Callen Construction 30th Anniversary
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
CALLEN CELEBRATES<br />
30 YEARS<br />
OF QUALITY REMODELING<br />
1986 2016<br />
There is a rich history behind <strong>Callen</strong> <strong>Construction</strong>, Inc.<br />
that started in 1986 with founders, Tom and Phil <strong>Callen</strong>.<br />
Two brothers who both had experience in the home<br />
improvement and remodeling industry decided<br />
to combine that knowledge and passion to form<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> <strong>Construction</strong>.<br />
With Phil’s experience in sales and production and<br />
Tom’s experience in sales and marketing, the brothers<br />
had a strong base for starting their exterior home<br />
improvement business.
THE EARLY YEARS<br />
Tom and Phil enjoy telling the story of their 30-year journey building<br />
a very successful home improvement and remodeling company.<br />
In 1986, when Phil worked for a local siding and window distributor,<br />
and brother Tom had just left corporate life and was working<br />
for a contractor in Denver, Phil suggested they form a business<br />
partnership. “It didn’t go farther from there for awhile,” Phil recalled.<br />
“Eventually, we made the decision to go ahead and form a siding<br />
and window company.”<br />
Tom moved back to Milwaukee and began the process of<br />
incorporating the business. “I signed the papers on my 38th<br />
birthday, April 29, 1986,” Tom said.<br />
Their small office in Franklin at 111th and Forest Home was their<br />
home base. “We both ran leads and slowly built a customer base,”<br />
Phil said.<br />
The business soon began to grow and permanent staff was hired.<br />
Roger Osgood was hired as a siding helper in 1986 and retired as<br />
<strong>Callen</strong>’s accounting manager in 2000. Work crews were hired and<br />
in 1987, Jan Dunlop joined as secretary/administrative manager. In<br />
addition to regular office duties, Jan also assisted with follow-up<br />
calls to potential customers. She was a valuable asset to the office,<br />
staying with the company until 2007.<br />
The game changer for <strong>Callen</strong> was bringing on the<br />
wood window product line from Pella ® in 1988. As<br />
aluminum-clad, wood-framed replacement windows<br />
gained popularity, carpenters were hired, and<br />
soon customers asked about interior remodeling<br />
capabilities. The word soon spread.<br />
“That decision in ’88 to sell Pella ® windows had many<br />
different offshoots,” Tom said.<br />
A full-time salesperson was added in 1988 – Brad<br />
Flannigan who is still with <strong>Callen</strong>.<br />
Dave Drury also was hired in<br />
1989 as a telemarketer and<br />
stayed with the company 19 years.<br />
After the no-call list took effect,<br />
Dave set most of the company’s<br />
appointments.<br />
The first major <strong>Callen</strong> remodeling<br />
project took place in New Berlin<br />
in 1990. The homeowners were<br />
so delighted with the work, that in<br />
subsequent years they installed a new<br />
roof, skylight, gutters, downspouts,<br />
Gutter Topper ® , and a bay window.<br />
More crew was hired, including Mike<br />
Petersen as lead carpenter. Mike is<br />
still with <strong>Callen</strong> today and plays a key role in interior remodeling<br />
projects as well as mentoring and training new hires on the job site.<br />
In the early years, <strong>Callen</strong> also built strong relationships with<br />
suppliers and bankers, especially bankers Jack Spoerl of State<br />
Financial Bank – Muskego and Dean Casper of BMO Harris Bank;<br />
Russ Kilps and Mary Ann Alberti of Hale Park Lumber; VerHalen,<br />
Inc.; and Rob Domenosky of ABC Supply.<br />
“<strong>Callen</strong> has built it’s own team of carpenters, window<br />
installers, as well as siding, gutter, and roof crews,” Tom<br />
said. “It also values long-term relationships with its<br />
trade contractors.<br />
“We built our business on personal contact,” Tom said.<br />
“We were on site with sales, installation, clean-up, and<br />
picking up the final check. That’s how we built our<br />
business. We made sure our customers were happy.”<br />
1986 1987 1988 1989<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> opens its first office on<br />
April 29 in Franklin.<br />
Average cost of a home 1986: $89,430.<br />
Star Trek: The Voyage Home released.<br />
Robin Yount collects his 2,000th career hit.<br />
Milwaukee Bucks win divisional title.<br />
Price of gas: $0.95.<br />
“Full House” first aired.<br />
Brewers’ Juan Nieves records first no-hitter<br />
in franchise history.<br />
World population reaches 5 billion.<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> begins to sell the Pella ® brand of<br />
aluminum-clad windows; moves office to<br />
current location in Muskego.<br />
Record of the Year: “Graceland” by Paul Simon.<br />
CDs outsell vinyl for the first time ever.<br />
Bradley Center completed.<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> hires Brad Flannigan as the<br />
company’s first full-time salesperson.<br />
George H. W. Bush is inaugurated as the<br />
41st President of the United States.<br />
Robin Yount is named American League<br />
Most Valuable Player.
