post

Ahead of Success

By Olivia Truesdale (Martial Thevenot  Editor)

Former British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, has been attributed to saying, “Success is not final; failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.”

While the facts are such that he never actually said anything of the sort, it would have been very fitting to his reputation if he had!

Many of us know him for the position he held during World War II, but it is a little-known fact that he also was actively involved in the first World War. History probably wants you to forget about that part because it did not go very well.

He actually helped plan several *UNSUCCESSFUL* battles. Of course, today we only remember him for the leadership position he held during the early 1940s and the important role he played in helping the Allies win World War II. So how did he go from a seeming failure to a national (and international) hero and inspiration?

In a simplest of ways, he “had the courage to continue”. He didn’t let his failures define him. If he had, we would not likely be living in the world we know today.

Unfortunately, the opposite is also true, as expressed by this (misquoted) quote: “Success is not final.” Often, after succeeding in something, we find ourselves “coasting”.  After a “big win”, many people tend to slow down, relax, and “celebrate”. Now, there is nothing wrong with congratulations when they are in order, but it becomes a problem when we use our success as a reason to take our foot off the gas. “Oh, I finished that yesterday. I don’t have to worry today.”

Of course, it’s perfectly acceptable to take a break after a big success, sharpen the axe so to speak… unless it becomes a constant excuse. Sometimes we push ourselves so far backwards after a success that we wind up worse than before!

The easiest and most common example of this can be found in dieting. “I was really healthy yesterday. I did all my workouts; I ate well. I guess that means that I can have junk food and skip my workout today!” And when that attitude drags on for days, we can end up undoing all of our hard work. Yikes!  Sound familiar?

So how do we overcome this?

While the answer can be simple, it can also be much easier said than done. “Just do it.” (Huh, that sounds coincidentally like the motto for a popular brand of athletic wear.) I know it’s cheesy, but hear me out.

No one can force you to persevere after you succeed. Others can motivate you, but you are the biggest determiner of whether or not you are going to continue to evolve after a big success (or a big failure, for that matter).

You are the only one who has control of your actions. All that to be said, it is helpful to have a strong support system surrounding you, encouraging you to keep going and persevere towards reaching your next goal and your next success. This could be friends, family, or anyone else who has the same goals as you.

At Team Perka, we would love to be a part of helping you achieve your building goals!

Whether you need a building for your new startup business, are looking to build your dream home, or trying to find a place to store animals or equipment or toys, we can help. While we can’t say that we have seen everything, we can say that we have definitely seen a thing or two! 

Contact us for a consultation! Even if you don’t purchase from us, we love to help, as we know that good begets good.

(Of course we would also love it if you did purchase from us, because we want to get to know all the super cool we can and collaborate on great dreams and successes!)

Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook, visit our website, and let us know how we can become part of your next big triumph, as we would are always happy to support and help ensure that you keep succeeding in whatever is important to you!

post

Building Dreams

https://www.biography.com/activist/martin-luther-king-jr

Every year our family and friends remember and celebrate a man who “had a dream”.

This holiday, observed the third Monday in January, is more than just a day off for some folks … (typically and a day when banks, libraries, and post offices are closed).

During our many current social challenges, Martin Luther King Junior’s messages become even more significant for us all to reflect on.

I’m sure we all have a basic idea of the life and work of this famous man, but just why do we get/take that day off, especially when a lot of people still barely even acknowledge the day’s purpose?

Martin Luther King, Jr., was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia to a pastor and former teacher. At age 15, he skipped high school and went directly to college, where he studied law, medicine, and eventually theology. Though he had not planned to, he followed the legacies of his father and grandfather, eventually becoming a pastor in 1954. That same year, the Supreme Court decided the Brown vs. Board of Education case, ultimately concluding that segregation in schools was unconstitutional. The next year, on December 1, Rosa Parks was arrested for a display of protest when she refused to give up her bus seat to a white person. In 1956, the Supreme Court determined that segregated buses were unconstitutional as well. At that time, Martin Luther King, Jr., was already becoming well-known for promoting civil rights and racial equality.

There had already been one attempt made on his life, as well as attacks to his home. But MLK didn’t let that stop him. Throughout his life, he organized several boycotts and peaceful protests to raise awareness for his cause and even won a Nobel Peace Prize. He also led hundreds of people from Selma, Alabama, to Montgomery, Alabama, to promote voting rights and discourage racism in the state. He was quite successful in his cause, as his “Selma to Montgomery March” prompted Congress to pass the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which further promised voting rights to African Americans.

