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CAM Welcomes Three New Members

The Contractors Association of Minnesota (CAM) is excited to announce the addition of three new members: Mindy Lawrence, William Wise, and Paul Boyum.

Mindy Lawrence

Mindy Lawrence, a construction industry veteran with more than 20 years of experience, joins us from Sharp Exteriors, located in Prior Lake, MN. A University of Minnesota graduate, Mindy brings her extensive background in construction management to Sharp Exteriors’ GAF-certified roofing business, with contract values ranging from $10K to $30M. Outside the professional arena, she has a passion for spending time with her family, reading, podcast listening and traveling.

William Wise

William Wise comes to us from Wise Choice Construction, a locally owned and licensed roofing, siding and exterior services company based in Lakeville, MN. Maintaining a coveted A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, the company is dedicated to quality and professionalism. Wise brings over 65 years of combined tradespeople expertise from his team.

Paul Boyum

Paul Boyum of Kinmount Exteriors, a Lonsdale, MN company built on customer satisfaction and education, is completing the trio of new board members. With nearly three decades of experience in business and construction, he co-founded Kinmount Exteriors in 2022, quickly establishing the company as a premier roofing resource in the Twin Cities. When not overseeing roofing, siding, and window projects, Boyum enjoys quality time with his family and pets.

The Contractors Association of Minnesota

CAM is thrilled to welcome Mindy, William, and Paul to CAM. The Contractors Association of Minnesota prides itself in its commitment to the industry. Our objective is to provide valuable perspectives as we work to support the growth and success of small to medium construction businesses and independent contractors throughout the state. Our continued advocacy gives Minnesota contractors a strong industry voice at the State Capitol and its regulatory agencies.

For more information about CAM, please visit www.camnonline.org. or contact us through our website.

2023-06-19T11:10:45-05:00

Top 10 Technical and Marketing Benefits of Being a CAM Member

Being a member of the Contractor’s Association of Minnesota (CAM) has numerous benefits. CAM is an organization that helps contractors improve their businesses and succeed in the construction industry. 

Ten Ways a CAM Membership Provides Valuable Technical and Marketing Data

Access to Industry Experts: CAM members have access to a wealth of industry experts. Members can consult these experts for technical advice, marketing strategies and other industry-related issues.

Industry-Specific Training: CAM offers training programs tailored to the construction industry. These training programs help members stay up-to-date with the latest technology and techniques in the industry.

Networking Opportunities: CAM provides a platform for contractors to connect. Members can share ideas, collaborate on projects, and build relationships that lead to business growth.

Industry Reports: CAM provides members with industry reports that include data on trends, opportunities and challenges in the construction industry. This data can help members make informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition.

Business Development: CAM offers resources and tools to help members grow their businesses. These resources include marketing tips, sales strategies and business planning tools.

Legal Advice: CAM provides legal advice to members. This advice covers various issues, including contracts, labor laws and insurance requirements.

Safety Training: CAM offers training programs that help members comply with OSHA regulations and keep their workers safe.

Advocacy: CAM advocates for the construction industry at the local, state and national levels. Members can participate in advocacy efforts and have their voices heard by policymakers.

Industry Events: CAM hosts events that bring together industry professionals. These events allow members to learn from each other, connect with potential clients and showcase their work.

Discounts: CAM members can take advantage of discounts on products and services from CAM’s partners. These discounts can help members save money and increase their profitability.

Learn More About Becoming a CAM Member

Joining CAM is an excellent move for contractors who want to give themselves a competitive edge in the market and expand their businesses. Take advantage of the opportunity to improve. Join CAM today and take your business to the next level. 

To learn more about CAM membership and how it can benefit your business, contact CAM today to schedule a consultation. Our team of experts will happily answer your questions and help determine if CAM membership suits you. We look forward to hearing from you!

2023-05-16T12:04:48-05:00

CAM Extends a Warm Welcome to Our Newest Members!

Our New Board Members

We are delighted to welcome our new board members, who add an invaluable range of skills that will provide strategic guidance and oversight for CAM. 