GOOD BUSINESS PRACTICES<br />
AND OVERCOMING CHALLENGES<br />
The <strong>Callen</strong>s moved the business to their present Muskego location<br />
in 1988, first renting 800 square feet. In 1994, they incorporated a<br />
showroom and expanded to half the building. By 1996, they owned<br />
and occupied all 5,400 square feet of space and established<br />
an interiors division – the <strong>Callen</strong> Design Group – for kitchens,<br />
bathrooms, and basement and attic conversions.<br />
Also in 1996, Tom and Phil joined Remodeler’s Advantage, a<br />
national support organization for remodeling business owners.<br />
That association helped them with some of the challenges they<br />
faced with the business.<br />
“We learned we needed a project manager in the interiors division<br />
to expedite/manage the projects, so the designers could focus on<br />
sales and design. That project management spread to the exterior<br />
division,” Tom explained. “We also learned that we needed to have<br />
separate and distinct sales forces for the interior and exterior<br />
divisions.<br />
“Remodeler’s Advantage educated us on making the business<br />
more efficient. Between 1996 and 2007 we grew more profitable,<br />
and re-evaluated owner compensation. We learned it was<br />
important to take time off from the business to recharge.”<br />
“The challenges we faced were finding quality people, learning<br />
from our mistakes, and underestimating the time and labor on job<br />
sites. We had to learn how to be profitable and how to manage<br />
others,” Phil said. “But we learned and we always stuck to our goal<br />
of delivering quality work and establishing trust between us and<br />
our customers, and also helping our employees succeed. That’s<br />
what helped our business grow.”<br />
On April 29, 2006, 20 years after incorporation, <strong>Callen</strong> opened a newly built 2,800 square foot addition to its Muskego showroom<br />
featuring an expanded line of interior and exterior home improvement building products, including kitchen and bath vignettes, full-sized<br />
window, siding, and roofing displays, conference room and reception area.<br />
1990 1991 1992 1993<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> builds first addition in<br />
New Berlin.<br />
Average cost of a home: $122,900.<br />
Price of milk: $2.00.<br />
Record of the Year: “Wind Beneath My<br />
Wings” by Bette Midler.<br />
Home Alone released.<br />
Introduction of the “<strong>Callen</strong> Connection”,<br />
a company newsletter.<br />
“Home Improvement” first aired.<br />
Internet is made available to unrestricted<br />
commercial use.<br />
Hubble Telescope launched.<br />
“Seinfeld” debuts.<br />
Price of gas: $1.13.<br />
Pat Listach is named American League<br />
Rookie of the Year, becoming first Brewer<br />
to ever win the award.<br />
Johnny Carson hosts “The Tonight Show”<br />
for the last time.<br />
Harley Davidson Motorcycles celebrates<br />
90 years.<br />
Ty Warner USA launches the first Beanie Babies.<br />
Cost of Super Bowl ad: $850,000.<br />
Milwaukee Bucks retire #33 celebrating<br />
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
WELCOMING MARVIN<br />
Adding another window product line<br />
significantly helped the exterior division. It<br />
began when Tom attended a marketing seminar<br />
in Chicago and met the Marvin family of Marvin<br />
Windows & Doors. In August 2006, after many<br />
marketing and planning discussions, <strong>Callen</strong> was<br />
chosen to be the exclusive Infinity from Marvin<br />
fiberglass replacement window dealer for the<br />
metro Milwaukee area. That resulted in an<br />
Infinity® from Marvin Replacement Window<br />
showroom in Brookfield at the Sendik’s Towne<br />
Centre, which opened in May 2010.<br />
Like the Muskego flagship, the showroom<br />
features a wide variety of in-wall and<br />