But, of course, Martin Luther King, Jr., was a man most famous for his dream, that is, his “I Have a Dream” speech. Delivered in 1963, this speech displayed MLK’s optimistic outlook and hope for the future, a future that would be better than what came before him.

He “had a dream” that people’s value would be based on what kind of person they were, not on how they looked. Though he was assassinated in 1968, that dream lives on, and that is why, on the third Monday of January, many take a day off to contemplate a man who never got to see his dreams fulfilled but continued to hope in them anyway.

Whatever your dream may be, we here at Team Perka want to help you build it into a reality. Our teammates are always happy to consult on any and all of your building needs, (and they are full of fun facts and relevant anecdotes, much like the ones you read in this article).

For more interesting articles like this one, be sure to check back regularly on our blog and to stay up to date on what we’re doing.

Be sure to contact us to let us know how we can help you. And don’t forget, in the words of MLK, that the time is always right to do what is right”. Have a blessed day!

post

Resolutions That Last

As the start of another year rolls around, we may find ourselves thinking about the events of the previous year. What went right, what went wrong, what went and never came back, etc. Right?

But for many, a new year is also a reminder that our “supply” of years, months, days, hours, minutes, even seconds are not limitless.

Sure, we may have done good if not even great things in the past year.  But how much time did we waste in those 365 days? Benjamin Franklin once said, “Lost time is never found again.”

That sentiment can be felt much more acutely when we pause to realize that another year is gone, and maybe not as much was done with it as we intended back on Jan 1, 2020!

So around New Year’s Day, most people often decide they want to make positive changes. Raise what you already have or are about to be , writing up resolutions or intentions or goals?  Have you?  Of course, the challenge with these resolutions, as anyone can tell you, is that they typically don’t last.

Perka’s founder, Ed Thevenot, started with his first “sale” (a packet of garden seeds) when he was twelve years old, and he never stopped selling. In his life as a salesman, he was devoted to finding things that did last and would even grow (like those seeds!).

He was dedicated to discovering what was best not only for him and his businesses, but his family, friends, community, the environment, and, most importantly, what was best for his client. That’s why, in late 1980, he decided to start his own “family” business.  And his product of choice? Perka Buildings.

He was the brainchild and creator of Perka’s unique, “hybrid”, wood-and-steel design building system.  Buildings that are intentionally designed to be a “S.A.F.E.R.” (strong, affordable, flexible, easy, and resilient) choice, AND thereby of great value and long lasting.  (They will last much longer than your New Year’s resolution!)

In fact, we are so confident in the strength and stability of our structures that we have just increased our 50-year warranty on our frames, to a LIFETIME WARRANTY!  How is that for Faith?!

 As you contemplate the past, and then the upcoming year, you may be looking to devote more time and resources into your children’s or grandchildren’s future, as well as your own. Perka ‘s Hybrid Buildings are a not only a great investment but will certainly make a lasting impression and appreciation on your family and whoever else you may choose to leave it to in the future.  Your Legacy!   If you are interested in getting a free no obligation consult to learn more, feel free to contact us or visit our website for more information.

  Of course, buildings can eventually wear out, and there are other, more important things which last even longer than any building or material purchase. Some of these are our ideals, core values and “promissory mottos”.

We strive to “Keep It Simple and Stress-free (K.I.S.S.)” in business, in our daily lives and in the lives of the people around us.

Our WHY is:

“To Rise and Shine every day, to be Stress-free Solution Seekers Trusting Sincere, Selfless Service” (#ssstsss)

so that we can all be healthier, Safer, more fulfilled, more secure and GIVERS.”

We started living these intentions ever more diligently after our founder’s death, and it’s because of the impact he had on this family, friends and this company.

He exhibited qualities that we should all aspire to. Qualities like dependability, industriousness, and kindness. As we are entering this new year, let’s think about the impact we’ve made on the world and ask ourselves, “Have I been kind?”

