DICKINSON — What kind of mindset leads to success in running a multi-dimensional company across several industries? Glenn Baranko sat down with The Press to share his thoughts on innovation, business strategy and how creativity is central to both his work and personal philosophy.
“One of our core values is innovation,” said Baranko, holding a small card listing the values and culture of Baranko Companies. “If there’s a better way to do it, we’ll find it. That’s something we really embrace. Just because we did something one way yesterday doesn’t mean we’re going to do it that way tomorrow. We’ve got a lot of talented, creative people, and we take their input. They’re problem solvers.”
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That approach has guided Baranko Companies since its founding in 1967. Glenn’s father and uncle launched the original construction business as a way to diversify their ranching operation. Since then, the company has expanded into road construction, landfills, environmental cleanup, oilfield services and gas stations. Baranko Companies has also developed patented processes to improve efficiency.
Photo by RubyAnn Stiegelmeier
When asked about the secret to his success, Baranko didn’t just answer — he stood and walked to his computer, pointing to a quote from Stefan Aarnio taped to his monitor.
“I don’t know how long that’s been hanging there,” Baranko said. “It says, ‘In business, you can either fight for someone else’s piece of the pie, or you can figure out how to create another pie.’”
That quote captures what Baranko sees as a competitive edge — second only to the company’s core values — and it’s a philosophy he applies whenever someone tells him no.
“When I get told no, I ask why,” he said.
The same spirit of innovation also guides Baranko’s community engagement, including his involvement with the Southwest Area Career and Technical Education Academy (SWCTE).
“I’m pretty passionate about that,” he said. “There are so many career opportunities here in western North Dakota, and with the CTE program, we’re showing these kids that there are good-paying careers where they can make a living and support their families. We need to keep those opportunities here so they don’t leave.”
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Photo by Evan Butow
A father of two, Baranko’s focus on family extends into his business. In 2019, he launched a food truck to support job sites and foster community. Today, it’s a regular presence at events like Touch a Truck, offering an experience he says is as intentional as his business planning.
“Most businesses give out candy bars at events,” Baranko said. “Are you going to remember getting a Snickers bar or someone giving you a hot dog? We do a thousand Cloverdale hot dogs in two hours at Trick or Trunk. Most of these kids are coming straight from school. A hot dog is probably not the best, but it’s better than being all sugared up. That’s the choice parents are going to make — and they’re not just for the kids. Mom and dad, grandpa, grandma, everybody gets a hot dog.”
Looking ahead, Baranko — an avid reader — said learning remains a top priority. One of his goals for 2025 is to re-read key books, including Blue Collar Cash by Ken Rusk, which he’s read three times. Rusk was also the keynote speaker at the company’s annual convention.
The book’s message about “drawing your dreams” — visualizing and keeping your goals in sight — resonated so strongly that for the 2024 holiday season, every Baranko Brothers employee received a Carhartt backpack filled with items including a 64-pack of crayons and construction paper.
Baranko also highlighted plans for continued innovation through partnerships like the one with BuildWitt, a platform offering modern safety training and professional development tools.
“We’ve been on the BuildWitt platform for about two years now and actually ended up buying into the company,” he said. “We invest heavily in our guys with professional development. These are all microlessons — maybe three to five minutes long — and it might take five to cover a topic. The guys like it. It’s Aaron, and he’s engaging.”
To learn more about Baranko Companies, visit
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