freestanding Infinity window displays, entry<br />
and patio doors, along with siding and roofing<br />
displays. The showroom also has a working<br />
kitchen to conduct consultations with <strong>Callen</strong><br />
staff on projects.<br />
PEACE OF MIND...WITH A VIEW<br />
Visit<br />
<strong>Callen</strong>’s awardwinning<br />
showroom<br />
or call 414-529-5509<br />
for your FREE initial<br />
consultation!<br />
The Infinity Difference – The Strength of Fiberglass<br />
8x stronger than vinyl, 3x stronger than wood, outlasts and<br />
outperforms all other window materials<br />
The Infinity Difference – Everwood Stainable Interior<br />
• Looks and feels like wood<br />
• Doesn’t absorb moisture<br />
• Won’t check or discolor<br />
Infinity Windows....<br />
• Exceed Energy Star ® requirements<br />
• Easy to operate and clean from the inside<br />
• Offer a no-hassle experience and installation<br />
Full-Service Remodeling Contractor<br />
serving metro Milwaukee since 1986<br />
Improvement Ideas for Your Home<br />
Showroom: S63 W13131 Janesville Road, Muskego<br />
800-924-0092 • www.callenconstruction.com<br />
TEAM BUILDING: HAPPY EMPLOYEES,<br />
SATISFIED CUSTOMERS<br />
Phil <strong>Callen</strong> emphasized the<br />
importance to everyone at<br />
<strong>Callen</strong>, from the top down,<br />
of treating customers with<br />
respect, as well as their<br />
home as their own.<br />
“Our employees come to us<br />
with skills, but we make sure<br />
they know the fundamentals of giving our customers the best<br />
possible remodeling experience,” Phil said. “It may sound simple,<br />
but we emphasize the basics of working with the customer, the<br />
please and thank you’s and helping the customer out – calling a<br />
customer on the way to the job so the customer knows their name<br />
and knows when they will be arriving.<br />
“We emphasize teamwork and team building and an atmosphere<br />
where our staff, even when they are working on different projects,<br />
get to know each other and feel comfortable talking and joking<br />
together. We encourage our veteran employees to help our<br />
newer employees. We tell them ‘This is your career path. How<br />
can we help you?’<br />
“Letting people know they did a good job is important too. We<br />
have a company meeting four times a year and, among other<br />
things, we share customer letters and testimonials. When one<br />
of our projects wins an award, like the Wisconsin Remodeling<br />
Awards, we bring everybody together who worked on the job and<br />
get a picture of them with the award because it’s really a group<br />
effort from first contact to finished project.<br />
“Through these efforts, we’ve created a team where everybody<br />
has one thing in common – they believe in the company, the work<br />
they do, and their fellow workers.”<br />
1994 1995 1996 1997<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> adds showroom to<br />
Muskego office.<br />
Brewers celebrate 25th anniversary with new<br />
uniforms and a new logo; Retire #19 in honor of<br />
Robin Yount.<br />
Badgers win the Rose Bowl against UCLA Bruins.<br />
“Friends” debuts.<br />
Record of the Year: “All I Wanna Do” by<br />
Sheryl Crow.<br />
Auction website eBay is founded.<br />
First successful air-balloon ride over the<br />
Pacific Ocean.<br />
The DVD is announced.<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> celebrates 10th business<br />
anniversary; joins Remodeler’s<br />
Advantage.<br />
Record of the Year: “Kiss From A Rose”<br />
by Seal.<br />
Break Ground on Miller Park.<br />
Nintendo 64 is released.<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> receives Alcoa Master<br />
Contractor Designation.<br />
Price of gas: $1.23.<br />
Green Bay Packers win Super Bowl XXXI vs.<br />
New England Patriots 35-21.<br />
Tiger Woods becomes the youngest golfer ever<br />
to win Masters at age 21.