That certainly will be one of my resolutions this year. And I’m going to make sure it’s more than an ideal that I write down and forget about within the first two weeks of the new year. Because kindness lasts longer than a building, longer than a business, longer than a lifetime. Kindness can be passed down for generations, and it leaves a lasting impression and appreciation that can be OUR TRUE LEGACY!

post

Peace on Earth, One Customer at a Time

3… 2… 1… Happy New Year!!! That’s right, folks. 2021 is almost here, and no doubt most of us feel that we are sure ready for something new – and that is not going to be too hard since so much this year has been “new”!  YES?

Check out these last minute DIY ideas for a stay at home type of celebration! 

2020 seems as though it has brought about one messy situation after another. But is it the calendar year’s fault!?  Is it a curse or can it be a blessing?  How we respond and deal with it can make a huge difference.

(Does anyone even remember those Australian fires from January? How about those murder hornets?)

Just because the Earth has made another rotation around the Sun does not mean that everything will just “go back to normal”. Humans have always been faced with challenges and problems (aka opportunities), ever since the very first people walked the Earth.

That is why it is so important to stay connected to friends and family.

This year, more than ever, we might be most served by and for each other in order to keep ourselves positive (and sane). Your friends and family may be a phone call away, a long car ride away, or even a socially-distant-and-masked airplane ride away. No matter the distance, we believe in the significance of strong, caring relationships. The slower times around the holidays are the perfect time to reach out to our loved ones and let them know how much we care.

But maybe this message doesn’t necessarily apply to you. Maybe your loved ones live too far away, and you are unable to be with them. Perhaps the pandemic of 2020 has taken its toll on those who are dear to you. Maybe you even lost a loved one.  May Peace be with you. 

It is possible too that you have just grown apart. Change and pain can be quite problematic aspects of human life (even though very normal), and we would like you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and all those who are facing challenges this holiday season.

At Team Perka, we care deeply about our teammates, our friends, our neighbors, and our families. Do you know who else we deeply care about? You!!! You, our fellow man/woman, our potential new personal friend-to-be, are one of the driving causes of what we do.

You are the highest priority of our business.  You are at the TOP of our Team’s organizational chart! 

If there is ever anything we can do from and with the growing resources of experience, “tools” and solution seeking creativity related to almost any sort of “building” question – that we can share, to give you a better experience in any way shape or form, feel free to contact us. Do you need help with a building solution or consultation, even if a Perka Hybrid Building is NOT your first choice? Let us know.

Or you are just not sure where to start? We can help!

Also have you had great a great experience while working and co-creating solutions with us? We would LOVE to hear it! And even if your experience was less than the best, please let us so we can improve. One of our inner team hashtags is #CSI!! Standing for Continuous Sustainable Improvement.  So we welcome ALL the feedback we can get to be able to do that to the MAX!!

We would love to partner with you to make your building project simpler, more stress free and/or easier so you are happier and freer to do what YOU love to do best.

After all, another of our many guiding mottos is “Keep It Simple and Stress-free (K.I.S.S.)”!

In other words, and in the spirit of the holidays, we hope to make as big a contribution to “peace on earth and goodwill to all” as we possibly can — even by one client at a time.

post

Giving Thanks!

Welcome back to the Perka blog!

Today, we are going to be talking about one of America’s favorite holidays. (Here is a hint: It’s happening “NOW” – at least at time of this writing!) That is right; we’re talking about Thanksgiving. Giving Thanks!! 

Though it is not a distinctly American holiday, here in the United States, it is celebrated it, in a fashion, as only Americans can.  It’s actually one holiday of the year that is truly and purely ALL DENOMINATIONAL, regardless of race, creed, religious belief or otherwise; – THANK YOU can be practiced by, literally, EVERY SINGLE AMERICAN – let alone HUMAN BEING!!

So there’s no wonder it’s such a popular holiday. It is a day off work that is typically used primarily to gather with friends and family, and EAT!

Unfortunately, some of the thankfulness often falls to the wayside during housing friends, preparing the meal, and eating until we cannot hold another bite. And, of course, this year, things are going to look quite different.  Now, is that a blessing, a curse, or both?

I’m sure I don’t need to remind anyone of that dreaded Covid-19 epidemic. It continues to wreak havoc upon our world every day. Unfortunately, because of it, many people are not going to be able to safely be with or see their families.

One would think that we just would not be in the mood for giving thanks. However, it is often the most difficult situations that makes us realize the good things all around us.

While we may not be able to go visit our loved ones this year, we live in an age of technological marvels. Anyone up for a family Zoom call? And it’s true that we won’t be able to share special holiday treats with friends and family, but at least we have food available.

