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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Founder
Founder
Tom founded the company in 2002 after spending several years working with large home improvement companies. While those organizations were successful, he saw firsthand how transactional the process could feel for homeowners. Tom believed there was a better way — one rooted in personal connection, pride in craftsmanship, and treating each home with the same care he would expect in his own.
For more than two decades, Tom built the company with a simple philosophy: if you take care of the homeowner, the homeowner will take care of you. That mindset shaped how projects were run, how relationships were built, and why much of the company’s growth has come through repeat clients and referrals.
In 2024, Tom sold a majority interest in the company to long-time team members Jason Jewison and Adam Gernes. After single-handedly owning and operating the business for over 20 years, the decision was both meaningful and intentional. Tom’s decades of working closely with Jason and Adam gave him complete confidence that the company’s values would continue uninterrupted.
Tom now lives in his hometown of Spicer, Minnesota, where he remains involved at a strategic level and continues to support the long-term vision of the company he built.
Construction Manager | Partner
Construction Manager | Partner
Adam leads the sales, design, scheduling, and execution of deck and porch projects, serving as the primary point of contact for many homeowners from the initial call through final closeout. His role bridges design, planning, and on-site execution, helping ensure projects are thoughtfully designed and built exactly as promised.
Adam first began working with the company in 2005 and brings nearly 30 years of hands-on experience as a carpenter to every project. That depth of field experience gives him a practical, real-world approach to problem-solving. Having seen just about every challenge construction can present, Adam is known for finding creative, effective solutions that keep projects moving forward without compromising quality.
Adam’s top priority is delivering the highest quality project possible. When there are multiple ways to accomplish a task, he consistently chooses the approach that looks the best, performs the best, and delivers the greatest long-term value for the homeowner’s investment. He approaches every project with the same mindset he would use in his own home — no shortcuts, no compromises.
A lifelong resident of the Champlin area, Adam enjoys spending time golfing and playing pickleball and is always happy to recommend a great local spot to grab a bite to eat.
Operations Manager | Partner
Operations Manager | Partner
Jason oversees the day-to-day operations and long-term strategy of the company, helping ensure every project is well planned, clearly communicated, and executed to a high standard. While he often works behind the scenes, Jason is closely involved in estimating, scope development, proposal creation, and maintaining strong relationships with trusted subcontractors and suppliers. Most homeowners may only interact with Jason through invoicing or, in rare cases, if an issue arises that requires additional support.
Before stepping into his current role, Jason spent many years as a project manager working directly with homeowners on a wide range of projects. That experience gave him a deep appreciation for both the importance of a great customer experience and the reality that construction can be disruptive. He approaches every project with that understanding in mind.
Jason believes in transparency and addressing challenges head-on. If a problem comes up and there’s a way to fix it, he makes sure it’s handled promptly and honestly. His top priority on every project is ensuring the homeowner has a positive experience from start to finish — beginning with clear communication and ending with a high-quality finished product.
Jason has been with the company since 2006, when he started as a field intern. He chose to stay and grow with the company because of its commitment to doing the right thing for customers, employees, and trade partners alike. He lives in Watertown, Minnesota, with his wife and three young boys.
Office Manager
Office Manager
Emily manages the administrative side of the company, supporting the team through tasks such as permitting coordination, bookkeeping, and day-to-day office operations. While she doesn’t visit job sites, she is often the first person homeowners connect with when calling the office and plays an important role in keeping projects moving smoothly behind the scenes.
Emily is known for her positive attitude and attentive communication. She approaches every call with care and professionalism, helping homeowners feel comfortable and supported from the very first interaction. Her strong attention to detail and consistent follow-up ensure that internal processes stay organized and on track.
Outside of work, Emily enjoys traveling whenever possible, whether it’s a quick weekend trip to New York City or a longer adventure to places like Alaska.
Lead Carpenter
Lead Carpenter
Jason is the company’s Lead Carpenter and primary on-site builder, responsible for turning designs into finished projects with care and precision. He has been with the company since 2010 and plays a key role in keeping projects moving efficiently and on schedule.
