Meet the Team - Rob Zehnder

Rob began working for Zehnder Homes in 2015 after graduating from Gustavus Adolphus College, with a degree in Business Management. As Purchasing Manager, he is responsible for ordering of material & pricing options for our clients. Rob has built rapport with our subcontractors & suppliers over the years & works closely to answer questions and insures selections are communicated to the field. He is always there to lend a hand on-site, and in the office.

Get to know Rob a little bit more…

Name/Nickname: Robert/Rob

Job Title: Purchasing Manager

Where I’m From: Truman MN - I graduated from Gustavus.

Favorite thing about my job: Seeing new trends and new ideas. I like being a part of building something special to our clients.

My favorite housing trend currently: Reclaimed material

Favorite Food: Steak, biscuits and gravy, milk, cheese

What are four things you can’t live without? My truck, dairy products, weekends, & my dog Smokey

When I’m not working, you’ll find me… Working on my house, at the lake, spending time with friends, family, and my wife, Sara.

Meet the Team - Jordan Bowar

Introducing Jordan Bowar, our Construction Manager here at Zehnder Homes.

Get to know Jordan a little better...

Name/Nickname:
Jordan

Job Title:
Construction Manager

Where I’m From:
Waconia

Favorite thing about my job:
Seeing the projects evolve from a full-blown construction site to a finished space/home.

My favorite housing trend currently:
Open floor plans

Favorite Food:
Tacos

What are 3 things you can’t live without?
My family, lakes, and football.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me…
On the lake boating or ice fishing.

Jordan with his wife and daughter.

Have Some FUN in the Minnesota Winters!

The snow is here!

Now instead of wishing it away, here are a few ideas that the Zehnder Homes Team enjoys doing in the winter season.

• Hockey is a big sport around here, whether it’s watching it or playing it. It isn’t winter in Minnesota without some hockey!

• Ice skating is another sport for the athletic and not so graceful, but anyone can do it! There are ice rinks everywhere, so if you haven’t put on some skates in forever you should brush off the dust and take them for a spin.

• Checking out the Holiday light displays! You can see them in your neighborhood or find larger displays. There are parks, houses, trains, and building displays all over the Twin Cities. Some you can get out and walk around and others you can see from the cozy warmth of your vehicle.

• Ice fishing is a family favorite for some of us. It may not be appealing to everyone, but it brings joy to so many people during this winter season. You can’t drive past a lake without seeing a few dozen fish houses on it!

• Polar plunging is definitely not for everyone, but a few crazy Minnesotans do it every year! One of our team members has done it a few times!

• Of course snowmobiling! People wait all year for the snow to go trail riding. Others might just go in circles around the yard! If you have kids, then you probably know they love getting pulled around and around, with a sled, behind a snowmobile for hours!

• We can’t forget about Skiing and Snowboarding. A few of us at ZH’s have been skiing or snowboarding for years!

• Sledding, snowball forts, making snowmen, and decorating are a few other ZH’s favorites!

• Last but not least the Holiday treats!!!

What is your favorite winter activity? :)

Meet the Team - Renee Molstad

Introducing Renee Molstad, our Project Manager here at Zehnder Homes.

She may be our newest addition, but she has been in the industry for several years. Renee is the main contact for clients during the construction and warranty phase ensuring the build process is smooth and enjoyable for our homeowners.  As a licensed real estate agent she also assists with marketing and sales.  She’s getting to know her new team here at Zehnder Homes!

Get to know Renee a little better...

Name/Nickname:
Renee Molstad

Job Title:
Project Manager

Where I’m From:
The small town known for its 4th of July Celebration - Delano, but currently reside in Champlin Park (aka Brooklyn Park)

Favorite thing about my job:
My awesome co-workers! Helping our clients visions and dreams become reality.

My favorite housing trend currently:
Destination bathtubs

Favorite Food:
Ice cream

What are 3 things you can’t live without?
My family, my friends and 3 more wishes!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me…
Spending time with my kids, relaxing at the cabin, on the boat or at the golf course.

Meet the Team - Rob Zehnder

We’re excited to introduce our Purchasing Manager, Rob Zehnder! He’s a vital part of our team, as he manages all the selection pricing for our clients and assists at the job sites.

Get to know Rob a little bit more…

Name/Nickname: Robert/Rob

Job Title: Purchasing Manager

Where I’m From: Truman MN - I graduated from Gustavus.

Favorite thing about my job: Seeing new trends and new ideas. I like being a part of building something special to our clients.

My favorite housing trend currently: Reclaimed material

Favorite Food: Steak, biscuits and gravy, milk, cheese

What are 4 things you can’t live without? My truck, dairy products, weekends, & my dog Smokey

When I’m not working, you’ll find me… Working on my house, at the lake, spending time with friends, family, and my fiance’ Sara.

