Builders' Digest | Apr-Jun 2011 by Housing First Minnesota

Fall Showcase Sept. 10 - Oct. 2, 2011 SM

Remodelers Showcase Sept. 30 - Oct. 2, 2011

TWO POWERFUL MARKETING EVENTS Entry Deadline May 18, 2011 Entry Forms available mid-April at www.batc.org

table of contents WE HID IT. A nail is hidden somewhere in every issue of the Builders’ Digest, including the one you’re holding right now. It could be anywhere – tucked into a photo or stuck in a drawing… in a margin… in the text body… even used as an exclamation point at the end of a headline. It resembles a real-life nail and looks something like this…

Photo Recap from BRPSS {pg 48) Feature: Home Electronics {pg 12} 6 From Dave & Rich

Advertising Directory

34 Public Policy Meeting the Green Market

10 Mark Your Calendars 12 FEATURE: Home Electronics 18 Coleen Severson Bids BATC Adieu 19 Endorsed Programs

36 Legal News How to Avoid Personal Liability and Hang on to Your Hard-Earned Money

40 Welcome New Members 44 Builders Outreach Foundation

22 Brock White Offers CuttingEdge Masonry Solutions

Ramblings & Thank You’s

24 Parade of Homes Fall 28 Stats

46 Industry News BAM Elects Officers and Honors Members Awards Presented

Lennar Retains TopVolume Builder Status in Twin Cities

30 Construction Corner

52 Parade of Homes at the Home & Garden Show 53 BATC University

Ten Steps to Block and Air-Seal an Attic Bypass Around a Metal Chimney Flu

30 Quiz it

Lead Renovator Certification

54 Member News 62 Spike Report

Correction Waterstone Mortgage Corp. MN’s phone number was printed incorrectly in the last issue. It should be 763-315-6149.

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

APRIL-MAY-JUNE 2011

Advanced Home Environments, Inc...................17 Andersen Windows ..........................................5 Brock White Company....................................22 Brush Masters.................................................35 Builders Insurance Svcs. (Div of RJR Ins.).....31 Central Marble Products, Inc. ........................31 Corporate 4 Insurance Agency, Inc................21 Erosion Works .................................................39 Gaslight Creative, LLC ....................................31 Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies.....27 In-Focus Systems ............................................15 Industrial Door Co., Inc. ..................................42 Installed Building Solutions, LLC ...................35 Kitchen Craft Cabinetry Store ........................42 Lampert Yards, Inc. .........................................16 Lyman Lumber Co............................................33 Marvin Windows & Doors ...............................9 Massmann Geothermal & Mechanical, LLC..57 Orion Home Systems......................................13 Pondview Estates............................................59 Sam’s Lawn & Landscaping, Inc. ...................49 Schwieters Companies, Inc............................61 Shaw/Stewart Lumber Co..............................39 Southview Design...........................................21 Stein Agency ...................................................17 Suburban Chevrolet ..........................................3 SuperFleet .......................................................37 Synergy Products, LLC......................Back Cover Thermo-Tech Windows, Inc. ..........................39 Trimpac, Inc. ....................................................17 Warners’ Stellian............................................42 Woodmax, LLC. ...............................................31 Xcel Energy......................................................51 Zaccardi Photography .....................................11

FIND THIS The nail above is just an example – it is not the real one hidden for this issue’s contest. We’ve concealed the real one elsewhere in this issue, and it could be a different color or size. Keep in mind, the Spike Club logo’s nail does not Bob Mueller of Stone Holding Company found the count. nail on page 14 of the When Jan-Feb mem2011 issue of the bers find Builders’ Digest the nail, they mail or fax a note to the Builders Association of the Twin Cities, telling what page it’s on. Participants will be entered into a drawing to win a business-card size ad in this publication or a set of member labels (non-electronic version). All other entries receive $20 in BATC Bucks. Entries must be received by May 15, 2011.

found it!

Found the nail? Email the page number of your guess to casey@batc.org. Or, mail or fax to: BATC Nail Hunt, 2960 Centre Pointe Dr., Roseville, MN 55113 Fax: 651.697.7575.

Check out the blog at www.batcpls.org | WWW.BATC.ORG

ANDERSEN. MORE STYLES.

More trim options. More color options. More styles. Whether you’re aiming for classic or contemporary, there’s an Andersen® exterior trim product to help achieve your look. It begins with 3 distinct styles: 41/2" Flat, 31/2" Flat and Brick Mould, all with sill nose. They’re available in 11 different colors to match, accent or contrast the window’s color. Finish with a color-matched drip cap. In the end, more styles give you more to offer. Visit us at andersendifferent.com. .com. .com

“ENERGY STAR” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2010 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved.

from rich & dave

A Product Show to Remember BATC ELITE SPONSORS

One year can make a significant differ-

builders, remodelers and homeowners.

ence, wouldn’t you agree? I’m referring

You might have noticed that BATC

DIAMOND LEVEL

to the mood and the energy at the

had a large booth at the front of the

Marvin Windows

Builders and Remodelers Product and

Hall. We think it’s important that our

Service Show (BRPSS) held February 24

Association gets recognition for the

at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

good work that we do. Watch for that

One highlight to share is that atten-

booth to grow in information and sig-

dance was up 12% over 2010. That’s

nificance in future years as we use this

great news for our industry and for

opportunity to share with attendees

BATC. In the world of trade shows, fol-

the mission and efforts of BATC.

John Taylor 651-452-3039

The Builders Group Tina Morales 651-389-1140

Warners' Stellian

lowing a recession, attendees return

The front entrance of the show was

Carla Warner 651-726-1642

first and are followed by an increase in

improved as well with a large entrance

vendors. We can anticipate an increase

unit. That will be back next year (and

in booth space at next year’s show some

sponsors, it provides a great opportuni-

All in all, it was a solid year for our

11 months from now.

ty for recognition). Inside the floor,

trade show and we’ve already begun

In addition to increased attendance,

attendees were greeted with a bright

discussing ideas to make next year’s

virtually every exhibitor we spoke with

three-color scheme in the draping – lit-

event even bigger and better, and we

(and we made it a point to walk all the

tle decisions like that make a big differ-

continue to seek ways to enhance the

aisles and visit) reported high quality

ence on a show floor. And we were

value of the Parade of Homes and

attendees displaying a much more pos-

pleased to have Dan “Common Man”

Remodelers Showcase .

itive attitude than just one year ago. As

Cole from KFAN walk the floor and

That’s part of our culture here at

NAHB Economist Elliot Eisenberg told

interview both exhibitors and attendees

BATC – continuous improvement. We

our Board of Directors last month, “If

for a BRPSS video. We welcomed mem-

hope you filled out the survey and pro-

Wells Fargo Charity Moreland 515-213-4764

Xcel Energy Becky Harasyn 651-748-3333 SILVER LEVEL

Pella Windows & Doors Brian Robbins 763-745-1407 BRONZE LEVEL

Brock White Don Herweyer 651-647-0950

you’ve made it this far as a builder or

Brush Masters

through the end of this long slog.” That

Todd Polifka 763-478-3232

remodeler, it’s very likely you’ll make it

sense of tempered optimism was certainly on display at the Product and

Larkin Hoffman Peter Coyle 952-835-3800

made

several

significant

ProBuild

enhancements to the show this year

Rick Hunt 952-469-3466

and need to express our kudos to the Associates Committee for their leader-

Shaw-Stewart Ron Smith 612-378-1520

Kitchen Craft Cabinetry Store Cindy Thomes 952-544-0458

ship in this area. For example, we invited architects and interior designers to

bucket or two at the Sport Courts. The first few weeks of the spring

Parade of Homes® brought us evidence Reports from the field were very positive. Many indicated the first weekend was their strongest in several years.

path to recovery.

vided us with helpful thoughts and suggestions for next year’s big industry gettogether. Or, pick up the phone and give us a call or send an email. Your feedback is always welcomed. Thanks for attending. And if you didn’t make it, make sure to head to the Convention Center next February. We

Certainly, our enthusiasm is tempered

promise the event is worth the effort.

by the realities of the economy and the

Wishing all of you a safe and productive

job market, but it does appear from

summer building season.

walk the show floor. Several came and expressed great appreciation for the new invitation. That decision was greeted warmly by exhibitors as well, many

See Page 32 for Complete Sponsor Listing

their booth and saw a few folks shoot a

of an improving economy as well.

Service show. We

bers of the Timberwolves Dance Line to

builder reports that we’re on the slow

of whom seek to build relationships

Richard Riemersma Imperial Homes 2011 President of the Builders Association of the Twin Cities

David Siegel Executive Director of the Builders Association of the Twin Cities

with these two groups because they recommend products and services to

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

APRIL-MAY-JUNE 2011

Check out the blog at www.batcpls.org | WWW.BATC.ORG

DESIGN

charrette

bringing architectural designers and builders together to create new ideas.

Want to speed date the hottest architects and designers? You'll get great tips, fresh ideas, maybe even a whole new look that will make your plans really sing.

May 3, 2011 2:00 - 5:00 pm at BATC Seminar Room

a det

ils

{

Builders can pre-register to reserve 15 minutes each with BATC's best design brains (architectural designers, structural designers and interior designers) to review one or more house plans. Sessions are limited so sign up early.

Registration and more details at www.batc.org.

brief news BATC STAFF UPDATE Kori Meewes: Sales Maven If you haven’t heard from Kori yet, you will! She’s bringing her exceptional sales skills to BATC and will be in touch to show you all the exciting ways BATC can extend your marketing dollars. “It is truly a privilege to have a sales professional and industry leader of Kori's calibre working on behalf of BATC,” David Siegel, Executive Director said. “I can't think of anyone in our industry who brings greater credibility and capacity to BATC's efforts on behalf of our industry.”

FRESH NEWS ON THE BLOG. We have been blogging like crazy lately! It’s bright, shiny and NEW! Who doesn’t love new stuff! Here’s a Recap:

Many of you already know Kori from her years as an active BATC member, most recently with Midwest Home Magazine as its publisher and Vice President of Sales for Greenspring Media. After 13 years with Midwest Home/Greenspring, Kori fulfilled a dream to launch her own company. She has hung out her shingle as a contract sales and marketing firm called And More by Kori, and BATC is her first client.

Marketing Tips On a Budget

Please welcome Kori with open arms...and open minds. She will come to you with many products BATC has to offer, and grow your business with both the consumer and the trade.

Members GoTo Washington >>

Nicole Coon Promoted to Education Coordinator We’re pleased to announce that Nicole Coon, our very over-qualified receptionist for the past year, has been promoted to manage BATC-U as well as our awards programs. Nicole had plenty of experience before joining BATC in both the real estate and mortgage industries, and a variety of talents and organizational skills that became apparent from her first day on the job. She jumped right in to her new position, following through on programs that had already been planned, and creating new opportunities for educating BATC members. She’s also working closely with David Siegel to develop a new on-line education program. Look for more details later this summer. In addition to her education duties, Nicole has also taken on the management and implementation of all our awards programs. She’s getting her feet wet with our 2011 ROMA awards, currently in the works. Make sure you reserve your seat at the ROMA banquet on June 23rd at the St. Paul Hotel, and make it a point to congratulate Nicole.

BATC Welcomes Maggie Matz to the Team With Nicole off and running on education and awards since January, BATC has been relying on Heather and other staffers to handle receptionist duties remotely. That’s not always worked out as well as we like or you deserve. Now, with Maggie Matz, we have a part-time solution that works really well. Maggie moved into the BATC front desk at the beginning of March, and is the voice you hear when you call most afternoons. There she helps out with a variety of tasks from phones to marketing, all with a positive attitude and desire to help wherever possible. She has taken a hands-on approach to learning the industry, just diving into all of BATC policies and traditions. Maggie comes to us from Drake University where she graduated with a degree in Advertising and a minor in Business this past December. At school she gained considerable experience in the field of Marketing from her four marketing internships with different organizations.

How to Network

We started early and managed to meet with the entire Minnesota delegation of Congressmen and Senators during NAHB's Legislative Conference yesterday. The elected representatives, or their key aides, were engaged and interested in the issues we brought forward. They seem to understand that in past recessions, housing led us out, but that in this recession, housing is dragging us down for a wide variety of reasons. We shared suggestions to help our industry recover, and in the process, put our country back to work.... {read more at www.batcpls.org - 3/17/11}

NAHB Legislative Conference

The Parade of Homes was a hit at the Home & Garden Show

Tips for Builders from NAHB’s Elliot Eisenberg >>

In a recent post, we mentioned that Elliot Eisenberg, senior economist for NAHB, visited BATC. Here are several suggestions he made for builders to consider that will help them thrive in the new economy: • Look at marketing heavily to firsttime home buyers (with an appropriate product) • Green will continue to gain in importance with home buyers • New home construction will feature smaller units... {read more at www.batcpls.org 3/8/11}

Maggie grew up here in the Twin Cities and currently resides in Burnsville. When not helping us out at BATC she enjoys photography, shopping and movies. Please introduce yourself next time you get the chance to stop in and visit.

www.batc.org 8

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

APRIL-MAY-JUNE 2011

Check out the blog at www.batcpls.org | WWW.BATC.ORG

THERE’S GOOD ENOUGH. AND THEN THERE’S MARVIN. Marvin Design Gallery by Shaw/Stewart 645 Johnson St. NE Minneapolis 612-331-3128

Hamel Lumber & Supply Co. 18710 Hwy. 55 Plymouth 763-478-6601 HamelBuildingCenter.com MN Lic. #20631040

Arrow Building Centers 14 Locations Minnesota and Wisconsin 651-439-3138 ABC-CLC.com

Remodeling often involves trade-offs. The windows shouldn’t be one of them. Your customers have a lot of decisions to make when they embark on a remodeling project. Help them understand how quality products can be a better value. Ten things set Marvin apart from other windows and doors. Our commitment to sustainability, industry-leading energy-efficient solutions and engineering for performance that lasts are just a few. See all 10 reasons why Marvin’s quality products are a better value. Visit marvin.com/10. For more information and to discuss solutions for your next project, contact your local Marvin dealer today.

