2025 Chris O’Brien, President LaCreek Development Corporation

Business owner professional headshot

Chris O’Brien has been a volunteer Fire Chief for Martin SD for 17+ years. He was recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration as the Small Business person of the year for South Dakota in 2025.

Lacreek delivers full-scope general contracting — from estimating and pre-construction planning through commissioning and owner turnover — under a single contract. LaCreek Development Corporation is a 100% Native American–owned general contractor specializing in complex, regulated construction projects for healthcare, government, and tribal clients, headquartered in Martin, South Dakota.

Founded in 2010 in Martin, SD, LaCreek was created to fill a gap in the market for a locally rooted, technically capable contractor serving federal agencies, tribal governments, and healthcare organizations. It is HubZone–certified and self-certified as Native American–owned and Small Disadvantaged Business Entity.

The company employs about 45 staff, with 95% enrolled tribal members, including project managers and superintendents operating in South Dakota and North Dakota.

This article does not constitute or imply an endorsement by the SBA of any opinions, products, or services of any private individual or entity.