Rob & his fiance, Sara

Meet the Team - Keith Pew

Introducing Keith Pew! He is the Production Manager at Zehnder Homes, and is known for his great work ethic and fun personality. He supervises all job sites and handles all warranty items. He's always there to help and has a great reputation in the field. We're happy to have him as a vital part of the Zehnder Homes team! 

Get to know Keith a little better...

Name/Nickname: Stone

Job Title: Production Manager

Where I’m From: Morris, MN, but currently reside in Rogers, MN.

Favorite thing about my job: Meeting new people

My favorite housing trend currently: Winding/curved stairs

Favorite Food: Tacos

What are 3 things you can’t live without? Phone, my sons, coffee

When I’m not working, you’ll find me… relaxing at the cabin & hanging out with my kids.

Keith Pew

Meet the Team - Megan Prager

Introducing Megan Prager! Our rockstar Office Manager here at Zehnder Homes. She is responsible for all things accounts receivable & payable, and keeps our office running smoothly on the daily.

Get to know Megan a little better...

Name/Nickname:
Megan Prager -at ZH I’m more known by my last name, "Prager" :)

Job Title:
Office Manager

Where I’m From:
Swanville –  A tiny town in central Minnesota, where we have a lot of turkey farmers. I currently reside in Rockford with my husband, Dusty, my dog, Rocky, and coming in January - Baby Prager!

Favorite thing about my job:
The atmosphere, my co-workers, and the flexibility of daily tasks.

My favorite housing trend currently:
I really like the look of shiplap and barnwood!

Favorite Food:
Avocado, spinach, chicken, strawberry salad…and pizza.

What are 3 things you can’t live without?
My dog Rocky, a pony tail, and running shoes.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me…
On a lake or doing some sort of outdoor activity.

Megan & Her Husband, Dusty, On the coast of france.

Fall Maintenance Tips

Summer is wrapping up, and we've begun ordering PSLs (pumpkin spice lattes) and taking our cinnamon flavored candles out from storage. But, while some of us may be a little excited to slip into the cozy clothes, watch football, and eat chili, we can't forget about taking care of business - your home.

It's important to prepare your home for the upcoming season - inside & out. Here is a list of items you should be taking care of during Fall to help your home get through our (sometimes) frigid Minnesota winters. 

- Inspect and clean gutters & downspouts
- Seal gaps & cracks around windows & doors
- Inspect your roof for damaged or curled shingles, corroded flashing, or leaky vents
- Repair driveways, sidewalks, and steps
- Drain and winterize outdoor faucets and irrigation systems
- Store any lawnmowers, weed-whips, etc. and prepare your snowblower (test to make sure it works), shovels, etc. for the coming winter.

- Clean or replace your dirty furnace filters (you should be doing this monthly)
- Inspect your furnace or have your HVAC contractor do a maintenance check to prepare for heating your home this winter
- Test smoke alarms & CO detectors (change batteries if needed)
- Check dryer venting - make sure it's clear of lint
- Get our your rake & garbage bags
- General Cleaning: now is the time to deep clean every room. Get rid of old newspapers and magazines, leftover household chemicals, clear spaces around heaters, furnaces, and other heat producing appliances. 
- Store spring/summer outerwear & get coats, boots, and gloves ready. 

- General Cleaning: now is the time to deep clean every room. Get rid of old newspapers and magazines, leftover household chemicals, clear spaces around heaters, furnaces, and other heat producing appliances. 
- Store spring/summer outerwear & get coats, boots, and gloves ready. 

Once you've prepared your home for the coming winter, sit back with a warm cup of apple cider (or PSL) under a cozy blanket, and RELAX.

Enjoy this magical season with your loved ones!

Refresh Your Style

If you are looking for ways to refresh your style, there are a lot of fun ways to liven up a room . Adding accent colors and patterns can really make a room stand out.

A few ways to add color and patterns to a room are by adding bright colored accent pieces.

A few bright accent pieces can add a lot of color to a room.

Throw pillows are a fun way to brighten up a room, for any season!

You don't always have to paint the walls to add color to a room...Instead paint the cabinets!

Colored furniture can make a bold statement.

Wallpaper in a small space is really eye catching.

Area rugs & accessories are a fan favorite to add color to a space.

Furniture with patterns are a great way to liven up a room.

Where is your favorite place to add a pop of color in your home? 

Meet the Team - Megan Schwartz

Introducing Megan Schwartz, our Project Coordinator here at Zehnder Homes.

