Tag Archive for: Randy Thelen

Randy Thelen & Melody Fehling receive awards from LBA

Randy Thelen & Melody Fehling receive awards from LBA

Randy Thelen was recognized as LBA 2016 Builder of the Year, a reflection of the Thelen Total Construction’s active role in the organization throughout the years.  We consistently supported LBA by participating in the Home Expo and the Parade of Homes, year after year. In addition, Melody Fehling, office manager at Thelen Total Construction chaired the 2016 Parade of Homes committee, and serves on the LBA Board of Directors.

Traditionally at the Lakeland Builders Association’s Christmas party and officer installation ceremony, awards are given to members in three categories: Builder of the Year, Associate of the Year and Cornerstone Award.

That night LBA’s first ever Foundation Award was given to Melody. Susan Keel, the 2016 President of LBA talked about how some members are the “foundation of an organization.” They are the go-to people when there is a question or a challenge. They are the people who give of their time unhesitatingly. They help move the organization forward in its goals.

2016 was a challenging one for LBA in which Executive Officer, Karen Mrozinski left for a career opportunity in May. The Raab Group was then hired to fill the Executive Officer role at LBA. Kathy Raab and her team are doing a great job with new ideas, experience and knowledge. During the transition, there’s a period of time needed to fully understand the member’s needs and what the goals are. Melody had a role in that –because of her close to two decades of involvement with LBA.

Under the leadership of Bill Ruebl, incoming 2017 President of the Association, new challenges and opportunities await builders and associate members. We look forward to an exciting and prosperous new year!

Randy - LBA Hall of Fame

It was a very special night for Randy Thelen, who was inducted in the Lakeland Builders Association’s Hall of Fame at its annual Holiday Party and Officer Installation Ceremony on December 11, 2015. This award was a surprise to Randy Thelen, who graciously accepted the award from Susan Keel, the 2016 President of LBA and from his peers that evening.

Lakeland Builders Association owes its existence to a core group of area builders, including Randy Thelen who started Lakeland Builders Association in 1979 with $2,000 borrowed from the South Central Wisconsin Builders Association. The founders of LBA knew that vast educational and support opportunities available as members of the National Association of Home Builder would encourage and promote continuous improvement of the industry and the individual members. They looked forward to working with individuals and companies in the new association that would be held to high ethics, education and training standard as part of their affiliation. This type of dynamic organization benefits the public as well; creating a source of trusted and reputable contractors to choose from all facets of the building industry.

As a LBA founding member, Thelen Total Construction holds the distinction of being the company with the most years of membership in the association . Over the 36 years, Randy Thelen was responsible for bringing in more members to LBA than any other member.

Randy has served as President of Lakeland Builders Association three times, and has served on the LBA Board of Directors three times. He also served as Wisconsin Builders Association Southern Area Vice President, as has served as Past National Director of the National Association of Home Builders.

Thelen Total Construction has participated in the LBA Parade of Homes 25 times over the last 26 years; showcasing 43 distinctive homes, and is an exhibitor each year at the annual LBA Home Improvement Expo.

“We find membership in Lakeland Builders Association invaluable to our company,” stated Randy. Over the years, I’ve stepped down from a leadership role, because other members have much to contribute, and their involvement in the association would prove to be invaluable to them as well. For instance, Melody Fehling our office manager at Thelen Total Construction, has been involved with the LBA over the last dozen years, serving on several committees. This year she’ll chair the Parade of Homes and serve on the LBA Board of Directors.”

Lakeland Builders Association is a not-for-profit association serving the building industry and represents more than 150 members.  Members are individuals from companies involved in the construction, development, remodeling and servicing of single and multifamily homes in Walworth County and the surrounding area.