LOOKING AHEAD: ESTABLISHING<br />
AN ADVISORY BOARD<br />
With the business continuing to grow and the future in mind, in<br />
2003, the brothers decided they needed to take steps to ensure<br />
that differences of opinion didn’t hinder that growth. They created<br />
a board of advisors consisting of themselves and the company’s<br />
controller, sales manager, top salesman, and senior lead carpenter.<br />
Involving other stake holders in the decision making process,<br />
ensures buy-in and increases the likelihood of follow-through. “It<br />
puts the interest of the company ahead of our own agendas” Phil<br />
said.<br />
The board also serves as a team that can keep the company<br />
operating when the brothers retire. Tom retired in April 2014,<br />
while Phil, younger than Tom by nine years, remains at the helm.<br />
OUR AWARDS AND ASSOCIATIONS<br />
The Waukesha Landmarks Commission recognized one of the<br />
company’s completed projects for outstanding efforts in preserving<br />
and maintaining a historic property.<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> is a member of: Milwaukee NARI Home Improvement<br />
Council; Metropolitan Builders Association Remodelers Council;<br />
National Kitchen & Bath Association; Better Business Bureau;<br />
Hales Corners Chamber of Commerce; Muskego Area Chamber<br />
of Commerce; and Greater Brookfield Area Chamber of<br />
Commerce.<br />
Over the years, <strong>Callen</strong> has won numerous national<br />
and local remodeling awards including Remodeling<br />
Magazine’s Big 50 in 2000, given to the top 50<br />
Remodelers across the country for professionalism in the<br />
industry; The Vinyl Siding Institute’s Award of Distinction<br />
multiple times; GAF Master Elite Excellence Award;<br />
and numerous wins in the Wisconsin Remodeler of the<br />
Year Awards (WRA) sponsored by the Milwaukee/<br />
NARI Home Improvement Council, Inc.<br />
1998 1999 2000 2001<br />
Record of the Year: “Sunny Came Home”<br />
by Shawn Colvin.<br />
Google was founded.<br />
First Apple iMac computer was introduced.<br />
Frank Sinatra passes away.<br />
Brewers retire #4 in honor of Paul<br />
Molitor.<br />
Wisconsin Badgers defeat the UCLA<br />
Bruins to win the Rose Bowl.<br />
“The Sopranos”, starring James<br />
Gandolfini, debuts on HBO.<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> named to Remodeling Magazine’s<br />
“Big 50” – Recognition of the top 50<br />
Remodelers across the country for<br />
professionalism in various areas of the<br />
remodeling industry.<br />
Average cost of a home: $169,000.<br />
Wisconsin Badgers go to the Final Four.<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> named to the list of “Top<br />
500” Remodelers, a listing by<br />
volume of the “Top 500” remodeling<br />
contractors in the country.<br />
George W. Bush inaugurated as the 43rd<br />
President of the United States.<br />
Brewers open Miller Park.
OUR COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY<br />
One of the cornerstones of <strong>Callen</strong> <strong>Construction</strong> is its commitment to community.<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> supports the Milwaukee NARI Foundation, which promotes public awareness<br />
of the home remodeling and improvement industry through educational programs<br />
and community activities, and raises funds to support scholarships and grants to help<br />
encourage and train young people and displaced workers interested in the professional<br />
remodeling industry.<br />
You’ll also find company support or sponsorship at Muskego’s Country Christmas,<br />
Home Building & Remodeling Expo, Hales Corners Recreation Department, the<br />
Channel 10 Auction, Milwaukee NARI Home Improvement Show, and a number of<br />
others. At Milwaukee’s Irish Fest, <strong>Callen</strong>’s Cottage serves as the information booth in<br />
the Cultural Village.<br />
One of the company’s most prominent and successful fundraisers is Refashion for<br />
Life, benefitting CommonGround Ministry/Elena’s House (Wauwatosa) and held<br />
at the <strong>Callen</strong> Muskego office and<br />
showroom. The event features<br />
a fashion show combining the<br />
newest looks in early and late<br />
fall apparel with fashionable<br />
products for the home,<br />
including countertops, tile,<br />
cabinetry, windows, flooring,<br />
and hardware. In July 2008,<br />
the inaugural Refashion for<br />
Life was held. More than 200<br />
people attended, and the<br />
event raised $23,000. Refashion<br />
for Life is now an annual event and<br />
since its inception has raised more<br />
than $175,000 for Elena’s House, a<br />
faith-based home for people living<br />
with HIV/AIDS.<br />
2002 2003 2004 2005<br />
The Vinyl Siding Institute awards <strong>Callen</strong><br />
a 2002 Award of Distinction.<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> earns “Top 500” Remodeler<br />
distinction for second consecutive year.<br />
“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”<br />
first aired.<br />
Bob Uecker is inducted into the<br />
National Baseball Hall of Fame.<br />
Harley Davidson celebrates 100-year<br />
anniversary.<br />
Record of the Year: “Clocks” by Coldplay.<br />
“Nobody’s Home” by Avril Lavigne<br />
released.<br />
Facebook is launched as a social<br />
networking site.<br />
Price of milk: $3.10.<br />
“Home” by Michael Buble released.<br />
George W. Bush starts his second term as the<br />
43rd President of the United States.<br />
Video-sharing website YouTube was founded.
