Loving, Living, Leading and Giving Locally

by Posted in NewBlog

Chances are high that you have been viewing signs, ads, and commercials telling you to “buy local” or partner with local businesses to give them a boost, to show your appreciation for the people near you, and to help keep them solvent during these uncertain financial times.

We have been seeing a lot of these promotions as well and would like to take this opportunity to remind you that, if you’re reading this blog, we are more than likely not far away. While we do deliver to anywhere in the US and Canada – there is a higher percentage of clients within 300-400 miles.   Being in the heart of America – that still covers a lot of territory! 

You should totally check our website to find a dealer and see which Team Perka Mate is closest to you! 

Regardless of buying local incentives – we strive to be conscious capitalist as best that we can!  That means that we prioritize our clients and teammates as number one on our organizational chart.  We then have a good focus on our place or environment – as “where” we are is crucial to our wellbeing!  And then we certainly must keep on eye on being sustainable and thriving to be able to not only do the right thing – but do things right!  PEOPLE – PLACE (planet) – PROSPERITY (profit).   

We exist to achieve more than just finances or personal gain. We desire to be a force for good in the community, and we are aiming to attain this, at least partly, by working with local craftsmen (and craftswomen!) and getting them involved in our projects.

We are going to “broaden our scopes”, so to speak, to include metalworkers and innovators in our building projects, thus enabling them to keep doing what they do, which helps them, which helps the community, which benefits both you (our client) and us.

TOGETHER, WE ARE ALL THE COMMUNITY!!!

Perka is not only partnering with local businesspeople and those who work with metal on a technical level. We will also be aiding and allying nearby metal artisans, etc. (Interested in joining us or know someone who might want to get involved? Let us know!)

Though we are proud and excited about our new projects and ventures, Perka is still more than that. We like to DWC – and let everyone know “what we’re up to” so that we can earn your trust and respect. (Don’t Wait Communicate is another of our close to the heart MOTTOS!)

We also strive to do more than boost the local economy. We also seek to influence and inspire the local atmosphere. This is why our company is a member of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, why many of our organizers and employees are members of local Rotary clubs, The United Way, supporters of the YWCA, Performing Arts, (among other charitable organizations), and it’s why we have formed philanthropic endeavors such as the Loving Our Everyday Heroes initiative.

We believe that it is not enough to run a good business. We also aspire to be “good people”, of action, doing good, having the resources to GIVE all that we can to our family, friends, community and world!

We look forward to the opportunity to help you out in your next building project. Check out our website and let us know what you think. Even if you decide to purchase elsewhere, our associates would be more than happy to answer all of your questions. We simply wish that you to make an informed decision, understanding all the aspects, and then do whatever is best for you and your family. We enjoy helping you and enabling you to do what you love! It is all part of our mission to love, live, and lead locally. Have a blessed day!

post

Valentine’s Day Recipes

by Posted in Uncategorized

By Olivia Truesdale (Martial Thevenot  Editor)

Before we get to today’s article, we have a question: Do you love new things? We do! New years, new days, new starts, new determination, and new ways to solve problems- We love all of it! And now we’ve got a very special announcement about a “new” journey that we are about to begin! We are ecstatic to be launching a new “Team Perka” website. Read all the way to the end to get a sneak peek of what will be happening on the new site. (But for now, we bring you back to your regularly scheduled article.)

Valentine’s Day is almost here, and we all know what that means: Chocolate. Lots and lots of glorious chocolate. But chocolate is not the only special food for this February, and it is not the only way to win someone’s heart, either.

Today, we’ll be sharing with you our top 3 favorite romantic foods that you can enjoy with all your loved ones or eat all by yourself! (There’s no judgment if you eat them all by yourself because these recipes are super tasty!)

#1: Fondue- We are all acquainted with those classic chocolate fountains, but we’re actually going to start the night off with something savory. That’s right- cheese fondue! You may be wondering, “Don’t I need one of those fancy chocolate fountains? What if I don’t have one? And how can you even make fondue if it doesn’t contain chocolate?” Don’t worry! All your questions will soon be answered. (Well, maybe not all of them, but all the questions you have that pertain to this recipe.)

In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and one and a half cups of milk and a three fourths of a cup of cooking wine (or wine of your choice). Bring the mixture to a boil. Then turn the heat on low and stir in 3-4 cups of cheese until they are fully melted. Add 5-7 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch to thicken. Now you are ready to dip your favorite foods into the mixture! Bread is one of the most-used choices, but many people also use vegetables, chicken, or even pasta! For more dippable ideas, check out this article.

Typically, fondue is made with European cheeses like Swiss or Gruyère, but feel free to mix it up! Muenster, gouda, provolone, parmesan, cheddar- it’s up to you! Have no qualms about trying new things; this recipe is super versatile. Feeling spicy? Try it with some chili powder, oregano, or garlic.

