Barry Schuchard, longtime leader at KLJ

By Prairie Business

Barry Schuchard, long time influencer at KLJ Engineering, held the role of chief executive officer at the company for only about three months before his passing, but his nearly 40-year career with KLJ has had a lasting impact.

Schuchard was appointed CEO in January 2021, and died on March 22 after a battle with cancer. He was 60.

KLJ provided information about Schuchard, paying tribute to the man and leader they continue to honor every day.

Schuchard grew up in Linton, North Dakota, and later attended North Dakota State University in Fargo. Afterward he moved to Valley City to begin his career at KLJ’s office there in 1983, “which led to a career of nearly four decades of working on infrastructure projects across the upper Midwest,” according to the company. After Valley City he moved to West Fargo.

Over the course of his career, Schuchard held many titles, served as the president of the KLJ Solutions Holding Co. Board of Directors, and was on the NDSU Foundation and Alumni Association, where he served on the Outreach, Awards, and Nominating committees.

Schuchard was at the forefront of KLJ’s evolution and growth as a company. He was instrumental in opening new offices, exploring, and entering new geographies, new services, growth, innovation, and many projects.

Before he died, his staff asked him what he hoped his legacy would be with the company. The company said he hoped to leave “one of hard work, dedication, perseverance, and energy.”

Goal accomplished.

Schuchard also wanted to see his team succeed, and took notice of individual accomplishments, both small and large.

“Barry truly cared about everyone at KLJ. He made sure everyone around him knew he was there to support, encourage, and push them toward success. He did not settle for anything less than our best, always inspiring those around him to reach new heights.”

The company said he found great joy in men- toring up-and-coming professionals and checking in on projects. That drive continues to be realized at the progressive engineering firm based in Bismarck and has 23 locations in six states. In total, KLJ has nearly 500 employees. Throughout his career, Schuchard was part of many impactful projects. According to KLJ, one that stood out to him was the work he did on the Rainbow Arch Bridge in Valley City in 2004-2005. The historic bridge was built in 1925 per a design patented by James Marsh (1856-1936). In 1997, the bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to its unique patented design. Over time, the bridge required replacement, and Schuchard worked with others across KLJ to provide final design and construction engineering. He mentioned often that whenever he drove over the bridge, he felt a sense of pride.

He enjoyed classic automobiles — even had a few himself — and liked classic rock’n roll. He also was an avid NDSU Bison fan. But as much as he loved his work and hobbies, what was most important to Schuchard was his family.

After his death, the company paid tribute to him in a video: watch?v=A0r2y_bIMPs

In September 2021, KLJ helped organize the Barry Schuchard Memorial Fun Run, a 5K fun run/walk. All proceeds supported the Barry Schuchard Endowment at the Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo.

The company also made a contribution in his name to the Red River Zoo’s Pride of the Prairie Habitat, a multi-species exhibit designed to inspire pride in North American’s keystone wild life. Schuchard enjoyed the zoo and helped shape its master plan while serving on the Board. One of the Bison in the exhibit is named Barry in his honor.

KLJ also renamed one of its main meeting spaces in its West Fargo office the Schuchard Room, adorned with three photos honoring him — one an excerpt from the law of the prairie, “The Herd” song, an image of Barry with the Rainbow Arch Bridge, and a favorite bison print poem he had in his office.

“All three are a great reminder of Barry, his impact, and our desire to honor and remember him,” the company said.

Schuchard’s legacy at KLJ will be felt for years to come. He didn’t need to be CEO to influence change and impact lives. In large part, the company is successful because of him.

The company said: “His KLJ family was blessed with his devotion to the success of the people he worked with. He had a communication style all his own — encouraging, stern, and motivating. He often said his career started all because someone took a chance on him, and he in turn, took a chance on many. The engineering industry is better for his time as part of it.”

And this from Schuchard: “I want people – at any stage in their careers – to grasp as much as you can. Learn as much as you can,” he would often tell them. “Learn more than one discipline and live your passion. Trust. Trust people – it is hard, and sometimes we get hurt, but it is so important. And give people a chance. I am forever grateful for that chance 37 years ago.”

BARRY SCHUCHARD SPENT NEARLY 40 YEARS AT KLJ ENGINEERING, ACHIEVING THE TITLE OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER IN JANUARY 2021, A SHORT TIME BEFORE HIS DEATH IN MARCH. HIS IMPACT AT THE COMPANY STRETCHES OVER DECADES AND, ACCORDING TO KLJ, WILL BE NOTICED FOR YEARS TO COME.

IMAGES: COURTESY OF KLJ