KAT Construction July 2017

KAT Construction July 2017

JULY 2017 www.katconstructionllc.com (612) 326-1122

A Family of Outdoorsmen

My Passion for Hunting and Angling

Running a small business takes a massive amount of time. It’s a constant juggling act — a true challenge that consistently presents you with brand-new obstacles. Of course, it’s a welcome challenge, but success necessitates that you look around, take stock of the people in your life, and relax every now and then.

In my experience, the best time to unwind is when I’m out in the woods, just as dawn begins to lift, beside my three sons with our rifles at the ready. During the spring and summer, when the work piles up and the jobs just keep coming in, I’m gratified by the consistent influx. But I find myself pining for the fall every now and then, when I can take some time off and go hunting with my boys. Ducks,

snuck out around the side of the house, shotguns in hand. Most people think of turkeys as big dumb birds, but as somebody who’s spent time hunting them, I can tell you they’re wily animals that can get away all too easily. We got into position. Then, my son carefully aimed and fired. Lo and behold, we bagged one right in his backyard. You can’t beat a spot like that.

geese, pheasants, turkey — it doesn’t matter. The opportunity to be out in the fresh air completely shifts your mind to a different, welcome perspective. Sharing those experiences with your kids is a really powerful thing. My middle son, Jake, just bought a new house last May, next to a big sprawling property that’s perfect for

“In my experience, the best time to unwind is when I’m out in the woods, just as dawn begins to lift, beside my three sons with our rifles at the ready.”

KAT Construction may be slammed in the summer, but luckily, it’s not all work and no play. I sneak away every now and then to do some fishing, whether it’s by myself or with my kids. I’m lucky to have kids so eager to join me. Hunting

Everybody needs a hobby that puts them in a different headspace now and again. I’m just grateful to have a family with the same passions as me — fishing and hunting are both incredible bonding experiences, and, of course, if you do them right, you’ve got dinner on the table.

–Keith Thompson

hunting fowl. I have to say, it makes me a tiny bit jealous. Last spring, we were sitting inside, just hanging out, when we caught a glimpse of a turkey strutting around way out in the back field. We

is a lot of fun, and it’s deeply challenging, but any fisherman can tell you that there’s nothing more relaxing than sitting at the side of a lake, waiting for a trout to take the bait.

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AND STEP AWAY FROM THE NEWSPAPER Put Down the Scissors

You don’t get paid enough to afford all the groceries you’d like. In fact, if it wasn’t for coupons, you wouldn’t be able to get everything you need, right?

affect you psychologically. It turns out that the same part of your brain that governs basic instincts (like hunger and pleasure) also loves a screaming good deal. It can be hard to resist the allure, and that means you often spend money on things that you normally wouldn’t, because you have a coupon. It’s tough, but stick to the staples — like rice, beans, oats, and salt — that you’ll use eventually and that won’t go bad. Of course, if you’ve wanted something for a long time and it goes on sale, it makes sense to buy. But don’t let the coupon section dictate your desires! The second question is, “How much is my time worth, and how much of that time do I spend hunting down the best deals and

clipping coupons?” We’re not trained to think of our time as valuable when we aren’t working, but time is the one thing you can’t get back. If you’re saving $25 a week on stuff you actually need, but it takes 4 hours a week to get that savings, you’re losing money even if you make minimum wage. That’s time you could be spending with family, picking up a half-shift at work, or finding innovative ways to make money. We won’t deny that there are great deals out there — deals that are now more available than ever thanks to apps like Groupon. But don’t mistake coupons for anything but what they really are: businesses trying to target your brain into buying more stuff. Use them wisely, but don’t let them rule you.

Coupon clipping is a time-honored way of saving money and a source of pride amongst many of us who need those paychecks to go as far as possible. But there are two ways to look at it: as a way to put food on the table that you otherwise couldn’t afford, or as a way to trick money-conscious consumers into buying stuff they normally wouldn’t. Which takeaway describes your situation? To find out, you have to answer two questions. The first question is, “Do I need — and will I use — everything that I buy with coupons?” Here’s the thing: Coupons are designed to

What Our Clients Are Saying... “KAT Construction helped me with my insurance claim. I had no idea that I had damage. The insurance company came out and approved for a full replacement of roof and siding. KAT did a great job with the roof and siding. I am very happy with the final product. I will use them again if we get hail damage again. I have recommended them to my neighbors and friends.” Construction for everything they went through to get us successfully through the process without causing us any stress. Great job, guys.” “KAT Construction was very good at getting back to us when we needed them and went out of their way to fulfill our needs. I am very satisfied and would not hesitate to use them again.”

