Board of Directors

Tom Corrigan is President of Midwest Fence and Manufacturing Company located in South St. Paul, MN. Tom is highly regarded as an experienced and innovative industry leader across the country. Under his direction, Midwest Fence has grown to become the largest fence company in Minnesota.

Lowell Pratt is co-founder of Pratt Homes, a trusted family-owned homebuilding company serving the Twin Cities area. Pratt Homes is a longstanding member because of TBG’s status as the best provider for the construction industry. Lowell is well known for his more than 40 years of experience and his ability to find solutions to issues related to the building profession. He has always had a passion for educating and training young people, having been involved in the career and tech programs at his local high school and serving on the board for the TBG Education Foundation.

As Chief Financial Officer of a family business, Kris has strong involvement in operations, purchasing and insurance. He holds degrees in both Accounting and Economics. Kris became a board member in 2016 because of how important workers’ compensation is to his own business. He became Secretary in 2019.

Sterling Black is the President of LS Black Constructors, a full-service general contractor located in St. Paul. LS Black has been a member of TBG since 2007. Sterling joined our Board of Directors in 2009 as a unique opportunity to learn more about and contribute to our local industry in collaboration with other industry leaders. Sterling joined our Board of Directors as a unique opportunity to learn more about and contribute to our local industry in collaboration with other industry leaders. Sterling enjoys supporting people in the construction industry and working hard to help them flourish in the profession. He also loves working collaboratively with a team to achieve results that could not be achieved alone.

After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Mark spent 7 years in public accounting before  beginning his 25 year career as controller for Breitbach Construction Company. Mark’s contributions to Breitbach include strategic and financial planning.

Curt Swanson is the owner of Swanson Homes, a third generation custom home builder started by his father, Harold Swanson, in 1965. This is where Curt gained his extensive knowledge of every aspect of the construction business. Currently, he is serving as President of Swanson Homes and oversees business operations, marketing and land acquisition. Curt has served as a Director for the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) for 24 years. He became a Senior Director in 2015.

John Lloyd is a founder of Lloyd’s Construction Services and currently holds the position of Vice President. Since 1983, Lloyd’s has provided demolition, excavation, and waste management services across the Midwest. Now, as a third-generation family business, Lloyd’s continues to grow and adapt to an ever-changing industry, with safety and family always at the forefront of all they do. Over the years, John has served on several industry association boards for local and national trade groups. As a member of TBG since 2006, he looks forward to bringing his expertise to the TBG Board of Directors as Secretary. John values practical thinking and real-life contractor experience to help all members receive the best possible return on investment with TBG.

Blake Palmer is currently the Vice President of Pro Drywall and Painting, Inc. A third generating residential and light commercial drywall and painting company serving mainly the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area.  Blake has been working in the industry since he was in his teens. After graduating from Minnesota State University with a degree in Construction management, he helped build the company into one of the industries leaders. 

Pro Drywall and Painting, Inc has been a member or TBG since 2005 and strives to bring safe practice to their industry.  Blake has a work hard ethic and brings a common sense approach to any challenge.  He will help keep TBG on its current path set forth by the leadership before him.

In his free time Blake likes to stay busy with his family, skiing, biking, hunting, golfing and fishing.

Edwards/LaPlant Construction was established in 1957 by Lloyd LaPlant. Since that time the company has been passed down and is now on its third generation, currently owned by Ben Edwards. Edwards/LaPlant Construction is one of the most respected contractors in the Grand Rapids area by delivering quality products, dependable service and, most of all, highly trained and dedicated employees.