Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is growing – not only in population but also in development. In 2024, the city exceeded $1 billion Off Site Link in building permit valuations for the fourth consecutive year. This steady growth trend is a testament to the city’s thriving economy, vibrant arts and culture scene, family-friendly amenities, stunning natural beauty, and namesake waterfalls.

Josh Grode Wolters is a proud contributor to this dynamic period of expansion and transformation in his hometown. In January 2025, he and his wife, Megan, purchased All States Concrete Cutting – a full-service concrete cutting, drilling, and demolition contractor located in Sioux Falls and serving surrounding states since 1999.

Working smarter, not harder

Although Grode Wolters has years of experience in business brokerage and small business ownership, construction was an unchartered professional path for him.

“We thought the construction space was a good one to be in, even though it’s brand new for me,” he says. “I have a history in business and at the end of the day, whether it’s a medical clinic, fast-food restaurant or specialized concrete cutting, P&L [profit and loss] looks the same.”

Grode Wolters credits All States’ longtime manager – and a growing team – with helping him navigate the unfamiliar industry. In the few months since he took ownership, he has doubled the number of field employees.

What sets All States a cut above other concrete-cutting businesses is its advanced equipment – including longer drill bits, wider saw blades, and robotic cutting and demolition tools. These allow for faster, more specialized, cleaner, and safer work. Their track-mounted, remote-controlled devices can climb stairs, allowing for greater job accessibility.

“We can be in sensitive areas, whether that’s a hospital or a brewery where it has to be food-safe,” Grode Wolters says. “Some of the equipment we use is cutting-edge and top-of-the-line so that we can work smarter, not harder.”

Making a concrete impact

All States is focused on making positive environmental and social contributions as a small business. To reduce the industry’s environmental impact, the company opts for electric equipment over diesel when possible and takes measures to contain the mess and debris in their workspace.

Although energy-intensive to make, concrete is one of the most recycled materials in the world. All States partners with local companies to take their leftover concrete, crush it, and reuse it.

“In an industry that’s literally dirty, we do what we can to minimize our carbon footprint,” Grode Wolters says.

Another core value for All States is employee well-being and growth. The company invests in remote control carts that allow them to cut bigger pieces and move them more easily, safely, and effectively.

“We don’t have guys hefting 100-pound hunks of rubble,” Grode Wolters explains. “We use our technology efficiently to save our guys’ backs – literally.”

All States also offers its employees free education through an online university to encourage continued learning and professional development.

“We have a passion for our employees, and we want them to succeed,” Grode Wolters says. “We hope to give them the skills and experience to do whatever they want to do – whether that’s working with our company or becoming an investor or coming out of the field entirely.”

A socially responsible partnership

To launch this new venture, the Grode Wolters turned to Sunrise Banks for financing, becoming one of the bank’s first small business customers at its inaugural South Dakota retail branch, which opened in June 2024.

The Sunrise Banks’ team in Sioux Falls helped the Grode Wolters secure a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) loan, which funds change of ownership, expansion, working capital, and startup financing – as well as purchases of equipment, land, and buildings. Backed by the federal government, the program encourages entrepreneurship and economic growth while minimizing risk for lenders.

In addition to the expertise and quality offerings at Sunrise Banks, Grode Wolters says their emphasis on ethical banking and community impact influenced the decision to work with them.

“We found a great partner in Sunrise Banks,” he says. “What drew us to them was their B Corp status and commitment to social policies.”

As a B Corp-certified bank since 2009 – the first B Corp company in Minnesota and now the first in South Dakota – Sunrise Banks believes a healthy environment is a healthy economy. Like All States, they have a “you-first” mindset that highlights community engagement, environmental sustainability, and employee well-being.

“All of their programs that give folks a chance or a leg up when other lenders won’t – whether it’s housing or business – were a really good match for us philosophically,” he says. “It’s cool in a city with a big banking industry to have a new player come to town. They are a bank that does things a little differently.”

An SBA-preferred lender for over 15 years

The SBA 7(a) loan offers versatile financing for entrepreneurs like Grode Wolters looking to buy, grow, refinance, or equip a business. As an SBA-preferred lender for over 15 years, Sunrise Banks can make lending decisions without waiting for SBA approval.

“Having expertise at an organization like Sunrise Banks with our size is really impactful,” says Damon Sehr, Market President at Sunrise Banks in Sioux Falls (pictured left). “It ensures there aren’t any gaps or misses, which helps with the overall process and gives us a bit of a differentiator.”

As a business broker and a borrower, Grode Wolters has worked with many financial institutions and financing options. He says Sunrise Banks stands out in expertise, turnaround time, and handling of complex processes.

“The SBA program is super cool, but convoluted,” he says. “With Sunrise Banks, the process was efficient and very personal. It is great working with a bank that isn’t mired in the past and understands how to leverage technology for everyone’s benefit. I’m a huge champion of Sunrise Banks after what I know and experienced.”

If you’re considering a small business loan, the team at Sunrise Banks will help guide you every step of the way. Discover the potential benefits of an SBA loan, including a lower down payment and flexible terms – reach out to our experienced lenders today.

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