AN OUTSTANDING 30 YEARS OF GROWTH<br />
Tom <strong>Callen</strong> estimates that over the years, they have done close to 12,000 individual remodeling projects. “We<br />
have a lot of people to thank – <strong>Callen</strong> employees, customers, suppliers, trade contractors, and vendors.”<br />
After 30 years, <strong>Callen</strong> has more than 45 employees and is doing work for the children and even grandchildren<br />
of those first customers. “Close to 50% of our business comes from repeat customers, friends, and referrals,”<br />
Tom said.<br />
“It’s amazing how the business grew; it’s been a pretty neat ride,” Phil said. “It’s unusual for two brothers to stay in<br />
business, but we always had the same goal – keeping communication open between everyone involved in the<br />
project and continuing to provide quality products and installation.”<br />
2006 2007 2008 2009<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> named to Qualified Remodeler<br />
magazine’s “Top 500 Remodelers.”<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> celebrates 20th anniversary; adds 2,800<br />
square foot addition to Muskego showroom.<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> named exclusive area provider of<br />
Infinity ® from Marvin Fiberglass Replacement<br />
Windows.<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> receives 2007 Award of<br />
Distinction from The Vinyl Siding<br />
Institute.<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> featured in Signature<br />
Kitchens & Baths magazine in the<br />
9th Annual Design Awards Issue.<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> received the GAF Master<br />
Elite Training Excellence Award.<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> presents first annual<br />
“Refashion for Life” fundraising<br />
event benefiting CommonGround<br />
Ministry/Elena’s House.<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> awarded 2008 Master Elite<br />
Excellence Award and Installation<br />
Excellence Award from GAF.<br />
Price of milk: $3.05.<br />
Record of the Year: “Please Read The<br />
Letter” by Robert Plant.<br />
Matt Kenseth wins the 51st Daytona 500.
2010 2011 2012 2013<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> awarded 2009 Master Elite<br />
Excellence Awards from GAF-Elk –<br />
Consumer Protection Excellence Award,<br />
Training Excellence Award, and the<br />
Installation Excellence Award.<br />
New Infinity Windows Showroom opens<br />
in the Sendik’s Towne Centre.<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> celebrates 25th<br />
anniversary<br />
Milwaukee Brewers win National<br />
League Central Division<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> introduces Lifetime<br />
Workmanship Warranty on all<br />
projects.<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> receives 2012 Angie’s List<br />
Super Service Award.<br />
Average cost of a new house: $263,200.<br />
Home Exteriors by <strong>Callen</strong> Showroom<br />
in Brookfield changes location within<br />
Sendik’s Towne Centre.<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> received GAF’s Triple<br />
Excellence Award and President’s<br />
Club Award.<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> recognized as an Infinity ® from<br />
Marvin Premier Partner.
There is a rich history behind <strong>Callen</strong> <strong>Construction</strong>, Inc.<br />
that started in 1986 with founders, Tom and Phil <strong>Callen</strong>.<br />
Two brothers who both had experience in the home<br />
improvement and remodeling industry decided to<br />
combine that knowledge and passion to form <strong>Callen</strong><br />
<strong>Construction</strong>. With Phil’s experience in sales and<br />
production and Tom’s experience in sales and marketing,<br />
the brothers had a strong base for starting their exterior<br />
home improvement business.<br />
In 1986, when Phil worked for a local siding and window<br />
distributor, and brother Tom had just left corporate life and was<br />
working for a contractor in Denver, Phil suggested they form a<br />
business partnership. Tom moved back to Milwaukee and began<br />
the process of incorporating the business. “I signed the papers on<br />
my 38th birthday, April 29, 1986,” Tom said.<br />
Their small office in Franklin at 111th and Forest Home was their<br />
home base. “We both ran leads and slowly built a customer base,”<br />
Phil said.<br />
The business soon began to grow and permanent staff was<br />
hired. The game changer for <strong>Callen</strong> was bringing on the wood<br />
window product line from Pella in 1988. “That decision in ’88 to<br />
sell Pella windows had many different offshoots,” Tom said.<br />
A full-time salesperson was added in 1988 – Brad Flannigan<br />
who is still with <strong>Callen</strong>. The first major <strong>Callen</strong> remodeling project<br />
