Remodelers Council Member Spotlight with Gary Barnum

Job Description: I handle all outside sales. I also manage all of our crew’s fieldwork and stay on top of new ideas, products and techniques in the hardwood industry.

 

Gary Barnum of Barnum Floors

Q. Where is your hometown?

A. I was born in rural Callender, IA, but we moved to Nisswa in northern Minnesota and lived there until high school. I consider Nisswa my hometown.

Q. Family?

A. I have a 23 year old daughter, Madison who attends U of I. She is working in our shop this summer. My significant other of 9 years is Sandy Fulton. I am surrounded by immediate family here in the Des Moines area. I work hand-in-hand with my sister, Kathy Barnum and my father Al Barnum, prior to his death
in December.

Q. What do you enjoy doing when not working?

A. Boating in the Ozarks, Motorcycling, Snow Skiing, Snowmobiling & Travel.

Q. First job?

A. At age 10, I caught and then rented turtles to tourists for the weekly Turtle Races in Nisswa

Q. If you could learn any skill?

A. I would love to be able to speak multiple languages.

Q. Favorite Quote?

A. My father always said this and I believe it to be true: “Behold
the turtle; he makes progress only when he sticks his neck out”

Q. One modern convenience you would not want to live without?

A. Airplane

Q. Favorite place to entertain clients or friends?

A. Nick’s on 100th in Clive

Q. Favorite super hero?

A. Underdog

Q. Favorite creative outlet or hobby?

A. Pool league, golf, volleyball & our annual Hallo-palooza Halloween Party

Q. What aspect of the remodeling industry do you enjoy the most?

A. Bringing new technologies, passion & design to wood flooring in customer’s homes.

Q. What would you do if you were not in the remodeling industry?

A. Working in the mountains; skiing and snowmobiling.

Q. How many years have you been a member of the Remodelers Council?

A. Not sure, maybe you can tell me???

Q. Why membership in the Remodelers Council is important to you?

A. I think it is critical for people with common professions to have a way to gather together to
bounce off ideas and discuss challenges.

 

Remodelers Council Partners with Rebuilding Together for 2014 Rebuilding Day

JOHNSTON, Iowa, May 5th, 2014 – The Remodelers Council of Greater Des Moines kicked off National Home Remodeling Month by partnering with Rebuilding Together Greater Des Moines for a day long project in Urbandale in conjunction with the local not-for-profit’s annual National Rebuilding Day campaign.

 

 

The Remodelers Council of Greater Des Moines and Rebuilding Together Des Moines joined forces during National Rebuilding Day to make repairs at the home of a former roofer and U.S. military veteran paralyzed from the neck down in 2011 construction accident.

Blair Legg, a disabled homeowner and U.S. military veteran who was paralyzed from the neck down in an April 2011 roofing accident, is among 30 Des Moines-metro area owners who will welcome more than 700 volunteers into their homes to make improvements and repairs during this year’s Rebuilding Day on Saturday, May 3.

 

The Remodelers Council is teaming up with Rebuilding Together in support of the organization’s mission to provide home repair services to elderly or disabled low-income homeowners. Legg, who worked for many years as a roofer with the same company, spent 12 months following the one-the-job accident undergoing rehabilitation at a Veteran’s Administration hospital in Minneapolis before returning to the northwest side of Greater Des Moines in the spring of 2012.

 

The more than 100-year-old single-family home in which Legg and his wife Becky reside is in need of minor to moderate improvements, including lighting and electrical work, refurbishment of the kitchen floor coverings and basement stairs, the installation of new paint and drywall, yard maintenance and general household repairs. The Remodelers Council is expecting approximately 25 volunteers and their families to participate in the event, and is in the process of filling remaining openings for volunteers needed between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.on the first Saturday in May.

 

“The Remodelers Council of Greater Des Moines is excited to partner again with Rebuilding Together on a project that allows our members and their families to join with others in the community to meet real needs in local neighborhoods,” said Rory Robson, chairman of the Remodelers Council’s Community Service Committee. “What a tremendous opportunity to sharpen our saws for a good cause and in support of 30 local homeowners, including a former roofer and military veteran residing in our own backyard.”

