50 Years of Lake Country Builders: The Story Behind the Homes (and the People) That Last
Date: April 13, 2026When people search ‘custom home builders Minneapolis’, they’re looking for a team they can trust. At Lake Country Builders, that trust has been earned over the past 50 years, one relationship and one thoughtfully built home at a time.
Where It All Began
We started with Pete and Sue Jacobson: a partnership that combined craftsmanship with vision from the very beginning. Pete, a skilled carpenter, began working out of his van, taking on small projects and building a reputation of quality and integrity. Sue brought luxury home design insight and business knowledge, gradually shaping what would become the company’s signature design-build approach.
What started as a small carpentry operation didn’t grow overnight. It grew steadily and intentionally through word of mouth, trust, and a commitment to doing things the right way. That foundation still defines Lake Country Builders today.
What Has Stayed the Same
Over five decades, the building industry has changed in countless ways: technology has advanced, materials have evolved, and client expectations have become more sophisticated. But at Lake Country Builders, our core values in the home building process have remained.
Craftsmanship still matters. Thoughtful design is still at the center of every project. And relationships, real, lasting relationships, are still the heart of the company.
From the earliest days, Pete and Sue built the business on treating people fairly and delivering work they could stand behind. Today, that same mindset guides every custom home and every client interaction.
Why Longevity Matters
Fifty years in this industry is a milestone we’re so proud of.
We’ve stayed focused on the custom home building foundations: doing good work, listening to our clients, and surrounding ourselves with people who take pride in what they do. A lot has changed over the years, but those things haven’t.
For homeowners looking for custom home builders Minneapolis, that kind of experience just makes the process easier. You’re working with a team that’s been through it before and knows how to navigate the ups and downs, communicate along the way, and keep things moving without missing the details that matter.
Staying Rooted
Homeowners expect (and deserve) clear communication, a smooth building process, and custom homes that are as functional as they are beautiful. We’ve embraced those expectations by strengthening our design-build process and investing in a team that can guide clients through every phase of a project.
But even as the process of building and tools have evolved, the mission remains the same: to build luxury homes crafted with care and designed to last.
What Matters Most
When we think about what really represents Lake Country Builders, it always comes back to the people we’ve had the chance to work with.
Clients like the Fredrickson family who partnered with us on multiple projects say it better than we ever could:
“They were great communicators, collaborators, and made our huge project incredibly smooth… They truly made our dreams come true.”
“We absolutely love their entire team… We could not recommend them highly enough for whatever project you might be considering.”
At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about. Not just the finished space, but how people feel throughout the process and long after it’s done.
Building Homes That Last
For us, lasting custom homes aren’t just about what’s behind the walls or the materials we use. It’s about how a home lives day to day. Does it function well for your family? Does it feel comfortable, easy, and like a place you actually want to be?
That’s what we’re thinking about in every project—creating spaces that hold up over time, not just structurally, but in how they support real life.
Curious to see one of our projects? Check out this blog!
Looking Ahead
As Lake Country Builders moves into the next chapter, a lot has changed, but the foundation is still the same. Our team today carries that forward, with the same focus on craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and strong relationships with the people we work with.
If you’re considering building or remodeling, experience matters, but so does how a team approaches the process. We’ve spent the last 50 years learning how to do both well.
At the end of the day, it’s pretty simple. We want to build homes that people love living in, for a long time.
Interested in working with us? Reach out today and let’s get started!