#2: Cake pops- Yum! This simple treat is sure to please your friends and family. You can make cake pops either from a store-bought or homemade cake. If you are following this recipe “from scratch” and are making your own cake, go ahead and frost it. However, you do not have to make it look nice because you are going to place it in a bowl and MASH IT UP! (Yes, you read that correctly.) Mix the cake and frosting well and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Now you are going to need something to dip them in. Melt a cup of dark, milk, or white chocolate chips with two tablespoons of butter or coconut oil. (You may need to melt more later; that’s OK.) Take a small skewer and dip it in the chocolate. Then place one of your cake balls on the end of the skewer and dip the cake ball in the chocolate mixture. Let it dry and enjoy!

#3: Box of chocolates- This one may be the easiest recipe of all. All you have to do is get in your car, start the engine, drive to the store, find the chocolates, and pick out a box. Voilà! You’ve got this Valentine’s Day covered.

 

Now, as promised, you are going to get a glance at “what we’ve got cooking” here at Team Perka.

Our new site will focus even more on what we as a company are doing to keep you safer and happier. We’re constantly discovering new ways to “Keep It Simple and Stress-free (K.I.S.S.)”, and we can’t wait to share our evolutions with you! We will be venturing above and beyond our typical buildings to bring you high-quality metal roofs and fencing. (Did you catch that pun?) It will be “out with the old and in with the new” as we repair, reuse, and repurpose some of our old designs and products. It’s all coming soon on our new site. You won’t want to miss it!

Like what you see? We would love for you to connect with us further. Check us out on Facebook, our new website is coming soon, for now take a look at our current website, and let us know what you think! We are so glad to be able to partner with you for all your building needs. Happy Valentine’s Day!

 

 

post

Ahead of Success

by Posted in NewBlog Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

By Olivia Truesdale (Martial Thevenot  Editor)

Former British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, has been attributed to saying, “Success is not final; failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.”

While the facts are such that he never actually said anything of the sort, it would have been very fitting to his reputation if he had!

Many of us know him for the position he held during World War II, but it is a little-known fact that he also was actively involved in the first World War. History probably wants you to forget about that part because it did not go very well.

He actually helped plan several *UNSUCCESSFUL* battles. Of course, today we only remember him for the leadership position he held during the early 1940s and the important role he played in helping the Allies win World War II. So how did he go from a seeming failure to a national (and international) hero and inspiration?

In a simplest of ways, he “had the courage to continue”. He didn’t let his failures define him. If he had, we would not likely be living in the world we know today.

Unfortunately, the opposite is also true, as expressed by this (misquoted) quote: “Success is not final.” Often, after succeeding in something, we find ourselves “coasting”.  After a “big win”, many people tend to slow down, relax, and “celebrate”. Now, there is nothing wrong with congratulations when they are in order, but it becomes a problem when we use our success as a reason to take our foot off the gas. “Oh, I finished that yesterday. I don’t have to worry today.”

Of course, it’s perfectly acceptable to take a break after a big success, sharpen the axe so to speak… unless it becomes a constant excuse. Sometimes we push ourselves so far backwards after a success that we wind up worse than before!

The easiest and most common example of this can be found in dieting. “I was really healthy yesterday. I did all my workouts; I ate well. I guess that means that I can have junk food and skip my workout today!” And when that attitude drags on for days, we can end up undoing all of our hard work. Yikes!  Sound familiar?

So how do we overcome this?

While the answer can be simple, it can also be much easier said than done. “Just do it.” (Huh, that sounds coincidentally like the motto for a popular brand of athletic wear.) I know it’s cheesy, but hear me out.

No one can force you to persevere after you succeed. Others can motivate you, but you are the biggest determiner of whether or not you are going to continue to evolve after a big success (or a big failure, for that matter).

You are the only one who has control of your actions. All that to be said, it is helpful to have a strong support system surrounding you, encouraging you to keep going and persevere towards reaching your next goal and your next success. This could be friends, family, or anyone else who has the same goals as you.

At Team Perka, we would love to be a part of helping you achieve your building goals!

Whether you need a building for your new startup business, are looking to build your dream home, or trying to find a place to store animals or equipment or toys, we can help. While we can’t say that we have seen everything, we can say that we have definitely seen a thing or two! 

Contact us for a consultation! Even if you don’t purchase from us, we love to help, as we know that good begets good.

(Of course we would also love it if you did purchase from us, because we want to get to know all the super cool we can and collaborate on great dreams and successes!)

Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook, visit our website, and let us know how we can become part of your next big triumph, as we would are always happy to support and help ensure that you keep succeeding in whatever is important to you!

post

Building Dreams

by Posted in NewBlog Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

https://www.biography.com/activist/martin-luther-king-jr

Every year our family and friends remember and celebrate a man who “had a dream”.

This holiday, observed the third Monday in January, is more than just a day off for some folks … (typically and a day when banks, libraries, and post offices are closed).

During our many current social challenges, Martin Luther King Junior’s messages become even more significant for us all to reflect on.

I’m sure we all have a basic idea of the life and work of this famous man, but just why do we get/take that day off, especially when a lot of people still barely even acknowledge the day’s purpose?