(By the way, you should totally check out the delicious recipes from our last blog post!) I know that this all might sound cornier than your aunt’s special casserole, but that doesn’t make it any less true. Even in the midst of Covid-19, we’ve certainly got a lot to be grateful for.

But now, you’re probably wondering how does a Perka Hybrid Building fits into all this. At Team Perka, we pride ourselves on “keeping all we can as simple and stress-free as can be”.

While Covid-19 is not simple or stress-free, nor does it mix well with our favorite holidays, we think we’ve found a very viable stress-freeing solution.

If you have ever owned one of Perka’s unique hybrid buildings, you know how VERY spacious they can be. (They are customizable, with large free and clear spans for breathtaking rooms, and these incredible structures can be as large or as small as you please!)


And if you have never purchased a building or frame from Perka, now is the perfect time to get one! Picture this: Your whole family in one place. Easily 6-10 feet apart of need be. Thanksgiving dinner (or lunch or breakfast). Ample easy ventilation.  Great healthy sun or moon light beaming in through grand windows.  Everyone with their own “safe space”.

One of Perka’s larger buildings can become the perfect venue to gather your family and keep them safe, comfortable, and still TOGETHER? Yes, you might have to speak a bit louder to project across the room, but let’s face it. You were probably going to do that anyway.

Even if this year’s holidays don’t look “normal”, staying connected is always something to be thankful for. Whether it’s over Zoom, across the room, or using some other innovative way, we hope you find a way to enjoy the holidays with your loved ones.

And, speaking of staying connected, we would love to connect with YOU! Feel free to contact us, check out our website, or find us on Facebook. And if there is anything we can do to help you “keep it simple, safe and stress-free”, whether it’s with new holidays venue traditions or your dream building project, let us know. We would love to be a part of your journey.

One of my favorite authors says,

I’m glad that, even in the midst of these difficult times, we at Team Perka still have incredible customers, neighbors, friends, family, like you. That’s ALWAYS something we will be thankful for!

post

Harvest: Reaping What We Sow!

By Olivia Truesdale (Martial Thevenot  Editor)

As autumn “falls” upon us, it’s typically a time where we get to harvest or consume some of our favorite fall foods

Today, we’ll be cooking up some pumpkin, apples, and squash to launch us into the fall festivities.

Do you care to join us for some tasty recipes and a “side” of wisdom, too?

Oh, but before we begin, do you want to hear a funny fall joke? “

Why didn’t the chef want to use the pumpkin? 
Because it had been squash-ed when the car ran over it!” 

A groaner I know…   
Maybe, let’s focus on those fall recipes.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Yes! You can eat pumpkin seeds! And they’re quite delicious and simple to make. They only require a few ingredients, and you can flavor them however you want.

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Scoop out the “guts” and seeds from the inside of your pumpkin. Separate them by placing them in a strainer and rinsing. Deposit your seeds into a bowl and determine how you want to flavor them! You could use salt to enhance the flavor, cinnamon, and sugar (or pumpkin pie spice!) for a taste of fall, or any of your favorite spices.

Mix the seeds with whatever seasoning(s) you want; place them on a baking sheet and bake for 15-25 minutes. Pumpkin seeds are best when eaten shortly after they’ve been baked, but they’ll stay good for at least a week, when stored in an air-tight container. Enjoy!

Homemade Apple Cider
A quintessential autumn treat this is. And now you can make it at home! All you need is a gallon of apple juice, an orange, a teaspoon of whole cloves or ¾ teaspoon ground, and a half teaspoon (or half stick) of cinnamon.

Cut the oranges into slices, being sure to leave the peel attached. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even add a splash of orange juice to the drink. Dump all the ingredients into a slow cooker and simmer, stirring occasionally. Leave the drink in the slow cooker until it is warm enough to serve and all the ingredients are mixed well. Voila!  Serve warm for a great cozy – fuzzy feeling.


Apple Cake
Here is something you can do with all those extra apples! For this recipe, you will need the following: 4 cups of diced apples, 2 cups of sugar, 2 cups of flour, 2 eggs, ½ cup butter or oil, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and an optional cup of nuts.