 

Rebuilding Together is supported entirely by contributions of materials and labor, as well as monetary donations with all proceeds going to repairing homes of those who due to financial hardship, their age, or a disability cannot complete the work themselves. The Remodelers Council, which represents the voice of the local remodeling through its affiliation with the Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines and National Association of Home Builders, is committed to supporting local volunteer service projects focused on the betterment of the communities it serves. The Westover Boulevard project is being funded in part by financial contributions by Polk County, Iowa.

 

Legg was in the Unites States Air Force for three years and served in Vietnam prior to being honorably discharged in 1976. He and Becky moved to Des Moines and settled in the Merle Hay Neighborhood after a fire in 1994 destroyed a house that the couple had had purchased following Legg’s tour of duty.

 

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About Remodelers Council of Greater Des Moines

The Remodelers Council of Greater Des Moines is an association of remodeling contractors, specialty trade contractors, and building material suppliers dedicated to maintaining the highest standard of professionalism, quality construction and customer satisfaction. Our members adhere to a strict code of ethics and participate year-round in networking, educational and community events through trusted affiliations with the National Association of Home Builders, Home Builders Association of Iowa, and the Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines.

 

About Rebuilding Together Greater Des Moines

Since its first Rebuilding Day in 1995, Rebuilding Together Greater Des Moines has repaired or rehabilitated over 1,750 houses and non-profit facilities in Greater Des Moines. Through the efforts of approximately 180,000 volunteer hours, over $8 million has been added to the market value of Des Moines homes and neighborhoods. Rebuilding Together Greater Des Moines is an affiliate of Rebuilding Together, the nation’s largest nonprofit organization whose mission is to revitalize houses of low-income homeowners and families, particularly those who are elderly, disabled and military veterans. For more information, please visit www.rebuildingdm.org.

 

Written by Todd Razor of Three Razor Media

Remodelers Council Member Spotlight with Marie Herrick

 

Name:  Marie Herrick of Modern Touches

Marie Herrick

 

Job description: As co-owner, I lead marketing strategy for Modern Touches, and interior design for our client’s home remodels and custom homes.

 

1. Where is your hometown?

a. Bondurant

2. Family?

a. I am married to Lucas Herrick (the chef), and I have 2 loving (wild and crazy) weimaraners Ash and Clay.

3. What do you enjoy doing when not working?

a. I enjoy being outdoors walking, golfing with Lucas, biking, and playing with Ash and Clay. I also enjoy hot yoga, and trying new foods/ restaurants.

4. First job?

a. Hy-Vee grocery

5. If you could learn any skill?

a. I would enjoy being a lead photographer for a one of the major magazines in fashion (i.e. Vogue) or nature (National Geographic) as I enjoy travel and alternate ways to express artistic creativity.

6. Favorite Quote?

a. “Risks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.” – Leo Buscaglia

7. One modern convenience you would not want to live without?

a. A coffee machine!

8. Favorite place to entertain clients or friends?

a. My home.

9. Favorite super hero?

a. Batman

10. What aspect of the remodeling industry do you enjoy the most?

a. I personally enjoy having the opportunity to learn about each of my clients one on one. Each project is like beginning with a blank canvas, and it is truly satisfying to have the ability work with my clients expressing creativity through various products implementing elements of design and enhancing functionality within space.

11. What would you do if you weren’t in the remodeling industry?

a. This would be a difficult decision as I enjoy the design and fine details that are critical and strategic within the remodeling industry. However, I would enjoy alternate leading roles in photography, brand / product development, or owning a gallery with original art pieces of various mediums.

12. How many years have you been a member of the Remodelers Council?

a. 3 years

13. Why membership in the Remodelers Council is important to you?

a. I respect the Remodelers Council holding businesses accountable to provide excellent service and / or quality workmanship to clients they serve. In addition, I am honored to be a part of a group to learn different perspectives from other professionals within the same industry.