No.

COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY

Just one of 10 things that make Marvin a better value.

Hiawatha Lumber Co. 3233 E 40th St. Minneapolis 612-729-2358

Automated Building Components Millwork Division Chanhassen 952-937-9060 ABCMillwork.com

Lamperts Apple Valley Lake Elmo North Branch Northfield 651-695-3600 LampertYards.com

CH Carpenter Lumber, Co. 21575 Highview Ave. Lakeville 952-469-3320

McCarrons Building Center 23840 Lake Blvd. Forest Lake 651-464-5427 McCarronsBuildingCenter.com

Custom Millwork 2298 N 2nd St. North Saint Paul 651-770-2356 CustomMillworkInc.com

Scherer Bros. Lumber Co. Arden Hills Hopkins Shakopee 952-938-2741 SchererBros.com

Dakota County Lumber 28 8th St. Farmington 651-460-6646 DakotaCountyLumber.com

Fullerton The Builder’s Choice Ellsworth 715-273-5032 Glencoe 320-864-5103 Minneapolis 612-767-7000 Osceola 715-294-2000 Watertown 952-955-2237

Glenbrook Lumber & Supply 5215 Gershwin Ave. N Oakdale 651-770-9071 GlenbrookLumber.com

Spring Lake Park Lumber 8329 Central Ave. NE Minneapolis 763-784-3062 SLPLumber.com

mark your calendars APRIL 5 8:30 am Builder Finance & Development Conference at the Crowne Plaza Mpls North APRIL 7 11:30 am Toastmasters APRIL 20 11:30 am 50+ Housing Council Luncheon APRIL 21 11:30 am Toastmasters

MAY 5 10:00 am Parade of Homes® Fall Orientation

MAY 26 11:30 am Toastmasters

3:00 pm Pella ProExpo at Williams Arena

MAY 30 Office Closed for Memorial Day

MAY 11 11:30 am Sales & Marketing Council Event at Clear Channel Communications Headquarters

JUNE 7 11:30 am Toastmasters

MAY 16-20 NAHB Spring Board Meeting in Washington, DC

APRIL 26 11:30 am Professional Women in Building Council Luncheon

MAY 18 Fall Parade of Homes Entry Deadline

APRIL 28 8:00 am BATC University: Lead Safety for Repairs, Remodeling and Painting

MAY 25 11:30 am 50+ Housing Council Luncheon 5:00 pm Saints Game

MAY 3 2:00 pm Design Charrette Small Volume Builders Committee

Vice President Finance & Administration and Publisher Coleen Severson Editor & Director of Marketing Wendy Danks

JUNE 14 11:30 am Professional Women in Building Council Luncheon

MAY 12 11:30 am Toastmasters

4:30 pm Member Mixer

Executive Director David Siegel

JUNE 21 4:30 pm Member Mixer (Tentative) JUNE 22 12:00 pm Golf Tournament at Majestic Oaks JUNE 23 11:30 am Toastmasters 5:00 pm ROMA Banquet at the St. Paul Hotel

Publishing Manager Dawnita Parmely Production Artist Casey Hafner Education & Awards Coordinator Nicole Coon

Director of Membership Services Kate Liberko

Administrative Assistant/Publishing Linda Jacobson

Director of Administrative Services Maxine Miller

Public Policy Assistant Mary Schweich

Administrative Assistant Heather Litchy

Marketing & PR Coordinator Michelle Bruhn

Sales Kori Meewes

Receptionist Maggie Matz EXECUTIVE BOARD President Richard Riemersma, Imperial Homes, Inc. Builder Vice President Curt Christensen, Lee Lyn Construction, LLC Associate Vice President Jon Coty, The Builders Choice/A Fullerton Company Past Associate Vice President Kori Meewes, And More by Kori Secretary John Zirbes, Lyman Lumber Co. Treasurer Pamela Belz, Senior Housing Partners Past President Gary Aulik, Aulik & Associates, Inc. Past President Council Representative Chris Thompson, On The Level, Inc. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

TO VIEW THE COMPLETE CALENDAR OF EVENTS AND REGISTER TO ATTEND, VISIT WWW.BATC.ORG.

50+ Housing Council George Cundy, Cundy, Santine & Assoc. Architects, LLC Associates Committee Kori Meewes, And More by Kori Awards Committee Jon Coty, The Builders Choice/A Fullerton Company Builders Association of the Twin Cities Remodelers Bob Michels, Bob Michels Construction, Inc. SM

Fall Showcase Sept. 10 - Oct. 2, 2011 SM

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

APRIL-MAY-JUNE 2011

Remodelers Showcase Sept. 30 - Oct. 2, 2011

Director of Public Policy James Vagle

Builders Outreach Foundation Sara Anderson, Orion Home Systems Developers Council David Pattberg, Woodside Communities of Minnesota, Inc. Education & Certification Carole Griffith, Homes by Tradition, LLC Large Volume Builders Chris Contreras, Ryland Homes Membership Committee Jon Coty, The Builders Choice/A Fullerton Company Membership Vice Chair (Board Rep.) Pattie Martin, Glowing Hearth & Home Parade of Homes® Committee Forrest Harstad, Better Living Homes, Inc. Professional Women in Building Council Constance Koopman, Marshall & Koopman REAL ESTATE Public Policy Committee Jason McCarty Westwood Professional Services, Inc. Remodelers Showcase Committee Jolynn Johnson, Crystal Kitchen Center Sales & Marketing Council Kerry Mulcrone, Kerry & Co. Small Volume Builders Committee Jeff Schoenwetter, JMS Custom Homes, LLC SM

The BUILDERS’ DIGEST magazine is the official publication of the Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC). The BUILDERS’ DIGEST is published and distributed four times per year to its members and others associated with the building industry. Neither the advertisers, nor the BATC, will be responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints, typographical errors, etc., herein contained. For advertising rates, resource file or address change information, contact the BATC. Suggestions, ideas and letters are welcome. If circumstances require, the BATC reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of BUILDERS’ DIGEST issues published on an annual basis.

Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC) 2960 Centre Pointe Drive • Roseville, MN 55113-1182 Phone: 651-697-1954 • batc.org Fax: 651-697-7599 • Parade Fax: 651-697-7575

Photo of courtesy of Advanced Home Environments

“We do the fun stuff!” declares Brett Remme of In-Focus Systems, a custom integrator of home electronic systems. What some call ‘low voltage’, he calls easy to use: toys that simply need a one–touch click on a single remote.

click By Carla Waldemar

Okay, to get practical for a moment, the systems also perform the important functions of increasing security and saving energy. Who in his right mind can say no to that when it comes bundled with the NASA-like power to play your music, watch a movie, show off your vacation photos, open the drapes, close the garage door, raise the temp, lower a TV screen or start the central vac, all with only a click on your iPhone or laptop? Oh, and it also lets you put away all those ugly remotes and converter boxes in a single location, out of sight.

Photo of courtesy of Advanced Home Environments

IT JUST TAKES A

grandkids on Skype? Sold! “People are spending more time at home, It takes the place of a TV and a calso this offers easy-to-use, fun stuff,” reinendar in the kitchen; it makes the dedicatforces Remme. Today, being in control of ed home office obsolete as you conduct your personal world is not only superbusiness—even video conferences—as you convenient, it’s also super-simple: Just move about your domain. As homeownclick on the screen of your phone, your ers downsize in this age of less-is-more, computer. That’s why builder Rocky they’re able to forego the home theater, DiGiacomo, of DiGiacomo Homes, too, by dropping down a screen anywhere included this automated system in a the family gathers. recent spec home. “To have all your con“Today it’s not the actual physical softtrols on your iPhone is terrific,” he’s conBuild In or Retrofit? ware”—that’s old news—“but the intevinced. “It should appeal to clients. The gration: using the home system as a “I recommend wiring for all locations as Apple system we chose is user-friendly content-distribution machine.” it’s being built,” recommends Remme, and intuitive; you don’t have to dial down Christian Schutz from “even if it isn’t used right away. If a fancy, five or six menus—everything’s under one Advanced Home Environments wall-mounted TV set is not in your budgicon. You can be in Bora Bora and let in a et right now, have the wiring there for repairman.” when you’re ready. We don’t know what’s “The most popular feature,” agrees Sara coming down the road and want to be prepared. Who would Anderson of Orion Home Systems, “is using an iPad to control have thought of all of the iPhone apps five years ago?” he notes. your in-home network, from the top of the house to the base“The age of hard media, like CDs, is over,” declares ment—to use your computer to control all the different systems, from HVAC to audio to security camera. You could do some of Vandermyde, “so get your infrastructure and your equipment that before, but the big thing now is the integration. It makes now, because the changes that will come, will come via software—which will not mean changing all your equipment.” your world easier by combining them. That’s an easy sell! ” “Prewiring would be incredibly foolish not to do,” agrees Exactly, nods Christian Schutz of Advanced Home Environments. “Today it’s not the actual physical software”— DiGiacomo. To add it to an existing home will cost more, all agree. Yet that’s old news—“but the integration: using the home system as a content-distribution machine.” “Wireless” is the magical end result, but the system does require wires to install. “We run a lot of ‘technology tubes’—PVC—to gain the ability to drop down wires—an easy sell to builders, who don’t have to get involved in it,” says Anderson. (Plus, speakers can be installed behind drywall, so it looks like there’s nothing there, adds Remme.) “We drill a hole to a ‘drop desk’, maybe a desk in the kitchen where there’s a jack. Just plug in your laptop and it becomes hard-wired, too. Then the system can pull up your music, your photos, and play them on any TV screen,” Anderson explains. All the equipment is stored in a cabinet, so you never have to touch it, which beats eight remotes who-knows-where, which you can’t find, and can’t explain to the babysitter. Says Schutz, “What grabs homeowners’ attention is that it offers a much lower-cost way to get complete control, via a smart phone or smart tablet—vs. needing a $5,000 panel touch control for your spa, your audio, your movies. Now, you’ve got both control and convenience. Easy!” he exclaims. To Gen Y buyers, it’s a no-brainer, Schutz adds. “They’re smarter, do more research. They can live without a marble countertop but not smart technology.” The allure extends to all demographics, notes Jay Vandermyde of J.J. Vanderson & Co., thanks to the universal popularity of phenomena like Netflicks. “Everyone loves having the picture above the fireplace slide up and become your movie screen.” And what if the “movie” is the

WWW.BATC.ORG | Check out the blog at www.batcpls.org

Your Dream. Our Details.

Photo courtesy of Classic Homes

Trusted, reliable, unconditional customer satisfaction from Orion Home Systems. It’s enough to make you hurry home.

Photo courtesy of Denali Homes

Call us at 651.994.0666 to arrange your obligation free consulation today.

Photo courtesy of Denali Homes

www.orionhomesystems.com APRIL-MAY-JUNE 2011 |

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

Photo of courtesy of Orion

“it’s definitely in the top ten of remodeling projects,” notes Anderson. “We can drop the wires internally, but it’ll cost you more” after the fact. A starting point might include music, movies, and security. Later, add the HVAC and the central vac. “As long as the wiring’s in place, we can configure whatever’s needed for the client,” Remme stresses: “What does the family enjoy doing together? Designing a system requires an understanding of the client’s life.” (As to cost, “that’s like asking the cost of a car,” he adds. Depends!) “We’re trained to ask the right questions,” agrees Anderson. We’ll go through the floor plan and ask what’s important: lights, security, surround sound…? How about five years from now? We help them design something they’ll be happy with, yet stay within their budget.” Ease? A device you already own and can operate: Check. Aesthetics? No more wires and boxes, no gaping TV screen: Check. Add in the energy saving achieved by lowering lights and thermostat remotely when no-one’s home. Security is another huge selling point—not only for your city residence but for your cabin. You can turn on the 14

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

APRIL-MAY-JUNE 2011

Photo of courtesy of Advanced Home Environments

heat when you hit the highway and never walk into an arctic living room again. Better yet, you can watch for a frozen pipe, a broken window, suspicious footprints in the snow.

“They come to us, looking for what’s new

Boon to Builders

points out. Ten years ago, home theaters.