“These guys were great. The insurance payed for my roof and Luis did a fantastic job of handling it. Thank you guys!”

“My name is Brian. I am completely satisfied with the work that was done on our home. Also, I want to thank the guys from KAT

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After the Storm

Roof damage can sneak up on your home more easily than you might imagine. After an intense storm, you may think you’re out of the woods, but the damage can easily go unseen by an untrained eye.

As wind constantly moves over your roof, certain areas — such as corners and edges — are susceptible to higher wind pressures than the center. At places where the roofing material is even slightly loose, wind will edge in below and shove the shingles up incrementally. This provides further intense winds a larger handhold to grab onto during the next blustery weather system, creating a peeling effect. The damage may start small, but before you know it, it will have multiplied into a serious and expensive problem. During particularly vicious storms, the debris carried along the wind stream can sometimes do more damage than the wind itself. It’s important in the days following a storm to check your gutters, downspouts, and roof surface

to ensure there’s no errant debris that could cause later problems.

This inspection should be more than cursory. To avoid further storms piling onto potential initial damage, you should look closely for missing, curled, cracked, or torn shingles. As long as the damage is limited to less than about 30 percent of the entire roof, you’re probably a candidate for simple roof repairs. After that point, your only option may be roof replacement, which is obviously a much less desirable and far costlier decision. If you suspect your roof may have taken damage or if there’s obvious but minor damage on your roof, it’s important that it doesn’t go ignored. As further storms buffet your property,

the problem is sure to only get worse. Have a reputable contractor investigate the scene as soon as you can, and lock down your roof before you have a real issue on your hands.

YOGURT PIE Summertime Frozen

Looking for a summer dessert you don’t have to feel guilty about indulging in? Try this easy, low-fat frozen treat!

Ingredients

Recipe inspired by BonAppetit.com.

• • •

1 premade graham cracker pie crust 1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip 1 cup frozen or fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries)

•

3 (6-ounce) containers regular yogurt (berry flavors work best)

Instructions 1. Combine Cool Whip, mixed berries, and yogurt in a bowl. Mix with a spatula until well- blended.

2. Pour yogurt mixture into pie crust. 3. Cover pie with foil or plastic lid. 4. Store in freezer for at least 3 hours, or until frozen through. 5. Serve frozen or slightly thawed.

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INSIDE This Issue 1 • 2 •

A Family of Outdoorsmen We Do the Math on Coupon Clipping Client Testimonials

2 • 3 • 3 • 3 • 4 •

After the Storm Laugh Corner

Summertime Frozen Yogurt Pie The World’s Happiest Vacations

DESTINATION: HAPPY PEOPLE Visit the Happiest Places in the World — It’s Contagious

Visit a hustling, bustling tourist trap and what do you get? Crowds of competitive travelers and a local population that is sick to death of them. Visit a place with happy people, and you get good service, friendly faces, and you’ll learn firsthand what Harvard researchers affirmed in a 2012 study: Happiness is contagious. Luckily for the average traveler, the places that topped a nationwide Gallup poll and the United Nations’ annual World Happiness Report have plenty to offer in addition to cheerful locals. The Happiest States in the U.S. If we were to tell you that Hawaii is the happiest state in the country, you probably wouldn’t be surprised. And sure enough, Hawaii ranked first in overall happiness for the sixth consecutive year. The sunny beaches, rich culture, and perfect

weather give tourists a taste of paradise that the natives enjoy all year long.

city, which sports rainbow architecture and a 15th- century waterfront.

Next in line is a state that has little in common with the Aloha State. Alaska came in second place for the third consecutive year. With eight national parks, including Denali, Glacier Bay, and Gates of the Arctic, Alaska’s 663,000 square miles are filled to the brim with the wonders of nature. The Happiest Country in the World Denmark has long been the standard-bearer in this category. This year, it relinquished the title to its Scandinavian sister. Norway is home to some of the most breathtaking vistas on earth, most notably its western fjords like the world-famous Geirangerfjord and Nærøfjord. For the city wanderer, you’ll find choice seaside restaurants and walkable streets in towns like Bergen, the country’s second-largest

Knowing the heart of a destination begins and ends with its people. Tack on beautiful scenery and daydream-worthy activities, and you just found yourself the perfect vacation.

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