Known for his personable approach, Jason brings a positive, easygoing presence to the job site. With decades of hands-on experience honing his craft, homeowners feel confident knowing their project is being built correctly the first time.
Jason is a straight-shooter who believes in addressing issues the right way. If something unexpected is uncovered during construction, he communicates it clearly and makes sure it’s resolved properly before moving forward. Affectionately known as “Sarge,” he is appreciated for his strong work ethic, great attitude, and consistent quality results.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Kalvin coordinates and manages exterior renovation projects, helping ensure each job stays organized, on schedule, and well communicated from start to finish. He works closely with homeowners, trade partners, and the internal team to keep projects running smoothly.
Kalvin has been with the company for over two years and brings a hands-on background as a siding installer, giving him practical insight into how projects are built.
Known for his friendly demeanor and positive attitude, Kalvin takes genuine pride in delivering a great customer experience and is always looking for ways to go above and beyond. He is bilingual in English and Spanish, which is a valuable asset that supports clear communication throughout each project.
Project Advisor
Project Advisor
Bryn is one of the first people homeowners meet when exploring a project. As a Project Advisor, he takes time to listen carefully and understand what a homeowner is truly trying to accomplish, then helps guide them toward the best solutions to meet those goals. While his involvement is most active during the early planning and design phases, Bryn remains available from start to finish to support the project and ensure continuity.
Bryn has been with the company for three years and brings a unique blend of technical and sales experience to his role. He previously founded and exited a software company and also worked in sales for Hover, a 3D modeling platform used to visualize exterior renovations. That background allows him to bridge design concepts and real-world execution, helping homeowners clearly see and understand what their finished project will look like.
Homeowners appreciate Bryn’s positive, approachable demeanor and his thorough attention to detail. He is known for setting clear expectations, asking the right questions early, and making sure no details are overlooked. Bryn believes that strong communication and design clarity are the foundation of a successful project, and he works hard to ensure the final result aligns with the vision established from the beginning.
Outside of work, Bryn enjoys downhill skiing and spending time boating and fishing with his family on Lake Minnetonka.
Project Advisor
Project Advisor
John thrives on building strong relationships with every homeowner he works with. As a Project Advisor, he is often one of the first people homeowners interact with after an initial call, helping guide early conversations around goals, ideas, and possibilities. While his role is most active during the front end of the process, John remains available from start to finish to ensure homeowners feel supported throughout their project.
John has been with the company for three years and brings a hands-on background as a framing carpenter. That experience gives him a practical understanding of how projects come together and allows him to speak confidently about what’s possible while still appreciating the details that matter during construction. He enjoys staying connected to the building side of the work and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty when needed.
Known for his great sense of humor and high-energy approach, John has a natural ability to put people at ease. Homeowners often comment on how comfortable and well taken care of they feel working with him. He genuinely cares about each customer and works hard to explore solutions that make sense for their needs, even when timing or scope requires thoughtful consideration.
Outside of work, John enjoys playing slow-pitch softball and spending time with his family. Homeowners appreciate that working with John never feels transactional. He makes the process engaging, approachable, and genuinely enjoyable.
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.
You receive honest updates, realistic timelines, and proactive communication from start to finish. You’ll always know what’s happening and what comes next.
You work directly with experienced leadership, not a revolving door of project managers. Decisions are clear, questions are answered quickly, and accountability stays personal.
Every porch, deck, and exterior detail is built with precision, durable materials, and proven construction methods designed to withstand Minnesota’s seasons.
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.
We respect your investment. That means transparent pricing, careful planning, and no surprise changes without clear discussion and approval.
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.
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.
You can reach us easily by phone or through our contact page to discuss your project and get answers to your questions.
We proudly serve the MN Twin Cities Metro Area and surrounding areas, helping homeowners across the region with expert Porches, Decks and Exteriors builds.
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.
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.