“Builders are coming to understand that it’s appealing and profitable, both,” demonstrates Schutze. “They can partner with a company like us, which can offer a package with a profit margin built in. If it’s presented to their customers, they’re likely to buy it.” “Builders are becoming interested, because they see the advantage of setting themselves apart,” reports Vandermyde.

and different.” Trends come and are outlived, as in any facet of a home. Twenty years ago, it was installed HiFi and stereo, Schutze Maybe the next big thing is 3D, but the jury’s still out, some thinking it’s a passing fad and others willing to wait for the inevitable improvements. But they all agree on what’s here to stay: “Today, folks are really concentrating on their photos, their movie library, their music collection—things they really enjoy.” And that’s exactly what an integrated home electronics system can provide.

Check out the blog at www.batcpls.org | WWW.BATC.ORG

photo gallery

Builder Day at the Capital

BAMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s executive director, Pam Perri, providing tips and talking points for members before setting out to speak to legislators.

Representative Rick Hanson, District 39A; Ruth Petermann, Petermann Enterprises; Kori Meewes, More by Kori; Rich Riemersma, Imperial Homes; Peter Slama, Drain-Plain by G.P. Williams ; James Vagle, BATC

Rich Riemersma, Imperial Homes and BATC President; Representative Denny McNamara, District 57B; Kori Meewes, More by Kori; Pamela Belz, Senior Housing Partners

BAMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s executive director, Pam Perri, providing tips and talking points for members before setting out to speak to legislators.

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Check out the blog at www.batcpls.org | WWW.BATC.ORG

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So Long, Fare Well... Coleen Severson Bids BATC Adieu BATC’s own Queen of Everything, Coleen’s knowledge and talents will be sorely missed.

It’s with great sadness that we say a reluctant goodbye to Coleen Severson, BATC’s vice president of finance and administration. She’s been an important part of BATC and its predecessor, the Minneapolis Builders Association (MBA), since 1987. Since then she’s held a number of positions on staff and in the hearts of so many of our members. MBA Executive Officer Carla Roehl hired Coleen to run the payables and manage the three checking accounts the MBA had at the time (the associations, a “I feel so lucky to have separate account for the Parade of worked in this industry Homes, and one for the Twin Cities for 23 years. It’s been Housing Council). “I joined the rewarding to work for an association at a great time,”explains industry that has been so Coleen. “Those were the days of the successful and makes a Reggie Bear and banquets with Marie Osmond, Eddie Rabbit and real difference in the other big stars as headliners.” lives of so many people.” It didn’t take long for her to take - COLEEN SEVERSON over as Business Manager and then be asked to serve as Interim Executive Officer when Carla left and the MBA searched for its new head staffer (Vi Traynor). Coleen played a key role in the merger of MBA with the St. Paul Area Builders Association in 1991 when we officially became BATC and moved into new offices in Bloomington. For the next five years, Coleen’s respon18

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

APRIL-MAY-JUNE 2011

sibilities continued to grow, taking on human resources, Insurance Programs and supervision of the Parade of Homes® project under her title of Director of Administration. In 1997 BATC moved to our current home in Roseville and a brand new building which was “a lot of fun being involved in the design and layout,” she says. Coleen moved into another corner office here that she refers to as her home (away from home), and continued to show how indispensible she was, adding management of Baby Coleen already the Builders Outreach Foundation during h ad a combination of the late 1990s. After Bob Hanson retired in c harm and mischief 2006, Coleen was once again asked to t h at even 23 years at serve as interim executive officer not B A TC hasn’t dimmed. once, but twice, stepping up to the plate with grace. Coleen’s been contemplating retirement for some time, and now that David Siegel has firmly grasped BATC’s reigns, she decided the time was finally perfect. “I’m leaving you all in good hands” she says, “David has already brought so much energy to BATC, the next few years will be exciting. “I feel so lucky to have worked in this industry for 23 years,” exclaims Coleen. “It’s been Coleen’s offificcial rewarding to work for BATC headshot an industry that has from the early been so successful years. Is there and makes a real difany question why she’ s still ference in the lives of a rabid Jon so many people.” B on Jovi fan? Coleen will stop back now and again, she promises. But her goal is to spend more time at home with her two Morkies (if you don’t know about Coleen’s dogs, you haven’t been around much), more time with her husband Brad on their boat on the St. Croix River, and more time with her hands in the dirt so that “we’ll have the best garden in The Lakes.” She’s also ready to dip into her bucket list that has been accumulating over the past several years. She generously gave us three months notice so we hope to have someone in place to fill her office (though we doubt anyone can fill her shoes) by the time she leaves at the end of April. Check out the blog at www.batcpls.org | WWW.BATC.ORG

The Builders Group Members-Only Workers’ Compensation Insurance Your workers’ comp needs are much different from those of an office, so you need a product that understands the unique demands of the construction industry. That’s why BATC helped to form TBG, the largest self-insured workers’ comp fund in Minnesota geared specifically toward builders, remodelers, subcontractors, suppliers, and other businesses affiliated with the construction industry. TBG benefits you by focusing on rapid claims management and processing, loss control education and safety services, monthly rates adjusted to your actual payroll and rates that are among the most competitive in the industry. You owe it to your success to get a quote from TBG for your business.

Endorsed Programs

For more information on TBG, contact Tina Morales at (651) 203-6793 or email to tmorales@tbgmn.com.

Continental Western MembersOnly General Liability Insurance Brought to you by the Builders Association of Minnesota and BATC, this strong program offers affordably priced top-of-the-line coverage to small and mid-sized custom builders and subcontractors. CWG Quality Insurance also offers builders risk, auto and umbrella coverage. Here’s the best part: The more participants we get in the program and the lower we keep our loss ratio, the more we can pay dividends back to the participating businesses, often exceeding the membership dues investment. Contact your agent and ask for the Continential Western Group Quality Insurance program (see our BATC Membership Directory in print or online). Or contact Larry Heisler at Reynolds and Reynolds Agency, (the managing agent) for more information at (515) 557-1215 or email to l.f.heisler@reynolds-reynolds.com

SuperAmerica Members-Only Discounted Gas Fleet Program Save 4.5 cents per gallon of gas on every vehicle in your fleet just for being a member of BATC. And, get online account management, customized detailed reporting, online bill presentment and payment, and good at more than 6,000 locations throughout the country, including hundreds in Minnesota. Here are several more benefits: separate vehicle, driver, and/or department activity for quick analysis; track miles driven and miles per gallon; determine fuel cost per mile; reduce bookkeeping/ accounting expenses and get 15% off oil changes at Valvoline! Yet another benefit is $2 off a car wash at any participating SuperAmerica station.

401k Members-Only Multiple Employer Plan Perhaps you’ve considered providing a 401k plan to your team, but found it too expensive. Or maybe you were worried about the employer liability. BATC has developed a solution for you. Our new 401k Multiple Employer Plan will allow you to provide a top-quality 401k plan for you and your employees for less than $1,000 per year. BATC aggregates the power of our industry behind a muchneeded benefit. You owe it to yourself and your team to take a look– we suspect the cost to you is substantially less than anything you’ve seen to date. Not only that, our plan removes the fiduciary risk that is normally associated with 401k programs. No employer liability and no form 5500 requirements. Wow! Now there’s no excuse not to provide retirement planning for you and your employees. Contact Lars Froiland at Builders Insurance Group at (763) 862-7800 or email to lars@buildersinsgrp.com

Verizon Wireless Members-Only Discounted Cell Phone Rates Under this members-only program, BATC members receive a 22% discount on company wireless accounts and data packages, or 18% off personal cell phone service in addition to 25% off of cell phone accessories. This program saves members thousands of dollars annually. Sign up is easy. Contact Jeff Hebrink at 612-269-6496 or email to jeff.hebrink@VerizonWireless.com. BATC is saving you money. Can you hear us now?

Contact Shelley Branson at 651-454-7776, ext. 208 or email SBranson@ssallc.com. WWW.BATC.ORG | Check out the blog at www.batcpls.org

APRIL-MAY-JUNE 2011 |

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

photo gallery

Board of Directors Go To Washington

George Cundy, Michael Noonan, BATC President Rich Riemersma

Patrick Tiberi, 12th District Congressman from Ohio

David Siegel, George Cundy, Todd Bjerstedt, Rick Kott, and James Vagle with MN Third District Congressman Erik Paulsen, 3rd from right

Rick Kot and BATC President, Rich Riemersma 20

BUILDERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; DIGEST

We tell the story of housing to all of our Congressional Aides.

APRIL-MAY-JUNE 2011

Rick Kot, Steve Buss, Michael Noonan, David Siegel, Pam Perri, George Cundy, Rich Riemersma, Todd Bjerstadt, and James Vagle Check out the blog at www.batcpls.org | WWW.BATC.ORG

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY ZACCARDI PHOTOGRAPHY

BROCK WHITE OFFERS

Cutting-Edge Masonry Solutions

ifty-seven years ago, two chemical engineers, Wayne Brock and George White, opened a brick and masonry distributorship with $20,000 cash and $10,000 worth of concrete specialty products. Today the Saint Paul-based company has 12 branch offices in the Upper Midwest and 11 in Canada. Brock White’s geographical reach alone makes it a leading-edge distributor, showcasing the market’s most cutting-edge products. Recognized as an industry leader and the largest dealer of construction products in the state, Brock White offers a unique selection of natural and manufactured masonry, brick, and landscape products. “We pride ourselves on representing some of the industry’s best manufacturers. Stop into one of our showrooms, and we promise you’ll be amazed by the wide selection of products and services we offer home builders and their customers,” says Neil Fast, metro area manager for Brock White. Brock White’s two metro-area showrooms located in Eagan and Elk River, feature a wide range of products. You’ll find everything from traditional and thin brick to full-depth and thin natural stone, and industry leading lines like Buechel, Glacier, and

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

APRIL-MAY-JUNE 2011

Telluride. Applied as a thin veneer, today’s popular thin stone provides a durable, long-lasting finish at competitive price points. Brock White is proud to be the area’s leading distributor of Cultured Stone, which offers innovative and unique solutions for interior and exterior residential and commercial projects, including landscape applications. Cultured Stone products are

“We pride ourselves on representing some of the industry’s best manufacturers. Stop into one of our showrooms, and we promise you’ll be amazed by the wide selection of products and services we offer home builders and their customers.” - NEIL FAST, METRO AREA MANAGER FOR BROCK WHITE

available in an unmatched variety of colors and textures. The company’s showrooms are open to both the trade and public, and a medley of select offerings displayed in their outdoor showrooms gives homeowners the ability to make after-hour Check out the blog at www.batcpls.org | WWW.BATC.ORG

pany’s knowledge extends to new and existing environmental regulations and it delivers product solutions to meet changing regulations. “For instance, anytime builders disturb a site larger than one acre, they need an erosion control plan to prevent soil from entering the storm sewer system,” says Dennis Ehlert, marketing director for Brock White. “We can help builders put together erosion control plans that comply with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) regulations.” A new NPDES regulation, for example, prevents builders from discharging wastewater from concrete trucks onto the building site. “Builders now have to collect wastewater and properly dispose of it,” says Ehlert. To help meet this regulation, Brock White offers several solutions including a new product— Congelz, which solidifies wastewater from a number of trades, including concrete, drywall, and masonry. The solidified material can then be placed in an ultraviolet-protected bag and taken to a landfill for disposal. AGES Mud Mats solve several problems at once. These amazing mats reduce ground pressure from trucks, preventing both ruts and the tracking of mud offsite, while allowing vehicles to drive on muddy ground without getting stuck. These reusable mats can be connected to create driving surfaces of varying lengths and sizes. The company offers contractors substantially more than just the newest products, though. Brock White can supply builder showrooms with products, and the firm has been a Builders Club sponsor for two decades, allowing builder customers to earn points that they can then redeem for name brand merchandise, local events, or fabulous vacations. Brock White also offers fee-based delivery and its trucks are equipped to place building supplies at predetermined and multiple locations on a jobsite. In addition, Brock White’s up-to-date technology can help builders and their clients with selections. The company’s website

selections while offering builders and their clients larger samples to view. Other products available to homebuilders include decorative concrete, brick pavers, exterior insulation finishing (EIFS), insulation concrete forming systems (ICFs), and brick made of fly ash that meets LEED specifications. The company’s skilled and knowledgeable employees can direct builders and their clients to the right solutions. The com-

WWW.BATC.ORG | Check out the blog at www.batcpls.org

(www.brockwhite.com) allows online ordering, and gives builders access to product information, account statements and invoices. “Brock White has worked hard to earn its reputation for providing builders with top-quality service and products,” says Fast. “Contact one of our sales representatives or visit one of our showrooms to see what else we have to offer. We think you’ll be pleased.”

APRIL-MAY-JUNE 2011 |

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

Fall Showcase Sept. 10 - Oct. 2, 2011 SM

Remodelers Showcase Sept. 30 - Oct. 2, 2011

Advertising Options.

651-697-7591 or kori@batc.org

Enter your New or Remodeled Home

You're crazy not to advertise in the Parade of Homes guidebook. Where else are you going to find a better targeted marketing piece. Everyone that looks at a guidebook is looking for residential construction something--it may be remodeling, new homes, ideas for their new home or remodel project, but that's why they're looking at it. Put your advertising money where your prospects are going to see it.

