build loyal and lasting partnerships. These relationships - with vendors and clients – allow us to provide products and services that meet, and often exceed, client expectations. These relationships have allowed AKD to partner with clients to construct approximately 3 million square feet of industrial and commercial buildings. AKD is an Alaska based company – we live and work in Alaska – and we want our fellow Alaskans to succeed with us.

Q. What new markets and/or opportunities has your company seen in the past few years?

A. Due to our experience – and the versatility and durability of fabric buildings – AKD is often the first and most common-sense choice for both new and established businesses. We have seen continued support from the oil and gas industry and expanded opportunities in mining along with the US Military.

Q. What is the most challenging work/contract the company has undertaken?

A. One of our most challenging and rewarding opportunities was the design and construction of the Seward Ship’s Drydock (pictured). Multiple engineers and other experts considered the project impossible and – if completed – believed it would only “last a few weeks”. Alaska Dreams, Inc. constructed the 110’ wide x 210’ long x 100’ tall structure in 2001 and it is still performing without issues to this day.

Q. What are the biggest obstacles to completing work your company undertakes?

A. At times, as it is for most businesses, finding skilled team members can be a challenge. Another challenge is the consistent increase in freight costs – both into and within the state.

Q. What do you see as your company’s biggest challenge in the next five years?

A. As a small business in Alaska, the biggest challenge for AKD is maintaining our competitive advantage. We have played a primary role in introducing and developing the fabric building industry in Alaska for over 20 years. With this growth, comes intense interest from out-of-state competitors looking to capitalize on our success. Alaska Dreams, Inc. is rooted in this great state and committed to Alaskans. We will accept this challenge and use our experience to continue to develop new and innovative products and building designs to stay ahead of our competitors.

Q. Does your company have an anniversary or other landmark event coming up?

A. AKD is fast approaching a safety-related milestone; 10 years without any lost time due to an accident. The safety of our employees - and those of our clients - is our #1 priority. This January AKD has been in business for 26 years.

Q. Does your company hire locally?

A. Yes, we do. We primarily hire Alaskans for full and part-time team members for office and field positions. Currently, over 30% of our team members have been employed with AKD for 10 years or longer.

Q. What is your company’s safety record? What steps does the company take to ensure a safe work environment?

A. AKD is approaching 10 years without lost work time due to an accident. AKD’s safety culture instills a ‘Safety First’ mindset and supports it with regular training and updates.

Q. Has your company been involved in any community projects or charity events?

A. AKD has been involved – and continues to be involved – in many community projects, local sponsorships and charity events. We love being part of the community and giving back.

Q. What is the address of your company’s Website?

A. www.alaskadreamsinc.com