Resource Center

Nelemans Construction

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Nelemans Construction is located in Waseca, MN, and has been in operation for over 77 years.

How did you get into the building industry?
I have pretty much been in the industry my entire life, I am a 2nd generation builder. My father started the business in 1946 and went to panelized homes in 1969. I went to a 4-year university in Minnesota for pre-dentistry and did not like it, so  I switched majors and got a degree in marketing. After that, I completely changed gears again and decided to work in this industry. I took over the business in 1978.

How did you get started with Amwood and how long have you been with us?
Started with Amwood about 2 years ago. I worked for a long time with another builder but they stopped shipping to Minnesota. I actually should have stopped with them sooner than I did because once I made the switch I was up and building homes with Amwood right away.

Tell us a little about your business model.  Do you build contractor homes, spec homes, model homes, remodeling, etc?
I primarily do spec homes and homes for customers. Light commercial and very little remodeling.

What is the price range of the homes you build?
$450K – $500K, I actually have one this summer that is $800K+!!

What type of style of home do you build?
Mostly ranch and some 2 story. I don’t cater to first-time home buyers my customers are typically on their 3rd home.

What is the total number of homes Nelemans has built with Amwood? What is the total of homes you have built?
I have done around 10 with Amwood and lost count at around 1,200 builds since 1946. I actually have photos in the showroom that show people our builds I have around 35 or so on the wall and I switch them out every so often. In addition, I have another area where I show photos of the entire process of a build this really helps customers see the process and takes some of the stress and nervousness off.

Where do you get your leads?

I have been an established builder for so long that my new business is primarily referrals. I do not really follow what I should with my marketing background. I do sponsor local teams and organizations. I have moved away from print or billboards and do not do those at all.

Tell us a little about your family.
I have been married for 45 years. We have 2 children, a daughter, 39 works as a Corporate Executive at Target, and a son, 35 who works in IT as a Senior Operations Engineer. We have three granddaughters ages 3, 5, and 8. I also have an employee that has worked for me for 23 years and he is like family as well. My wife, Dawn helps out with arranging my appointments. She is retired from retail fashion. She used to manage 2 retail businesses and owned a cottage industry, called Razzle Dazzle, which manufactured children’s hair accessories.

Other interesting facts or items you would like to share?
I’m 68 years old and have traveled a lot. I have been to Europe, Asia, South America, the

Caribbean, Bahamas, and have done cruises with the family when the kids were younger. My wife and I get away every winter and go down to Florida. I set up my winter builds by coordinating with my subcontractors and my employees. They keep the builds moving through the winter. I let my customers know that I will be in FL and that I do check in on their builds. I have trust in my subcontractors and my employees to get the jobs done.

Thank you to Paul and Nelemans Construction for letting us know a little bit more about you and your business.