took place in New Berlin in 1990. More crew was hired including<br />
Mike Petersen as lead carpenter. Mike is still with <strong>Callen</strong> today<br />
and plays a key role in interior remodeling projects as well as<br />
mentoring and training new hires on the job site.<br />
“We built our business on personal contact,”<br />
Tom said. “We were on site with sales,<br />
installation, clean-up, and picking up the final<br />
check. That’s how we built our business. We<br />
made sure our customers were happy.”<br />
The <strong>Callen</strong>s moved the business to their<br />
present Muskego location in 1988, first renting<br />
800 square feet. In 1994, they incorporated a<br />
showroom and expanded to half the building.<br />
By 1996, they owned and occupied all 5,400<br />
square feet of space and established an interiors<br />
division for kitchens, bathrooms, and basement<br />
and attic conversions.<br />
On April 29, 2006, 20 years after incorporation, <strong>Callen</strong><br />
opened a newly built 2,800 square foot addition to<br />
its Muskego showroom featuring an expanded line<br />
of interior and exterior home improvement building<br />
products, including kitchen and bath vignettes, full-sized<br />
window, siding, and roofing displays, conference room and<br />
reception area.<br />
- CALLCALLEN.COM -<br />
“Very high quality materials. Installers<br />
were knowledgeable, timely, and<br />
conscientious about the installation.”<br />
- Janice & Kevin L. – Elm Grove<br />
CALLEN COMMUNITY SUPPORT<br />
One of the long-held beliefs at <strong>Callen</strong> is commitment to the community, as company founders and employees believe they play an<br />
integral role in the success of the locations where they live and work. The company and its employees are proud to give back by<br />
participating in and sponsoring a wide variety of local events and causes.<br />
2014 2015 2016<br />
APRIL 2016<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> Celebrates <strong>30th</strong> <strong>Anniversary</strong><br />
<strong>Callen</strong> launches an every-other month<br />
e-newsletter.<br />
Tom <strong>Callen</strong> retires from the company April 1 after<br />
28 years.<br />
Record of the Year: “Get Lucky” by Pharrell Williams.<br />
Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball team earn trip to the<br />
Final Four.<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> receives “Best Of Houzz” award in<br />
Customer Satisfaction by Houzz.<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> hosts eighth annual ReFashion for Life<br />
fundraising event.<br />
Average cost of a new house: $295,800.<br />
Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball team finish as<br />
National Runner-Up.<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> celebrates 30 years on April 29.<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> receives Pulse of the City News Award for<br />
third consecutive year.<br />
Price of gas: $1.98.
CALLEN COMMUNITY SUPPORT<br />
The following are some of the organizations with which <strong>Callen</strong> has partnered over the last 30 years:<br />
• Ancient Order of Hibernians<br />
• Blue Lotus Farms<br />
• Brookfield Chamber of Commerce<br />
• Community High School<br />
• Friends of St. Patrick<br />
• Hales Corners Chamber of Commerce<br />
• Milwaukee Irish Fest<br />
• Milwaukee NARI Foundation<br />
• Milwaukee Public Television<br />
• Muskego Chamber of Commerce<br />
• Muskego Lions Club<br />
• Refashion for Life: Commonground Ministry - Elena’s House<br />
• Richfield Youth Soccer Club<br />
• Wisconsin State Fair Foundation
CALLEN REMEMBRANCES<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> has given me so much<br />
opportunity. I am supported and<br />
encouraged by management and<br />
my co-workers. I started at <strong>Callen</strong><br />
in my late 20’s and I’ve grown as<br />
a woman and professional in the<br />
remodeling trade industry. I grew<br />
within the position and within the<br />
company with a great mentor,<br />
Tom <strong>Callen</strong>. Through hard work,<br />
opportunity, and support, I have the<br />
career I went to college for.<br />
I especially like the fact that we have a<br />
large customer base, and over 60%<br />
of them are repeat customers. In my<br />
position, that means I interact and<br />
assist them several times through the<br />
course of the remodeling process.<br />
Once you work with <strong>Callen</strong>, you<br />
are considered “part of the <strong>Callen</strong><br />
family” and getting to know and assist<br />
so many people truly makes my job<br />
enjoyable.<br />
We receive many thank you notes in<br />
the mail from customers after their<br />
projects are complete. I especially<br />
enjoyed seeing an “after” photo of a<br />
siding project, in which the owner was<br />
