HUTCHINSON, Minn. – Jeff and Tracee Strazzinski have opened Lupine Construction to provide construction and general contracting for commercial, industrial and residential customers in the Hutchinson area. The couple started this new business with help from Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program.
As a licensed Minnesota builder, Lupine Construction is ready to build new buildings, from footings to the finishing touches. The company also offers custom woodworking and millwork services, facility maintenance needs and emergency repairs after disasters. And their team can tackle tenant improvement projects.
“I’ve developed skills in many facets of the construction industry. We are well rounded and ready to take on projects from start to finish,” Jeff said. “Some of the specialty items we can address are steel stud framing, drywall, taping, painting, acoustic ceilings, final finishes, ADA accessible businesses and restrooms.”
Jeff has been a commercial carpenter for 20 years. He started his career with a union carpenters apprenticeship program in Fairbanks Alaska, Local #1243, becoming vested and earning his journeyman status. He later worked his way up from carpenter apprentice to construction superintendent for a large general contractor in the Twin Cities.
Tracee has been a hairstylist for 24 years in Roseville. She enjoys painting and working on construction projects throughout various phases and brings skills in business administration and office management to Lupine Construction.
“I enjoy working with my hands to create quality and beauty and paying attention to details,” Tracee said.
Jeff and Tracee live in Hutchinson with their two young daughters and wanted to have a business close to home. While building their own house, they noticed a need for an experienced commercial contractor in the local market. Loan funds from SWIF provided working capital and helped the Strazzinskis purchase equipment for Lupine Construction.
“Creating this business is an opportunity for Jeff and Tracee to build something for themselves as well as others, and we’re happy to be able to support them in that,” said SWIF Economic Development Officer Jackie Turner.
Loan programs have been a key function of SWIF since its inception to support communities and businesses throughout southwest Minnesota. In 2001, microlending was added to existing programs as a tool to support small businesses and people looking for self-employment opportunities.
Microloan clients also receive free technical assistance from SWIF staff to improve their business management skills. Areas of support include business planning and financials analysis, QuickBooks training, marketing assistance and other training opportunities for the life of the loan.
This microloan program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture. For more information, contact SWIF at 800-594-9480, 320-587-4848 or [email protected].
About Southwest Initiative Foundation
Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) is a nonprofit community foundation connecting people, investing in ideas and building communities to create a southwest Minnesota where all people thrive. Since its founding in 1986, SWIF has distributed more than $97.8 million through its grantmaking and business finance programs. Learn more at swifoundation.org.