Entry Forms & More Information Available at www.batc.org Mid-April

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public policy

Meeting the Green Market One of the most compelling dynamics to emerge from our industry’s historic market downturn is the demand for energy efficiency among home buyers. According to AVID ratings, between 50 and 74 percent of home buyers surveyed have ‘overall energy efficiency’ atop their list of must-haves in a new home or renovation. This is a fascinating number, one that BATC and its members cannot afford to dismiss. Traditional green building programs have rolled out impressive suites of measurables to

QUOTED: “Our plan to meet this demand includes offering an array of participation entry points for prospective home buyers interested in green building.” - James Vagle

achieve green certification. These are generally sectioned into five major areas: energy efficiency, resource management, water efficiency, site, and indoor environmental quality. The same AVID

Our plan to meet this demand includes offer-

survey that yielded the energy appetite showed a

ing an array of participation entry points for

much lighter demand for renewable materials,

prospective home buyers interested in green

with anywhere between 5-19 percent of respon-

building. Where there are homeowners who have

dents placing renewable materials as ‘must

the interest and financial resources to make a

haves’. That disparity in demand is important, it

larger investment in green, our program will offer

confirms that energy efficiency is the centerpiece

this. It’s our expectation though, that the majority

of the market demand today.

of the market is currently on the green building

For a small niche in our market, the current

sidelines and will be attracted to a more reason-

green programs will serve home buyers very well.

able entry point that focuses on the energy and

For the vast majority of our market however,

indoor air quality portions of the program.

these programs simply don’t work today. Armed

Supported by a robust, third-party verified stan-

with this knowledge, BATC continues its quest to

dard, navigation through the certification process

meet and challenge the Minnesota homebuilding

will be clear, with quantifiable and reliable report-

and renovations market by offering a robust, yet

ing.

achievable green certification program.

By James Vagle Builders Association of the Twin Cities Public Policy Director james@batc.org 651-697-7578 34

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

We believe that participation in green building

We believe the modern home buyer is making

occurs along a continuum, a green path, with

the shift toward a greener, more affordable prod-

varying degrees of interest and financial capacity.

uct than the generations of home buyers who

Wherever our builders, remodelers, and their

have purchased homes before them. This ‘smart

home buyers lie along this path, we believe there

affordability’ concept, as recently cited by AVID

is a space for them to participate in our program.

Rating’s Paul Cardis, captures the dominant

We are making great progress to meet our

themes in home buyers who desire smaller, sensi-

May 2011 goal for the program launch. Exciting

ble green homes. With multiple surveys and fore-

details will be relayed in the lead-up to the launch,

casts confirming interest in energy efficiency,

stay tuned to BATC communications for the latest

BATC expects significant growth in the green

updates.

building space in the coming years. APRIL-MAY-JUNE 2011

Check out the blog at www.batcpls.org | WWW.BATC.ORG

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legal news

How to Avoid Personal Liability and Hang on to Your Hard-Earned Money The reality today is that lawsuits happen. Oftentimes, plaintiffs sue not just the corporate entity, but individuals who own and operate the corporate entity.

By Charles (CJ) Schoenwetter and Michael R. Carey Bowman and Brooke LLP (PICTURED TOP TO BOTTOM)

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

Personal liability can decimate your hard-earned savings. The good news is that with a little information, you can avoid many situations that would otherwise make you a perfect target as a defendant in a lawsuit. This article will discuss several ways to minimize and avoid personal liability when conducting business. The reality today is that lawsuits happen. Oftentimes, plaintiffs sue not just the corporate entity, but individuals who own and operate the corporate entity. In order to best protect yourself from personal liability, understanding the following concepts may greatly benefit you. Use Corporations or Limited Liability Companies Conducting business as a sole proprietorship needlessly exposes you to too much personal liability. A lawsuit could be financially devastating to your personal finances. If you incorporate your business or form a limited liability company, you gain substantial protection from personal liability for actions relating to your business ventures. The mere process of incorporating, though, does not completely protect business owners or shareholders. It is simply the first step. Corporate Governance Documents Whether you form a corporation or a limited liability company, it is best to expressly designate in the formation papers (i.e., articles of organization or member control agreement) that the company is eliminating and/or limiting the personal liability for directors and governors pursuant to applicable statutes. Likewise, make sure the formation papers of your entity do not limit or otherwise prohibit the indemnification the company is required to provide by law. Indemnification provisions should be broadly drafted to define who is indemnified, the amount of indemnification, the type and amount of insurance supporting the indemnification obligation, and whether the insurance is a “wasting policy” (meaning the limits of liability for a settlement or judgment are reduced by the amount of

APRIL-MAY-JUNE 2011

legal costs incurred defending claims). A separate indemnity agreement between the company and key officers may be the best way to address these concerns. Insurance Indemnification obligations can only protect you personally if they are supported by insurance. Make sure your company maintains adequate CGL and D&O policies of insurance. But keep in mind that most policies contain an intentional tort exclusion. Even if you are acting on behalf of the company, if you engage in intentional, wrongful conduct (e.g., fraud, theft, illegal dumping of hazardous waste, etc.), you may be exposed to significant personal liability not covered by insurance. Transact Business Through The Company, Not Individually In order to avoid any hint of personal liability, make sure your contracts and business dealings with others are run through the company. Contracts should be entered into using the name of the company. Equally important, make sure you sign all contracts in a representative capacity on behalf of the company and designating your position. If a signature block is not properly prepared, then handwrite the pertinent information. The following is an example of a correct form of corporate signature block: CORPORATION NAME ___________________________________ By: Your Name, [insert corporate title] Piercing the Corporate Veil (Alter Ego Theory) In order to gain the protections of a corporation or LLC, you must run your company like a real company—not an extension of yourself. That means the company must observe corporate formalities. The company must maintain separate books of accounting and personal expenses are not to be paid by the company. It also means conducting regular corporate board meetings, keep>>CONTINUED TO PAGE 59 Check out the blog at www.batcpls.org | WWW.BATC.ORG

ROMA Banquet June 23, 2011 ANDERSEN. MORE STYLES. 5:30pm-6:30pm Social Hour

(videos will be viewable)

Call for Entries Remodelers - You can enter projects in the ROMA Awards until April 14th.

7pm Dinner, 7:30pm Program Tickets: $65 per person or $455 per Table of eight

Please visit www.batc.org for more details

Diamond Level Sponsors:

Award Level Sponsors: Brock White Company, Kitchen Craft Cabinetry Store, Pella Windows & Doors Dessert Level Sponsors: Kitchen Craft Cabinetry Store, Shaw/Stewart Lumber Co.

VINYL WINDOWS AND DOORS

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Welcome New BATC Members Joining the Builders Association of the Twin Cities is the first step in becoming more active in your industry and in working to gain more business. The following companies have joined the BATC over the last three months. Please take a moment to welcome the newest members of our association.

NEW MEMBERS 3-D Concrete & Masonry Inc. PO Box 85 Buffalo, MN 55313 Contact: Bruce Dalbec 7763-682-2358 Category: Associate Business: Concrete and Masonry Email: threedconcrete@hotmail.com Sponsor: Curt Christensen, Lee Lynn Construction LLC

Ainsworth 214 Adam Circle Carver, MN 55315 Contact: Eric Wischmann 952-412-6658 Category: Associate Business: Wood Product Manufacturer Email: eric.wischmann@ainsworthcorp.com Sponsor: John Zirbes, Lyman Lumber Co.

All American Title 8338 Hwy 65 NE, Ste C Spring Lake Park, MN 55432 Contact: Courtney Tostrud 763-235-1800 Category: Associate Business: Title Compnay Email: courtney@allamericantitleco.com Website: www.allamericantitleco.com Sponsor: Tera Snyder, Werner Electric

Artexsys Inc. 15753 US Hwy 12 SW, #206 Cokato, MN 55321 Contact: Gregg Halonen 320-286-4441 Category: Associate Business: Supplier of Proprietray Texture System Email: info@artexsys.com Website: www.artexsys.xom Sponsor: Kevin Kruger, Kruger Financial Services

Associated Bank 7760 France Avenue S., #124 Bloomington, MN 55435 Contact: Michael Fannon 651-554-8719 Category: Associate Business: Mortgage Banking Email: michael.fannon@associatedbank.com Sponsor: Rick Echternacht, National Home Security

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

APRIL-MAY-JUNE 2011

Assured Financial LLC

Dudley’s Millwork Inc.

418 E. County Rd D Little Canada, MN 55117 Contact: Jeff Law 651-256-7451 Category: Associate Business: Construction Finance Email: jeffl@assuredfinance.com Sponsor: Darren Bohensack, Springer Exteriors

2955 Lone Oak Circle #9 Eagan, MN 55121 Contact: Dudley Olson 651-994-1135 Category: Associate Business: Window & Millwork Email: jdudleysmillwork@aol.com Website: www.dudleysmillwork.com Sponsor: Kathy Trimble, Kathy Trimble Custom Homes

BlueLinx Corp. 360 Inverness Drive S. Englewood, CO 80210 Contact: Darryl Troutman 800-830-7370 Category: Associate Business: Distributor Email: darryl.troutman@bluelinxco.com Website: www.bluelinxco.com Sponsor: John Zirbes, Lyman Lumber Co.

BohLand Development 825 Wayzata Blvd. E. Wayzata, MN 55391 Contact: Steve Bohl 952-473-2089 Category: Developer (Class D) Business: Residential Land Development Email: steve@bohlanddevelopment.com Website: www.bohlanddevelopment.com Sponsor: Steve Bohl, Hickory Fine Homes

Bonfe’s Plumbing, Heating, & Air Services, Inc. 505 Randolph Avenue St. Paul, MN 55102 Contact: Walter Bonfe 651-228-7140 Category: Associate Business: Residential Service Co. Email: cvroomane@bonfes.com Website: www.bonfes.com Sponsor: Tina Morales, The Builders Group

Colfax Companies 206 Minnetonka Avenue S. Wayzata, MN 55391 Contact: Wayne Soojian 952-746-4380 Category: Builder, Class B License #: 20636394 Business: Builder/Remodeler Email: wsoojian@colfaxco.com Sponsor: Tim Liester, Lyman Lumber Co.

Ellis Builders Inc. 5590 Garden Court Woodbury, MN 55129 Contact: Tom Ellis 612-388-1168 Category: Builder, Class B License #: 20017993 Business: Residential Remodeler Email: tom-ellisbuilders@comcast.net Website: www.ellisbuildersmn.com Sponsor: Todd Fuzzey, CS Media

Generations Hardwood Flooring 2321 - 210th Avenue St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 Contact: Patrick Grimes 651-653-9900 Category: Associate Business: Hardwood Flooring Email: generationshardwoodflooring@centurytel.net Website: www.generationshardwoodflooring.com Sponsor: Tera Snyder, Werner Electric

Gordon James Construction, Inc. PO Box 306 Maple Plain, MN 55359 Contact: John Quinlivan 763-479-3117 Category: Builder, Class B License #: 20531961 Business: Custom Home Builder Email: john@gordon-james.com Website: www.gordon-james.com Sponsor: Tony Koval, Oakcrest Building Products

Check out the blog at www.batcpls.org | WWW.BATC.ORG

Greenscape Companies Inc.

Mountain Real Estate Capital, LLC

Swensonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Workshop LLC

11684 - 214th Avenue NW Elk River, MN 55330 Contact: Christopher Stokke 763-441-2141 Category: Associate Business: Landscaping & Irrigation Email: chis@greenscapecompanies.com Website: www.greenscapecompanies.com Sponsor: Dave Anderson, Brandl Anderson Homes, Inc.

5270 W. 84th Street, #205 Minneapolis, MN 55437 Contact: Joel Kaul 952-873-7024 Category: Associate Business: Real Estate Investment Company Email: jkaul@mountainregroup.com Sponsor: Brad Sorensen, Brush Masters

958 Cromwell Avenue St. Paul, MN 55114 Contact: Ivan Swenson 651-644-0700 Category: Builder, Class B License #: 20561539 Business: Full Service Remodeler Email: ivan@swensonsworkshop.com Website: www.swensonsworkshop.com Sponsor: Todd Barduson, SPIRE

Hauge Construction Company 8696 Stanley Trail Eden Prairie, MN 55347 Contact: Timothy Hauge 952-401-9303 Category: Builder, Class B License #: 20338377 Business: Builder/Remodeler Email: haugeconstruction@msn.com Sponsor: Pattie Martin, Glowing Hearth & Home

Heat My Floors.com 6800 Electric Drive Rockford, MN 55373 Contact: Dennis Schrahel 763-477-3665 Category: Associate Business: Electric Radiant Floor Heating Products Email: dennis@heatmyfloors.com Website: www.heatmyfloors.com Sponsor: Len Przbylski, Trilite Stone Company

M Carlson Painting 3955 Meadowbrook Road St. Louis Park, MN 55426 Contact: Matt Carlson 952-933-9968 Category: Associate Business: Painting Contractor Email: matt@mcarlsonpainting.com Website: www.mcarlsonpainting.com Sponsor: Brian Robbins, Pella Windows & Doors

Petermann Enterprises LLC 710 Wentworth Avenue W. Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Contact: Ruth Petermann 651-294-9400 Category: Associate

TC Homebuilders Inc.