so happy, she was standing in front of<br />
her home with a huge smile on her<br />
face, hugging one of the carpenters<br />
who completed her siding work.<br />
Barb Wenzel, Administrative<br />
Assistant, Joined <strong>Callen</strong> 2006<br />
I also like that <strong>Callen</strong> provides<br />
and supports many outside<br />
opportunities for its employees, like community volunteering, certifications,<br />
board membership, taskforce and committee participation, as well as interests<br />
that may be personal to you.<br />
I enjoy working at <strong>Callen</strong> because it’s a small company with a caring familyfeeling<br />
environment. I share longevity with so many co-workers that I know<br />
their kids, their triumphs, and we get to share memories.<br />
The camaraderie here at <strong>Callen</strong> is genuine and fun. Even though I prefer to<br />
stay dry at our company picnics, the water balloon toss is always amusing and<br />
the water balloon FIGHT afterwards is even more entertaining.<br />
I picked up golf working at <strong>Callen</strong>. One of my favorite golf memories was<br />
when Paulette Sodemann, Bob Mamerow, and I bid on a golf package at the<br />
Refashion for Life voice auction that was donated and hosted by Tom <strong>Callen</strong>.<br />
It was a fun day on the links at the Wisconsin Country Club.<br />
Christi Pryor, Marketing Manager, Joined <strong>Callen</strong> 2005<br />
I enjoy working at <strong>Callen</strong> because of the family atmosphere, knowing that<br />
we will always make the project right. Plus, I always enjoy our annual bowling<br />
meetings.<br />
Robert Pavlick, Certified Window Installer, Joined <strong>Callen</strong> 2005<br />
My greatest satisfaction regarding<br />
the work we do is the final look of the<br />
product installed and a happy customer.<br />
Leo Orozo, Lead Carpenter,<br />
Joined <strong>Callen</strong> 2001<br />
I enjoy working at <strong>Callen</strong> because it is family-owned and there are great people.<br />
Doing quality work and seeing happy homeowners gives me great satisfaction.<br />
Derek Harcus, Siding Lead, Joined <strong>Callen</strong> 2010
CALLEN REMEMBRANCES<br />
Working for <strong>Callen</strong> has been a great experience. The company has a great atmosphere and friendly employees. Everyone<br />
seems to get along great and work well together.<br />
I get great satisfaction in seeing the customer’s reaction once we have finished their remodeling project. Even though the<br />
customer is typically home every evening and gets to see the progress made each day, they still seem to be amazed that the<br />
finished project is actually their home.<br />
Having been here since 2000, I have many fond memories, but I would have to say the best memory thus far was the year our<br />
company bowling outing fell on my birthday. It just so happened to be my 40th and the staff at <strong>Callen</strong> decided to make the<br />
outing a 40th birthday party for me as well. I think that just shows how they tend to treat all their employees as family.<br />
Steve Turzinski, Interior Remodeling Project Manager, Joined <strong>Callen</strong> 2000<br />
I work with a great group of people<br />
who share a common desire to be<br />
the best at what they do. I think this<br />
comes across to customers, vendors,<br />
and other employees, creating a level<br />
of pride in my job that I could not get<br />
anywhere else.<br />
It is very important knowing that we<br />
will stand behind our work and always<br />
do what is right for the customer. This<br />
philosophy has been a morale compass<br />
for decisions we make every day.<br />
I enjoy working with the other<br />
carpenters and showing them<br />
tricks of the trade. I also enjoy<br />
working with the designers to<br />
help them solve a problem.<br />
My greatest satisfaction is<br />
seeing the finished jobs and<br />
happy customers.<br />
Michael Peterson, Lead<br />
Carpenter, Joined <strong>Callen</strong><br />
1991<br />
Michael Wood, Vice President/<br />
Sales Manager, Joined <strong>Callen</strong><br />
2002
CALLEN REMEMBRANCES<br />
I have enjoyed working at <strong>Callen</strong> because of the family dynamic. From Tom and Phil<br />
<strong>Callen</strong> to other employees, it is such a nice atmosphere to work in.<br />
In my initial presentation, I let the client know what to expect throughout the process and<br />
I have the confidence that is exactly what the crew will do. The gratification of knowing<br />
what I say will happen makes my job that much easier. I laugh every day at my job and<br />
that is very important to me! If you are not having fun, what is the point?<br />
I also love the satisfaction of working with clients and seeing their space transform into<br />
what they have always dreamed of, but didn’t think was possible. Clients allow us to come<br />
