Our Work Force

• Larry Okerstrom, President, General manager
• Jerry Okerstrom, Designer, job coordinator, estimator
• Reed Okerstrom, Designer, job coordinator, estimator
• Rob Warneke, Designer, job coordinator, estimator
• Jayne Bluhm, Receptionist and organizational manager
• Ashley Okerstrom, Design Assistant
• David Schuett: Project Supervisor
• Randy Bluhm: Foreman, chief tile setter & finished carpenter
• Craig Strandlund: Foreman & finished carpenter
• Tom Sarbacker, Foreman
• Jon Schuett: Foreman
• Ryan Okerstrom: Foreman
• Keith Okerstrom: Journeyman
• Ian Gustason, Journeyman
• Galen Bluhm, Journeyman
• Jon Bluhm, Journeyman

Name: Randy Bluhm
Position: Foreman, carpenter & chief tile setter

I’ve been working for North Star Remodeling since 1975. I’ve done extensive work with every aspect of remodeling, from laying cement blocks and bricks to installing custom kitchens, counters, and tile.

At my age I find that certain repetitive jobs cause more strain on my body, so I like to vary my activities somewhat. I like doing small- to medium-sized bathrooms and kitchens. I enjoy tiling because it sometimes requires me to be creative.

With each new challenge I’m continually amazed that I’m able to meet the requirements and push myself to a higher level of expertise.

Last year I was assigned to work for a customer on Summit Ave. in St. Paul. The job was to renovate two bathrooms and be done before the customer returned from their vacation in Florida. They had just moved to this house and knew North Star because we had worked in their previous home; they were very happy with that experience. It’s always a challenge to do bathrooms because many items require personal input from the customer. This job required that I study the contract carefully because, with their absence, it was all I had to tell me what they wanted. Although we communicated by phone and their son was housesitting, I wasn’t sure that they would be happy with the end result until they actually saw it.

I’m happy to say they were pleased with my work, and, other than a few minor details, I didn’t have to change anything we did. This customer builds fine furniture as a hobby and is very particular about details, so when he told his son North Star “did it just the way I would have done it,” I was pleased that our hard work, and attention to every small detail, paid off.

I’ve been married to my wife Deborah Kay since 1979. We have nine children, seven sons and two daughters. My oldest son, Galen, works with us at North Star Remodeling. He also works with me quite often, doing tile work or hanging cabinets. I think he has learned a lot in the past few years he has been with us. My youngest son starts preschool this fall. We have a houseful, but they all have their chores to do, and they can work together if given a little direction. This is my life, and I find that I enjoy spending time with the family, although it can be stressful to try to please all of them. They keep me active, and I think that helps me feel young.

For hobbies I enjoy riding my bike early in the morning or at parks with my kids. In the winter I like to go downhill skiing and tubing with my kids. Other than that, I enjoy fixing things and learning how to use my computer.

I love my work and find that, because of that, my home project list never seems to get any shorter.