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Lake Geneva builder promises best building expo yet

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Photo by Terry Mayer

Jean Kruzan, of Kruzan Construction & Remodeling, received the Builder of the Year award by the Lakeland Builders Association.

LAKE GENEVA — Jean Kruzan, of J. Kruzan Construction & Remodeling, is in the dream fulfillment business.

“My favorite thing is to take projects that no one else will do and make the big transformation. Taking something that doesn’t look possible and making it look gorgeous is the best feeling,” she said.

(Read all of this week's stories from Walworth County Sunday HERE. )

To accomplish those goals, she believes it’s important to be involved in the Lakeland Builders Association on more than a cursory level.

“Let’s face it, if people are members, but that’s it, they don’t attend the meetings, don’t take advantage of the classes, don’t work on a committee, well, let’s just say, they’re not getting the full benefit of membership.”

Being chosen Builder of the Year is a particular honor for Kruzan.

“It’s an honor bestowed by the members and given to a builder based on their contributions to the LBA. The member is honored for that service. It’s a nice recognition to be chosen by your peers,” Kruzan said.

A member since 2002, Kruzan has served as membership chair and home expo co-chair, plus she’s served on the golf committee, builders help committee and the LBA building committee.

Kruzan’s goal as co-chair of the expo committee is to make this the best expo ever.

“We’ve added some really fun features to this year’s expo,” she said. The Taste of the Lakes will be inside the expo itself. The idea is to give the patrons a taste of different local restaurants, caterers, bakeries, and to make it convenient. Plus we’ll have some local market vendor booths.

“The Little Builders Association workshops will be really fun. This is a hands-on activity free for kids.”

Ann Pienkos, LBA’s director, agrees this will be an expo to remember.

“I am more enthusiastic than ever. Many of these things are new; we haven’t had them before. Plus, we’ll have a nice lineup of seminars both days.”

Kruzan will present one of those seminars. “Remodeling and Home Additions; Where Do You Start?” will show what steps homeowners should take to put their dreams into action.

“I always tell people to write down all of their ideas, their wish lists, then we can go from there. It’s easier to figure out what needs to be done first once we put it all in perspective, based on their budget.”

Whether it’s a seminar or an individual consultation with a customer, Kruzan likes to keep it positive.

“During the height of the recession, I moved to a new office in Lake Geneva. I think that speaks volumes about how I feel about the home industry,” she said.

Lake Geneva Home Improvement Expo:

Saturday, Feb. 18: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 19: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Forum Convention Center, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva

Tickets: $5, available at the door. Children age 12 and under enter free. Seniors, age 55 and older enter free on Sunday.

Contact: Lakeland Builders Association, (262) 723-2908, or go online to www.lakelandba.com

Expo Seminars:

All seminars are free with your admission to the expo.

Saturday, Feb. 18

11:30 a.m. -- “This Old Leaded House,” by Samantha Dalsing of Testudo, LLC

12:30 p.m. -- “Redesigning Your Home Interior for 2012,”’ by L. Murphy Interiors, sponsored by Four Seasons Flooring

1:30 p.m. -- “How to Bring the Outdoors In,” by Cory Quaintance of Phantom Screens

2:30 p.m. -- “Deck Lighting & Landscape Lighting Alternative,” by Geoff Hale of Home Lumber Company, Inc.

Sunday, Feb. 19

11:30 a.m. -- “Remodeling & Home Additions, Where Do You Start?” by Jean Kruzan of J. Kruzan Construction & Remodeling LLC

12:30 p.m. -- “Geothermal Heating & Cooling,” by Kevin O’Leary of O’Leary Plumbing & Heating

1:30 p.m. -- “Aging Gracefully in Place,” by Cindy Knutson-Lycholat of Knutson Bros. II, LLC

Expo highlights

Get a Taste of the Lakes with Bittner’s Bakery, Brown’s BBQ, Next Door Pub and Sperino’s Little Italy

Check out these local market vendors: Brick Street Market, Roses Fresh Market and Yuppie Hill Poultry

Free Little Builders Association workshops for children, guided by professional builders

Saturday, Feb. 18

-- 11 a.m., Build a wood project to take home

-- 12:30 p.m., Have a go at bricklaying

-- 2 p.m., Mess around in the dirt with plants and pots

-- 3:30 p.m., Create a colorful paint project

Sunday, Feb. 19

-- 11 a.m., Build a wood project to take home

-- 12:30 p.m., Get ready for spring by creating an inside garden

-- 2 p.m., Watch R.C. Juggles & Company create balloon fun