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Home Improvement

And the Nominees Are…..

February 13, 2012 by Doug

I’ve never been a big fan of the Grammy Awards.  (Don’t get me wrong; I enjoy the artists, but dislike the process.)  From the red carpet, to the lame interviews, the entire process has always seemed terribly overdone.  You don’t have to look any further than the 1990 Best New Artist Award.  Milli Vanilli, with huge sales numbers, completely bamboozled the recording academy when they later admitted that they hadn’t sang a note in any of their recordings.

The home improvement industry, unfortuantely, is similar to the recording academy.  However, we don’t need more fluff, more fake, or more silicone.  We need realism, return on investment ideas with much less fanfare, and a whole lot more, “roll up the sleeves, this is how we get it done,” gritty attitude.  Therefore, I am proud to introduce to you the Larson Family of Companies’ nominees for 2012.

Product of the Year:  While its older brother, ABC Seamless Siding, typically gets all of the glory, the fanfare, and the beautiful before and after pictures, the real blue collar worker that protects and comforts home owners of all income brackets, is ABC Seamless Gutters and Downspouts.  This hardworking product, in the beautiful fascia gutter design system, can accommodate 30% more rainwater than the closest competition. 

Best New Poduct:  OK, well not really new, but our latest addition to our product line is the Gerard Metal Roof.  This is not your typical pole barn type sheeting, but an effective 26 gauge, stone coated roofing product that is guaranteed to withstand 120 mph wind and 2.5″ hail.  A Gerard Metal Roof System will truly be the last roof you install.

Best Solo Performance:  THV Compozit Windows.  Whether a single opening, or a house full, these rugged, built to last windows, will bring years of effieciency and beauty to you and your family.  Almost 214% stronger than standard vinyl windows, a THV Compozit Window is good for you, good for your home, and good for the environment.

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Meet the difference makers……Jon Skoog

January 25, 2012 by Doug

Long before this Difference Maker’s time, a Saturday morning cartoon captured the hearts of young and old combined.  The Mystery Machine helped transport the likes of Velma, Daphne, and Fred into the heart and soul of any youngster all across America. The remaining two characters, however, are still, to this day, my favorites.  Shaggy, and his close friend, Scooby-Doo were the ultimate carefree teenager and his ever loving dog.  Shaggy could, and would eat anything.  Cheese pizza with pickles, by far was his favorite, and one could always count on Shaggy to help save the day with his canine counterpart, and a loud cry of, “Zoinks!”

Today’s Difference Maker, Jon Skoog, probably doesn’t see the similarities between Shaggy and himself.  Those that know Jon, however, would realize he and Shaggy have many attributes in common.  Jon will consume anything.  Any treat, food, or resemblace there of, at the office, has a shelf live of less than thirty seconds when he enters the room.  Shaggy had Scooby-Doo; Jon has Jax.  Jax is not a Great Dane, but he definately shares Scooby’s love for life.  Shaggy had that, “I’ll try anything” attitude, and Jon is equally confident about whatever task he is thrown into.  Just like Shaggy, everyone likes Jon.  If you have ever had the opportunity to meet Jon, you will know what I am talking about.  He has the gift of a magnetic personality.  It is hard not to like him….he has a personality that makes him fun to be around.

Jon oversees our ABC Seamless Gutter division.  He has a very strong work ethic, is a dedicated employee that prides himself on customer service.  (Last year alone, he installed almost 20,000 feet of seamless gutter!!)  Jon resides in Hutchinson with his wife Sarah.  In his spare time you will find him looking for deals on Craig’s List.  Jon and Sarah have two wonderful dogs, Zoe and Jax bring many hours of happiness to both of them.

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Meet the Difference Makers…..Jon Farrell

January 9, 2012 by Doug

At the intersection of US Highways 2 and 59, nestled in between the communities of McIntosh and Mentor, is a small town in northwest Minnesota.  Erskine, in the heart of Polk County, has a population less than 500, and I am very confident that many of you have never heard of this tiny village.  I was introduced to this little burg in August of 1998, when a young gentlemen, with a goal of becoming a carpenter, walked into my life, and claimed Erskine as his hometown.

