Northland Blasting & Restoration Expert Tips for Getting started as a log home Contractor

Derek Brekke feature

Every month we feature a contractor, business, or success story. After all, learning from each other is one of the best ways to grow. Up this month: Nate Demers with Northland Blasting & Restoration in Elly, Minnesota. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Derek has built a solid reputation for breathing new life into old log homes.

How’d you get started in log home finishing?

We started as a log railing business about 12 years ago, but the demand for railing just wasn’t there so we expanded into log home restoration. We attended your Zero Failures seminar in 2016 to learn more about the products and market. We’ve been almost exclusively focused on restoring log homes, with an occasional wood home project ever since. I’m based in northern Montana, which is a great spot for log homes. There are a lot of lakes around here, and many log homes are tucked away.

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your work?

I’d say access to homes and supplies are my biggest hurdles. Stain and blasting media aren’t always easy to get out here. Sherwin Williams is an hour away, and some of the other log home supply stores are even further. The cost and time involved in getting materials can really add up, but I’ve just gotten used to it. It’s part of the job when you’re working in a remote area. Some of my jobs are on islands, and depending on the lake, I might have to use a barge to transport materials like blasting media and stain. It’s challenging, but it’s also part of the fun.

What’s your advice to someone first starting out in the business?

My advice would be to go above and beyond for your customers. It’s not just about doing the bare minimum. You need to communicate with your customers, figure out what they really want, and deliver on those expectations. Building good relationships with customers is key.

What’s the future look like for Northland Blasting and Restoration?

For now, I’m focused on continuing to provide high-quality work and keeping my clients happy. I am lucky enough to have built a quality reputation in my area and have a calendar full of referrals from past customers.

Thanks for chatting with us for a bit, Derek.

Reach out to Derek to learn more about his business and head over to Northland Blasting & Restoration to see if your home is in their service area.

888-564-4897