 

Remodelers Council Member Spotlight with Ben Trannel

 

Ben Trannel of Red House Remodeling

Name:   Ben Trannel, Owner- Red House Remodeling

 

Job description: It is really hard to describe my job.  I handle sales and project management in our business (with a lot of help from others) along with all the other fun things that come along with business ownership.

 

1. Where is your hometown?
   1. I grew up in the Dubuque area.
2. Family?
   1. My wife (also my best friend & business partner) Stephanie and I have been married for nearly 19 years and we have 3 children:  Luke (10), Ella (10) and Noah (8).
3. What do you enjoy doing when not working?
   1. I enjoy playing golf, most outdoor activities especially hunting and camping, riding my Harley, spending time with friends and family and attending & coaching my kids sporting activities.  I am also an avid Chicago Cubs, Bears and Bulls fan!
4. First job?
   1. My first job was as a stock-boy at a liquor store at the age of 15.  I learned a lot of things there, some good, some not so good, but I will say that my interest in owning my own business definitely grew from this experience.
5. If you could learn any skill?
   1. I’ve always wished I had learned to play the drums.
6. Favorite Quote?
   1. “When you do the common things in life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world” …wise words from George Washington Carver that remind me to keep things simple and do things the right way every hour of every day.
7. One modern convenience you would not want to live without?
   1. Definitely the cell phone.  It is unimaginable to me to do what we do as construction professionals without the instant ability to communicate with employees, clients, suppliers, etc.
8. Favorite place to entertain clients or friends?
   1. There’s no place better than a backyard barbeque with some good weather, great food and a few adult beveragesJ
9. Favorite super hero?
   1. I’ve never been much into super heroes, but would have to go with Michael Jordan.  Anyone who remembers him playing the game of basketball will understand why I put him in this category.  I had the chance to attend his basketball camp when in high school and also felt he was a very genuine person.
10. What aspect of the remodeling industry do you enjoy the most?
    1. I enjoy helping and seeing clients achieve their remodeling dreams.  I firmly believe that anyone who owns a home has plans and dreams for remodeling…some small…some large.  When a homeowner makes the commitment to do so, it is really fun to be a part of the process.
11. What would you do if you weren’t in the remodeling industry?
    1. I would probably be a hand model.  Many people do not know that my hands were once featured on the Oprah Winfrey showJ
12. How many years have you been a member of the Remodelers Council?
    1. 5
13. Why membership in the Remodelers Council is important to you?
    1. The Remodelers Council is THE reason that we belong to the HBA.  The educational opportunities we receive as a part of the council are invaluable.  Even more beneficial are the friendships and relationships I’ve formed with others.  I love how we help each other out despite sometimes competing with one another.

 

Remodelers Council Member Spotlight with Deb Burr

Remodelers Council Member Spotlight

Name:  Deb Burr

Job description:  I am a Showroom Sales Consultant at Plumb Supply Company in Waukee.  I’ve been with the company for about 7 years now.  I assist our clients with the selection of the plumbing fixtures for their new home or remodeling project.  Most days it’s a mixture of being a designer, plumber and salesperson all rolled into one.

1. Where is your hometown?
   • I was raised in Des Moines, Iowa and graduated from Tech High School.  I spent many weekends down at Lake Rathbun as a child on my family’s acreage.

2. Family?
   • My husband’s name is Brian and we have been married for 26 years.  We have two great kids.  Jacob is twenty years old and is currently attending DMACC.  My daughter Stephanie is sixteen and is a junior at Ankeny High School.

3. What do you enjoy doing when not working?  
   • I enjoy hanging out with friends/family, traveling, going for walks, and listening to music.  I’ve recently started golfing which is still a work in progress but is something I love to do.

4. First job?   
   • I started working at the McCombs Middle School my senior year in high school.

5. If you could learn any skill?  
   • I think golfing takes a lot of skill and I really wish I was a better golfer.  In the meantime I’ll keep practicing.

6. Favorite Quote?
   • Dream what you want to dream, go where you want to go, be what you want to be. You have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do … Life’s too short.

