Strategy Meets Finance

How AI and Energy Growth Are Changing Construction with Maja Ericksen of Mortenson | Ep 203

12 snips
Dec 17, 2025
Maja Ericksen, the Executive Vice President at Mortenson with decades of experience in construction, discusses the transformative impact of AI and energy demands on the industry. She highlights the boom in power generation and data center projects, particularly in rural areas, addressing workforce challenges and community effects. Maja emphasizes the importance of attracting young talent to construction, the need for innovative strategies, and fostering caring leadership. Her insights showcase where the industry is headed amidst rising costs and evolving career paths.
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INSIGHT

AI And Power Driving Construction Demand

  • AI and cloud demand are driving a boom in data centers and power generation projects nationwide.
  • These sectors are pulling construction activity to specific geographies with strong power and water resources.
ANECDOTE

Rural Builds Require Workforce Camps

  • Maja describes projects in rural areas forcing contractors to import labor and build workforce camps or housing.
  • Local real estate and RV slots get consumed, bringing both benefits and logistical pain for communities and contractors.
INSIGHT

Data Centers Warp Construction Economics

  • The strength of data center customers who can pay supply-chain premiums is depressing traditional office, retail, and multifamily margins.
  • Market cycles may correct but current demand keeps capital flowing into tech-led construction.
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