Julian Gerken’s story is about resilience and adaptability. Born February 23, 1930, Julian grew up working on his family’s 80-acre farm in Napoleon, where he learned the values of hard work and determination from a young age. Those early lessons would become the backbone for a lifetime of success.

Julian’s father, Carl, laid the groundwork for the Gerken family’s legacy in the construction industry. Carl drove a ready-mix truck for Harper Supply before starting his excavating business, C.F. Gerken and Sons, in the late 1940s. Initially focused on concrete work, such as laying driveways and sidewalks, Carl’s company prospered as the region shifted from stone to paved roads. Julian stepped into the business right after graduating high school, ready to embrace the family tradition.

The early 1950s brought an unexpected change. Julian was drafted into the army and entered basic training during the Korean War.

“The army was a big experience for a farm boy,” recalls Julian.

When it came time to deploy Julian, the army lost his paperwork. While sorting out the mess, officials assigned him to some high-ranking military strategists in New York City. He spent several months there before finally being sent to Germany.

Coming home.

After his two-year service tour ended, Julian returned home and rejoined C.F. Gerken and Sons, where he found a construction industry on the brink of evolution. The transition was challenging, but Julian quickly adapted, taking on bookkeeping responsibilities for the company.

“Processing payroll was easy back then,” he quips. “Wages were less than $1.00 per hour, and there were no deductions to take.”

In 1959, C.F. Gerken and Sons branched into the asphalt business. And by the early 1970s, the company had expanded to include aggregate production.

Julian left the family business in 1978 to launch what is now called Gerken Materials, Inc. The venture began with fewer than six employees and little road construction know-how. Yet Julian was undeterred. With ODOT project requirements providing a framework for proper procedures, Julian learned the ropes by observing his competitors.

“You can learn a lot just by seeing how they’re doing it and where you could make it better,” he notes.

Julian says it was easy to compete. One early advantage was the dedicated workforce he drew from the Napoleon area—hardworking individuals from farming backgrounds who regularly outperformed their urban counterparts. That strong work ethic was a defining feature of Gerken Materials as it flourished over the years.

One of Julian’s favorite parts of running Gerken was being involved in the bidding process. He relished the competition and utilized his construction experience to secure projects.

“There’s something to be said about knowing how the work has to be done,” he says.

“Dumb luck.”

Beyond his knowledge and skill, Julian credits much of Gerken’s success to good fortune.

“We were very lucky with some of our acquisitions and when they happened,” says Julian. “A lot of it I consider just being there at the right time and knowing enough about the business.”

Solid relationships with like-minded industry leaders undergoing generational changes also played a big part in the company’s growth. Julian was often the first person business owners called when they were ready to retire and sell.

“Dumb luck. I think that’s how most of our growth kind of happened,” Julian says. “You have to be a little bit lucky to survive as long as I have.”

Advice for the next generation.

With decades of experience behind him, Julian has suggestions for young people considering a career in construction.

First and foremost, he emphasizes the importance of not shortcutting education, especially regarding technology. Modern equipment is significantly more sophisticated than when Julian entered the field, and every piece of today’s construction equipment has a computer.

Next, be open to change. Adaptability is crucial in an industry where change occurs rapidly, often overnight.

Finally, he urges young professionals to pursue work they enjoy.

”It’s important to like what you do,” he insists, underscoring the importance of passion in a fulfilling career.

Speaking of new generations, some might ask what advice Julian has shared with his son Brent, who succeeded him in running The Gerken Companies.

“I’m very careful,” he acknowledges with a smile about giving Brent advice. “It’s a complicated business we’re in today.”

“Right from the beginning, I’ve done a lot of different things,” reflects Julian, who turned 95 this month. His journey from a humble farm boy to building a successful construction business has been rich with diverse experiences and achievements. His story exemplifies the power of hard work, adaptability, and a fair bit of luck.

Even as people inquire about his retirement plans, Julian still enjoys coming into the office. He continues to take pride in witnessing the growth of the company he built, and his story serves as an inspiration for future generations in the construction industry.

“I guess I am retired and don’t want to admit it,” he chuckles. But his passion for the business and its legacy remains as strong as ever.