There was something about the “kid” that I appreciated and enjoyed.  Maybe it was his bubbly personality, or perhaps his innocent confidence that reflected his desire to find a home in this industry.  Whatever it was, almost 14 years later, Jon Farrell has become one of the most important assets our organization has.  Jon possesses a rare talent that is seldom seen in our field of work; he has the ability to combine the skills of a true craftsman, with the charisma of a well liked politician.

Jon tends to oversee some of our larger, high profile, projects.  One of the latest examples of his handiwork is Buffalo Wild Wings in Hutchinson.  Deadlines, Sub Contractors, and Mother Nature will either be his best friend, or his worst enemy, but he approaches each and every challenge as a true professional.  Jon is a leader in all facets of his work; we are very proud of all of our employees and are blessed to have such a dedicated person as Jon.

Jon resides in Hutchinson with his wife Jill, and two young children.  When not spending time with his family, you will find Jon outside, as he is an avid outdoors man.

Categories: Home Improvement, Meet the Difference Makers | Tags: , ,

Cen-trif-u-gal

December 22, 2011 by Doug

Eighth grade science class was not the highlight of my educational experience.  I’m sure that I could blame it on a hormonal imbalance, but the fact of the matter simply was, I did not enjoy the process.  Class, to me was boring, and lab, well, it was as “entertaining” as a group of middle school boys could make it.  I do, however, remember the discussion on centrifugal force, but little did I know the impact that science term would have on my world.

For those of you like me in the 8th grade, and ignorant to such terms.  A centrifugal force is the movement of, or being directed outward.  As opposed to a centripetal force, which is a movement towards the center.  Two very similar words, with completely opposite meanings.

As we close out another year at the Larson Family of Companies, 2011 is a classic example of both forces acting together to help us achieve another successful year of true customer service.  Outwardly (centrifugally speaking); what you see on the surface are the Larson employees helping hundreds of our customers recover from a devastating July windstorm.  Having been in business in Hutchinson since 1967, the number of previous customers impacted by mother nature’s fury was significant, and at times overwhelming.  Inwardly (centripetal); what you did not see on the surface, was a team of professionals bound together by a common goal…..a commitment to our friends, neighbors, and even relatives to help right their world as quickly as we could.  The task was overwhelming, and at times seemed terminal.  However, those forces from 8th grade science kept us going, and kept us going in the right directions.

A journey of 10,000 miles starts with one step, and that is exactly how our team responded; one step at a time.  As the month of December winds to a close, it is time to say thank you.  Thank you to our customers, our employees, their families and the unlimited amount of sacrifice that they gave, and lastly to Mrs. Elwood, that middle school science teacher who had no idea the impact of a simple science experiment and the affect it would have on a young, naive, Iowa farm boy.

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Meet the Difference Makers…..Keith Larson

December 19, 2011 by Doug

It has been said that, Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.  Our industry is filled with companies, suppliers, and craftsmen that claim they, their product, or their workmanship is perfect.  They are boldly stating, that they are without fault, when in fact those words typically are the farthest thing from the final product.

Everyone at the Larson Family of Companies realizes that we are not perfect…but we always have the goal of perfection as the compass that directs us on a daily journey.  This week, I am proud to introduce to you a Difference Maker whose workmanship is a close to perfection as it can get.  Keith Larson has been employed with Richard Larson Builders since 1983.

Keith installs windows for our organization.  A more detailed, task oriented person you will not find.  Every process is a time consuming commitment to perfection, and dedication to customer service.  We continually hear comments from Keith’s customers regarding his devotion to their project and his attention to making sure that he exceeds the customer’s expectations.  As one customer once said, “You will never find Keith doing a project, good enough!”

Keith and his wife Jamee reside in Hutchinson.  Their two children keep them very busy with activities.  Keith enjoys time with his family, and is an avid runner.

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