 

Voting Board

Steve Larson from Ashton McGee Restoration Group brings top accreditations and a reputation as a preeminent professional in the field to CAM. Ashton McGee’s GAF Certified team has been specially trained as an industry leader in residential contracting, placing Ashton McGee in the top 2% of roofing contractors. With numerous awards and credentials, we welcome his level of expertise and commitment to the industry.

 

Advisory Board

Sarah Lechowich of True North Roofing joins us as the lead for CAM communications and social media. As the founder of True North Roofing, she is a third-generation tradesperson committed to safety and fair signing practices. With her passion for encouraging young people to enter the trades and creating a diverse and inclusive business model, she brings a full scope of advocacy and experience to CAM’s advisory board.

 

Our New Members

In addition to our new board members, CAM is also excited to introduce the newest members joining our organization. These individuals bring fresh perspectives and unique talents to our diverse membership, and we are thrilled to have them on board.

 

A-Team Construction, Inc

Fully licensed and BBB accredited with a multi-year A+ rating, A-Team Construction Inc specializes in home restoration, remodeling, repairs and insurance claim restoration.

 

All Sons’ Exteriors, Inc.

A family-owned business operating since 2011, All Sons’ Exteriors Inc is known for its premium materials, expert installation, precision work and customized solutions for their client’s roofing and siding needs.

 

Lakour Construction

Remaining focused on new techniques, materials and trends, Lakour Construction’s experienced team members are masters of their trades for roofing and tile.

Hail Experts

GAF-certified and BBB accredited with an A+ rating, Scott Hausmann joins us from Hail Experts, a full-service roof restoration company specializing in roof replacement and repair.


New Town Exteriors

Frank Koubsky of New Town Exteriors brings decades of experience to our membership. Founded in 1987, New Town Exteriors has maintained its five-star rating for roofing, siding and window installation and repair.

 

Omega Exteriors 

Since 2021, Omega Exterior’s Ian Smith has led his team to expert levels in the roofing, gutter and siding sector. Founded on the principles of honesty, quality craftsmanship and exemplary customer service, Omega Exteriors is BBB accredited with a strong A-rating.

 

Lifetime Construction

Providing the full suite of exterior repairs and renovations, President and Founder John Beard brings Lifetime Construction’s combined fifty years of experience and an A+ BBB rating to CAM. 

 

One Nation Exteriors

Integrated with the Minnesota Multi-Housing Association, Zach Muchlinski of GAF-certified One Nation Exteriors joins CAM with two decades of experience and a BBB A+ rating in residential, commercial and multi-family roofing and exterior services.

 

101 Roofing and Remodelling 

Co-Owner Dave Persing of 101 Roofing and Remodelling joins CAM as a GAF-certified roofing, siding and window contractor with over 20 years of experience.

 

Mayday Restoration

Mayday Restoration’s Office Manager, Aisha Secord, brings her business acumen to CAM from the exterior restoration and renovation sector. In addition to residential and commercial work, their consistent 5-star ratings extend into agricultural buildings.


The Future of CAM

CAM is confident that the addition of these new board and general members will play a crucial role in our continued growth and success. Their diverse expertise and commitment to excellence will help drive us forward in our mission to encourage positive change for the future of our industry.

 

For more information about The Contractors Association of Minnesota and our new members, please visit our CAM website or contact us at camnonline@gmail.com today.



2023-04-11T10:20:00-05:00

Tips for Working Insurance Claim Jobs

At some point, almost every contractor will encounter a client filing an insurance claim to recover from a loss. But unfortunately, there are several ways in which property may be damaged that are out of the owner’s control. 

  • Fires caused by lightning, Christmas trees and unattended heating elements,
  • Flooding from too much rain, spring runoff or faulty plumbing,
  • Storms, blizzards and ice damage,
  • Accidents, incidents and general foolhardiness,
  • Pests such as termites, bees, gophers and any other destructive critters.

When these insurance claim jobs come your way, it is important to handle them. Make sure contractors get paid, your customer is satisfied, the insurance company has the necessary documentation, and you may gain a new long-term client.

 

Communication With Your Customer

Insurance claim jobs are often initiated at a challenging time for a client. Not only have they lost property, but they may be unprepared to deal with insurance and construction. If they are a new client, they may not understand how the claim process works. It is important to remember that a restoration contract is made with the property owner, not the insurance company. While it’s a good idea to review the insurance adjuster’s estimate and suggest items they may have missed, you want to avoid communicating directly with the insurance company. The customer is ultimately responsible for payment to any contractors, so they should always be kept in the loop.

