Rick Berg Named to Prairie Business Leaders and Legacies Class of 2026
Great States/Collective co-founder Rick Berg has been named to the 2026 Leaders and Legacies class by Prairie Business Magazine, joining six other honorees recognized for their impact on the region and their role as role models for the next generation of leaders.
Prairie Business editor Carrie McDermott said the award recognizes top executives from our region, noting, "They are the region's leaders who are role models for the next generation.
From Ag to Opportunity
Rick grew up in Hettinger in the southwestern corner of North Dakota, hauling hay bales under the blistering summer sun and helping his dad, a veterinarian, work livestock. He'll even tell you with a straight face that he (very briefly) was a sheep shearer.
It's no surprise that his love of the land pushed him to pursue a degree in ag economics at North Dakota State University. The surprising part, though, was his pivot to real estate.
It was a chance conversation with a future partner in 1981 that showed Rick real estate, and not agriculture, could be his future. After graduation, he turned down a job offer from an agrichemical company and instead joined a property management company, eventually becoming a commercial real estate broker.
Through his role, Rick played a key role in shaping commercial development and economic growth across North Dakota and the surrounding region. His ability to see long-term opportunity and execute with discipline resulted in businesses that continue to have a lasting impact.
History of Leadership
Rick was called to public service early in his career. He was elected to North Dakota's House of Representatives at the age of 25 and eventually served 26 years, including a stint as Speaker and Majority Leader.
His political career was capped by a term as North Dakota's lone Congressman in the United States House of Representatives. Eventually, Rick was pulled beyond politics to do something different in the realm of property development.
A Return to Real Estate
He and Jon Casper founded Great States Development a decade ago with the goal of creating a new property management and development company that was focused on the resident experience above all else.
The result is Great States Development, Great States Construction, and Collective, companies built with a resident-first mindset at their core by empowering the people who work there.
The culture is defined by open doors, generosity, service to community, and fosters a genuine passion for mentoring young leaders.
The Strength of the Herd
Most recently, Rick stepped away from his day-to-day role to serve as Interim President of North Dakota State University during a critical period of transition.
The opportunity to serve his alma mater was one he took only after receiving the blessing of his team at Great States/Collective.
"The teams at Great States Development, Great States Construction, and Collective have shaped me as a leader in ways I cannot fully put into words," Rick said. "Because of them, I was even able to step away and serve as Interim President of NDSU, a dream I could fulfill only because they never stopped building while I was away."
When Prairie Business presented him with this honor, his first thought was of the people around him.
"Their dedication, their talent, and their commitment to the work we share are the reason I am standing here."
Congratulations, Rick, on this well-deserved recognition. We are honored to work alongside you each day, and grateful for everything you bring to this team.
