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Richard Larson is a co-founder of Larson Construction, Inc., a residential remodeling contractor. As a charter member of TBG, Richard and his company have been active with us since 1997. Richard joined our Board because he saw the need to develop a better workers compensation program for contractors. Richard is the Primary Estimator and Project Manager for Larson Construction. He is well known in the local industry for his passion for turning peoples’ home remodeling dreams into reality.

Larson Construction is a charter member of the Northern Minnesota Builders Association and Richard is a former BAM Board Representative for the NMBA. Richard sits on a committee for the Business Education Partnership, working with young people to share information about construction trades as a viable career path. Larson Construction was named BAM’s Remodeler of the Year in 2007. The company has a United States Seamless steel siding dealership and has received several awards recognizing outstanding customer service and design.

As a member of TBG’s Board of Directors, Richard contributes the perspective of a small construction business located on the Iron Range, bringing a very valuable viewpoint to our discussions. When asked for his favorite piece of advice, Richard replied simply, “Listen and be honest.”

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 for about five years. 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.

Under Sterling’s leadership, LS Black is involved in a range of industry associations including the following: Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), Minnesota Builders Exchange (MBEX), Minnesota Concrete Council and others.

As a member of TBG’s Board of Directors, Sterling contributes his unique perspective honed from decades of industry experience as well as his outstanding aptitude for big-picture thinking.

Craig Plekkenpol is President and Founder of Plekkenpol Builders, Inc., a leading residential remodeler serving homeowners throughout the Twin Cities area. Plekkenpol Builders became a member of TBG in 2000, having been impressed by our Loss Control services and emphasis on safety. Craig and his company are known for their deep involvement with the industry and their community. The Plekkenpol Builders company tagline is “The Difference Is In The Details.” He is proud to stand by that motto and he expects all of his staff members to provide excellent customer service and high-quality performance.

Plekkenpol Builders has received numerous industry awards for design and customer service. As Plekkenpol Builders’ President, Craig is the recipient of the Robert L. Hanson Industry Service award. He has also been inducted into the Minnesota Building Industry Hall of Fame. Craig is active with the Builders Association of the Twin Cities, the Builders Association of Minnesota, the National Association of Home Builders, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, the Remodelers Council of the Twin Cities as well as the National Kitchen and Bath Association.

As the Treasurer of TBG’s Board of Directors, Craig contributes his well-known level headedness, along with his honesty, passion and excellent skills of observation, all of which are valuable to our team. Craig’s favorite professional mantra is, “Fail to plan, plan to fail.” He is always committed to giving his full attention to everything in which he’s involved, both professionally and personally.

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 of because 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.

Lowell has been active with many professional organizations over the years, including serving as President of the Builders Association of the Twin Cities in 1998. He and Pratt Homes are also active with the Builders Association of Minnesota and the National Association of Home Builders, among others.

As the Vice Chair of our Board of Directors, Lowell contributes his extensive experience in residential construction throughout Minnesota and he offers a unique perspective to the many challenges we face in the workers compensation insurance industry. The best piece of advice Lowell offers to people in his profession is, “Always be honest with your employees, subcontractors and clients. Always strive to do your best, yet be realistic when setting expectations. Do not be afraid to challenge yourself.”