As with any new customer, credit checks should be done, deposits required, and a pre-lien completed before work is begun. The client may be relying on the insurance for reimbursement, but the work and the payment for it ultimately fall to the contractor and claimant.

 

Honesty is Still the Best Policy

Throughout the insurance claim process, it is important to document the state in which you find things and the results of your work. Keeping accurate records can help support the customer’s claims and aid in estimating future contracts. In addition, when you consistently provide quality work, accurate estimates, and helpful advice, word will spread through the insurance adjuster community and your community at large. Reviews, both online and by word of mouth, can be a source of business for years to come. Good reviews are earned most easily by honesty and trustworthiness in all your business dealings. 

For more information regarding news and tips for contractors, contact the Contractors Association of Minnesota and sign up for membership today.

2023-03-17T11:36:00-05:00

How General Contractors Can Support Their Communities

As general contractors, we offer vital services to our customers. These services are necessary but not always attainable for some or are needed in high demand in the case of widespread disasters. This is where we can show our dedication to the people of our community by volunteering time and resources to support those most in need.

 

Target Vulnerable Populations

When volunteering your time and sometimes materials, you want to ensure you are making the most impact. You can do just that by targeting those who need the most support. The elderly, disabled veterans, and low-income residents are among the most vulnerable in many communities.

 

You may choose to offer your services to anyone in need, but by selecting a specific population to support, you can build a reputation as an advocate and champion for those who need you most.

 

Partner With an Organization

A larger organization that provides contracted services for those in need will often already have a list of who needs help and what exactly they need. This can make it much easier to know where and when you are needed, saving you time and effort finding volunteer opportunities so you can get to work.

 

Organizations may be regional and focused on helping your specific community or much larger, like Habitat for Humanity, which supports communities nationwide. Not only does partnering with an organization to volunteer your services support those in need, but it can also help you network with other professionals and grow as a leader within your industry.

 

Join a Relief Effort

General contractors are in high demand following natural disasters. Many homes and other buildings may be severely damaged or completely destroyed after widespread flooding, wildfires, tornados, or other extreme events.

 

After the dust has settled and the extent of the damage can be more accurately determined, construction specialists are needed to help rebuild these communities. There may be an organization or a community liaison helping to direct the reconstruction efforts in the area that can get you set up with the most critical projects that fit your skills.

 

Let Your Customers Decide

Many general contractors have turned to their customers to find people in their community that can benefit from their services the most. By running a campaign that allows customers to nominate someone they feel needs and deserves your services, you can decide who you are capable of and wish to help. You also show the public that you are an active participant and engaged in your community by listening to them.

 

In their latest Community Outreach project, the Contractor’s Association of Minnesota (CAM) has supported a local veteran with a handicap accessible entryway to her home. Learn more about CAM and the many benefits of membership, then apply online.

2022-03-03T11:10:17-06:00

How Do I Know if I Have an Ice Dam on My Roof?

If you are familiar with Minnesota winters, you have likely seen an ice dam before. Usually starting as small icicles hanging from the eaves or gutters, they quickly turn into dangerous ridges of ice that run along the roof’s overhang. In extreme dam conditions, you can have large icicles extending a foot or more from the roofline. Those icicles are attached to heavy ice sheets that could seriously injure someone. The weight of the falling ice can also pull gutters, soffit, facia, and shingles off the house when they break away. It is important to have ice dams removed and prevent them from recurring.

 

What Causes Ice Dams?

When the heat from your home escapes into the attic or rafters, it creates a warm spot. This causes the snow on the roof to melt, and the water runs down the shingles until it meets the cold eves. Once this happens, it refreezes and forms a small ridge. Every melt-freeze cycle increases the size of the ridge, eventually forcing the ice to back up onto the roof. This can force water under the shingles and into your home, damaging your ceilings and walls. You will see the water damage as brown stains on the ceilings or brown streaks on the walls. Your paint may also blister or peel.

