The People Behind MLW Development
MLW Development was founded in late 2010 with a simple goal: build something solid in a region that was about to change fast.
When the oil boom hit western North Dakota, contractors flooded in from all over the country. A lot of them weren't here for the right reasons. They were chasing a quick payday, leaving behind unfinished projects and frustrated clients. MLW was different from the start.
In 2012, Mark Wright Jr. came up from Tucson, Arizona to help on a few projects. With over 30 years of professional wood and metal framing experience, he saw the construction happening all over Williston and knew there was a real opportunity to build something better. He started putting out ads, traveling back and forth between Arizona and North Dakota for years before eventually moving his family to Williston for good.
It wasn't easy. Getting a reputable name out there in a market full of dishonest contractors took grit, time, and a whole lot of follow-through. But MLW kept showing up, kept doing good work, and kept earning trust one project at a time.
About five years ago, Mark Jr. bought out one of the original partners and became a co-owner. Today, MLW Development handles large-scale commercial projects across western North Dakota, and we're still growing every day.
The Values That Guide Every Job
Accountability
We own our work. Every project, every detail. There's no substitute for showing up and putting in the effort.
Trustworthiness
We do what we say we'll do. Always. Quality craftsmanship, clear communication, no shortcuts.
Professionalism
Done right the first time. We measure success by the finished product and the happy client.
Our Team
Mark Wright Sr.
CEOMark Sr. founded MLW Development in 2010 with a vision to build a contracting company that western North Dakota could actually count on. As CEO, he leads the company's direction and sets the standard for the honest, quality-driven work MLW is known for.
Mark Wright Jr.
Project Manager & Director of OperationsFollowing in his father’s footsteps, Mark Jr. brings over 30 years of professional wood and metal framing experience to every project. After learning the trade in Tucson, Arizona, he moved his family to Williston during the oil boom and has been building a name for MLW ever since. As Project Manager and Director of Operations, he runs the day-to-day on every job site.
Wayne Smith
General Manager & Senior EstimatorWayne keeps MLW Development running. As General Manager and senior estimator he oversees the moving parts that keep every project on track. His attention to detail and steady hand are a big part of why MLW delivers on time, every time.
Behind the Scenes
As a family run organization we believe our employees are the backbone of MLW. In an industry full of high turnover, we can proudly say that the majority of our staff have been employed with us for over 20 years and are known by name by other contractors. Employee consistency, skill, and dependability have earned us a prominent reputation within the construction industry.
Mary Lou Wright
Office ManagerJenice Ritter
Bookkeeper
Local Roots. Real Accountability.
We're not a contractor that drove up for the boom and left when the work slowed down. We live here. We work here. Our families are here.
When you hire MLW, you're hiring a team that's invested in this region for the long haul. That means we stand behind our work, we treat our clients like neighbors, and we take pride in helping build the western North Dakota we all call home.
Got a Project? Let's Talk.
Reach out today and see why western North Dakota trusts MLW Development.