After more than a decade in the aggregate world, Taylor Dickinson knew there was room and demand for something more. So, in 2022, she and her husband, Ben, launched Red Top Ready-Mix, a ready-mixed concrete business designed to serve everyone from homeowners to contractors on the Iron Range and shore of Lake Superior.
“We had people asking if we offered concrete,” Taylor explained. “We saw a need and wanted to fill it the right way. So, we started testing aggregate, refining mix designs, connecting with great vendors, and getting education.”
By July 2023, Red Top Ready-Mix was pouring its first yards of concrete—and hasn’t slowed down since.
The Dickinsons are no strangers to hard work. In fact, they’ve owned Red Top Construction since 2012, a business that manufactures aggregate and sand to specification. That solid foundation and years of experience in the field paved the way for their next chapter: Red Top Ready-Mix.
While launching a concrete plant is no small feat, Taylor’s commitment to quality has never wavered. She holds MnDOT certifications, manages all the batching, and continues to grow her knowledge of the industry, including exploring innovative products like insulated concrete forms (IFCs). She also recently oversaw the acquisition of Bradach Lumber in Aurora on July 1st, expanding Red Top’s footprint into building materials such as foam, lumber, sheet goods, rebar, and full garage and house packages.
“We want to help people with every part of their build—whether it’s a contractor pouring sidewalks or a homeowner building a garage with three generations of helpers.”
Balancing business and family has been a journey in itself. For much of Red Top Ready-Mix’s early days, Taylor juggled full-time employment on top of launching and running the business. It wasn’t until two months ago that she was finally able to dedicate herself fully to the company.
“Some days are a pinch,” she admitted. “We’re a small business, and like many others, hiring is tough. But we love what we do—being outside, staying busy, and seeing someone’s vision come to life.”
A typical day for Taylor starts before 7:00 a.m. with batching concrete and fielding calls from customers. She keeps the operation running smoothly, all while managing orders, scheduling, and problem-solving on the fly. By 5:00 p.m., the workday may be winding down, but there’s always something waiting on the home front.
Throughout their journey, Grand Rapids State Bank has been proud to support Taylor and Ben with their growing businesses.
“We found GRSB through advertising about 2–3 years ago,” Taylor said. “It just felt like the right fit. When you work with someone who respects your time, understands your goals, and makes things easy, it’s a game changer.”
What stood out most to Taylor was how well Grand Rapids State Bank understood the challenges that come with building a business from the ground up.
“They really got what we were going through,” she shared. “They didn’t just check boxes—they listened, supported us, and made things happen.”
Grand Rapids State Bank believes in building relationships that last and is honored to work alongside dedicated entrepreneurs like Taylor and Ben—people who pour their heart and grit into everything they do.
“We did this together,” she said. “And I’m proud of what we’re building—literally and figuratively.”