She makes sure all of our homeowner's selections are finalized, assists our interior designer & office staff with tasks throughout the day, and she is the main contact for any warranty items that come up after closing. Megan assists our Zehnder Homes team to ensure the build process is smooth & enjoyable for our homeowners.

Get to know Megan a little better...

Name/Nickname:
Megan Schwartz - I'm known around the ZH office as "Schwartz" or "Schwartzy"

Job Title:
Project Coordinator

Where I’m From:
I grew up in Maple Grove, MN but currently reside in St. Michael with my husband, Daniel, & my dog, Dexter!

Favorite thing about my job:
I love seeing a client's vision come to life. From ideas to the final product - it's so rewarding to see it all come together.

My favorite housing trend currently:
I am loving the brass comeback! Whether it be plumbing fixtures, hardware, or light fixtures - it's such a fun way to dress up a space without a huge commitment to the trend for years to come.

Favorite Food:
Anything with potatoes or breakfast foods (french toast, pancakes, cinnamon rolls, the list goes on...)

What are 3 things you can’t live without?
My dog, Dexter, my cellphone, and my cozy bed

When I’m not working, you’ll find me…
Visiting family in Crosslake or Milwaukee, out on the lake, or at a meat raffle with my husband, friends, & family!

Megan with her husband, Daniel, and dog, Dexter.

Screen Porch Decorating Tips

A screened in porch is a hot commodity in Minnesota! Where are Winters are long, our Summers are short, and our Spring & Fall are a melting pot of weather. Our summers in Minnesota are immensely enjoyed, and well deserved. Exterior entertaining spaces are a great way to add value to your home & make for a cozy additional living area. Here are some helpful tips on decorating these unique spaces!

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Add Accessories - Planters, throw pillows, lamps, end tables, rugs, and flowers are all easy ways to add color and make your space more at home.

Weather Friendly Finishes - Make sure the furniture you put on your patio can hold up against the elements.

Make it Cozy - Using an area rug and throw pillows can really warm up your screen porch.

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Add Lighting - Lamps or out door string lights will let you be able to enjoy your screen porch well into the evening hours. 

Mix & Match Planters - Using different planters for your flowers and plants will give it a complete look. 

What is your favorite thing about your screen porch?

Add a Little Spring to Your Home

Spring is in the air and if you are looking for a few ways to add a little spring to your household, here are a few ideas with flowers and greenery.

One of the easiest ways to brighten up a room for spring, is to add flowers! If you choose real flowers you will also get to enjoy the smell of spring. Flowers are easy accents pieces to put on almost any surface in a room. If the room could use more color, then go with a colorful variety of flowers. In a more colorful room you could use neutral tones, like white or one solid color flower.

A colorful centerpiece in the middle of a large space can really brighten up the whole area.

White floral arrangements go well with a soft colored room.

A simple center piece on the dining room table, along with accent flowers in the corner of the room.

Different areas on the countertops

The white arrangement of flowers go well with the blue accent pieces in this dining room.

Greenery and flowers often go very well together, especially in larger spaces. Greenery is one of my favorite ways to add a little more life to a room. Adding greenery to your home can be made simple and you do not need to worry about matching patterns or colors. Here are a few ideas for placement of greenery that are all different shapes and sizes.

Centerpieces

Wall & corner shelves

Console & side tables

Where are your favorite areas to display flowers or greenery in your home?

New Edina Lot - Available for a Custom Build!

We've just purchased a beautiful .65 acre, 300' deep, wooded lot in Edina that we are excited to offer to you for a Custom Build!

We wanted to share a few photos of the lot available - just picture your dream home in this setting!

Interested in learning more about this lot, or about building with Zehnder Homes? Give us a call - we'd love to talk with you about how we can make your dreams a reality.

Contact us today for your private walkthrough of the lot!
Zehnder Homes, Inc.
(763) 204-8114

2018 Spring Preview Model

Introducing our beautiful Fox Street Model - showcased in the Spring 2018 Parade of Homes, hosted by the Builder's Association of the Twins Cities.

Stately elegance in a pristine Orono setting on historic Fox Street! Our newest plan features all the upgrades you have come to expect: 10’ main level, Thermador appliances, screen porch, sport court and more. Mature trees on all sides creates a private setting, and the Luce Line trail is around the corner. Located in the award-winning Orono School District, this home does not disappoint.

We're pleased to share some images from this model with you. Some of our favorite features of this home are the 10 ft Main Level Ceilings, White Oak Hardwood Floors with a Matte Finish, Large Kitchen Island, Powder Bath Wallpaper, Owner's Suite, Lower Level Bar & Wine Room, & Sport Court - the 1.37 acre lot isn't bad either!

For more information on this beautiful home, check out our website!

We look forward to seeing you at our next Model Home during the Fall 2018 Parade of Homes!