Richard Cooke 327 S. Cove Road Hudson, WI 54016 Contact: Richard Cooke 715-760-0122 Category: Builder, Class B License #: 20633984 Business: New Home Const & Remodeling Email: rich.cooke.homes@gmail.com Sponsor: Jon Coty, The Builders Choice/A Fullerton Company

Stone Gate Builders 6102 Olson Memorial Highway Golden Valley, MN 55422 Contact: Tony Sonnen 763-432-4516 Category: Builder, Class B License #: 2459 Business: Residential Homebuilder Email: jeff@stonegatebuilders.net Website: www.stonegatebuilders.net Sponsor: Tony Sonnen, Gonyea Homes

member

5428 Halifax Lane Edina, MN 55424 Contact: Tony Grannakakis 952-926-6100 Category: Builder, Class B License #: 20560686 Business: Custom Home Builder Email: tony@tchomebuildersinc.com Website: www.tchomebuildersinc.com Sponsor: Al TeWinkle, On The Green

Woodstone Renovations, LLC 3745 Monterey Drive St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Contact: Tim Oskey 952-697-5075 Category: Builder, Class B License #: 20638985 Business: Renovations Email: tim@woodstone-renovations.com Website: www.woodstone-renovations.com Sponsor: Tim Oskey, Stonewood Renovations, Inc.

We Need Your Help. Our membership drive is going on now. Help us spread the word! Check out www.batc.org for details.

Drinks, eats, good people, what more can you ask for. Free Networking Events open to all BATC Members.

connecting our members

For complete schedule of events check out

www.batc.org WWW.BATC.ORG | Check out the blog at www.batcpls.org

APRIL-MAY-JUNE 2011 |

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401K

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builders outreach foundation

Ramblings & Thank You’s By Katie Harms, BOF Public Relations Chair

Questions? Contact Jan Berg 651-697-7563 jan@batc.org

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

In the day and age of reinvention, BOF is not unique. From discussions on our actual name to what our mission is, we are exploring it all. Extremely invigorating are the attitudes of those involved in the discussions. The present BOF board has some new faces and some “seasoned” folks on board. Here is the 2011 BOF board and members: • Robert Bennett • Gary Aulik • Patrick Jacobson • Cary Shaich • Daniel Ward • Darren Wyman • Dean Soderbeck • James Madsen • Jerry Peterson • John Zirbes • Katie Harms • Pat Hegseth • Sara Anderson • Trace Mills If you were fortunate enough to be at the BATC/BOF Haiti Show and Tell Shindig on February 3rd, you know about the great group of folks who took time out of their busy holiday’s to go to Haiti and build homes last December. The presentation was special. We are thrilled to report that most of the second group (that were unable to make it into Haiti due to the unrest surrounding the elections) did finally make their trip on March 9 through the 16th. Look for a report about their experiences online at batc.org. Thanks to all who represented BOF & BATC in this important way. • Curt and Dana Christensen: Lee Lyn Construction, LLC • Michael Hoppe: Corporate 4 Insurance Agency, Inc. • Jolynn Johnson: Crystal Kitchen Center • Tarry Logdson: RBC Tile & Stone • Tasha Soundara, Tish Watson: Ryland Homes

APRIL-MAY-JUNE 2011

• James and Jared Madsen, Erick and Mary Jo Lageson: James Barton Design Build, Inc. • Steve Henjum- S.J. Henjum Design Build, LLC • Steven Weakly- Brush Masters • Tracy, Ella, Becky Dahlin- Iron River Construction • Matt and Brent Hanish- On the Level Inc Back at home, the Midwest Home and Garden show was again the location of the BATC garage sale. Jan Berg expertly coordinated a great event that raised close to $15,000 for BOF. From windows, to doors, to millwork, appliances, lighting, furniture and accessories, the sale was a huge success. Many thanks go out to those who contributed and helped with this event. • Highlights, LLC • Sue Marshall • Warners' Stellian • Newmark Homes • James Barton Design • Mega Homes • Lappin Lighting • Pulte Homes • Ross Mayer Construction • Bayer Built Woodworks • Rudy Wicklander • CH Carpenter • Inspiration Design • Myra Chazin • Kitchen Craft Cabinetry • Automatic Door & Fireplace • Iron River Construction • Minneapolis Glass Co. • Ace Midwest Moving & Storage We are pleased to announce several exciting opportunities for us to partner with like-minded organizations. First is a partnership with Habitat for Humanity on a summer 2011 build. It makes perfect sense to team with Habitat to utilize the talents and skills of our membership. Check out the blog at www.batcpls.org | WWW.BATC.ORG

We are also working with the Veterans Administration to retrofit a South Minneapolis home for a returning Iraq soldier in partnership with the Jared Allen Foundation and the Brian McDonough Military Heroes Foundation. Additionally, the City of St. Paul has asked us to form a partnership to rehab foreclosed properties they own. Stay tuned as we bring you more

details. As always, our committee welcomes your questions and comments and we look forward to your continued support on upcoming projects.

THANK YOU BOF SUPPORTERS We are compiling lists of those folks who have been involved in some manner with BOF. So many of you have given time and talents to make our foundation what it is today. This is truly a grass roots organization and you are an extremely important part of BOF’s success. We look forward to many more opportunities to get you on the list. Thank you to all of these BOF supporters in 2010. Aulik & Associates, Inc. Builders Club Scherer Bros. Lumber JMS Custom Homes Lambert Lumber InFocus Systems Stonewood Design-Build Lyman Lumber Orion Home Systems Brush Masters Advanced Energy Consulting Hickory Fine Homes, Inc. TJB Homes, Inc. John Kraemer & Sons, Inc. Stonewood Renovations Ispiri, LLC Rose Creek Builders, LLC Refined, LLC Plekkenpol Builders, Inc. DiGiacomo Homes, Inc. House Lift Remodelers Soderbeck Design & Construction LP Smart ABC Millwork Builder/Webster Insulation Mid America Cedar Northside Insurance Carpentry Contractors Corp. WWW.BATC.ORG | Check out the blog at www.batcpls.org

Springer Exteriors Mattamy Homes Ross Nesbit Agencies, Inc. Rottlund Homes Metro Framing Constance Koopman Marty Gergen Travis Herritz Ryan Ohr Shari Leubner Tamra Mueller Brittany Blackford Jon Hassenfritz John Miller Andy Haglof Scott Hafermann Troy Polinski Tom Anderson Donley Tile & Stone-Rich Donley Rowe Landscaping-Doug Rowe Sportsman’s Electric-Mark Olson Franke Construction-John Franke IDC-Mark Olson Abbey Decorating-Kirk Johnson Signet Painting-Larry Gehrke Severson, Sheldon, Dougherty & Molenda-Brian Wisdorf Darren Bohnsack

APRIL-MAY-JUNE 2011 |

Questions? Contact Jan Berg 651-697-7563 jan@batc.org

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

industry news

Builders Association of Minnesota Elects Officers and Honors Members On January 28th-30th, the Builders Association of Minnesota (BAM) hosted their fourth annual convention at the Crowne Plaza Minneapolis North in Brooklyn Center. Friday’s business included leadership training, committee meetings and casino night. Saturday concluded with a gala dinner where the new officers were sworn in and awards were presented. Todd Bjerstedt, McDonald Remodeling, was sworn in as 2011 President. Todd follows Mike Gohman of W. Gohman Construction in St. Cloud as head of our state home builders association. Todd is a great choice for this position, having honed his leadership skills as BATC’s president in 2000, and serving as past-president representative on our

Executive Board of Directors in 2008. As BAM President, Todd will oversee the activities of BAM, serving its 3,000 members which include all BATC’s members as well as members of every other local HBA in the state.

since 1987 as well as a real estate broker in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. He is a long-time member of the builders association and has been very active in BATC, as well as serving as 2009 president of Minnesota GreenStar, which was associated with BATC at that time.

Todd has been a builder and developer

2011 BAM Officers elected to serve under Todd include: President Elect, Keith Kylmala, Kylmala Truss, Arrowhead Builders Association Builder Vice President, Chad Kompelien, Kompelien Custom Homes, West Central Builders Association Associate Vice President, Terry Curtis, Anderson Brothers Construction, MidMinnesota Builders Association Secretary, Rick Kot, RA Kot Homes, Builders Association of the Twin Cities Treasurer, Howie Zetah, Zetah Construction Inc., Headwaters Builders Association Past President, Mike Gohman, W. Gohman Construction, Central Minnesota Builders Association

Awards Presented BAM’s annual awards program honored nine exceptional members, including one from BATC. Kathe Ostrom, C.N. Ostrom & Son was presented with the 2010 President’s Award given for outstanding behindthe-scenes contribution to the association. Kathe has been a member of BATC since 1988, and has served on several committees as well as a regular at our events. She served on the BAM board of directors, was elected to the BAM executive committee and was elected president of BAM in 2008. Kathe currently serves on the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s Construction Codes Advisory Council, Warranty Task Force, and Employee Misclassification Task Force. She received this BAM Award for her tire46

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less support, motivation, energy and belief in the association and the industry. BAM’s past president, Mike Gohman, says of Ostrom, “She is one of the association’s most respected political advisors.” The annual BAM awards are presented to recognize the outstanding accomplishments and citizenship of companies

and individuals within the industry, association and community. BAM’s mission is to help members excel in the residential construction industry and these awards rally the industry, uplift those members striving for excellence and provide the model for companies in the Minnesota residential construction industry.

The full slate of winners are: • Associate of the Year – Mark Traut, Mark J. Traut Wells, Central Minnesota Builders Association • Builder of the Year – Quentin Johnson, Quentin Johnson Construction, Northern Minnesota Builders Association • Builders Employing Associate Members (BEAM) Award – Warren Anderson, Anderson Construction, Mid-Minnesota Builders Association • Distinguished Business of the Year – Greater Insurance Service, Northern Minnesota Builders Association • Excellence in Service Award – Colleen Faacks, Executive Officer, MidMinnesota Builders Association • Local Association of the Year – Central Minnesota Builders Association • President’s Award – Kathe Ostrom, C.N. Ostrom & Son, BATC • Remodeler of the Year – Ron Nesvold, Ron Nesvold Construction, Northern Minnesota Builders Association • Rising Star Award – Mike Allen, Mike Allen Homes, Rochester Area Builders Association Check out the blog at www.batcpls.org | WWW.BATC.ORG

photo gallery

Young Professionals Group

1) Justin Spoelstra, Preferred Interactive, began the program on Generational Differences in the Workplace in January.

2) Panelists, Jim Stanton, Shamrock Builders, Inc., Pamela Belz, Senior Housing Partners; Tom Aulik, Aulik & Associates.

3) A variety of generations attended the event.

Haiti Shindig

1) Curt Christensen, Lee Lyn Construction shared his experiences in Haiti to the audience.

2) More stories from Jared Madsen who went on the rebuild trip with his dad, James Madsen, James Barton Design Build, mom and brother, Mary Jo and Erik Lageson.

3) Julie Krahn, Midwest Home Magazine; Pattie Martin, Glowing Hearth and Home; and Christian Schutz, Advanced Home Environments WWW.BATC.ORG | Check out the blog at www.batcpls.org

4) Dana Christensen, Lee Lyn Construction joined her dad, Curt, on the trip, explained how the experience changed her. APRIL-MAY-JUNE 2011 |

BUILDERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; DIGEST

photo gallery

Builders and Remodelers Product & Service Show

The BATC booth welcomed all to the show.

Before the show our Sales Rally attracted plenty of attendees to learn from our own (L to R) Kerry Mulcrone, Kerry & Co. and national speakers Melinda Brody, Meridith Oliver, and John Palumbo.

Special guest, Dan Cole, KFAN’s Common Man, interviewed exhibitors (L to R) Tim Huberty and Jason Jones from Schwieters Companies.

The mini-golf challenge at the Alside Installed Services booth was a big hit. 48

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

APRIL-MAY-JUNE 2011

Mudd’onna the Saint’s mascot with Kate Liberko, BATC.

Jerry Peterson, Trilite Stone Company, welcoming attendees to the BOF chalet. Check out the blog at www.batcpls.org | WWW.BATC.ORG

Lan

e, scap

Inc.

Landscape design and construction by Sam’s Lawn & Landscape is presented with a professional, hands-on approach ensuring a great experience with the results our clients have always wanted. photos by fotomuko.com

Contact Sam’s Lawn & Landscape, Inc. 763.478.0200 • www.samslandscape.com Thank you, Sam Vandeputte

photo gallery Builders and Remodelers Product & Service Show

KFAN’s Common Man Dan Cole with more fans.

The mood was upbeat as the crowd thickened.

Nancy Asleson, Stone Cottage Construction tried her luck at the slot machine at Custom Millwork’s booth.

The Allstar Construction Team showed attendees how to shoot hoops and how to improve their business.

