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We know that building a custom home is all about business collaboration. It takes the expertise and dedication of vendors, subcontractors, and design partners to help bring our projects to life. That’s why, for the past 20 years, we’ve made it a priority to recognize and appreciate our trusted partners through our annual Vendor Appreciation Breakfast.

This event isn’t just about a great meal—it’s an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and discuss important industry topics that impact all of us.

Recognizing Our Business Collaboration Partners

Our vendors and subcontractors are an extension of our team. From the initial design phase to the final finishes, their expertise and effective collaboration ensures that every home we build meets the highest standards. Starting with our design partners and continuing through our vendors and subcontractors, with us as the builder/remodeler guiding the process. We deeply value our core group of partners and want to recognize the strength of these relationships

With a long list of dedicated, long-term partners in attendance, this event was our way of saying thank you for all of their hard work!

Looking for a home to call your own? Check out the Shorewood Project!

Industry Insights: North Star Law Group on the Misclassification Law

This year, we were excited to welcome North Star Law Group as our guest speaker. We first connected with them at another industry event, where their expertise on the Misclassification Law caught our attention. Given the major industry shift happening in Minnesota, we knew their insights would be valuable to our network. Knowledge sharing like this is one of the biggest benefits of collaboration!

Worker Misclassification

We believe in continuous learning and were so thankful for our speakers this year. North Star Law Group broke down the Misclassification Law, emphasizing how crucial it is for businesses to correctly classify workers. Here are some of the major points they covered:

Prohibition of Worker Misclassification – Misclassifying employees as independent contractors is strictly prohibited. This includes misrepresenting employment relationships, failing to disclose employees, or asking workers to sign agreements that misclassify their status.

Individual & Successor Liability – Not only can businesses face penalties, but owners, officers, and agents who knowingly misclassify workers may also be held personally liable.

Enhanced Penalties – Violations come with civil penalties of up to $10,000 per misclassified worker, plus $1,000 per day for non-compliance.

Legal Recourse for Workers – Misclassified workers can now sue to recover lost benefits and compensation.

New 14-Factor Test – Starting March 1st, the construction industry must follow a new 14-factor test to determine independent contractor status, ensuring more precise classification.

With these changes, it’s clear that businesses must be proactive in assessing worker classification to stay compliant and protect themselves from potential legal and financial risks. This s what makes North Star Law such a strategic partnership for us!

Having guest speaker at our vendor breakfast is our way of continuing to grow together towards our common goal!

The Importance of Partnering with Legal Experts

Regulations like the Misclassification Law can be complex and ever-changing. By teaming up with experts who truly understand the industry, you’re not just checking a box—you’re making sure your company is set up for success, your subcontractors are covered, and you’re staying ahead of changes instead of scrambling to catch up.”

At Lake Country Builders, we believe that education and effective business collaboration are the keys to stronger partnerships, smarter business practices, and a better future for the construction industry. Events like our Vendor Appreciation Breakfast give us a chance to invest in our network, share valuable insights, and strengthen the relationships that make our work and shared goals possible!

Here’s to Another Year of Business Collaboration!

A huge thank you to our vendors, subcontractors, and partners who joined us for this year’s event! Your expertise, dedication, and teamwork continue to shape the exceptional homes we build.

Looking forward to another year of partnership, innovation, and success!