 

What To Do When You Have an Ice Dam

Winter conditions make roof work very difficult, and it is dangerous for homeowners to remove ice dams on their own. Qualified, licensed contractors offer professional ice dam removal services that ensure your safety, protect your roof, and keep water out of your home.

You can ask your contractor about what steps you can take to prevent future ice dams. They may recommend one or more strategies depending on the type of roof you have, the age of your home, and the type of ductwork servicing the house. Some potential options are adding insulation, wrapping uninsulated ductwork and venting, cleaning the gutters, and adding gutter guards.

 

Choose a Professional Contractor

Choosing a CAM contractor will give you peace of mind knowing that other contractors trust them, are local to the area, and have excellent business ratings with a longtime presence in the area. By bringing in a reputable contractor, you are protecting yourself from liability issues and avoiding the dangers of falling ice. Never underestimate the dangers ice dams pose. Work with a professional to resolve the issue permanently.

2022-03-03T11:05:50-06:00

CAM, DAV Project, and Iron River Construction give back

 

 

We partnered with the DAV Project and Iron River Construction to give back to Carol Fink, a disabled veteran. We are very proud with the results of this project and happy we could help! Learn how you can help disabled veterans with the DAV of Minnesota Foundation- http://davmnfoundation.org/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMaXuWmEF-I

 

2022-02-09T12:43:28-06:00

DLI Warning Covering Deductibles

This message is intended to warn any exterior specialists working in Minnesota that new investigation practices have been taken up by the Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI).  With the recent rash of storm occurrences, in particular, those dated June 11, 2017, it has come to the attention of CAM and DOLI that unlicensed contractors may have been working in the areas where there was a storm occurrence.

We have also heard that there are contractors offering to pay for homeowners deductibles.  This is a clear violation of MN Statutes 325E.66 which prohibits residential building contractors from advertising or promising to pay or rebate, directly or indirectly, all or part of any insurance deductible, or from offering to compensate a customer for providing any service.As stated earlier, DOLI has become aware of this issue and will be sending out an investigator to canvass neighborhoods that have been impacted by the storms that hit the Twin Cities on June 11, 2017 to look for unlicensed contractors. This investigator, and likely others in the future, will also be interviewing homeowners who have a contractor’s yard sign in their yard to determine whether the contractor offered to pay the homeowner’s deductible or made any other offer of a discount or rebate.

BELOW IS THE LINK TO THE DLI LETTER THAT HAS BEEN SENT OUT AND A LINK TO THE ACTUAL MINNESOTA STATUTE 325E.66

2020-01-09T19:12:12-06:00

CAM Legislative Update 2018

Contractors Association of Minnesota Policy and Regulatory Update

HF 2696 (Rep. Tim Mahoney – D) and SF 2660 (Senator Jeff Howe – R)

This bill requires mortgage banks and lenders (banks) to sign a check over to homeowners within a timely period after work required to repair a storm occurrence has been completed.

Banks, on occasion, are a signatory on an insurance proceed for a storm occurrence. The issue is they will hold on to the proceed check, sometimes up to six months, before signing it over to the homeowner. This puts the homeowner and the contractor repairing the storm occurrence in a bad position. In most cases, the homeowner doesn’t have funds available to pay for damages and costs to repair their home and the contractor cannot float the money while waiting to be paid for a job that has been performed.

As expected, the banks have several problems with the bill. CAM will be sitting down with to start discussing how this issue can best be resolved in the near future.

You can follow a link to the bill by clicking the HF 2696 above.

HF 1596 (Rep. Nick Zerwas and SF 1349 (Senator Mark Johnson – R)

Tim Johnson, partner at Smith, Jadin and Johnson, and CAM met with Senator Mark Johnson last week to discuss legislation that would effectively take away the ability for a homeowner to receive interest on an appraisal award when an insurance company makes a bad faith offer on property that has been damaged due to a storm occurrence.

While this is not directly related to important issues that CAM works on, it is important to CAM’s clients. It simply slows done the process for homeowners who may have an insurance adjuster lowball a claim to get their home repaired when it has been damaged.

The number of claims going to appraisal has trickled due to a 2017 Minnesota Supreme Court decision allowing interest a claim if the insurance companies were found to have made a low offer to homeowners on a storm occurrence. CAM wants the best results for the homeowners to get relief by means of having their home repaired.

