August 16, 2019

Building Communities: Blue Ribbon Builders

Blue Ribbon Builders specializes in building communities. From constructing residential homes to framing townhomes to building multi-tenant retail properties or agricultural buildings, Blue Ribbon Builders builds communities for the people who call central Iowa home.

When Isaac Tessmer, who owns Blue Ribbon Builders with his brother Jacob Tessmer, was approached by the EveryStep Foundation about participating in the EveryStep Foundation's Art of Compassion public art project, he didn't hesitate.

"I looked at the idea and thought this was something we could do and wanted to be a part of," Isaac says. "We assembled a design team and collaborated to create our idea."

That idea will debut on Sunday, September 1 at Jordan Creek Town Center when EveryStep officially kicks off its third annual Art of Compassion fundraising initiative with the unveiling of its Community of Clubhouses public art project.

"EveryStep is a good organization, especially for our Iowa communities, and we're local so it's a good fit," Isaac said.

The design team at Blue Ribbon Builders is focused on ensuring the clubhouse is kid friendly and hands-on. It will include a work bench and access for animals, like dogs or chickens.

There are also a few surprises involved, but you'll have to wait until the September 1 unveiling to get a peek at those, Isaac joked. "We designed it to give kids a place to have fun and play, but gain experiences," he says.

As the group began to finish the shell of the clubhouse, they also prepared for its move to De Vries Woodcrafters, another Earlham-based business, where it will receive finishing touches, such as its barn-red paint.

"We're having a great time building," Isaac said. "We're excited to be part of Art of Compassion."