7. One modern convenience you would not want to live without?  
   • Everyone I work with knows this answer.  I couldn’t live without heat!

8. Favorite place to entertain clients or friends?
   • The best place is sitting out on the patio on a nice summer evening.

9. Favorite super hero?
   • I’m not sure because they’re are all hero’s.

10. What aspect of the remodeling industry do you enjoy the most?
    • I enjoy getting a chance to be creative and to develop new relationships with my clients.

11. What would you do if you weren’t in the remodeling industry?
    • Since I enjoy traveling so much, I probably would have worked in the travel industry.

12. How many years have you been a member of the Remodelers Council?
    • I’m not exactly sure how long but I’ve tried to be more active for the last couple years.

13. Why membership in the Remodelers Council is important to you?
    • The Remodelers Council is a great resource for staying up to date on current trends. Plus the camaraderie within the group is fantastic.

Remodelers Council Member Spotlight With Rollie Clarkson

Job Description: I guess my job title is owner of Remodeling Contractors, but I do all the sales, estimating and designing as well as the cleaning, misc grunt work and I do windows.

1.   Where is your hometown?

A. I moved to Johnston when I was about 3 years old. Started kindergarten in Johnston and graduated from Johnston. I raised my family in Johnston and still live here.

2.   Family?

A. Married for 34 years this October to my lovely wife Debbie, I have 2 daughters (Heather and Hannah), one son-in-law Nick who is married to Heather and they have given me 3 incredible grandkids- Judah, Miciah and Margo.

3.   What do you enjoy doing when not working?

A. That terrible four letter word – golf

4.   First job?

A. My dad was a realtor/developer/builder so I spent a lot of time cleaning up jobsites, sweeping out houses and mowing properties.

5.   If you could learn any skill?

A. Anyone who has played with me would say golf!

6.    Favorite Quote?

A. As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another    Proverbs

7.   One modern convenience you would not want to live without?

A. Ipad

8.   Favorite place to entertain clients or friends?

A. My house

9.   Favorite super hero?

A. Ironman- my grandson told me to say that

10 What aspect of the remodeling industry do you enjoy the most?

A. Relationships you develop with your clients

11 What would you do if you weren’t in the remodeling industry?

A. Work with an organization that helps youth

12. How many years have you been a member of the Remodelers Council?

A. Since day one! Not sure 16-17 years?

13 Why membership in the Remodelers Council is important to you^?

A. We have strength in numbers. As a council we have the opportunity to be better educated, better trained and better business people. The more remodelors we have who are interested in conducting themselves and their business’s on professional level, the stronger and better of our industry will be. I find it helps my business to he associated with a group of professionals wanting to improve there industry and conducting business with a high level of integrity.

Remodelers Council Member Spotlight with Steve Archer

Name:  Steve Archer

Job description:

The short version? To introduce those needing appliances to Factory Direct. After that; To make the Factory Direct Appliance buying experience the most memorable, successful and enjoyable aspect of the home building, construction or remodeling process for both contractors and their customers and to provide unequaled attention, service, and appreciation.

1. Where is your hometown?
   1. Ankeny
2. Family?
   1. Wife, Andrea. Three Kids Alex(15) Luke(13) Sydne(9)
3. What do you enjoy doing when not working?
   1. Triathlon, Fishing, Hunting
4. First job?
   1. Appliance Sales for Archer TV & Appliance
5. If you could learn any skill?
   1. You know those guys that base jump in those winged suits and fly through the mountains? Ya, I would to do that.
6. Favorite Quote?
   1. ”I Don’t think I have a favorite quote” Steve Archer,  2014
7. One modern convenience you would not want to live without?
   1. My Keurig
8. Favorite place to entertain clients or friends?
   1. Any good steak and/or seafood place. Flemings, Bonefish, Johnny’s to name a few.
9. Favorite super hero?
   1. Ironman. He’s high tech.
10. What aspect of the remodeling industry do you enjoy the most?
    1. I enjoy the challenge it brings to the purchase experience, each project and situation is completely different from the last.
11. What would you do if you weren’t in the remodeling industry?
    1. I enjoy flying and aviation related things, so probably that.
12. How many years have you been a member of the Remodelers Council?
    1. With two different companies – 14 years total.
13. Why membership in the Remodelers Council is important to you?
    1. I really enjoy the people in the council. Getting to know them and participate in the process of improving the industry so that all of our businesses can thrive is rewarding. The generosity of the council also impresses me. 
       

