NDVS/SB Maintenance Supervisor
Arik Solheim wasn’t expecting to change jobs this winter. And he certainly wasn’t expecting to end up working alongside his wife, Paula Solheim, Business Manager at NDVS/SB. “When you’re happy at your current job, you’re never really looking for a new job,” he said. But when Paula told him that the Maintenance Supervisor position would be opening at NDVS/SB, he knew he better jump at the chance. “I knew some of the people there and the dynamic of the team, and that really appealed to me. I applied, and here I am,” he said. In just a few short weeks, Arik has made himself right at home at NDVS/SB and has kept up its reputation for its well-cared for grounds. “I oversee our maintenance and housekeeping, which means making sure we keep up this building’s great appearance inside and out,” he explains. With Arik’s experience in facility management and his hobby as a DIY-er, the building is sure to shine. Find out more about Arik by reading on.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up primarily in Northwood, ND. My family moved there when I was in 5th grade and that’s where I graduated from high school.
What other jobs have you held?
Every job I’ve had has been in facility and building operations. Prior to this job I worked at Good Sam’s in Larimore. At Altru, I was the operations manager, which meant overseeing all of Altru’s buildings across North Dakota and Minnesota. I have been the facility manager at Rydell, overseeing all of their buildings and car washes. Probably my favorite job was at the Alerus Center, where I was the Senior Operations Manager. That was a lot of fun, but there were some long days there. One of the concerts was a 21-hour day.
What are you excited about regarding your new job?
Getting to know the team and find out what everyone’s role is. I’m also excited to find out more about what the School for the Blind is all about. There’s a lot more to it than what people see and hear about.
What is a typical day like for you?
Lately it seems there’s been snow most mornings, so the first task is keeping the sidewalks and parking lots clear so people can get into work. There are quite a bit of rounds to make around the building to make sure the heating is working, areas are well lit. We get our steam from UND, so checking to make sure everything is working properly. After that, I sit down to prioritize tasks for the day and make sure things were finished yesterday. The crew I have likes to stay busy, so I want to make sure they do.
Is there anything you think people would be surprised to know or learn about NDVS/SB?
I think the fact that it’s not an every day, typical school. That students come in for a week at a time and that those programs are age specific. Also, that the School is statewide. What we do here in Grand Forks is not all that’s going on in our organization.
Tell us about your life outside of work.
Paula and I have 7 kids between us and 6 grandsons. This winter I am coaching two different hockey teams, a high school team and a PeeWee team. I also ref hockey. In the summer we do a lot of camping and golfing. We spend as much time with the grandkids as we can and just enjoy the summer. Truthfully, I really don’t like the cold and winter. But I coach hockey and ref because you just try to make the most of it!
Paula and I also like to fix up and sell houses. We’re currently in the third house that we’ve remodeled. We’ve got the kitchen torn apart right now. During the winter, we just try to find an hour here and there to work on things.