CATES - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Architect Salmela Architect
Features This home features an easy flow between indoor and outdoor living spaces. Its clean and simple Scandinavian design is a hallmark of Jackson Meadow homes. Creatively hidden egress windows bring plenty of light into the lower level. The brick fireplace provides a focal point for the patio, while a separate farm-inspired structure serves as a screen porch that defies Minnesota mosquitoes.
Clients typically meet with Jay first. He's in charge of pricing and bidding. Once the foundation has been laid to his exacting standards, he moves on to start the next project.
Jay's on-the-job training began at age 15 under the watchful eye of his dad, Judd. He started at the bottom: cleaning up job sites, picking up lumber and sweeping. (Lots of sweeping.) He progressed into carpentry and reviewing architectural plans. Jay received his formal education at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, where he captained the Gopher hockey team.
As our project manager, Jeff skillfully manages all the details and complexities with enormous courtesy and resourcefulness. "My father taught me craftsmanship and creative problem solving, and my mother taught me to be respectful and gracious to others."
Jeff entered the family business at a young age, starting with the humble basics, and before long donning a carpenter's belt and joining his dad back at the office for client meetings. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, where he captained the collegiate team that claimed the Division 3 National Hockey Championship.
Jeff has two sons who play hockey at the collegiate level.
An expert multi-tasker, Jennifer Cates Peterson manages our business operations and communications. "We strive to make the building process easy, comfortable and fun for our clients. Clear communication is absolutely key to a high-functioning project."
Jennifer entered the family business equipped with her CPA and a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Minnesota. Her boundless energy and finance skills keep the Cates family business running smoothly.
Jennifer is active in the community and with local non-profits. She and her family, including twin college-age sons, live on a hobby farm near Osceola, Wisconsin.