AUGUST 2017 www.katconstructionllc.com (612) 326-1122
A Family of Outdoorsmen
For most of my high school days, I was a pretty typical student. I wanted to socialize more than I wanted to work. Nothing much really grabbed me. Instead, I coasted by, putting in the minimal effort required to stay under the radar of my teachers and parents. Learning Motivation The Mentors That Teach Us Drive and Passion
That is, until Dr. Meyers, the school chemistry professor, approached me and asked if I wanted to join his upcoming Advanced Placement chemistry class. I have to say, when he came to me I was surprised but also a little proud. For a minute I thought that maybe I was one of the “smart kids.”
Looking back, he was the first teacher in high school who saw some inkling of potential in me. I have little doubt that his influence spurred me to take a more motivated path in life. My oldest son heads back to business school this month, and I guess my own school days are on my mind. He’s been working for me this summer, along with my younger son, and doing an excellent job. Just last month, I
I found out the following semester that he had just been canvassing in order to find enough
students to get the AP class going, but by that point it didn’t matter. I was already invested in the class, fascinated by the challenging intricacies of chemistry. The higher expectations of the AP course inspired me to go far beyond my normal interest in school, and I did well in the class despite it being much more difficult than the rest of my coursework.
got an email from a customer praising my oldest for his professionalism and useful product knowledge. I forwarded it to him. It’s not every day somebody sends an email to a boss telling them how fantastic their salesperson is!
pushed them to greater things like Dr. Meyers did with me. I hope my dedication to working hard has had some impact on them, though I have to point to my wife when I see their successes. Regardless of how it happened, I’m proud of my three boys. All of them are eager to take care of themselves and deeply motivated to get themselves to the position in life that they’ve imagined, with as little outside help as possible. Though I’m certainly willing to give any help they might need along the way, I respect their independent spirits.
“Looking back, he was the first teacher in high school who saw some inkling of potential in me. I have little doubt that his influence spurred me to take a more motivated path in life. ”
Dr. Meyers was a quiet guy and probably an unremarkable chemistry geek to everybody else, but he was always kind and welcoming to me.
Sometimes, when I look at the self-reliant, driven attitude of my kids, I’m amazed that they turned out so well. I wonder which teachers in their lives have
–Keith Thompson
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Anupam Pathak wants to end the embarrassment the 11 million people with essential tremors or Parkinson’s disease experience when they sit down for a meal. The limited motor function associated with these conditions turns eating into a stressful ordeal, and the University of Michigan Ph.D. student took steps to remedy the problem. He founded Lift Labs and developed a device to help individuals with tremors eat easier. Dubbed Liftware Steady, motion sensors in the computerized handle detect which direction the device is pulled and moves the utensil attachment in the opposite direction, negating shaky motion. First released in 2013, in less than a year, the popularity and success of Liftware attracted the attention of Google, which quickly acquired Lift Labs. SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION HELPS PROVIDE INDEPENDENCE S mart Spoons Rescue Dinner
With the additional support, Lift Labs launched a second product in December 2016 to address the needs of individuals with limited hand or arm movement. The new Liftware Level uses sensors to detect motion in 3-D space and move a flexible joint to keep the utensil attachment at the right angle. Like its predecessor, the Level proved to be a meal-saver, especially for people with Huntington’s disease or those who have suffered from a spinal injury, cerebral palsy, or post-stroke deficits.
starter kits sell for $195. The concept of a smart spoon may make some people scoff, but for those who use Liftware, the device means more than just keeping their shirt clean while eating hot soup; it renews their independence and confidence. “Once you start to lose the ability to function independently, there’s a huge emotional toll ... people will often just avoid going out in public.” Pathak plans for this technology to be adapted to any hand-held device, from keys to makeup brushes, and wants to help people of every ability level enjoy more independence.
Both the Liftware Steady and the Liftware Level are available at liftware.com, where
What Our Clients Are Saying... “I hired KAT Construction to help me with a claim for hail damage. Luis did the inspection on my roof and met with the insurance adjuster. The insurance company covered my roof and gutters. I had a great experience with KAT Construction and will recommend them to my friends and neighbors.” “I was very happy with the replacement work done on my roof after it was damaged by hail and wind. The whole process was explained clearly and thoroughly, and the repair was done well and on time. The property and landscaping was protected and cleanup was well-done. I really appreciated the helpful interface that was provided between Ismael (from KAT) and my insurance company. I would recommend KAT to anyone.”