CAM will continue to monitor this since it is important for contractor to assist homeowners in repairing their damaged homes.

You can follow a link to the bill by clicking HF 1596 above.

Insurance Companies Denying Claims where the Building Code is not Enforced.

CAM met with the Association of Minnesota Building Officials (AMBO) to discuss resolving the problem of insurance companies denying claims where the Minnesota Statewide Building Code is not enforced.

CAM and AMBO will be meeting with DOLI and the Department of Commerce on April 11th to learn what can be done to stop the insurance companies from denying claims in areas of Minnesota where there is no official statewide building code enforcement.

Important Reminder!

It’s illegal for contractors to pay homeowners’ insurance deductibles

Spring has sprung and due to the severe winter weather it looks as though exterior contractors will have a busy spring and summer. This is great news for the industry but contractors should be aware of a new state law requiring contractors to disclose on the contract that they are NOT ALLOWED to offer and/or pay for a homeowner’s insurance deductible.

CAM advocated for this legation last year citing contractors who have complied with the law that prohibits paying deductibles have lost business to contractors who illegally offer to pay deductibles or offer rebates or upgrades. Homeowners are unclear about this law and some still expect their contractor to help with insurance deductible costs. This new law provides contractors with solid information to show that this practice is illegal.

In short, state law prohibits contractors from offering to pay homeowners’ insurance deductibles or offering anything of value as encouragement to enter into a contract to repair damage covered by an insurance claim. A newer law (effective since Aug. 1, 2018) requires that contractors include a written notification about the law in their “initial estimate.” The “initial estimate” also includes price agreeable contracts. Insurance companies are required to provide a similar written notice to homeowners in their initial correspondence about a claim.

If your company performs insurance repair work, you will need to update your contracts to include a written notification about the law that prohibits paying deductibles. To stay on the safe side, CAM encourages contractors to update their all of their Icontracts to include this notification.

The law does not require specific language on a contract , but one example is:

State law (Minn. Stat. § 325E.66) prohibits contractors from offering to pay a customer’s insurance deductible or offering anything of value as an inducement to enter into a contract for home repairs that are to be paid for as a part of an insurance claim. Contractors who make such an offer are subject to public enforcement action by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, including fines of up to $10,000 per violation. Contact DOLI at 651-284-5069 or dli.contractor@state.mn.us. if you have further questions.

2020-01-09T19:12:36-06:00

Construction Codes and Licensing Division

New law affects contractors who perform storm repairs

What changed?

  • State law  prohibits contractors from offering to pay homeowners’ insurance deductibles or offering anything of value as encouragement to enter into a contract to repair damage covered by an insurance claim.
  • A new law (effective since Aug. 1, 2018) requires that contractors include a written notification about the law in their “initial estimate.” The “initial estimate” also includes price agreeable contracts.
  • The new law also requires insurance companies to provide a similar written notification to homeowners in their initial correspondence about a claim.

Why the change?

  • Many contractors who have complied with the law that prohibits paying deductibles have lost business to contractors who illegally offer to pay deductibles or offer rebates or upgrades that are barred.
  • Homeowners are unclear about this law and some still expect their contractor to help with insurance deductible costs. This new law provides contractors with solid information to show that this practice is simply illegal.

What do I need to do?

  • If your company does not perform insurance repair to homes, you do not need to do anything as this law does not affect your business.
  • If you do perform insurance repair work, you will need to update your contracts to include a written notification of the law that prohibits covering deductibles.
  • The notification can be included in the contract document or provided to the customer as a separate document.

What should the notification say?

The law does not provide specific language to be included, but we suggest the following:

State law (Minn. Stat. § 325E.66) prohibits contractors from offering to pay a customer’s insurance deductible or offering anything of value as an inducement to enter into a contract for home repairs that are to be paid for as a part of an insurance claim. Contractors who make such an offer are subject to public enforcement action by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, including fines of up to $10,000 per violation.

 Where can I ask questions?

Contact us at 651-284-5069 or dli.contractor@state.mn.us.

2020-01-09T19:13:54-06:00
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