Remodelers Council Member Spotlight with Devan Kaufman

Job Description: President and Founder Kaufman Construction

1. Where is your hometown?

•Adel

2. Family?

•Wife: Tracy

•Daughters: Sydney 14, Riley 12, Karsyn & Dyllan 8

•Probably should mention our lab Nash because he goes everywhere with Tracy – to work, on vacations, etc.

3. What do you enjoy doing when not working?

•Avid – maybe obsessive about cooking

•Fishing – though I usually have to leave the country (Canada) to make time to do it

•Boating/waterskiing

•Camping

4. First job?

•I’m not sure which came first – mowing lawns or paper route

5. If you could learn any skill?

•I would like to learn to speak Spanish

6. Favorite Quote?

•A job worth doing is a job worth doing right

7. One modern convenience you would not want to live without?

•That’s a tough one because I really think I could be happy living in the late 1800’s, but living in this age, I love all the technology that is available, but I’m not crazy about the lifestyle that it creates – so a computer seems to be the obvious answer.

8. Favorite place to entertain clients or friends?

•Really any place I can cook.  I love to cook and I have entertained at our home, the lake, camping (over the open fire), and at family and company events; family and friend’s homes, in parks, shelters and community buildings

9. Favorite super hero?

•I wasn’t really too into that kind of stuff when I was a kid, but I did dress as Superman for Halloween one year – Walter Payton is a hero of mine

10. What aspect of the remodeling industry do you enjoy the most?

•The “before and after” transformation…it’s so gratifying!

11. What would you do if you weren’t in the remodeling industry?

•I probably would be a jack of many trades, but if I had to choose one, it would be in the restaurant industry.

12. How many years have you been a member of the Remodelers Council?

•I’ve lost track.  I think it has been 13 or 14 years

13. Why membership in the Remodelers Council is important to you?

•I joined the Council so that I could be a part of the Tour of Remodeled Homes and the marketing opportunities are still a huge benefit to me.  I also find great value and satisfaction in being a part of the effort to elevate the industry in general.  Unfortunately the construction industry is not given the respect that it deserves, so being a part of a group that promotes and encourages businesses that strive for professionalism is obviously a huge benefit.

Remodelers Council Member Spotlight With George Karwoski

Remodelers Council Member Spotlight

With George Karwoski of Sunderland Bros.

1. Where is your hometown?
   1. My home town is Wheaton, Illinois. It’s a western suburb of Chicago and is also the home town of some famous people such as Red Grange (for you fellow oldsters), Bob Woodward, of Woodward and Bernstein(All The President’s Men), and John and Jim Belushi.

2. Family?
   1. My wife, Sandi, and I will celebrate our 40th anniversary next month. Our daughter, Lissa, just turned 36 and our son, Matt will be 38 next month. Matt is married and Lissa is engaged to be married. We are not grandparents yet.

3. What do you enjoy doing when not working?
   1. My favorite pastimes are visiting family and friends and reading.

4. First job?
   1. My first job was in sales, what else. I sold greeting cards out of Boys Life magazine to earn a backpack for Boy Scout hikes and camping.

5. If you could learn any skill?
   1. I wanted to be a football player when I grew up. It’s how I got fat.

6. Favorite place to entertain clients or friends?

1. My favorite place to eat is …….gosh, almost anywhere. My favorite junk food is donuts but Brach’s Jelly Beans run a close second. My favorite travel destination is Leech Lake in northern Minnesota. We’ve been going there for 30 years or more and have a lot of great memories. My wife especially loves the smell of the pines in the north woods. Being from the Chicago area, I’m a fan of all the pro teams there but da Bears would be my favorite.

