"If hard work was enough, the donkey would run the farm."
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Thomas Peck | White-Glove Handyman
TruFix delivers a white glove approach and high-quality workmanship with honest pricing. Our promise is simple- every job done right, the first time.
Nikko Aries | Interior & Exterior Painting
If you're looking for reliable painting services in Minneapolis for your commercial or residential property, look no further than Aries Painting & Finishes. We are the Painting Company in Minneapolis that will transform your home with exceptional interior and exterior painting, cabinet refinishing, and speciality finishes.
When you need house painters in Minneapolis or a trusted painting contractor, you expect quality workmanship; we provide it!
Yossi Aharoni | Exterior Washing
Kahuna brings excellence to more than just window cleaning. Their technicians are the most professional and competent in the business. This family owned and operated business also excels in soft washing, power washing and they even do gutters. Are you part of an HOA? They provide solutions to home-owners large and small.
Will Archuleta | Luxury Features & Landscaping
Rare Landscapes
For over 20 years, Will and the Rare Landscapes team have been designing and building outdoor spaces that are as stunning as they are functional. With a commitment to innovative design, high-quality materials, and an eye for detail, every project goes beyond the basics and beyond expectations.
Your dream outdoor space deserves nothing less than excellence. At Rare Landscapes, that's not just a goal, it's a promise.
Warren Day | Plumbing Service
Days Plumbing Service | (763)-286-0663
Warren provides complete and comprehensive residential and commercial plumbing service in the West Metro.
Warren specializes in dealing with plumbing challenges of all kinds and his deep knowledge and experience can help prevent costly future repairs.
Steve Kvam | Coverage & Liability
Wiser Insurance Agency
Steve brings a wealth of experience as an independent insurance agent. He knows how important it is to have the right coverage on all possessions as well as personal or business liability.
Contact Steve with any and all insurance questions!
steve@wiser-ins.com | 952-472-3660 ext 13
Steve Jones | Inspection & Advisement
Lakeland Home Inspections
Steve is dedicated to providing outstanding Home Inspection services throughout the Minneapolis/St Paul and surrounding area. Steve is a ASHI Certified Inspector, ASHI Heartland Chapter member, Member of MAHI, and Graduate of the AHIT Master program.
Lakeland Home Inspections is committed to provide a professional, detailed and timely inspection.
Steve Elliott | Water, Fire, Mold
Restoration 1 of Minnetonka
At Restoration 1 of Minnetonka, each technician undergoes extensive and ongoing education.
Steve and the technicians attend IICRC-certified courses to earn their certifications in water restoration, fire restoration and smoke and odor control.
Using that knowledge and experience in the field, Steve and his team will bring your home back to original condition (or better).
Sonja Bjork | Business & Retirement Planning
CSV Financial Advisors
Sonja Bjork has been working in the financial services business for over 30 years and offers individuals, families and/or small business owners a comprehensive approach to their retirement planning, investment.
Sharon Barczak | Remodeling & Interior Design
Constructive Good
With over 20 years in the building industry, Sharon knows firsthand what homeowners face, the conflicting goals, the contractor maze, the overwhelming decisions. Her passion for design traces back to childhood, quietly sketching through a bustling household of nine, before her mother's refrain — "do something constructive!" — took on a meaning she never anticipated.
As founder since 2008, Sharon has earned multiple industry awards, a Star Tribune feature, and most importantly, delighted homeowners across seven states.
Ryan Churness | Tax & Accounting
Schechter Dokken Kanter CPAs
As a co-chair of the tax department, I help lead the tax team on important issues, schedule staffing and training, and assist in decision making of the firm. For my clients, I focus on developing and maintaining long-term relationships where I pride myself on promptly responding to my clients questions and needs. My goal is always to make long-lasting relationships where we can work together for many years.
I am highly focused on client service and am happy to answer any questions you may have throughout the year. I believe it is important to know my clients on a personal level in order to deliver important tax news and advice on a timely basis, and I always strive to be my client’s most trusted advisor.
Rich Nichols | Tree Care & Removal
ProTree Expert Arborists
The team and ProTree provides next level tree care. They maintain some of the best equipment and employ talented arborists to provide the best care for your trees.
Pete Ice | Real Estate
Pete Ice Edina Realty
Hard work, a solid plan, and true collaboration, that's how Pete Ice has served over 300 clients across 20+ years, all from the same office, with the same broker and the same positive approach.
Pete has been consistently recognized as a top Twin Cities agent in Mpls St. Paul Magazine since 2007, voted Edina Realty's Agent of the Year for 2019, and ranks in the top 1% of agents by volume in the U.S. His track record of Chairman's and Executive Circle honors speaks for itself — and so do his clients.
Jason Savageau | Electrical Contracting
Current Electric Systems
After more than a decade in general electrical services, Jason has sharpened the company's focus around four core offerings: Solar Power, Energy Storage, EV Charging Systems, and Power Distribution.
Today, his work spans everything from system estimation and engineering to site installation and long-term financial strategy. Serving residential and commercial clients across Minnesota — with a focus on the Twin Cities metro — Jason is energized by where the industry is headed and confident this focused approach delivers the best results for clients.
