Overview
North Wind Group is a prominent business leader in the environmental, engineering, facility operations, construction, IT/Cyber, response and reclamation, and professional services industries. The company was founded in 1997 and operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI), an Alaska Native Corporation.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1997
- Headquarters: Idaho Falls, ID
- Employees: 2,000+
- Offices: 30+ across the continental U.S, Alaska, Hawaii, and Guam
- Employee Satisfaction: 90%
Leadership
Richard “Rich” Driggs - President and CEO
Rich Driggs brings over 30 years of experience in the engineering and construction industries. His career is marked by successful leadership roles in prominent engineering firms and construction companies. Rich has demonstrated an ability to collaborate effectively with management teams, driving sustainable growth and introducing pioneering solutions that distinguish companies in competitive markets.
John Bukowski - Chief Operating Officer
John Bukowski has extensive experience spanning 30 years, dealing with both small private businesses and large public firms. He holds significant expertise in project management and operations.
Carsen (Jade) Dye - Subsidiary President
As the President of North Wind Dynamics and North Wind Operations Management, Jade Dye has over 30 years of experience in project management and operations, and has a diverse background including roles as CFO.
Brady Bigelow - Chief Business Development Officer
Brady Bigelow is responsible for all business development activities throughout the U.S. and beyond, identifying significant new opportunities for growth and expansion.
James (Jim) Furr - Chief Information Officer
Jim Furr oversees all IT initiatives as CIO and serves as President & General Manager of North Wind Technologies, LLC and North Wind Solutions, LLC.
John R. Smith - Chief Marketing Officer
John R. Smith has held the position of Chief Marketing Officer at North Wind for the past 5 years. His tenure at the company has been marked by significant strategic initiatives in digital transformation and brand expansion. Before joining North Wind, he served as Sr. Vice President of Marketing at Windy Valley for 4 years, where he spearheaded several high-impact marketing campaigns that resulted in a 35% increase in market share over his tenure. John's career portfolio also includes a 7-year stint as a Marketing Director at Evergreen Solutions, focusing on B2B market strategies and customer acquisition.
Achievements at North Wind:
- Digital Transformation: Led a comprehensive overhaul of North Wind’s digital infrastructure, resulting in a 20% increase in online sales.
- Brand Expansion: Implemented a successful brand expansion strategy into the Asian market, contributing to a 15% growth in international sales.
- Customer Engagement: Enhanced customer engagement through a targeted content marketing strategy, which increased customer retention rates by 12%.
- Awards & Recognition: Under John's leadership, North Wind received the “Best Marketing Campaign” award at the International Marketing Excellence Awards (2021).
Competitor Profile for John R. Smith
Skills and Expertise:
- Digital Marketing: Expertise in SEO, SEM, social media marketing, and email marketing.
- Brand Management: Strong experience in brand positioning, market analysis, and competitive analysis.
- B2B Marketing: Proven track record in B2B lead generation, account-based marketing, and sales enablement.
- Data Analytics: Skilled in using data analytics tools to derive insights and drive decision-making processes.
Professional Interests:
John is particularly interested in emerging marketing technologies such as AI in marketing, Customer Data Platforms (CDPs), and advanced analytics. He frequently speaks at industry conferences and has authored several articles on the impact of AI on marketing efficiency.
Network and Influence:
- Industry Connections: John maintains a strong network of industry connections, including key figures in the renewable energy and technology sectors.
- Professional Associations: Active member of the American Marketing Association (AMA) and the Digital Marketing Association (DMA).
- Speaking Engagements and Publications: Regular speaker at the Digital Summit Series and contributor to marketing innovation journals.
Services
North Wind Group offers a comprehensive range of services across several key industries:
- Construction Services
- Facility Operation & Infrastructure Services
- Engineering Services
- Environmental Services
- Industrial, Response, and Reclamation Services
- IT/Cyber Services
- Professional Services
Vision and Values
Vision: Deliver innovative solutions to the most complex challenges faced by clients, making a lasting impact on the communities served.
Core Values:
- People First: Prioritizing the safety and satisfaction of employees.
- Client Advocacy: Committed to exceeding client expectations.
- Stewardship: Ensuring the well-being of people and the environment.
- Collaboration: Fostering teamwork and mutual respect.
- Inclusion and Diversity: Reflecting the diversity of clients and communities.
Quality Policy
North Wind Group is dedicated to delivering the highest quality goods and services in a timely and cost-effective manner. This dedication is rooted in a robust Quality Management System that prioritizes customer focus, value, and continual improvement.
Parent Company: Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI)
North Wind Group is a wholly owned subsidiary of CIRI, an Alaska Native Corporation established in 1971. CIRI benefits over 9,100 shareholders of Alaska Native descent and has distributed over $1 billion in dividends to its shareholders. CIRI’s mission is to promote the economic and social well-being and the heritage of Alaska Native shareholders through prudent resource stewardship and fostering self-sufficiency.
Contact Information
- Corporate Office: 1425 Higham St., Idaho Falls, ID 83402
- Phone: (208) 528-8718
- Fax: (208) 528-8714
- Email: contactus@northwindgrp.com
- Business Development: Brady Bigelow (bd@northwindgrp.com)
For more detailed information about North Wind Group's leadership and other activities, visit their [website](https://northwindgrp.com/).