Award-winning St. Germaincontractor pairs design-build

with “green” optionsBy Eric A. Johnson

of The Lakeland TimesFamed Muppet frog Kermit once tunefully noted that

“it’s not easy being green.” But thanks to St. Germain-based design-build general contractor Waldmann Con-struction, Inc., building or remodeling ‘green’ is becom-ing progressively easier for residents across Wisconsin’sgreat Northwoods.

Embracing the nation’s growing contemporary“green” movement, Waldmann Construction is a memberof numerous high-profile “green” professional trade asso-ciations, including the U.S. Green Building Council, theWisconsin Environmental Initiative, Green Built Homesand Energy Star Homes.

“Generally, ‘green’homes are healthier, more comfort-able, more durable and more energy efficient and have amuch smaller environmental footprint than a convention-al home,” noted Greg Baas, Waldmann’s production man-ager and estimator.

Over the past 3-1/2 years, Baas said “green” construc-tion has “really taken off,” calling it the wave of the futureacross the U.S. and the Northwoods.

“Our customers are constantly asking us for ‘green,’”Baas said, noting Waldmann Construction is workinghard to be the preeminent Leadership in Energy and Envi-ronmental Design (LEED), Green Built and Energy Starbuilder in the Northwoods. “Everybody should be gettingon the ‘green’ bandwagon...”

Several aspects contribute to a project’s “green” desig-nation, he noted, including site work that minimizes theenvironmental impact of the house both during and afterconstruction.

Other “green” benchmarks, Baas said, include the useof recycled and sustainable building materials, the use ofwater-efficient toilet, faucet and shower fixtures, andattention to incorporating a variety of energy efficiencyinstallations – high efficiency furnaces; solar and geo-thermal systems; Energy Star-rated appliances; and high-performance windows and insulation.

Use of “green” materials, Baas noted, can substantial-ly improve indoor air quality over conventionally-con-structed homes by lowering or altogether eliminating theairborne off-gassing of Volatile Organic Compounds(VOCs) through the use of formaldehyde-free cabinetry,plywood and shelving, formaldehyde-free insulation, nat-ural carpeting and hard surface flooring including wood,concrete, tile or linoleum.

Baas said the world of “green” construction isn’t lim-ited to just new construction projects, noting there’s alsobeen a “big move” toward embracing “green” remodeling– bringing environmentally-friendly “green” materialsand building techniques into existing structures.

While building “green” typically drives a higher front-end investment, Baas said the increased costs are morethan made up by lowered energy costs, increased home

values and the intangibles of living in a “safer, healthierand more energy-efficient home.”

“It may cost more in the beginning, but it pays off inthe long run,” he said, noting a 15 percent additional costinvestment in a “medium level green” home is typicallypaid back within ten years.

And as “green” building technology continues toadvance, Baas said the costs of going “green” will contin-ue to decline, making it increasingly attractive from afinancial standpoint.

Strong reputation for qualitySpecializing in the design and

construction of unique, one-of-a-kind structures in the commercial,residential and remodeling markets,48-employee Waldmann Construc-tion was founded in 1987 by name-sakes Brad and Judy Waldmann.

Currently, Baas said approximate-ly 75 percent of the firm’s business isresidential construction, while theremaining 25 percent of its businesslies in the commercial and institu-tional markets.

Designing and building every-thing from dog houses and outhouses to multi-milliondollar homes and commercial structures, Waldmann’sscope of operations encompass a 50-mile radius of St.Germain – north into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, southto Prentice, west to Fifield and east to Tipler and LongLake in Florence County.

Waldmann Construction’s commercial and institution-

al work can be seen across the Northwoods. High profile Waldmann Construction projects include:

public library facilities in Plum Lake and Land O’ Lakes;First National Bank facilities in St. Germain and ThreeLakes; Rustic Manor Motor Lodge, Angry Dave’s Bar &Grill, Borak Chiropractic Clinic, St. Germain Pharmacyand the Veteran’s Memorial in St. Germain; the LincolnCommunity Center/Town Hall; Gaffney-Busha Cremato-ry and Ogren Electronics in Eagle River; emergency serv-

ices facilities in St. Germain, ThreeLakes, Plum Lake and Eagle River; theWisconsin DNR ranger station inWoodruff; the elderly housing complexin Manitowish Waters; and R.F. Lind-gren Enclosures in Minocqua.

The Waldmann portfolio alsoincludes a number of Northwoodschurches, including Ely MemorialChurch and Hope Lutheran Church inLand O’ Lakes, St. Mary’s CatholicChurch in Sayner, Community Presby-terian Church in Lac du Flambeau andRock of Ages Evangelical LutheranChurch in Minocqua.

Remodeling projects by Waldmanninclude St. Germain Sport Marine and

the former Minocqua Dawg Haus in downtown Minoc-qua.