–Happy Customer
–Happy Customer
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Don’t Be Fooled By the New Wave of ‘Contractors’
When your roof or home is damaged, you want a contractor that will get in quick and get the job done as fast and effectively as possible. Nobody wants to sit around with a hole in their attic, leaking water into their home for days or even weeks. Unfortunately, with the recent brutal storms, unqualified opportunists have been coming out of the woodwork, promising things they simply cannot deliver to people throughout the area. They take advantage of customers that want nothing more than to return their home to normal.
Particularly since the massive storm of June 11, dozens of unlicensed, inexperienced “contractors” have been aggressively pursuing the business of unsuspecting customers. These contractors come in, often going door to door, with deceptively attractive rock-bottom rates. Unfortunately, what seems too good to be true often is, and the so-called repairs fall far short of customers’ expectations. Money isn’t saved in the long run. In many cases, these customers are forced to pay a second, more reputable contractor to fix the damage the first inflicted on their house.
Not only that, but many of these contractors are offering to pay the homeowner’s insurance deductible, as well, which is completely illegal. The problem has gotten so bad that the state has gotten involved, canvassing and searching for these disreputable figures. Don’t be tricked by newbie contractors attempting to take advantage of your situation. Look for contractors you can trust, with an established place in your community. KAT Construction will never stoop to illegal activity to get new business, and as we prove time and time again, our work is top-of-the-line.
STREET CORN Grilled Mexican
Ingredients ¼ cup mayonnaise
Recipe inspired by seriouseats.com.
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1 medium clove garlic, minced ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro leaves
¼ cup sour cream
½ cup finely crumbled feta cheese
4 ears corn, shucked 1 lime, cut into wedges
½ teaspoon chili powder
www.katconstructionllc.com 4. Transfer corn to bowl with cheese mixture and use large spoon to evenly coat each ear on all sides. Sprinkle with extra cheese and chili powder and serve immediately with lime wedges. 3 Instructions 1. Set burners of gas grill to high heat and allow to preheat for 5 minutes. 2. Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, cheese, chili powder, garlic, and cilantro in large bowl. Stir until well combined and set aside. 3. Place corn on hot grill, rotating occasionally. Grill until cooked through and charred in spots on all sides (about 8 minutes).
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INSIDE This Issue 1 • 2 •
Learning Motivation Google’s Smart Spoon Provides Independence Client Testimonials Don’t Be Fooled by the New Wave of ‘Contractors’ Laugh Corner Grilled Mexican Street Corn View of a Lifetime
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VIEW OF A LIFETIME
Where to Watch the Great American Eclipse
On August 21, 2017, the greatest show of the summer will take place in the United States: a total solar eclipse! This eclipse will be visible across North America, but the path of totality — the area where the moon completely covers the sun — will only fall in the continental U.S., leading this cosmic event to be called the Great American Eclipse. If you’re already in the United States, a day’s road trip is all you need to grab a front-row seat for this rare astronomical occurrence.
who don’t want to camp out, and the vibrant city life means you’ll have a lot to do even when the eclipse is over.
prepare to watch the total eclipse with NASA scientists.
Visit the official website of the Great American Eclipse at greatamericaneclipse.com for everything you need to know about this once-in-a- lifetime sight!
Sandhills, North Platte, Nebraska
In the heartlands, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more perfect viewing location than the Sandhills of western Nebraska. With wide-open skies, low rolling hills, and no towering buildings to get in the way, the Sandhills are sure to be a popular viewing spot.
Columbia, South Carolina
The Museum of Idaho, Idaho Falls, Idaho
Need a place to watch the eclipse in the southern U.S.? Then get yourself to South Carolina, where the state capital of Columbia is almost right in the middle of the path of totality. Plenty of hotels make Columbia a great viewing location for those
The Museum of Idaho has been designated an Official NASA Observation Site, and the museum is hosting four days of awesome events to celebrate. Enjoy live presentations, technology demonstrations, and special exhibits as you
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