Brock White “referees” connecting with attendees. 50

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

APRIL-MAY-JUNE 2011

He shoots, he scores! Check out the blog at www.batcpls.org | WWW.BATC.ORG

ENERGY STAR. It’s not just a sticker on a fridge, it’s a hammer-fisted smackdown of the competition. ®

When you build an ENERGY STAR home, you’re giving yourself a true competitive advantage. You’re building a home that’s up to 30% more efficient, with fewer maintenance issues and higher resale value. Buyers love that. Your competitors? Not so much.

Visit XcelEnergy.com/ HomeEfficiency for details.

photo gallery

Home & Garden Show

Limo Ride Winner

Congratulations to Val from Bloomington for winning the limo trip with seven friends to tour the five Dream Homes and Dream Remodeled Homes in this Spring’s Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase on April 3rd. SM

Parade of Homes was a hit at the Home & Garden Show ®

We did it again! We had a great booth, told thousands of home-interested people the Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase dates and handed out about 5,000 guidebooks!! We also held a drawing that brought us over 1,000 contestants. The lucky winner of the Dream Home Drive contest will get to take seven friends on a grand limo tour of all five Dream Homes on April 3rd. Congratulations to Val Hedlund who, we discovered, is one of our Parade of Homes raving fans! We couldn't have done it without all our great volunteers–thanks for making the booth fun and welcoming. SM

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

APRIL-MAY-JUNE 2011

Thanks to All of Our Volunteers: Mike Taurinskas: Pratt Homes Mike Roos: Surface Specialists Metro Kathryn Alexander: Alexander Design Jack Williams: JW Williams Const Inc Pete Slama: Krech Exteriors Michelle Kerber: Pella Windows and Doors Jeff Thompson: J. Thompson & Associates, LLC Ruth Petermann: Petermann Enterprises Deb Earl Matt Schmidt: AMEK Custom Builders Rob Walter: AMEK Custom Builders Andrew Schmidt: AMEK Custom Builders John Zirbes: Lyman Lumber Blake Headley: Pella Windows and Doors Shelley Amor Williams: Kerry & Co. Navid Pouladin: Passages Design Build

Special 4anks To: • JLM Design Build for landscaping and designing a booth worthy of the Parade of Homes Logo! • Builders Outreach Foundation and Jan Berg for coordinating the loaning of the Chalet for the Home & Garden Show! • Pat Hegseth of Lamperts for being the best "Chalet Chauffer" we could ask for!

Constance Koopman: Marshall & Koopman REAL ESTATE David Bieker: Denali Custom Homes Jay Norgaard: Norgaard Homes, Inc. Dave Nemecek: Superior Mechanical Kevin Kamerud: Passages Design Build Sarah Dulong: Ron Clark Construction Pat Phillips: Warners' Stellian Carla Warner: Warners' Stellian John Vandermyde: J.J. Vanderson & Co. Shelley Santine: Cundy, Santine Architects Justin Spoelstra: Preferred Interactive

Check out the blog at www.batcpls.org | WWW.BATC.ORG

Sponsored by:

It’s not too late to get your

Lead Renovator Certification!

Lead Safety for Remodeling, Repairs & Painting (RRP Initial Course)

Any company doing work in these homes must be certified, follow specific work practices and keep detailed records.

Remodelers and builders who do renovation or remodeling projects in homes built before 1978 must comply with new lead paint safety requirements set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

BATC brings you this EPA Approved Course from University of North Dakotas Instructors to fulfill this requirement.

Next Date offered: April 28 from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Fees: $190 BATC Member & $240 Non-member

www.batc.org For additional education opportunities and to register. This class has been approved for 8 hours of Building Contractor/Remodeler/roofer continuing education credits by the Department of Labor and Industry. WWW.BATC.ORG | Check out the blog at www.batcpls.org

APRIL-MAY-JUNE 2011 |

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

member news

Staying Connected Welcome to Member News. This is the place to learn about what's happening in the lives of BATC members. We feature awards, births, marriages, condolences, promotions, new hires, and all sorts of other milestones. So remember to send us all your important news!

bers collectively work with over 50,000 caregivers throughout the state and serve more than 100,000 seniors each year.

Awards/Honors John Marvin selected chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Congratulations to chairman and CEO of Marvin Windows and Doors John (Jake) Marvin has been selected to his second term as chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of MInneapolis. Jake is the third generation to run the Marvin company, joining the firm in 1974, becoming CEO in 2000 and chairman in 2001. He was first selected to the Minneapolis bank in 2006, and now will continue to head the nineperson board that oversees the bank’s operations in six states. Visit Marvin Windows and Doors online at www.marvin.com

Access Solutions Innovation Award

Earns

Excellence

and

Kudos to Access Solutions for being the 2011 recipient of the distinguished Aging Services of Minnesota Excellence & Innovation Award. The highly competitive award is given to older adult service provider organizations for their excellence in developing new and innovative service delivery programs that benefit their residents and communities. Access Solutions was one of five organizations to receive the award at the Aging Services Annual Institute Conference, held in Minneapolis Feb. 9-11 for its Longfellow Aging-in-Place Project in the Building Design, Construction, Energy Conservation or Sustainable Green Design category. Access Solutions helps the elderly population in the Minneapolis Longfellow neighborhood stay in their homes. The program provides services including home safety and modification assessments by a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, project management assistance and funding for low-cost home modification projects through grants provided by the Longfellow Community Council. The program has helped dozens of Longfellow seniors assess their homes for modifications that allow them to remain in their homes safely. Aging Services of Minnesota is the state’s largest older adult services trade association representing over 700 providers of the complete continuum of services in settings from their homes to congregate housing to assisted living to skilled care centers. Aging Services mem-

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

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Each year Aging Services member organizations from throughout Minnesota submit nominations for the awards. The awards are presented during the association’s three-day annual conference in Minneapolis, the largest of its kind in the upper Midwest, which draws nearly 4,000 caregivers and organizations in older adult services settings throughout the state. Visit Access Solutions online at accesssolutions.org.

Newland Communities named 2010 Developer of the Year by Builder and Developer Magazine Newland Communities was honored by Builder and Developer Magazine as Developer of the Year. “Our 2010 "Developer of the Year" holds an impressive, successful portfolio, including five of the nation's top 15 best-selling master-planned communities,” reports Kristen Eichenmuller in an article about the award. “San Diego-based Newland Communities is the largest private developer of planned residential and urban mixed-use communities in the U.S.” Locally Newland Communities is developing Stonemill Farms in Woodbury. When complete, the neighborhood is planned to have about 1,000 single-family and 200 multi-family homes. Read the whole story at www.bdmag.com/dec2.php.

Newland Communities Humanitarian award

CEO

also

earns

Congratulations to chairman and CEO of Newland Communities, Bob McLeod, for winning the 12th annual Hearthstone BUILDER Humanitarian Award. The Award honors leaders in the homebuilding and community development industry who have demonstrated a lifetime commitment to making their communities a better place to work and live. The award includes a $100,000 prize that recipients donate to the charity of their choice. “Receiving the 12th Annual Hearthstone BUILDER award represents the dedication of our team members in communities across the country who lend their time, compassion and expertise to helping neigh>>MEMBER NEWS, CONTINUED TO PAGE 55 Check out the blog at www.batcpls.org | WWW.BATC.ORG

bors in need and to strengthen communities,” said McLeod. “In Minnesota, our Stonemill Farms community offers an excellent example of how Newland is truly committed to helping people facing challenges, even during times when we might be facing challenges in our industry.”

tition as well as to increase public awareness of NARI professionals. Each year the Qualified Remodeler Magazine recognizes the Top 500 Remodelers in the nation. The Remodeling 550 by Remodeling Magazine is a list of the largest remodeling and home improvement companies in the nation based on residential remodeling revenue.

Examples of Newland’s recent humanitarian efforts at Stonemill Farms includes donating a homesite in the 700-acre community for a specially adapted home built for a severely wounded Iraq veteran through the Homes for Our Troops program.

“The awards recognize a commitment to excellence and leadership in our industry, said James Madsen, owner of JBDB. It is an honor and validation that we have a talented team of professionals which produce great projects exceeding the expectations of our clients.

Bob was honored at a gala award dinner at the International Builders Show on January 13th. Congratulations! Look for a complete article in an upcoming BUILDER Magazine.

Visit them online at www.jbdb.biz.

Learn more about www.newlandcommunities.com.

Newland

online

ASID Honors Martha O’Hara Interiors for award-winning design: Martha O’Hara Interiors firm was the recipient of four ASID awards at the 2010 ASID Award Gala- more than any other interior design firm in the Twin Cities. The firm took first place for Residential— Special Function Room, Residential— Singular Space 201-401 square feet, MARTHA O’HARA INTERIORS Residential—Singular Space less than 200 square feet, and an honorable mention for Residential—Kitchen 400499 square feet. Congratulations to Martha O’Hara Interior designers Autumn Muldowney, Annie Graunke and Jayme Meyer for their design recognitions. You can check out www.oharainteriors.com.

their

award-winning

projects

Warren Home Restorations, Inc. Also Earns CotY Award

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) named Warren Home Restorations, Inc. Regional Contractor of the Year (CotY) in the Residential Exterior $100,000 and Over category of its annual awards competition.

WARREN HOME RESTORATIONS, INC.

Contractors from seven regions around the country vie for CotY Awards on an annual basis, and all regional winners will now be eligible for the National CotY Awards. National winners will be honored at NARI’s Evening of Excellence on Saturday, April 2, 2011, at the Westin Jersey City Newport. SM

An impartial panel of judges who are experts within the industry and associated fields, selected winners based on each entrant’s binders, which include “before and after” photography and project descriptions. Judging focused on problem solving, functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation, degree of difficulty and entry presentation. Visit Warren Home Restorations online at www.wrestorations.com.

Mankato Kasota Stone Honored Home Restoration Earns CotY Award in Prestigious Stone Industry Award Universal Design Congratulations to Home Restoration Services for earning the Universal Design honor at the 2010 Contractor of the Year Awards (CotY) from the National Association of the Remodeling Industsry (NARI) Minnesota. Check them out at www.homerestorationinc.com

Congratulations to Mankato Kasota Stone for winning the coveted 2010 Grande Pinnacle Award sponsored by the Marble Institute of America (MIA) for its limestone’s usage in SC Johnson Company’s Fortaleza Hall and Commons buildings located at its global headquarters in Racine, Wis.

HOME RESTORATION

James Barton Design-Build, Inc. earns honors

Congratulations to James Barton Design-Build (JBDB) for also winning honorable mention in the 2010 CotY Awards for Residential Kitchen from $60,000 to $75,000. The firm also received Qualified Remodeler Magazine’s Top 500 Award for 2010 along with recognition in the Remodeling Magazine Top 550 category. The CotY Awards were established more than a decade ago to foster a sense of achievement among its members through friendly compeWWW.BATC.ORG | Check out the blog at www.batcpls.org

With

“We’re incredibly honored to receive the prestigious Grande Pinnacle Award. It’s a true testament to team work and having a shared vision to create a fluid yet distinct social hub on the SC Johnson campus,” said Bill Rouse, Mankato Kasota Stone President. “For decades we have supplied the highest quality fabricated Kasota Stone products and our stone resources will enable us to do so for decades to come.” Drawing a record number of entries in 2010, the Grande Pinnacle Award honors stone companies around the world for projects that stand out above the rest. The award is presented to one project whose beauty, creativity, ingenuity, and craftsmanship exemplifies professional mastery in the use of natural stone. APRIL-MAY-JUNE 2011 |

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

“I am pleased that each year, our signature Pinnacle Awards competition grows in stature around the world, especially with the addition of the Grande Pinnacle Award, which is presented to the top overall project. Not only has the competition grown in stature, but in the toughness of the competition,” said Brett S. Rugo, Marble Institute of America President. As a result of winning the Grande Pinnacle Award, a representative from Mankato Kasota Stone will be flown to Verona, Italy, in September to attend Marmomacc, the world’s most prominent and significant stone trade show. You can visit Mankato www.MankatoKasotaStone.com.

Kasota

Stone

online

Colleen Ratzlaff LaBeau Elected to City Council Congratulations to Colleen Ratzlaff LaBeau, Ratzlaff Homes, for her election to the Lakeville City Council. Lakeville City Council members are elected at-large to represent the entire community and are empowered by law to legislate citywide policy. The City Council also serves as the Housing and COLLEEN Redevelopment Authority (HRA) for the City. RATZLAFF LABEAU You can congratulate Colleen on their website, www.ratzlaffhomes.com.

Orfield Design & Construction Earns Angie’s List Recognition Congrats to Orfield Design & Construction, Inc. for earning the prestigious 2010 Angie's List Super Service Award, an honor bestowed annually on approximately five percent of all the companies rated on the nation's leading provider of consumer reviews on local service companies. "Our Super Service Award winners are the cream of the crop when it comes to providing consistently high quality customer service, as judged by the customers who hired them," said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List. You can visit Orfield online at www.orfielddesign.com.

