About Us

Personal Pride is Minnesota's trusted custom builder company, serving the Twin Cities metro, MN.

Who We Are

Personal Pride is a locally rooted builder based in Golden Valley, Minnesota, serving homeowners throughout the Twin Cities metro. We specialize in thoughtfully designed porches, decks & exteriors projects that reflect how our clients truly live. Every home we work on is shaped by collaboration, experience, and attention to detail, balancing design, function, and long term value. Our goal is simple, to create homes that feel personal, perform beautifully, and stand the test of time.

Our Mission

At Personal Pride, our mission is to design and build outdoor spaces that reflect how our clients truly live. From custom porches and decks to full exterior transformations, we are committed to delivering craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and a collaborative experience from start to finish.

We believe the best results come from listening first — understanding your vision, your lifestyle, and your long-term goals. Through clear communication, attention to detail, and hands-on guidance throughout the process, we strive to create spaces that feel personal, function beautifully, and stand the test of time.

Our Process

A great project doesn’t happen by accident. It happens through clear communication, thoughtful planning, and craftsmanship executed with care. At Personal Pride, our process is designed to make your experience as smooth and rewarding as the finished space itself.

Listen & Understand

Every project begins with a conversation. We take the time to understand how you use your space, what’s working, what isn’t, and what you envision for the future. This foundation allows us to design solutions that truly reflect your lifestyle.

Design with Intention

Whether it’s a custom porch, a new deck, or a full exterior transformation, we guide you through design decisions with clarity and experience. Materials, layout, function, and long-term durability are all considered — because great design balances beauty with performance.

Plan with Transparency

Clear timelines. Clear pricing. Clear expectations. We believe homeowners deserve full visibility into their project. Through organized scheduling and proactive communication, you’ll always know what’s happening and what comes next.

Build with Pride

Craftsmanship is where everything comes together. Our team approaches every cut, connection, and finish with attention to detail and respect for your home. We don’t rush. We don’t cut corners. We build it right.

Deliver with Care

Before we consider a project complete, we walk through it together. We want you to feel confident, excited, and proud of your new space — knowing it was built to last.

Our Team

Behind every Personal Pride project is a team of experienced, dedicated professionals who genuinely care about the work they do. From the first design conversation to the final walkthrough, our team collaborates closely to ensure every detail reflects the quality and pride we stand for.

Whether managing timelines, coordinating materials, or executing precise craftsmanship on site, we approach each project with respect for your home and your time. We’re not just building porches, decks, and exterior spaces — we’re building trust, lasting relationships, and spaces our clients are proud to call their own.

Adam Gernes

Construction Manager | Partner

Jason Jewison

Operations Manager | Partner

Emily Wolters

Office Manager

Jason Sargent

Lead Carpenter

Kalvin Vega

Project Manager

Bryn Erickson

Project Advisor

John Zuk

Project Advisor

Our Guarantees

At Personal Pride, we believe trust is built through follow-through. That’s why every project is backed by clear commitments designed to protect your home, your investment, and your peace of mind.

When you work with us, you can expect honest communication, realistic timelines, and craftsmanship completed with intention, never shortcuts. We stand behind our work, honor our word, and treat your home with the respect it deserves from start to finish.

Clear Communication

You receive honest updates, realistic timelines, and proactive communication from start to finish. You’ll always know what’s happening and what comes next.

Direct Builder Relationship

You work directly with experienced leadership, not a revolving door of project managers. Decisions are clear, questions are answered quickly, and accountability stays personal.

Quality Craftsmanship

Every porch, deck, and exterior detail is built with precision, durable materials, and proven construction methods designed to withstand Minnesota’s seasons.

Thoughtful Customization

Every home, and every homeowner, is different. We help you tailor your project to fit your style, your goals, and how you truly use your space.

Budget & Scope Integrity

We respect your investment. That means transparent pricing, careful planning, and no surprise changes without clear discussion and approval.

Pride That Lasts

Our commitment doesn’t end at completion. We stand behind our work and build spaces designed for long-term enjoyment and performance.

These aren’t just promises, they’re the standards that define Personal Pride Construction.

Deciding if a New Porch is Right for You?

Download our free guide, "The Question Most Homeowners Don't Ask Before Building." This is a practical resource to help you think through how a new outdoor space will genuinely change how you live at home. Whether you're just starting to explore the idea or are ready to plan, this guide will help you gain clarity on your layout, expectations, and whether the investment makes sense for your lifestyle before you ever speak to a contractor.

Getting started is easier than you think! We recommend visiting our Gallery to explore completed home designs and available homes. You’ll find plenty of ideas and inspiration to spark your vision. 

➔ Visit our Gallery page to get inspired!

You can reach us easily by phone or through our contact page to discuss your project and get answers to your questions.

➔ Contact us here

We proudly serve the MN Twin Cities Metro Area and surrounding areas, helping homeowners across the region with expert Porches, Decks and Exteriors builds.

➔ See what we can do for you here

Choosing the right builder is one of the most important decisions you will make during a home renovation project, often more important than the materials themselves.

Home renovation projects are a major investment. You usually only want to do it once and get it right the first time. That makes experience, planning, and process just as important as craftsmanship.

One of the most common situations we see is homeowners comparing multiple bids that look similar on paper but are based on very different assumptions. In many cases, key details like layout, proportions, material transitions, rooflines, or long term use have not been fully thought through yet. That can lead to confusion, change orders, or regret later on.