into their space and rebuild a beautiful room for them. Seeing their happiness at the end<br />
of it is very rewarding to me, knowing they are going to enjoy so many new memories<br />
with family and friends in their kitchen or wake up and enjoy using their bathroom to get<br />
ready every morning.<br />
One memory that stays with me is working with a couple and learning the wife had a<br />
terminal illness and they did not know how long she had left. The husband promised her<br />
that she would get the kitchen she always desired. I worked with them to get everything<br />
she wanted on her wish list in the space. We completed the job and the smile on her face and the joy she shared was priceless.<br />
It made me and the crew who worked on the project feel like what we do does make a difference in everyday lives. She could<br />
not thank us enough for making it all possible and that feeling and gratification is what makes me love my job.<br />
She passed a short time later and Steve Turzinski and I went to the funeral. The expression on the husband’s face was priceless.<br />
He was so touched that we were there. It was amazing that everyone that knew her told us how much she talked about us and<br />
how much she loved her new kitchen. That just meant the world to me. I am so glad that I got to help her fulfill one of her dreams.<br />
Paulette Sodemann, Designer, Joined <strong>Callen</strong> 2006<br />
I enjoy working at <strong>Callen</strong> because of the people that I work with. From top to bottom, it’s a friendly environment.<br />
I get my greatest satisfaction knowing the products we install really do make a difference in customers’ homes, from aesthetics<br />
to energy efficiency. Also knowing <strong>Callen</strong> stands behind everything we install.<br />
Watching <strong>Callen</strong> grow over the years has been inspirational for me. Going from a tiny red shack to a beautiful showroom, with<br />
another one in Brookfield. Also <strong>Callen</strong> truly cares about its customers, striving for perfection.<br />
Brain Goff, Window Lead Carpenter, Joined <strong>Callen</strong> 2001
MESSAGE FROM PHIL CALLEN<br />
It is with great pride that we recognize <strong>Callen</strong> <strong>Construction</strong><br />
celebrating 30 years of providing southeastern Wisconsin<br />
homeowners with the best in home improvement and remodeling<br />
products and services.<br />
When my brother Tom and I decided to launch the company in<br />
April of 1986, we wanted to have a business that people could<br />
depend on. We soon established a company mission statement<br />
that we work hard to adhere to on a daily basis: “We genuinely<br />
care for people, our customers, and their homes. We believe in<br />
the philosophy Quality Craftsmanship Works.”<br />
One of the best parts of the past 30 years was being able to work<br />
with Tom. We both brought different abilities and strengths to the<br />
business, but we shared an unwavering devotion to our customers<br />
and employees, which has played an integral role in our success.<br />
Speaking of employees, it has been a privilege to have worked<br />
with all the individuals that have been part of the <strong>Callen</strong> team over<br />
the last 30 years. The men and women that were part of <strong>Callen</strong> at<br />
the outset created the work atmosphere that remains prevalent<br />
today. That commitment to providing the highest quality products<br />
and service will continue to be present in those that call <strong>Callen</strong><br />
home for years to come.<br />
I have also taken great pleasure in seeing so many people<br />
that work or have worked for <strong>Callen</strong> flourish not only in their<br />
professional lives, but in their personal lives as well. Whether it has<br />
been marriage, having kids,<br />
earning advanced degrees,<br />
or becoming grandparents,<br />
we have shared in the<br />
success of our staff. All<br />
those that comprise <strong>Callen</strong><br />
are family, looking after one<br />
another, our customers, and<br />
the places we call home. We<br />
are thankful that we have<br />
been able to offer those that work at <strong>Callen</strong> opportunities to<br />
succeed in their careers.<br />
I am also proud of the positive way that <strong>Callen</strong> has impacted the<br />
communities that we serve, and how our employees have been<br />
stewards of service in their neighborhoods. As we move forward,<br />
we will maintain our pledge to be positive corporate citizens.<br />
As we begin the next chapter in our history, we will maintain our<br />
commitment to excellence – to the work we do for customers<br />
and the people that we employ. I look forward to <strong>Callen</strong> growing<br />
for years to come, sustaining our standing as southeastern<br />
Wisconsin’s preferred remodeling contractor.<br />
With Appreciation,<br />
Phil <strong>Callen</strong>