Building Trust Since 1984
Civil, site and infrastructure construction across the Carolinas
ABOUT US
Civil Construction Built on Experience
Dakota Contracting Company is a family-owned construction company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, with extensive experience performing civil, site and infrastructure work for public and private clients throughout North and South Carolina.
From its roots in utility construction, Dakota grew into a comprehensive civil and site contractor with experience in transportation, aviation, education, commercial construction and public infrastructure.
CAPABILITIES
Civil, site and infrastructure expertise supporting complex construction projects.
Civil & Site
Site development, grading, erosion control, demolition and associated infrastructure.
Underground Utilities
Water, sanitary sewer, storm drainage, stormwater systems and electrical duct banks.
Concrete & Finishes
Concrete, curb and gutter, sidewalks, paving, retaining walls and site finishes.
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Aviation
Transportation & Rail
Transportation & Rail
Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Civil and site infrastructure experience supporting multiple airport expansion and facility improvement projects.
Transportation & Rail
Transportation & Rail
Transportation & Rail
Regional Transportation Infrastructure
Experience includes the LYNX Blue Line Extension, I-77 HOT Lanes, I-485 Improvements and CATS infrastructure projects.
Institutional & Civic
Transportation & Rail
Institutional & Civic
Public & Commercial Facilities
Experience includes schools, universities, civic facilities, commercial properties, parks and major Charlotte-area venues.
OUR STORY
Built Across Generations
Dakota Contracting Company was founded in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1984 by John “Jack” Starkey. After decades of working on dams, airports, highways and other major infrastructure projects across the country, Jack brought his experience to the Carolinas and established Dakota as a family-owned construction company.
Jack's son, Mike Starkey, joined Dakota shortly after its founding after earning his degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He assumed leadership of the company in 1991 and continued its growth from utility construction into a comprehensive civil and site contractor serving public and private clients throughout North and South Carolina.
The third generation joined Dakota in 2013 when Matt Starkey began working with the company while completing his MBA at NC State University. He became Vice President in 2014 and helped lead Dakota through its modern era.
As a Native American-owned company, Dakota is proud of the Starkey family's heritage as members of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. That heritage, together with three generations of family leadership, has remained an important part of the company's identity.
Across its history, Dakota's work has touched aviation, transportation, education, commercial construction and public infrastructure throughout the Carolinas. The company has remained grounded in hands-on leadership, lasting relationships, quality workmanship and a commitment to delivering projects safely and responsibly.