Building Solutions for the Future

Lakota Contractor Launches Business to Provide Reservation Communities with Expert Construction Support 

Over the last decade, Lakota contractor Guy Fransua has worked on hundreds of construction projects–mastering electrical skills, managing complex emergency response work, and becoming a specialist in coordinating multifaceted builds. Now he’s bringing his expertise to some of the most vital work on the Pine Ridge Reservation: increasing access to high-quality homes. 

Guy–who launched his contracting business Building Solutions this year–wants community members across the Pine Ridge Reservation to feel a sense of pride and security in well-built homes of their own. Growing up in Allen, he saw how the lack of adequate, permanent housing negatively affected his community. After ten years of developing his construction expertise at LaCreek Development, Guy made the decision to begin offering his services to tribal members seeking construction support that is affordable and accessible. 

“With my company, I can provide those kinds of homebuilding services without the same overhead costs as a larger firm,” said Guy. “As a sole proprietor, I can offer a much better rate. And because I’m from here, I understand the complexities of building on Native trust land–and what it takes to build for longevity here.”

Contractors like Guy play a vital role in building and restoring the reservation’s infrastructure. 

They bring the skills and experience necessary to construct homes, schools, and medical facilities that are needed so urgently to improve quality of life and spur economic growth. But accessing the kind of financing necessary to launch and build businesses is often out of reach. Banks often see Native builders who work on trust land as too risky for investment. 

That’s exactly why Lakota Funds has focused on offering targeted financing options specifically for Native contractors. When Guy was ready to launch Building Solutions, Lakota Funds was there to offer him the line of credit he needed to get started.

“Lakota Funds has been great to work with because they are there to support Native builders. They’ll work with you in ways that banks really won’t. Even when my business was still in the conception phase, they were willing to back me and support my ideas,” said Guy. “The line of credit they gave me allowed me to get insured and bonded, so I was ready to jump into projects.”

Marcus Heath, the Lakota Funds loan officer who worked with Guy on his financing, was excited to support the growth of Building Solutions. 

“Here on the reservation, finding a contractor to help you build a home–or frankly build anything–can be extremely difficult,” said Marcus. “It’s great to see someone like Guy, with such strong experience and skills in the industry, to start serving reservation communities. We’re excited to see his business growth, and hope to help others launch their contracting business as well. More contractors serving our communities will mean better infrastructure and more economic growth overall.”

As Guy nears the end of his first year in business, he’s looking forward to the future. He wants to help more tribal members build houses and eventually, in time, coordinate the creation of entire subdivisions. With his experience working on medical facilities, he’s also interested in helping to improve the reservation’s hospitals and clinics. As a community member, he understands what it will mean to have homes and hospitals built on a strong foundation.

“I had my two kids at the hospital in Pine Ridge. I’ve had loved ones who have had procedures and surgery there. I’ve had better experiences there than in hospitals off the reservation. There’s a more personal connection, being a community member being treated at home,” said Guy. With Building Solutions, he hopes to help strengthen the reservation’s medical facilities for future generations. 

Asked what it will take to expand the reservation’s construction industry and infrastructure in the long-term, Guy’s answer is also clear: more experienced, skilled builders. He says the industry as a whole is experiencing a worker shortage–and that there is ample opportunity for young people interested in breaking into construction. 

“They say the average age in construction right now is in the upper forties and that there aren’t enough workers to replace people as they retire,” he said. “So for anyone wanting to get ahead in this business, there is so much opportunity. For young people just getting into construction, just be sure to show up daily and follow through on your commitments. Your supervisors put their faith in you. Even if you think you don’t play a major role, the work couldn’t get done without you. And at some point down the road, you’ll be leading those projects.”

 Guy also knows financing will also be essential to the growth of the construction industry. And he encourages builders seeking financial support to look inside the community–and to sit down with the Lakota Funds team. He remains grateful for the ways Lakota Funds has stood with him as he launched Building Solutions. As he said, “It’s been a huge blessing.”