Over its 22-year history, Waldmann Construction hasreceived multiple residential and commercial “Project ofDistinction” awards from the Wisconsin Chapter of Asso-ciated Builders and Contractors (ABC), including a Insti-tutional Division ABC award for a 2003 expansion proj-ect at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sayner.

Waldmann has also received numerous ABC work-place safety awards over the years, as well as recognitionin Wisconsin Builder as a top five workplace in the con-struction company category.

Baas said the firm takes a large measure of pride in itspositive reputation across the area, calling it a barometerof the firm’s customer service success and a key driver inthe firm’s continued growth through repeat business andword-of-mouth referrals.

“We really pride ourselves on our customer satisfac-tion,” he said. “We really bend over backward to try toplease our customers. Our standards are pretty high.”

Baas also attributes Waldmann’s growth and success toa company-wide dedication to staying on the forefront ofindustry trends.

“We try to stay on the cutting edge of what’s happen-ing,” he said. “If you don’t, you’ll be left behind. The

Waldmann Construction at forefront of ‘green building’ movement

Page 16–The Lakeland Times–February 6, 2008

See WALDMANN. . . page 17

Eric A. Johnson photoDesign-build contractor Waldmann Construction, Inc. is in the process of building this showcasehome on its Hwy. 70 East campus in St. Germain. Upon its expected fall 2009 completion, Wald-mann’s showcase structure will serve as a model of “green” building, incorporating low environ-mental impact construction practices; solar energy; geo-thermal heating; high-performanceinsulation, windows and siding; recycled roofing materials; managed forest lumber; naturalflooring materials; and formaldehyde-free insulation, cabinetry, plywood and shelving.

Contributed photoWaldmann Construction, Inc., a St. Germain-based design-build general contractor, received2003 Institutional Project of Distinction honors from the Wisconsin Chapter of AssociatedBuilders and Contractors for their construction work on the remodeling and expansion of St.Mary’s Catholic Church in Sayner. Diocese of Superior officials feted the project, which wascompleted ahead of schedule and under budget, as “an outstanding project completed by an out-standing contractor.” The project was designed by Minocqua-based Archibello, L.L.P.

“Generally, ‘green’homes are healthier, morecomfortable, more durable,more energy efficient andhave a much smaller envi-ronmental footprint than aconventional home.”

Greg Baas, production managerand estimator, Waldmann

Construction, Inc., St. Germain

Marshfield Clinic Minocqua Centerand Howard Young Medical Centerrecently contributed $500 from eachorganization to the Lakeland NordicSki Team to assist them in hosting theHigh School Nordic State Champi-onships. The event will be held tomor-row, Saturday, Feb. 7, at Winter Park inMinocqua.

“In the past, this event came to usonce every 10 years, however, we hadsuch a successful event here last yearthat they asked to repeat it at WinterPark again this year,” Sandy Bolger,event co-chairperson, said. “This racebrings more than 400 skiers, coachesand their families from Milwaukee,Madison, central Wisconsin, Haywardand other parts of the state. This week-end helps showcase our area as a greatdestination for winter sports to themany visitors who are attending. Weare so thankful for the support of theMarshfield Clinic, Howard YoungMedical Center, and other area busi-nesses that are helping us host thisevent.”

“We have a long history with thisevent,” Ken Schoville, head coach for

the ski team, said. “Minocqua was theinitial site for the first championship,held in 1982, and we are always happyto be able to host it here.”

Funds left over from donations willbe used to improve ski trails, providescholarships for youth skiers andupdate equipment

“The clinic is always glad to sup-port area organizations that help toimprove the health and well being ofthe people in our communities,” RickClark, administrator, MarshfieldClinic Minocqua Center, said. “Manyof our physicians and staff have chil-dren who participate on the LakelandNordic Ski Team and we wish themall the best of luck in this state cham-pionship competition.”

“This is just one of many efforts thatHoward Young Medical Center helps tosponsor to promote healthy, activelifestyles in the Northwoods,” RebeccaMorin, vice president, Patient Care Ser-vices, Howard Young Medical Center,said.

For more information about theHigh School Nordic State Champi-onships, call Sandy Bolger at 356-5347.

Marshfield Clinic, HYMC support Nordic ski teamThe Lakeland Times–February 6, 2009–Page 17

Contributed photoMatthias Weiss, M.D., oncologist (left), Richard Roach, M.D., urologist (secondfrom left), and Tracey Snyder, nurse practitioner (far right), Marshfield Clin-ic – providers for LUHS students on the Nordic ski team – and Rebecca Mor-rin, vice president, Patient Care Services, HYMC (third from left), presentSandy Bolger, event co-chair (fourth from left), and Ken Schoville, LakelandNordic Ski Team coach (second from right), a donation for the High SchoolNordic Ski Championship event to be held tomorrow, Saturday, Feb. 7, atMinocqua Winter Park.

building industry changes almost daily.You need to stay right on top of it.”

