HAYDEN — When the man of the hour arrived, the Avondale Golf Club erupted into cheers and whistles. 

Dozens of friends, family and longtime colleagues and employees had gathered there in secret on a rainy Friday night for a surprise celebration of Wendell Olson and Viking Construction, the business he founded 45 years ago and still owns today.

“Wow, this is a lot of people,” Olson said with a smile, barely audible above the applause and music, as he waded through the crowd, stopping every few steps for a hug, handshake or clap on the back. 

Viking Construction — named somewhat impulsively after the Coeur d’Alene High School mascot, Olson joked — has built close to 5,000 homes across the Inland Northwest, including in Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Rathdrum and Hayden. 

Harold Hopkins, construction manager for Viking Construction, said he was glad to see so many people gathered to mark the milestone — but not surprised, given the relationships Olson has built over more than four decades in North Idaho. 

Those close to Olson said he’s built more than homes. He’s built an extended family made up of the many people connected to the building industry, from contractors and bankers to loan officers and real estate agents and beyond. 

“He’s touched so many people,” Hopkins said. “I’ve been with him for 22 years. I know he’s changed my life.” 

Olson said he had no idea what was in store for him Friday night. 

“I was pretty surprised opening that door and seeing all those faces,” he said. “I didn’t realize it was for me.” 

Olson reflected on his long journey as a homebuilder and took time to recognize the many people who have contributed to the success of Viking Construction. 

“I have great staff, a great wife,” he said, looking out at the crowd. “I’ve got all four kids here. You never can say too much about your own kids.” 

“You’re a lucky, lucky man,” a woman called from the crowd, spurring more applause. 

Kristen Agostinellie, Olson’s daughter, described her father as loyal, caring and intelligent. 

“He believes that if this company is successful, then his employees should be a part of that,” Agostinellie said. 

Those words were echoed by longtime employees who said Olson is a great employer, a mentor and a man they admire. 

“He takes great care of the people who work for him,” Hopkins said. “He’s a straight shooter. He tells you exactly how he feels. He’s been a great mentor to me, as well.” 

Hopkins became emotional when he spoke of the economic storms Viking Construction has weathered and the lengths to which Olson has gone to keep his staff employed. 

“Even in the hard times, at his own personal loss, he kept the business going,” he said. “That means a lot.” 

When it comes to gifts, Agostinellie said her dad isn’t big on material things. That’s what made Friday night’s celebration so special.  

“It’s the moments, to him, that matter the most,” she said. “The people who come and take time out of their lives to show him they care about him as a person.” 

    Wendell Olson and Harold Hopkins share a moment during Friday night's celebration.
  

    Well-wishers shared messages and memories on the occasion of Viking Construction's 45th anniversary.
  

From left: Lisa Olson, Ryan Olson, Shannon Steele, Debra Olson, Wendell Olson, Shauna Pearson, Kristen Agostinellie and Aaron Agostinellie.