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JUNE 2018 www.katconstructionllc.com (612) 326-1122
Passing Down the Lessons of My Dad
G rowing up, I always looked up to my dad. To me, he was as big a hero as any of the huge athletes of the time, a constant, stoic presence in my life whom I knew the whole family could depend on. Though he was what you’d probably call the strong, silent type, he was always there for everyone he cared about. I remember a few Saturdays from my youth, when he suggested we go outside and toss the football; I’d call my friends and tell them to stay home, because I’d rather spend my time practicing my spiral with my old man. I was always impressed by the way he handled himself, his self-sufficient yet quietly compassionate personality keeping everything in control.
continue to accomplish. With Father’s Day fast approaching, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about my kids, happy that they’ve turned out to be such good people. One day, back when we attended this class for parents of new preschoolers, something the teacher said struck me, and it’s stuck with me through all these years: “Even when you think your kids aren’t paying attention to you, they are. On a subconscious level, they pick up everything you do — and they’re going to imitate your behavior whenever they get a chance.” With that in mind, I tried to consciously set a good example from the very beginning. I did my best to provide guidance not so much by sitting them down in a chair and giving them some prewritten speech, but through the values with which I navigated my own life. Chief among these was the lesson my dad instilled in me so firmly as a kid: Hard work always pays off. There’s no doubt in my mind that, at the very least, that one nugget got through. Each of them is a go-getter, doing everything they can to get ahead and work as hard as they can for the people they serve. There were times when they were young that I worried I wasn’t spending enough time with them; I was so tied up in my work responsibilities that I struggled to carve out those key moments. But as soon as that worry appeared, I began to consciously make the time, building a relationship with my kids that’s lasted all the way up until now. Today, we’ll
My mom and dad many years ago
often go on hunting or fishing trips just like old times, just enjoying one another’s company in the great outdoors — though, of course, with the son that works in the KAT Construction office, I’m sure he’s probably sick of seeing my mug every single day. For Father’s Day, we’ll probably just get together with my two youngest sons and some extended family for a cookout. Each of us old guys will crack a couple beers and mull around, getting as much relaxation in as possible on our rare day off. Really though, the day is mostly a celebration of the fact that, despite me, my sons have turned out more than alright.
My oldest and youngest sons with my father
Though I’m probably a little more sarcastic than my dad was back then, I’ve always tried to teach my kids the same way my dad taught me. If nothing else, I wanted them to be able to grow up and look back on time spent with a father that they always knew cared, a man they could respect and count on if they ever ended up in trouble. Now that they’re all in their 20s, the jury’s still out on whether or not I succeeded, but there’s no doubt that I’m proud of my sons and all they
–Keith Thompson
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RV vs. Tent Which Is Better for Your Camping Trip?
Are you Team RV or Team Tent? Die-hard tent campers swear you’re not “roughing it” unless you sleep on the ground with nothing but canvas and the stars above you. On the other hand, RV lovers will point out that there’s nothing heroic about freezing to death at night (or going to the woods without a TV). Neither camping method is better than the other, but each has its pros and cons. Tent camping is generally the less expensive option; two-person tents start at $40. The price of an RV can range up to $50,000 or more. Site fees for tents are also cheaper (or free) because they’re smaller and don’t require electricity or septic tank services. You just need a flat spot for your gear. A folded tent will fit into nearly any vehicle, and you can stow it in a closet when you get home. An RV will require dedicated parking space between trips.
never going to be as comfortable as a real bed. RVs are also able to provide electricity, which gives you air conditioning, a stove, and a hot shower. And let’s not forget about private flushable toilets. An RV is also a must when camping in bear country. Some areas require campers to use hard-sided shelters for safety reasons. For many people, camping promises an escape from the business of modern life. If you really want to get away from it all and immerse yourself in nature, there’s no substitute for tent camping. An RV is like a miniature portable house. You can bring the comfort of your home with you, but you might not feel as close to nature. It all boils down to preference. You may be someone who enjoys being surrounded by nature in a tent, or you may prefer to have a toilet that flushes. Whichever camping experience you choose, remember to enjoy yourself and relax!
When it comes to comfort, RVs have it made. Air mattresses or foam sleeping mats are
Hear What Our Clients Are Saying “My house in Coon Rapids was hit with really bad hail damage last summer. I hired KAT Construction on a referral from a friend. They worked on my roof in August and did a great job. I was very happy “I had some damage on my roof that I didn’t know about until it was pointed out by an inspector. I was referred to KAT Construction and I had a great experience over “If you are looking for a trustworthy and dependable company, I highly recommend KAT Construction. Wonderful company, thanks for your help!”
the phone and in person. They did a great job on my roof. I also referred them to my neighbors and family. Thanks!” –Antwon S.
they got done quickly and they helped me with the insurance company to get everything taken care of. I would recommend them to anybody looking for hail damage repair to their roof.” –Kim S. 2
–Kelly F.