Kerry Mulcrone Named to SMI Editorial Advisory Group Congratulations to Kerry Mulcrone for being invited to serve a two-year term on the Editorial Advisory Group for the National Sales and Marketing Ideas Magazine. Kerry is chair of BATC’s Sales & Marketing Council as KERRY MULCRONE well as quickly gaining a national reputation SALES RALLY as a top sales and marketing speaker. Kerry was one of just six speakers at the International Builder Show’s New Home Sales Extravaganza. And, she headlined BATC’s Rock Your Recovery Sales Rally this February at the Minneapolis Convention Center along with other top national speakers Meridith Oliver, John Palumbo and Melinda Brody. You can connect with Kerry at www.kerryandco.com. 56

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MILESTONES AND COOL STUFF Clear View Surface Solutions reaches 15 Congratulations to Clear View Surface Solutions which is celebrating 15 years of business delivering surface restoration and protection to builders, remodelers, homeowners and commercial properties. They would like to say thank you to all of you who have made the last 15 years possible and are looking forward to many more years with all of you! To learn more on their services www.clearviewsurfacesolutions.com.

visit

them

Westwood Professional Services brings solar to Woodbury The first of four planned solar projects in the Woodbury Village Shopping Center was commissioned this week by Robert Muir Company. Robert Muir Company, a developer, and manager of shopping centers across the state, chose Westwood to manage these projects and their solar program. The remaining solar projects will be installed on the Woodbury Village and Woodbury Village Green Shopping Centers. “The completion of this project is significant for our tenants and the City of Woodbury. We hope to incorporate renewable energy into more of our properties and implement other energy saving improvements as well. It lowers our tenant’s common area costs, is good for the environment, and the majority of the components in the solar project are made here in Minnesota, thus helping our local economy” said Muir’s VP of Construction, Rick Schroeder. Nathan Franzen, Westwood’s Director of Solar Energy, said “The Woodbury Village solar project is a great example of commercial property owners utilizing their roof space to enhance the marketability and economics of their real estate portfolio. We will definitely see more of these projects moving forward.” When completed, the combined projects will represent the largest solar energy generation system on any shopping center in the upper Midwest, and will rank among the largest of all solar projects in Minnesota.” Visit Westwood online at www.westwoodps.com.

mackmiller design+build Featured in National Magazines Professional Remodeling Magazine sought out mackmiller design+build to feature in their Jan. 2011 issue. The article showcases the company and one of their recent remodeling projects. You can read it at http://www.housingzone.com/article/project-spotlight-element-surprise. That coverage came on the heels of another feature spot. Mark Mackmiller contributed to the 2010 Consumer Reports Kitchen >>MEMBER NEWS, CONTINUED TO PAGE 58 Check out the blog at www.batcpls.org | WWW.BATC.ORG

Wee were were specializing in Geothermal Systems befor as cool! beforee it w was Unlike man manyy other companies out there, we are a 100% Geothermal business with over 15 years expertise in geothermal system design, turn ke keyy installation installation and all loop field types. Our thousands of sa tisfied customers will aagree, gree, we are competitivel satisfied competitivelyy priced and stafff knowledgea staf knowledgeable ble installa installation tion crews. W Wee look forward forward to earning your business!

Contact JJason ason Massmann for all yyour our geothermal ans answers! wers! Office: 763.389.0376 Cell: 763.286.5769 Office: E-mail: Jason@MassmannGeothermal.com w www.MassmannGeothermal.com w w. M a s s m a n n G e o t h e r m a l . c o m

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Planning and Buying Guide with an article titled “Good Design is Becoming Universal.”

WEBCO Showroom Open WEBCO has moved their offices and added a new hands-on showroom for their customers to experience the latest audio and video technology. Make it a point to stop by to check out their full theater room, and their brand new 3D TV. The showroom is open to the public, too.

“It seems that I was in the files at Consumer Reports for a project that won several awards – one of them a ROMA Bathroom Award,” explains Mark. “Apparently some press release caught the eye of someone at Consumer Reports, and when they were compiling the 2010 Kitchen Guide, the press release prompted a writer to contact me as a subject matter expert. It seems that the awards can generate good publicity!”

Stop by at 901 Highway 10 West, Suite #B104, or visit them online at their brand new website, www.WEBCO-MN.com.

Check out mackmiller design+build online at www.mackmiller.com.

Hedberg Consolodates Plymouth Operations

Al TeWinkel and Mike McCalvy elected as NAHB Senior Life Directors and Chris Thompson as Life Director

Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies announced that it is moving its Plymouth masonry city desk and warehouse to its landscape operations campus at 1135 Nathan Lane N., Plymouth MN 55441. Hedberg’s Masonry Selection Center will remain open at 975 Nathan Lane N.

At the January Board meeting in Orlando, Florida, three of BATC’s own were honored by NAHB. Both Al and Mike earned the Senior Life Director designation by reaching twenty years of participation in NAHB board meetings. Chris was elected Life Director for participating in ten years of NAHB board meetings. AL TEWINKEL

“Al, Mike and Chris really demonstrate an incredible commitment to our industry,” said David Siegel, BATC’s Executive Director. “Their continued participation at the local, state and national level is inspiring.” Al is a BATC Emeritus member and with On the Green; Mike owns Remodeling Consultants, Inc. and Chris owns On the Level Inc.

“Due to the continued contraction of the new home construction market we have decided to combine our Plymouth yards to increase operational efficiencies and improve customer service,” said Steve Hedberg, founder and president of Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies. “Plymouth is the only location we have a split campus. We see bringing the city desk and operations for all our product lines MIKE MCCALVY together in Plymouth as a positive thing for our customers and staff.” The combined contractor city desk will open at 1135 Nathan Lane N. on April 4, 2011. Until then, masonry customers may continue to pick up products at the 975 Nathan Lane location. CHRIS THOMPSON

ON THE MOVE Freier Electric and Heating expands to Lake City With locations in Ellsworth and Hudson WI, Freier has recently expanded to Lake City, Minnesota. The new location is at 120 S. Lakeshore Drive, and they’re open Monday through Friday from 10am to 5pm and on Saturday by appointment by calling 1-800-370-6545. Visit them online for more info and a map at www.freiers.com.

Martha O’Hara Interiors moves studio and showroom Due to the unprecedented growth of the firm, Martha O’Hara Interiors is moving their design studio and showroom. The new location will be at 9950 Wayzata Boulevard in Minneapolis, and will allow the previously separate showroom and design studio to reside under one roof. The new space will be open for business June 1, 2011.

Visit Hedberg online at www.hedberglandscape.com.

Bowman and Brooke LLP Open Office in Dallas Bowman and Brooke has announced their expansion into Texas. The new product liability and commercial litigation practice opened at the beginning of February. The new office joins eight others including their central office in Minneapolis. You can contact them online at bowmanandbrooke.com.

NEW PEOPLE & PROMOTIONS Lyman welcomes two new hires and announces promotion Lyman Roofing and Siding, a division of Lyman Lumber, is pleased to announce the recent new hire of Dan Conkey. Dan comes to LRS with years of experience and a vast knowledge of roofing and siding. Dan enjoys RV’ing, riding his Harley, and chasing his three kids. Patrick Noonan joined Lyman Lumber as an Account Coordinator in December. He is originally from Paynesville where he grew up working in the industry as a carpenter and cement worker. He graduated last year with a Construction Management degree from the University of >>MEMBER NEWS, CONTINUED TO PAGE 60

Visit them online at www.oharainteriors.com. 58

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Check out the blog at www.batcpls.org | WWW.BATC.ORG

Jim@LakeShorePlus.com - LakeShorePlus.com >>LEGAL NEWS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36 ing minutes of those meetings, and maintaining sufficient capitalization for the company’s business undertakings. Siphoning of funds by dominant shareholders, non-payment of dividends and non-functioning of other corporate officers and directors are also hallmarks of a company run as an individual’s alter ego. If a number of these factors exist and there is an element of injustice or unfairness in allowing an individual to hide behind a corporation, then a court may pierce the corporate veil and hold individual officers or shareholders personally liable. Civil Theft of Payment Proceeds In Minnesota, unpaid subcontractors may generally initiate a civil claim for theft directly against an owner or officer of a corporation “who is not responsible for the theft but who knowingly receives proceeds of the payment as salary, dividend, loan repayment, capital distribution, or otherwise.” Thus, when a general contractor is paid for work performed by a

subcontractor, but distributes the proceeds of that payment to shareholders or officers of the general contracting company, a subcontractor may sue both the general contractor’s company and the owner and officers of the company and recover not only the payment owed, but the costs and attorney’s fees associated with pursuing the litigation. This is only available if the unpaid party provided an “improvement to residential real estate.” However, courts have liberally interpreted this remedy and recovery may be obtained against owners and officers even if they have not been criminally convicted and without the need of proving theft occurred by the higher criminal standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Personal Guaranties Avoid signing personal guaranties. Offer corporate guaranties from a subsidiary or other entity related to the borrower. Alternatively, provide additional collateral. If signing a personal guaranty is necessary, then try negotiating one or more of the

WWW.BATC.ORG | Check out the blog at www.batcpls.org

following: (A) a specific dollar limitation on the maximum amount guaranteed; (B) a dollar-for-dollar reduction off the maximum guaranteed amount for each dollar paid back on the underlying loan; (C) a guaranteed amount that never exceeds your pro rata share of ownership in the borrowing entity; and (D) a requirement that the lender first exhaust collection efforts against the borrower and collateral before initiating any enforcement action against you. Conclusion Operating a business in a competitive industry is difficult enough. But when profits disappear because your company is a defendant in a lawsuit, the only way it gets worse is if you, personally, are a codefendant. The threat of personal liability is real and should not be taken lightly— even if you have proactively taken the steps to mitigate your exposure to risk. If litigation arises, retain competent legal counsel to represent you.

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additions to the dynamic Martha O’Hara Interiors design team.

Minnesota Mankato. He enjoys fishing, hunting and sports. Brian Schelling was recently promoted to outside sales for Lyman Lumber Company. He is originally from Sioux Center, Iowa where his family owned a lumberyard and construction company. He moved to the big city to attend college at Northwestern College where he earned a Business Management degree. He started with Lyman during college in 2000 and has moved up the ranks from Account Coordinator to Structural Design Coordinator and now on to sales! He is married and enjoys fishing and remodeling his home. Visit them all online at www.lymanlumber.com.

PATRICK NOONAN

BRIAN SCHELLING

It's with great pleasure and excitement that Lampert Yards announces that Scott Rhein has joined the Sales Team in Apple Valley. Scott was with CH Carpenter Lumber for 27 years and, according to General Manager Bill Jensen “he'll be a great addition to an already talented and productive Sales Team.” “We've been ramping up and making the necessary improvements in the delivery, yard and warehouse areas over the last few months.” Bill said. “So, with the addition of Scott, we're ready to provide better-than-ever customer service and product quality to our current customers while also welcoming some new builders and remodelers into our mix.” You can welcome Scott at his new email, Scott.Rhein@LampertYards.com, and visit them online at www.lampertyards.com.

Freier Electric welcomes Steve Wooding Along with their move to Lake City, Freier Electric has hired Steve Wooding to help serve the customers of that area. Steve has 25 years of heating, ventilation and air conditioning experience and most recently owned D & S Heating in Lake City. His expertise is in sales, installation and service.

STEVE "Joining Freier's will enable me to focus more on what I WOODING love--heating and cooling-- but also enable me to use my skills in alternative energies like geothermal, solar electric and solar hot water. We offer everything D & S did, and more," said Steve. Visit them online at www.freiers.com.

Martha O’Hara Interiors hires three designers Martha O’Hara Interiors (MOI) is excited to announce its recent hire of two Design Associates, Kelsy Hanson and Tani Nielsen. Kelsy comes to MOI from Knight Construction and Design where she served the design industry after graduating from KELSY & TANI Collins College School of Design & Technology. Tani joins MOI from Gabberts with a degree in design from Stout University. Natives of the Twin Cities, Kelsy and Tani are energizing BUILDERS’ DIGEST

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Check them out online at www.oharainteriors.com.

Industrial Door Promotion and Representative

Lampert Yards Welcome Scott Rhein

In addition, Elizabeth Marx rejoins the MOI team as an Interior Designer. Well-known throughout the Twin Cities, Elizabeth will put her extensive building experience to use on both new construction and furnishing projects.

Company Announces New National Sales

Industrial Door Company has promoted Jenny Johnson to Corporate Sales and Marketing Manager, and Dane Van Hulzen has joined the firm as National Sales Representative for the Industrial Spring Company division. Jenny came to Industrial Door Corporation with a 15-plus year history in the building trades industry. She’s been with Industrial Door for two years and has worked as a Sales Representative, Division Sales Manager and has recently taken on the role of Corporate Sales and Marketing Manager. Jenny will operate out of their corporate office in Minneapolis. Dane Van Hulzen has joined the company’s Industrial Spring Company division and has eight-plus years in account management. Dane also has seven years of construction experience as well. Dane will be based out of the Minneapolis location. Visit them online at www.idcdoors.com.

Bowman and Brooke Announce New Partners Two new partners have been named to the Minneapolis office of Bowman and Brooke LLC, Barry J. Koopman and Mary T. Novacheck. Barry and Mary join Jeffrey Warren (Phoenix) and Anne Hanna (San Jose) as the newest partners at the firm. You can visit them online at www. bowmanandbrooke.com.

