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About Us

Laurel Builders is a general contracting firm specializing in additions, large-scale remodels and custom homes. Our approach is simple: provide long-lasting, top quality work while making the entire experience as straightforward as possible. This quality work paired with truly personal customer service is what turns our customers into life-long clients.

With over 17 years in business and over 45 years of construction experience, we’ve developed close relationships with subcontractors and vendors who play a vital role in every project. Our carpenters provide expert craftsmanship and attention to every detail while a project manager oversees the entire process. This ensures not only quality work, but also timely completion.

We understand that home building and improvement projects are deeply personal and we strive to create a space your family will enjoy for years to come.

Our Team

Mike Laurel – President & CEO

Mike Laurel

Mike’s love of construction started at a young age, leading him to spend summers in high school and college working for a local home builder. After graduating from Minnesota State University with a Bachelor degree in Business, Mike took a full-time position with the home builder. He spent the next few years leading a framing crew and learning the ins and outs of home construction before starting Laurel Builders in 2006. Mike enjoys meeting with homeowners to learn about their vision for their home, and then bringing it to life.

Mike spends his free time outdoors; playing with the kids, hunting, fishing, and doing projects around home. He lives in Shakopee with his wife and 2 young daughters.

WENDY THAYER – INTERIOR DESIGNER

Wendy headshot

After graduating from the University of Minnesota with an Interior Design degree, Wendy began working in both commercial and high-end residential design firms. Then in 2016, Wendy founded SAGE Interiors with the idea of keeping her firm small and personal so that she could have a hand in all aspects of the design process as well as develop quality relationship with her clients.

Wendy currently lives on a hobby farm in western Wisconsin with her husband, two kids and a motley crew of pets.

Mark Radintz – Vice President

Mark Radintz

Mark’s construction career also began at a young age. He received an Associate Degree in Carpentry from St. Cloud Technical and Community College and went to work for a small remodeling contractor. Mark operated his own business for several years and was one of Mike’s most trusted subcontractors. In 2014 Mark came on board with Laurel Builders full-time and became a partner in 2015. These days you’ll find Mark managing job sites and, of course, utilizing his years of carpentry experience.

Mark lives in Corcoran with his wife and their two young children. He is an avid hunter/fisherman and enjoys spending time at the family cabin.

TRESSA KOUKAL, ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER

Tressa Headshot cropped

Tressa has always been intrigued by how things are built, as well as how they are designed. Growing up with a carpenter for a father, she spent much of her childhood on construction sites which instilled in her a passion for woodworking and the art of handcraft. She graduated from Dunwoody College of Technology with an accredited Bachelor of Architecture degree. After working in the residential design industry, Tressa founded TREKK Design Studio to creatively express ideas through the process of design. 

She currently lives in Wisconsin with her husband, working together to update and maintain the character of their 1940s craftsman style home.

We’ve pledged to observe the National Association of the Remodeling Industry Code of Ethics that includes high standards of honesty, integrity, responsibility and safety in the conduct of our business. NARI’s standards align perfectly with those of Laurel Builder’s ownership and employees, making it a terrific partnership.

The safety and well-being of our clients is always at the forefront. Being an EPA Lead-Safe Cerified Firm means that we’re properly trained in lead paint testing and work practices that keep your family safe from the adverse health effects of lead paint in your home.

Buildertrend, a cloud-based construction management platform, provides our clients a personalized project portal where schedule, budget, and selection choices are clearly communicated.