Jared Berry | Remodeling & Repair
Jared has over 12+ years of experience between wood shop class, a cabinet shop apprenticeship, carpentry school, and years of framing new homes and remodeling. By 2021, he was running full projects start to finish, managing subs and delivering work homeowners could count on. In April 2025, he put that experience into his own company: Stars & Stripes Construction LLC.
Today, Jared and his team handle kitchen and bathroom remodels, decks, flooring, trim, painting, tile, and so much more - the kind of work that turns a tired space into one you're actually proud of. He's built his name on being straightforward, working within his customers' budgets, and doing the job right the first time. The mix of craftsmanship and problem-solving is what he loves most about the work.
Outside the job-site, you'll find Jared fishing, disc golfing, riding motorcycle, or spending time with his family.
Jan-Marie Hall | Vehicle Fleet Cleaning
RTD Services
Jan-Marie brings fleet vehicle cleaning to your location. Whether you have one commercial vehicle or an entire fleet, RTD Services has you covered. They also offer high-volume pressure washing services for a variety of industries.
Hailiey Ritchie | Auto Detailing
Premium Auto Cosmetics LLC
Hailey does interior detailing, exterior detail, paint correction, ceramic coatings, vinyl, and custom stickers/decals. She is located in Buffalo, MN but travels to car owners across the region. See her work posted on Instagram @premium_auto_cosmetics
Eddie Ulrich | Marketing & Branding
Eddie Ulrich is the Founder and CEO of Fuzzy Duck, a creative marketing agency based in Wayzata, MN. With more than 30 years of experience in branding, messaging, web and digital marketing, design, and visual storytelling, Eddie leads a small but dedicated team committed to helping small businesses and start-ups build distinctive brands and grow. What began as a childhood passion for drawing and design developed into a full-fledged marketing firm. Through Fuzzy Duck, Eddie combines strategic thinking with creativity and heart, turning ideas into impactful marketing and helping business owners “win”.
Dave Barczak | Business Growth & Development
Dave helps companies develop growth strategies starting from their “why” and then build processes for effective execution. He’s a mentor on their sales teams with an eye toward measurement and optimization. Dave has a lifetime of experience in business-unit GM, sales leadership, start-ups, and high-growth environments provides me with a diverse experience and skill set for any situation.
Corey Adney | Consignment & Showroom
Corey leverages over 20 years working in the consignment business to help handle everything from decluttering to home sales to handling estates. He can sell household and business items through his extensive network and his dedicated showroom in Plymouth.
Christina Drews | Managed IT & Cybersecurity
VC3 Managed IT & Cybersecurity
VC3 Over 1,100 municipalities and 700 businesses rely on VC3's cybersecurity expertise, sector-specific focus, ability to grow with our clients, and relentless automation to manage, protect, and accelerate their organization's technology.
Tuesday, August 4, 2026
What does it cost to become a member?
We are in independent small business networking group that is run by member volunteers.
We collect only those funds that are necessary to pay for our actual expenses.
We set a flat fee which each member pays on the anniversary of when they joined.
We do not publish the current membership due on our website, we happily share this information with our guests and visitors.
What is required of Lake Effect members?
We believe that building our businesses depends on referrals and good referral activity is one of the ways we measure success.
Therefore, we expect that we each make an effort to attend regular meetings in person when possible and via Zoom when in person isn’t possible.
Zoom is provided each week for those members who live remotely and for those who may have an early appointment during our meeting time.
The Zoom link is provided to members only.
How do I become a member?
We would like to welcome you as our guest at any future meeting that is convenient for you. Just let us know you are coming so we can be sure give you a special welcome!
When and where does Lake Effect Business Builders meet?
We meet every Thursday morning at 8am, both in person and on Zoom.
We meet in person at the Wayzata Yacht Club at 1100 Eastman Lane, Wayzata MN 55391.
Monday, August 3, 2026
Chris Bjork | Repair & Carpentry
Chris has been one of the handy people in the group since 2020 and continues to evolve as a creative carpenter solving tricky problems for home owners. From installing millwork, to repairs, to transforming small spaces in the home and beyond, Chris and his trusted trade partners bring results.
Cheryl Stuntebeck | Mortgage & Loans
Cheryl represents more than 30 years of experience to professionally evaluate your mortgage options and present the programs that fit best with your financial goals. Driven by a high commitment to customer service and prompt communication with clients, Cheryl prides herself on responsive service, and professional expertise, while striving to meet the financial needs specific to you. Competitive rates and fees, along with flexible programs, enables Cheryl to help more homebuyers achieve their goals.
Charlie Chmiel | Photography & Videography
Charlie is passionate creative focusing on photograph, videography and cutting edge social media. He brings life to how you show up in the digital world.
Andy Schenkel | Roofing & Exteriors
Incline Exteriors
Andy Schenkel has been working in his family-owned business for over 20 years. He brings his expertise and talent to homeowners and businesses across the metro. Incline Exteriors has been serving the Twin Cities for nearly 30 years and specializes in helping navigate the complexities of insurance claims. They are the Masters of Peaks and Valleys.
Owen Swerkstrom | Web & Digital Handyman
Owen is a Digital Handyman, designing websites and logos, developing custom software and integrations, and helping local businesses to own and control the technology they use.
No lock-in, no subscriptions, no AI slop. Just a Swiss-Army Geek any time you need a nerd. The antidote to predatory big-tech is honest local-tech!
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