Westwood Professional Services Welcomes New Staff Westwood has announced three new hires to their Minneapolis offices. Hart Gilchrist has joined the firm as the GIS Manager. Hart received a BA in Biology from Macalester College and a Masters in Software Design from the University of St. Thomas. He brings to Westwood more than 14 years working in GIS and AutoCAD, database management, and software programming skills. In his new role, Hart will be managing GIS services and working to develop and operate data-driven management and dissemination systems for projects and clients. Electrical engineer, Lucius Jonett has joined the firm’s national solar energy group. Lucius will be providing electrical engineering, photovoltaic system design, and utility interconnection coordination to Westwood’s commercial- and utility-scale solar clients. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and will receive his Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in May of 2011. Check out the blog at www.batcpls.org | WWW.BATC.ORG

Additionally, David Keleher has joined Westwood as a Graduate Engineer. David will be working in the wind engineering group providing civil design services for clients on projects across the U.S. He has a BS in Civil Engineering from Michigan Tech.

CONGRATULATIONS — BABIES, WEDDINGS AND MORE... Congratulations to Robert Warner, VP/Operations Director of Warners' Stellian. Robert and his wife, Colette, welcomed a beautiful baby girl on January 25. Maria Colette Warner is the 47th third-generation Warner born and the sixth to Robert and Colette. Congratulations also to John Kraemer and his wife Lauren. Mallory Jean Kraemer was born on January 26, weighing in at 8 lbs 4 oz. Grandpa Gary Kraemer is thrilled, and announced, “she is perfect in every way!” We also want to congratulate Brianne Bauer and her husband Joe on their precious, and obviously saucy, bundle of joy. Joseph William Bauer arrived last August 18th. Brianne, formerly with Midwest Home Magazine, is now with Cambria.

MALLORY KRAEMER

JOSEPH BAUER

Staying Connected with Member News

This is the place to learn about what's happening in the lives of BATC members. We feature awards, births, marriages, condolences, promotions, new hires, and all sorts of other milestones. So, remember to send all your important news to wendy@batc.org.

CONDOLENCES Our deepest sympathy to the family of John Byron who passed away on December 28th at the age of 80. John was a partner with Fredrickson and Byron until his retirement in 1996. He will be greatly missed. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family of Duane Dietrich who died suddenly on January 29th in Mesa, Arizona. Duane was president of the Minneapolis Builders Association in 1973 and a longtime BATC member. He built nearly 7,000 homes during his 50-year career, including apartments, townhomes for seniors and low-income residents, plus single-family homes of all price ranges. He was also a land developer. Many BATC members will remember Duane as owner of Homes by Registry, and he most recently ran Taurus Properties which closed in 2008.

member connecting our members

For complete schedule of events check out

www.batc.org WWW.BATC.ORG | Check out the blog at www.batcpls.org

Finish Carpentry Millwork Cabinetry

Exterior Doors Windows

Prefinish Hardware Design Studio

Product/Service Description: Convenient one Call 100% delivery & install simplifies the process & keeps you on schedule. Our experienced & professional team, along with state of the art millwork & prefinish equipment, allow for a quality experience from start to finish. Visit our web sites for additional photos, equipment capabilities & more information. 13925 Fenway Blvd. N. Hugo, MN 55038 office 651-407-1618 www.finishcarpenters.com www.schwietersmillwork.com

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report

Spike Report In building a strong Association, Spikes are priceless. A Spike is a member who works to recruit new members, get members involved and retains members. Here’s how to start: You must earn six credits within two consecutive membership years. You receive one Spike credit for each new member you recruit and an additional half credit when that new member renews on or before their anniversary date. You must earn two credits per year until you reach 25 credits to become a Life Spike. 12/10/10

SUPER SPIKES 250+ MEMBERS On The Green-Emeritus Member of BATC, Al TeWinkel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 605 Emeritus Member of BATC, Duane Meyer. . . . . . . . 504 Pratt Homes, Lowell Pratt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387 JMS Custom Homes, LLC, Jeff Schoenwetter. . . . . 339 Marlin Grant Homes, Marlin Grant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307 Emeritus Member of BATC, Jim Carlson . . . . . . . . . 294 JJS Associates, Inc., Jan Berg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290 Cundy, Santine & Associates Architects, George Cundy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273 Pratt Homes, Len Pratt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273 Trilite Stone Company, Jerry Peterson . . . . . . . . . . . 266 Thompson Plumbing Corp., Keith Gause . . . . . . . . . 264 Oakcrest Building Products, Tony Koval . . . . . . . . . . 251

ROYAL SPIKES 150-249 MEMBERS Plekkenpol Builders, Craig Plekkenpol . . . . . . . . . . . 234 On the Level Inc., Chris Thompson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229 Jefferson Homes, Kent Jefferson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227 Builders Insurance Services, Jim Lynum . . . . . . . . . . 224 Lyman Lumber Co., John Waldron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224 Gorham Builders, Inc., Michael Gorham . . . . . . . . . . 217 Lyman Lumber Co., Dale Carlson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213 Swanson Homes, Curt Swanson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212 The Builders Choice/A Fullerton Company, Jon Coty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209 Emeritus Member of BATC, Betty Hardle. . . . . . . . . 196 Remodeling Consultants, Inc., Emeritus Member of BATC, Mike McCalvy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187 C.N. Ostrom & Son, Inc., Curt Ostrom . . . . . . . . . . . 183 Lund Builders, Inc.-Emeritus Member of BATC, Roy Lund. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169 Ken Reinhardt Construction Co., Ken Reinhardt. . . 169 Kathy Trimble Custom Homes, Inc., Kathy Trimble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156 Passage Design Build LLC, Kevin Kamerud. . . . . . . . 153

RED SPIKES 100-149 MEMBERS New Spaces, Doug Nelson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130 Harkraft, Inc., Warren Eck. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 The Pemtom Land Company, Daniel Herbst . . . . . . 124 L. Cramer Designers & Builders, Larry Cramer . . . . . 122 National Home Security, Inc., Rick Echternacht. . . . 119 Peterson, Peterson & Associates, Inc., Carl Peterson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 Commers The Water Company, John Commers . . . 115 L.A. Laukka Development Co., Larry Laukka. . . . . . . 110 Hans Hagen Homes, Inc., Hans Hagen . . . . . . . . . . . 105 62

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Xcel Energy, MN Gas Business Development, Becky Harasyn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

GREEN SPIKES 50-99 MEMBERS Woodland, O’Brien & Associates, Keith O’Brien . . . 99 Brunn Remodeling, Inc., Wayne Brunn. . . . . . . . . . . . 94 BSH Home Appliance Corporation, Bruce Ellenson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Heritage Minnesota LLC, Monte Mraz . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 C.N. Ostrom & Son, Inc., Kathe Ostrom . . . . . . . . . . 89 J. Rohs Homes, Inc., Jon Rohs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 J.J. Vanderson & Co., John Vandermyde . . . . . . . . . . 89 Rudy Wicklander Homes, Inc., Rudy Wicklander. . . 89 Katherine Taylor’s Homes, Inc., Kathy Taylor . . . . . . . 87 RBC Tile & Stone, Jan Voigt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Lyman Lumber Co., Tim Liester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Charles Cudd DeNovo, LLC, Charles Cudd . . . . . . . . 86 TJB Homes, Inc., Tom Budzynski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Bob Michels Construction, Inc., Bob Michels . . . . . . . 79 Hartman Communities LLC, Terry Hartman. . . . . . . . 79 Hanson Builders, Inc., Dean Hanson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Trilite Stone Company, Len Przybylski. . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 North American Realty, Inc., Frank Kottschade . . . . 76 Sussel Corporation, Alf Wiik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 The Builders Club, Bob Cremers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Glowing Hearth & Home, Pattie Martin. . . . . . . . . . . 70 Shamrock Builders, Inc., Jim Stanton . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Builders Insurance Group, Inc., Bob Froiland . . . . . . 67 Tilsenbilt Homes LLC, Jim Tilsen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Innovative Surfaces, Inc., Kellie Akins . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Marvin Windows & Doors, John Taylor . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Tilsenbilt Homes LLC, Bob Tilsen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 New Spaces , Shawn Nelson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 R.A. Kot Homes, Rick Kot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

LIFE SPIKES 25-49 MEMBERS Werner Electric Supply, Tera Snyder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Stony Lake Properties, Inc., John Ordway . . . . . . . . . 47 Cardinal Homebuilders Inc., Tom Wiener. . . . . . . . . . 47 Hansen, Jergensen, Nergaard & Co., Dick Jergensen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Automatic Door & Fireplaces, Bob Bennett . . . . . . . 46 All Aspects Construction, Dwight Deisting . . . . . . . . 46 Main Street Builders, LLC, Mark Sova . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Senior Housing Partners, Pamela Belz . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Relocation Team Worldwide, Sue Marshall . . . . . . . . 43 Custom One Homes, Mike Rygh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Awad & Koontz Architects Builders Inc., Ali Awad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 MPLS. ST. PAUL Magazine, Jayne Carey-Peterson. . 42 Pratt Homes, Cal Anderson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Hansen Hometech, Inc., Doug Hansen. . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Conhaim Associates, Inc., Roger Conhaim. . . . . . . . . 38 Lampert Yards, Pat Hegseth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Kyle Hunt & Partners Incorporated, Kyle Hunt . . . . . 35

Nesbit Agencies, Inc., Cary Shaich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 M|A| Peterson Designbuild, Inc., Mark Peterson. . . . 33 Automated Building Components - Kitchen Division, Bill Bye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 And More by Kori, Kori Meewes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 John Kraemer & Sons, Inc., Gary Kraemer . . . . . . . . . 31 TimberCraft Remodeling, Peter Murlowski. . . . . . . . . 29 Bolin Marketing and Advertising, Jack Silverman . . . 29 Kate-Lo Tile & Stone, Sandy Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Accent Homes, Inc., Bud Dropps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Kruger Financial Services, Kevin Kruger . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Midwest Home Magazine, Julie Krahn. . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Coffman Development Company, Bill Coffman. . . . . 25 Hayfield Window & Door. Co., Inc., Fran Otto . . . . . 25

SPIKES 6-24 MEMBERS Jim Stokes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Pillar Homes Partner Inc., K.C. Chermak. . . . . . . . . . . 22 Ratzlaff Homes, Inc., Colleen Ratzlaff LaBeau . . . . . . 21 Advent Construction Co., Inc., George Rossez . . . . . . 21 Home Buyers Warranty, Elizabeth Kost . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Advisors Mortgage, Gail Vinje . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Lecy Bros. Homes & Remodeling, Ruth Lecy . . . . . . . 18 Streeter & Associates, Inc., Don Streeter . . . . . . . . . . 18 Pella Windows & Doors -Twin Cities, Todd Krafty. . . 18 Ron Clark Construction, Sarah Evans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Gerold Bros. Construction, Inc., David Gerold . . . . . . 17 C & D Granite, Inc., Curt Steil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 The Builders Group, Jimmy Zugschwert . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Ryan Homes, Inc., Thomas Ryan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Roof Depot, Inc., Dan Conkey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Ron Clark Construction, Ron Clark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Bacchus Homes, Inc., Randy Bacchus . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Corporate 4 Insurance, Michael Hoppe . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 New Home Sales Coach, LLC, Rick Storlie . . . . . . . . . 12 Semler Construction, Inc., Pete Semler. . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Authentic Construction Co., Inc., Jim Lambeth. . . . . . 11 D.W. Lutterman, Inc., Dean Lutterman. . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Mega Homes Inc, Meg Dehn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Lee Lyn Construction, L.L.C., Curt Christensen . . . . . 10 Marshall & Koopman REAL ESTATE, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Constance Koopman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Bruggeman Homes, Paul Bruggeman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Jerry’s Floor Store, Heather Cullen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Kerry & Co., Kerry Mulcrone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Aulik & Associates Inc., Gary Aulik. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 McNulty Construction, Co., James McNulty . . . . . . . . . 7 Flynn Construction, Bob Flynn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Structural Dimensions, Inc. , Ron Zach . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 SPIRE Credit Union, Todd Barduson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Check out the blog at www.batcpls.org | WWW.BATC.ORG

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APRIL-MAY-JUNE 2011 |

BUILDERS’ DIGEST

Today, tomorrow & year after year, Synergy Products will work with you to create a successful completion to all of your building needs. CABINETRY

Proud Member of the

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Synergy Products, based in St. Louis Park; our people represent over 100+ years in the building products industry. We’ve worked for the big companies and big names; knowing that success is not about how big you are or how many ads you run. It is about how well you perform, the quality of your products, the level of service before AND after the sale. Synergy Products is focused on not trying to be everything to everybody. This mindset insures that our customer’s expectations are exceeded and our performance in making every sale a success is unmatched.

ST. LOUIS PARK, MN OFFICE & SHOWROOM 7003 W Lake St. Suite 300 • St. Louis Park, MN 55426 Phone: 952-224-2202 • Fax: 952-224-2203

ROCHESTER, MN OFFICE & SHOWROOM 1115 7th Street NW • Rochester, MN 55901 Phone: 507-288-0712 • Fax: 507-289-0832

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