7. What aspect of the remodeling industry do you enjoy the most?
   1. I find the most interesting part of the remodeling industry to be solving the home owner’s and the remodeling contractor’s problems of space, function, looks and cost. When I can do any or all of those things it’ really satisfying. I’m really enjoying working for Sunderland Brothers Company. I’ve never felt more at home nor seen more commitment to trying to satisfy the customer.

8. How many years have you been a member of the Remodelers Council?
   1. I’ve been a member of the Remodelers Council for 5 years. I very much enjoyed meeting and getting to know some great people on the Remodelers Council.

9. Why membership in the Remodelers Council is important to you?
   1. I’ve also tried to be as involved as I can in the community service programs because when my son had a very debilitating brain hemorrhage 8 years ago it was Ralph Haskins and other members of Home Builders that got together and built Matt and Emily a full access house that has made a real difference in their lives. They made sure that they could afford it and that it met their physical needs. I’ll never, ever forget that. Its always been a pleasure to promote the caliber of remodeler that we have in the organization.

Remodelers Council Member Spotlight with Marc Black of Silent Rivers

Job description: My title is General Manager at Silent Rivers. To me, that means I get to be the person to structure & implement our owner’s vision for the company and provide both direction and support for our staff members so they can do their jobs effectively.

1. Where is your hometown?
   1. Grew up on a farm just outside of Barnum, IA (near Ft.Dodge)
2. Family?
   1. Sarah and I have been married for 10 years and have a 4 year old daughter – Avery Jane “Princess” Black.
3. What do you enjoy doing when not working?
   1. Mostly spending time with my family & extended family! I also play on a slow pitch softball team in the spring & summer and joined a basketball team this past winter through my church. My “hidden” hobby is a fantasy card game called Magic The Gathering. When I do gaming weekends with my group, my wife lovingly calls them my “Geekends”!
4. First job?
   1. Besides being a farm hand for my dad, my first job was a grocer at Jamboree Foods in Manson, IA. $2.99 / hour baby!
5. If you could learn any skill?
   1. I’ll use the term “skill” loosely here – I’d say developing ESP would be the most useful thing I can think of! Who wouldn’t want a 6^th sense and be able to anticipate/predict better!?!?
6. Favorite Quote?
   1. Of all time?? Depends on the setting – I love reciting one liners from movies…especially the comedies & kids movies. But as a motivational thing, I think John Ruskin has a TON of useful ones. This one resonates well with me because I work hard to try to maintain balance in life between work, family and friends. I think it’s applicable in most things in life – not just work:

                   “In order that people may be happy in their work, these three things are needed:  they must be fit for it;

they must not do too much of it;

and they must have a sense of success in it.”

7. One modern convenience you would not want to live without?
   1. Too many to choose from – all powered by the one biggest modern convenience we take for granted until we don’t have it….ELECTRICITY!
8. Favorite place to entertain clients or friends?
   1. I don’t know that I have one – I like variety and exploring new places. Just had a great dinner at Exile Brewing Company a couple weeks ago and will definitely go back there again!
9. Favorite super hero?
   1. Batman all the way! Too many cool gadgets & methods of transportation on top of being dark, mysterious and fearless. Not to mention being wealthy and having a cave!
10. What aspect of the remodeling industry do you enjoy the most?
    1. The fact that no matter how many projects and what type/size they are – they are all unique and different and something can be learned on each one.
11. What would you do if you weren’t in the remodeling industry?
    1. I would probably find a way to get into designing and/or producing extreme thrill rides. I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie and thrill seeker, so I’ve always been intrigued with the science & technology behind what makes those kinds of things work.
12. How many years have you been a member of the Remodelers Council?
    1. Rollie Clarkson invited me to my first luncheon in 2001. I was instantly hooked as the Council gave me a place to network and learn from my peers while starting out in this city and industry. I’ve been active on one committee or another every single year since 2002.
13. Why membership in the Remodelers Council is important to you?
    1. I especially enjoy the comradery with the others in the group and the educational opportunities that the HBA & RC provide through our luncheon speakers and classes offered.