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3 Ways to Ensure You Pick the
Best of the Best
When your roof, siding, or windows have been damaged by a storm — or simply need a facelift — it can be difficult to know where to turn. Dozens of companies claim to be restoration and renovation experts, but so many of the businesses clamoring for your attention have terrible customer service, poor standards for craftsmanship, and little interest in actually addressing your needs and concerns. So how do you weed out the good from the bad? Here are 3 tips to secure the best possible contractor for your project.
home, especially in an emergency. That’s why it’s vital that you keep everything firmly on track. Request a contract that outlines every detail of the prospective project, from payment schedules to lien releases. Voice all your concerns before the project is underway to prevent them from becoming issues later on. If you’re in need of an experienced restoration company, we’d invite you to put KAT Construction to the test outlined above. We’ve been in business since 2011 and are eager to exceed your expectations. Give us a call at (612) 326-1122 and rest easy knowing you’ve got a team of reliable professionals on your side.
Get recommendations. This one may seem obvious, but in our experience, too few people consult with their friends and family before putting their money on the line. Ask people you trust which contractors they’ve used in the past and how their experiences went. Online reviews can help you narrow down your options, but word-of-mouth referrals are still the most reliable way to find a qualified expert. Review the contractor’s credentials. Some of the top indicators that you’re dealing with a dependable restoration professional
are complete licensing, insurance policies, and manufacturer certifications. Make sure you check prospective contractors’ information to ensure they have the right qualifications. And before you hire them on, conduct a quick interview with them to gauge their reliability. Ask them directly about their industry experience and inquire whether you can speak to any of their previous clients. If they’re shady about any of this, run the other way.
Put it in writing. Restoration projects can be crucial to preserve the longevity of your
Laughing Corner
Father’s Day Chili Lime Chicken Wings
Ingredients
Inspired by foodnetwork.com
• • • • •
4 pounds chicken wings
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1 lime, halved
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
Extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/4 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
•
Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions 1. Heat oven to 425 F.
2. Rinse wings under cold water and pat dry. Season liberally with salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil. Roast on a baking sheet for 25 minutes or until skin becomes crisp and brown. 3. Blend butter, red curry paste, honey, and soy sauce in a large mixing bowl. 4. Toss wings in butter mixture. Squeeze lime juice on top, transfer to serving plate, and garnish with cilantro. 3
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INSIDE This Issue 1 •
From Father, to Son, to Grandsons RV vs. Tent Camping Hear From Our Clients 3 Keys to Weeding Out Subpar Contractors Father’s Day Chili Lime Chicken Wings Cut Down on Flight Costs With This Simple Rule
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THE BEST TIME TO BOOK A FLIGHT Save Big on Airfare With This Simple Rule
In case you haven’t noticed, traveling is expensive. It can feel like you’re signing away your soul when you sit down to plan a vacation. But when it comes to flights, there’s good news: They’re getting cheaper! According to a 2017 report published by online travel company ODIGEO, long-distance trips across Europe fell 7 percent last year. Luckily, the same trend is reflected in North American airlines
as they engage in a price war to woo a growing base of ultrafrugal travelers.
Wednesday bookings, but as Condé Nast Traveler reports, Expedia and the Airlines Reporting Corporation say that Sunday is the way to go, based on data from billions of flights. Tuesday and Wednesday are usually the cheapest days to actually fly, though. The CheapAir.com study also pinpoints the absolute best windows for specific seasons: 54 days for winter trips, 75 days for spring, 76 days for summer, and 45 days for fall. Of course, these are averages, but if you stick to these rules and check fares regularly on sites like Kayak.com, SkyScanner.com, Momondo.com, and on the handy app Hopper, you can rest easy knowing you’re getting close to the best price possible.
Still, a $600 summer flight to Honolulu isn’t exactly pocket change. What’s worse, flight prices are slippery; CheapAir.com’s 2017 Annual Airfare Study determined that the fares for any given trip go up or down an average of 71 times, about $33 each shift. When you purchase your flight is nearly as important as where you’re going. But how do you choose a booking window that will maximize your savings? According to the CheapAir.com study, in which they evaluated 921 million airfares, the best time to book is 21–105 days in advance of your flight, on average. If you want to get even more specific, try to book 55–75 days out, and book on a Sunday. Many travelers swear by Tuesday and
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