Martin Luther King, Jr., was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia to a pastor and former teacher. At age 15, he skipped high school and went directly to college, where he studied law, medicine, and eventually theology. Though he had not planned to, he followed the legacies of his father and grandfather, eventually becoming a pastor in 1954. That same year, the Supreme Court decided the Brown vs. Board of Education case, ultimately concluding that segregation in schools was unconstitutional. The next year, on December 1, Rosa Parks was arrested for a display of protest when she refused to give up her bus seat to a white person. In 1956, the Supreme Court determined that segregated buses were unconstitutional as well. At that time, Martin Luther King, Jr., was already becoming well-known for promoting civil rights and racial equality.

There had already been one attempt made on his life, as well as attacks to his home. But MLK didn’t let that stop him. Throughout his life, he organized several boycotts and peaceful protests to raise awareness for his cause and even won a Nobel Peace Prize. He also led hundreds of people from Selma, Alabama, to Montgomery, Alabama, to promote voting rights and discourage racism in the state. He was quite successful in his cause, as his “Selma to Montgomery March” prompted Congress to pass the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which further promised voting rights to African Americans.

But, of course, Martin Luther King, Jr., was a man most famous for his dream, that is, his “I Have a Dream” speech. Delivered in 1963, this speech displayed MLK’s optimistic outlook and hope for the future, a future that would be better than what came before him.

He “had a dream” that people’s value would be based on what kind of person they were, not on how they looked. Though he was assassinated in 1968, that dream lives on, and that is why, on the third Monday of January, many take a day off to contemplate a man who never got to see his dreams fulfilled but continued to hope in them anyway.

Whatever your dream may be, we here at Team Perka want to help you build it into a reality. Our teammates are always happy to consult on any and all of your building needs, (and they are full of fun facts and relevant anecdotes, much like the ones you read in this article).

For more interesting articles like this one, be sure to check back regularly on our blog and to stay up to date on what we’re doing.

Be sure to contact us to let us know how we can help you. And don’t forget, in the words of MLK, that “the time is always right to do what is right”. Have a blessed day!

post

Resolutions That Last

by Posted in NewBlog Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

As the start of another year rolls around, we may find ourselves thinking about the events of the previous year. What went right, what went wrong, what went and never came back, etc. Right?

But for many, a new year is also a reminder that our “supply” of years, months, days, hours, minutes, even seconds are not limitless.

Sure, we may have done good if not even great things in the past year.  But how much time did we waste in those 365 days? Benjamin Franklin once said, “Lost time is never found again.”

That sentiment can be felt much more acutely when we pause to realize that another year is gone, and maybe not as much was done with it as we intended back on Jan 1, 2020!

So around New Year’s Day, most people often decide they want to make positive changes. Raise what you already have or are about to be , writing up resolutions or intentions or goals?  Have you?  Of course, the challenge with these resolutions, as anyone can tell you, is that they typically don’t last.

Perka’s founder, Ed Thevenot, started with his first “sale” (a packet of garden seeds) when he was twelve years old, and he never stopped selling. In his life as a salesman, he was devoted to finding things that did last and would even grow (like those seeds!).

He was dedicated to discovering what was best not only for him and his businesses, but his family, friends, community, the environment, and, most importantly, what was best for his client. That’s why, in late 1980, he decided to start his own “family” business.  And his product of choice? Perka Buildings.

He was the brainchild and creator of Perka’s unique, “hybrid”, wood-and-steel design building system.  Buildings that are intentionally designed to be a “S.A.F.E.R.” (strong, affordable, flexible, easy, and resilient) choice, AND thereby of great value and long lasting.  (They will last much longer than your New Year’s resolution!)

In fact, we are so confident in the strength and stability of our structures that we have just increased our 50-year warranty on our frames, to a LIFETIME WARRANTY!  How is that for Faith?!

 As you contemplate the past, and then the upcoming year, you may be looking to devote more time and resources into your children’s or grandchildren’s future, as well as your own. Perka ‘s Hybrid Buildings are a not only a great investment but will certainly make a lasting impression and appreciation on your family and whoever else you may choose to leave it to in the future.  Your Legacy!   If you are interested in getting a free no obligation consult to learn more, feel free to contact us or visit our website for more information.

  Of course, buildings can eventually wear out, and there are other, more important things which last even longer than any building or material purchase. Some of these are our ideals, core values and “promissory mottos”.

We strive to “Keep It Simple and Stress-free (K.I.S.S.)” in business, in our daily lives and in the lives of the people around us.

Our WHY is:

“To Rise and Shine every day, to be Stress-free Solution Seekers Trusting Sincere, Selfless Service” (#ssstsss)

so that we can all be healthier, Safer, more fulfilled, more secure and GIVERS.”

We started living these intentions ever more diligently after our founder’s death, and it’s because of the impact he had on this family, friends and this company.

He exhibited qualities that we should all aspire to. Qualities like dependability, industriousness, and kindness. As we are entering this new year, let’s think about the impact we’ve made on the world and ask ourselves, “Have I been kind?”

That certainly will be one of my resolutions this year. And I’m going to make sure it’s more than an ideal that I write down and forget about within the first two weeks of the new year. Because kindness lasts longer than a building, longer than a business, longer than a lifetime. Kindness can be passed down for generations, and it leaves a lasting impression and appreciation that can be OUR TRUE LEGACY!