Design-build business model offers“one stop shop” convenience

Setting itself apart from many others inthe general contracting industry, Baas saidWaldmann Construction offers its clients aconvenient “one stop shop” businessmodel as a design-build contractor.

For many clients, the Waldmann Con-struction experience begins with one ofthe firm’s two in-house designers and con-tinues throughout the construction processto move-in day.

“People come in with an idea on a nap-kin and they leave with a key,” he said.

As a design-build contractor, Wald-mann offers clients one-of-a-kind cre-ations based on their unique wants andneeds.

“We really do one project at a time,”

Baas said. “We’ve never used the sameplan.”

The design-build business model, henoted, brings numerous benefits to Wald-mann’s clients, including control overbudget, smoother transitions between thedesign and construction phases, enhancedsupport, professional project management,faster completion times, single pointresponsibility and greater flexibility.

WALDMANNFrom page 16

See WALDMANN. . . page 18

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Marshfield Clinic, Ministry team up to support Loppet ski racePage 18–The Lakeland Times–February 6, 2009

Howard Young Medical Center(HYMC) and Ministry Medical GroupClinic (both Ministry Health Careorganizations), and Marshfield Clinic,recently teamed together and con-tributed $1,500 to support the 2009Lakeland Loppet Nordic Ski Race,scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 28, atMinocqua Winter Park.

The Lakeland Loppet, now in its34th year, is one of Wisconsin’slongest running ski races and drawsskiers from locations throughout theMidwest. The joint contribution willsupport family-orientated races forskiers of all ages, and maintenance ofWinter Park’s trails and equipment.

“We feel it is important to supportWinter Park as it provides a much-needed outlet for physical activity inour area over the long winter months,”Dr. Laura Nelson, medical director,Marshfield Clinic Northern Division,said. “All ages can participate in crosscountry skiing and other outdoor activ-ities at Winter Park, and this helps

improve the health and well-being ofall of us who live in the Northwoods.”

“We are appreciative of the contin-ued support of organizations likeMarshfield Clinic and Ministry HealthCare,” Keith Smith, manager of WinterPark, said. “These organizations rec-ognize the importance of communitymembers staying active during thewinter months, and having well-main-tained resources and opportunities inthe community to do so.”

This is just one example of a com-munity collaboration between Marsh-field Clinic and Ministry Health Care.Both organizations support efforts toimprove the health and well-being ofthe people who live in or visit ourarea.

Minocqua Winter Park is a not-for-profit town park operated by the Lake-land Ski Touring Foundation that pro-vides quality silent sport experiencefor outdoor enthusiasts of all agesthrough the protection and mainte-nance of their trail system.

Contributed photoLinda Wrobel, Lakeland Loppet volunteer coordinator (center), acceptsa check from Rebecca A. Morin (left), vice president of Patient Care Ser-vices, Howard Young Health Care and Rick Clark (right), administrator,Marshfield Clinic Minocqua Center for the 2009 Lakeland Loppet.

Looking to maintain itslongstanding reputation forquality work and customerservice, Waldmann Con-struction keeps a closewatch on quality control bymaintaining its own team ofskilled, in-house profession-als representing a variety ofdisciplines and trades –architectural design, siteclearing and excavation,concrete and masonry,rough and finished carpen-try, painting and staining, roofing and drywall installa-tion.

Baas praised the employees comprising Wald-mann’s in-house cabinetry team for their embrace ofold school quality craftsmanship on a variety of proj-ects including kitchen and bath cabinetry, built-inbookshelves and unique trim.

“We really try to hire craftsmen,” he said.Waldmann also works with a short list of time-test-

ed local plumbing, electrical and HVAC subcontrac-tors who share the firm’s passion for excellence, atten-tion to detail and strict adherence to project timetables.

“It lets us control the scheduling and quality of ourprojects,” Baas said, noting the company conductsweekly meeting with its superintendents to monitorscheduling, quality control and job site safety.

By keeping project work in-house and working witha short list of trusted subcontractors, Baas said Wald-mann Construction is able to keep close tabs on con-struction projects.

As a result, he noted the firm typically pares 25 per-cent off the typical construction timeline, subject toweather conditions and materials availability.

“We keep our guys moving, we keep our subcon-tractors moving,” he noted.

And should warranty issues arise after constructionis completed, Baas said Waldmann and its subcontrac-tors are able to respond quickly.

“If a warranty issue arises, we could literally bethere in a minute or two,” he noted.

Learn moreWaldmann Construction, Inc., a member of the Wis-

consin Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors(ABC), is located at 6221 Hwy. 70 East in St. Germain.

Waldmann Construction is open from 6:30 a.m. to5p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information, call 715-479-3132 or visitwww.waldmannconstruction.com.

Eric Johnson can be reached via email atejohnson@lakelandtimes.com.

WALDMANNFrom page 17

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