About Us
Our Mission
Set the standard. Plan with purpose and integrity. Build with discipline and precision. Let the work speak.
Our Vision
To be the respected leader in construction, setting the standard by which others are measured—trusted for our integrity, defined by quality, driven by innovation, and built on a generational legacy that shapes the future of our industry and the communities we serve.
Our Values
Family Is Our Foundation
FLP was built on family values, and we carry that tradition into every project. Trust, loyalty, respect, and responsibility are the foundation of who we are —guiding our decisions, shaping our culture, and building our legacy.
People First
It is our people behind the work who set us apart. We uphold the highest standards of safety, respect their priorities, and develop skilled professionals who take pride in their craft.
Built on Integrity
Integrity is more than a value—it’s our standard. We do what we say, own our actions, and stand behind our work with honesty, accountability, and professionalism.
Excellence in Craft
For generations, our commitment to craftsmanship has set the standard. We carry that legacy forward through disciplined execution, precision, and pride in every detail.
Innovation with Purpose
We honor proven craftsmanship while embracing smarter methods, leaner processes, and innovative technology to deliver greater precision, higher efficiency, and lasting durability.
Commitment to Growth
Excellence starts with continuous learning. Through a relentless commitment to training, mentorship, and hands-on experience, we support our people as they strengthen their skills, advance their careers, and uphold the highest standards of our craft.
Our Story
Forks Lath & Plaster traces its roots back to the 1950s, when Elwood Braaten founded Braaten Drywall in East Grand Forks, MN. Elwood quickly earned a reputation for high-quality drywall and framing services, which lead him to become a pioneer in metal stud framing—laying the foundation for what would become a trusted name throughout the region.
Gerry Roach, the founder of Forks Lath and Plaster, was proud to work alongside Elwood and his team. But after many successful years of framing buildings and hanging drywall, Braaten Drywall began to wind down. As the company phased out, Gerry recognized an opportunity to carry the craft forward and build a legacy of his own.
In the fall of 1996, Gerry launched his own venture. What began as a one-man team working out of his garage, steadily grew into the most known plastering company in the tri-state area. By 1997, Forks Lath & Plaster was officially born. That same year, FLP secured its first metal stud framing contract for the Grand Forks County Office building. The Grand Forks County Office building sustained significant damages due to the record flooding that struck the area. As a result, the County Office had to be rebuilt from the ground up. This was a particularly significant first framing and drywall project for FLP—as it was a meaningful opportunity to rebuild such a vital community cornerstone and since then, we’ve never looked back.
From day one, FLP has been about more than just metal stud framing and drywall. It’s been about family, honesty, and integrity. Gerry believed in creating a workplace where people could support their families and take pride in their craft. His dedication to quality and integrity laid the foundation for a legacy that thrives today, where each team member feels valued and driven to uphold the same principles.
In 2018, Jared Roach took the reins and now leads FLP with the same core values that started it all. Today, FLP is home to over 60 employees, and while we have grown significantly over the years, we’ve remained steadfast in our commitment to excellence, family values, and the well-being of our employees. Our story is a testament to hard work, innovation, and a commitment to excellence that spans generations.
Testimonials
“From day one, FLP impressed us. They were very intuitive, anticipating problems before they arose, worked efficiently, and paid attention to every detail. The crew truly cared about doing the job right and ensuring our satisfaction. Even during the challenges of the pandemic, FLP stayed on budget and delivered incredible value. Everyone was amazed—we would love to have FLP handle every remodel and build for TJ International!”
Colleen Barta, Owner/Operator
“Forks Lath and Plaster is a great partner. They are knowledgeable in their craft and take pride in their work. They’re professionals who understand and care about the overall goals of a project beyond their scope of work.”
Spencer Hilde, General Manager
“As a construction manager and general contractor, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many subcontractors over the years, and I can confidently say that FLP stands out as one of our go-to trade partners. Their framing and drywall work is consistently precise, on schedule, and done with exceptional attention to detail. After nearly 15 years of working with FLP, I can attest they approach every project with a professional can-do attitude and a strong commitment to quality. I would highly recommend FLP to anyone looking for a reliable and skilled framing and drywall contractor.”
Donny Wilcox, Senior Project Manager
“Comstock Construction has had the pleasure of working with Forks Lath and Plaster (FLP) for many years on countless projects. They’ve consistently proven to be one of our most reliable and valued trade partners. Their team is dependable, honest, and committed to doing quality work every time. They approach each project with professionalism and integrity. We consider them a trusted partner and look forward to continuing our long-standing relationship with them for many projects to come.”
Jason Flack, Director of Pre-Construction
Professional Affiliations