When evaluating a porch or deck builder, it helps to look beyond price and ask a few deeper questions. Do they help you think through the design before construction starts? Can they explain why something is being built a certain way, not just how? Do they guide you through material selections and explain how those choices affect appearance, maintenance, and longevity? Do they have a clear process for permits, inspections, and communication?

We often see projects where skipping the design and planning phase leads to changes during construction. Those changes are usually more expensive, more stressful, and much harder to undo once work has started. A builder who invests time upfront planning the project is usually doing it to protect the homeowner, not slow things down.

The right builder should feel like a guide, not someone simply taking orders. They should be able to anticipate issues, explain tradeoffs clearly, and help you make decisions you will still feel good about years down the road.

In the end, the goal is not just a finished porch or deck. It is confidence that the space was thoughtfully designed, properly built, and truly fits your home and how you live.

We follow a clear, step-by-step process designed to create alignment early and avoid surprises later.

  1. Initial Conversation
    The process starts with an initial call to learn about your home, your goals, and how you want to use the space. We also talk about budget at a high level during this conversation. Even if the numbers are only ballpark, this helps confirm whether we are generally aligned before investing time in design.
  2. Site Visit
    If it feels like a good fit, the next step is an in-person site visit. We walk the space together, take preliminary measurements, review site conditions, and talk through layout ideas, options, and any constraints specific to your property.
  3. Design Services Agreement
    After the site visit, we put together a Design Services Agreement. This outlines a preliminary scope of work and pricing range based on what has been discussed. Once approved, this agreement allows us to move confidently into the design phase.
  4. Design
    During design, we develop plans and 3D renderings, refine layout details, and finalize material selections. This is where the project truly takes shape and where most decisions are made with clarity and confidence.
  5. Construction
    Once design is complete, we handle permitting, scheduling, and construction. At this stage, the focus shifts from planning to execution, with clear communication throughout the build.

It takes multiple people to bring these projects to life, and we want homeowners to understand who is involved at each stage.

Before construction begins, your primary contact is your project advisor. Their role is to take the time to understand what you want to accomplish and help guide early decisions so the project is set up correctly from the start.

During the design phase, the project advisor works with you alongside a designer and or drafter to develop plans and make material selections.

Once construction begins, a project manager is assigned to oversee the build and becomes your primary point of contact for the remainder of the project. The project manager coordinates the work, provides updates, and ensures everything is completed according to the plans and our standards.

The crew working on site each day is focused on building the project. While they are not typically responsible for scheduling or design questions, they are approachable, respectful, and always willing to clarify small details or check in if something comes up.

We use a structured communication system so homeowners always know where things stand without feeling like they need to chase information.

Every homeowner receives access to a JobTread owner portal. This portal serves as the central place to view contracts, documents, schedules, daily logs, and payment information, and it centralizes communication so important details are not scattered across texts, emails, phone calls, or separate apps.

Daily logs provide progress updates and photos so you can see what is happening even if you are not home during the day. Your project manager remains available by phone or in person whenever questions come up or decisions need to be discussed.

The goal is to provide transparency and consistency, not overwhelm. The portal keeps everything organized while personal communication remains available when it matters.

One of the advantages of outdoor living projects is that disruption to the interior of the home is usually very limited.

Most of the work happens outside. There are a few situations where we may need to access the interior, such as running electrical back to the main panel, addressing specific structural requirements, or creating a new opening between the home and the porch.

When electrical work is required, we always look for the least disruptive solution. In many cases, power can be run along the exterior of the home and buried in a trench rather than routed through finished interior spaces.

If a new opening to the home is part of the project, we plan that work carefully. We typically complete as much exterior construction as possible first and save the interior opening for later so interior finish work can be completed efficiently and cleanly.

Yes. This is a non-negotiable for us.

At the end of each workday, materials are stacked neatly, debris is collected and placed in bags or the dumpster, and the jobsite is checked for loose nails or screws so nothing gets stepped on or driven over.

Clean jobsites are safer, more professional, and lead to better results. A cluttered workspace creates unnecessary risk and distraction. Keeping the site clean helps ensure the project stays organized and on track from start to finish.

Spring is generally the most popular time to build because projects can be completed early in the year, allowing homeowners to enjoy the space for the full outdoor season.

That said, any time from spring through fall is typically ideal when weather conditions are cooperative. These seasons allow for efficient construction and the highest level of finish quality.

Winter construction is possible, but it is not ideal unless there is a specific reason to build during that time. Cold temperatures make construction more difficult and slower, and extra precautions are required with materials. Many materials contract in cold, dry winter conditions and expand when temperatures warm, which can affect installation.

While winter projects can be done successfully, most homeowners prefer to build when conditions support the best overall experience and outcome.

Construction timelines depend on the type and complexity of the project.

Most decks take less than a week to complete, with some smaller projects finished in as little as three days.

Screened porches generally take three to four weeks, while 4-season porches can take up to six weeks depending on size, finishes, and complexity. Screens and porch windows are custom made to order, which can also influence scheduling.

Before construction begins, we provide an anticipated project schedule that outlines the sequence of work and the overall timeline. While specific task start dates may shift as the project progresses, the schedule gives homeowners a clear understanding of what to expect and when they can begin using their new space.

Yes, decks and porches can be built in winter, but winter projects take longer and require additional care.

Cold temperatures affect materials, productivity, and installation methods. Extra precautions are necessary to ensure long-term performance and quality.

For most homeowners, warmer seasons provide a smoother construction process and a better overall experience, which is why winter builds are typically the exception rather than the rule.

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