Mix all the ingredients, and place in a 350 degree oven, allowing to bake for 35 to 45 minutes. While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. You’ll need 6 ounces of cream cheese, 3 tablespoons of butter, 1½ cups of powdered sugar, 1½ teaspoons of vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Combine the frosting ingredients, and when the cake has cooled, top it with the cream cheese mixture. Can you taste it yet?  Yum!

Spaghetti Squash
Yes, I know that this is just a plain squash, with no fancy recipe. That’s because spaghetti squash is so delicious and creative on its own!

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, cut the squash in half, and remove the innards from each half. (But don’t throw out the seeds! You can follow the recipe for roasted pumpkin seeds, using those from your squash instead.) Drizzle the halves in olive oil, place them skin-side up, and bake for 30-60 minutes. Check them every so often to make sure you don’t overcook it. To make sure your squash is done, poke it with a fork to see if it is tender enough. Once it reaches the desired doneness, flip the halves over and scrape out the insides of your squash. It will look just like noodles! Top with your favorite pasta sauce or serve with butter and seasonings.  Simple and healthy too.  Bon Appetit!

Well, now you know what to do with some of your bountiful harvest.  Reaping what you sowed!  But you can only eat so much at one time.

So, if you are a grower, gardener, a seller, or just plain PUMPKIN ADDICT, you need a place to store all your delicious fall fruits and vegetables.

Perka has a solution for you! Our unique wood-and-steel building frames and structures have been used numerous times as barns for both produce and livestock. They can also be set up as additional living quarters, right with your “shop”.   Whatever you need!

They make for a very safe, comfortable, stress free place to sow good seeds, good thoughts, good deeds and good harvest.

Feel free to Contact us or visit our website, or our facebook page, and ask us to help in any way we can. And do not worry, we always shoot for “Keeping It Simple and Stress-Free” (#KISS) so that you can get back to doing what you love most with the people you cherish as soon as possible. 

Maybe even head on back to the kitchen and whip up some more tasty treats with your family, while resting assured that we are taking care of the stuff we LOVE TO DO MOST! 

So, we would be more than happy to help you reap MORE of the good things that you sow!  For your building. For your family. For you.

 

post

Vertical Farming Garden Barns

Believe it or not, it looks like farming is taking an “upward turn” – and hopefully in more ways than one!!   As of this writing, crop and livestock prices were inching up.   There appears to be some good negotiations on new trade deals that will favor more Farms and Ranches.  Weather is not seeming to have as big an impact as of late. (Though that can change quickly.)  Despite the COVID, there is some optimism in the Ag world!

Throughout the history of farming, crops need several things to grow, and it is seldom ever truly predictable!  One of the newest factors that is becoming more and more difficult to have in abundance is one of the most important elements: space, land and fertile soil. 

Present day farming already takes up a huge amount of land for crops to grow.  We have more people to feed every day and therefore need more food everyday! Plus, certain lands have to “rest” to re-build their natural nutrients.  On top of that , while the population of our world keeps growing ,more and more land is being re-purposed for other uses and some even in the name of LOVE.

So, unfortunately, our could be slimming.  It is estimated that within the next thirty years, the human population will surpass 9 billion! Not only will they need more living space, but they will also require more food, which takes up even more area to be grown. Here is the latest PIVOT potential: vertical farming!

Vertical farming is the process of stacking garden boxes in a controlled environment, rather than spreading crops out in fields. With vertical farming, you don’t have to rely as much on nature to provide everything needed to grow crops or gardens. The grower can control the amount of light and heat that the crops receive. This process requires minimal soil and uses up to 95% less water than conventional farming.  And there are NO bugs, meaning you won’t have to apply pesticides.  You can have more control over more variables of your farm. 

Not only that, but vertical farms can yield four to six times MORE per area than conventional farming methods. Vertical farming can definitely “stack up” as a viable solution to our world’s growing needs. It’s a win-win-win: more food, more control, and less space! In more ways than we can imagine then, things are certainly “looking up” for the farming industry! 

At Team Perka, we understand that your crops are especially important to you and our world. That’s why we developed a hybrid building- part wood, part steel- in order to provide you with the highest quality structures for any and all of your projects.

And we are confident that you’ll love your Perka building as much as we do! Not only are they affordable and functional, they’re also extremely reliable and safe! Our unique hybrid buildings are strong and secure, perfect for housing anything you need. These one-of-a-kind models are customizable, re-designable, AND up to safety code!

We also guarantee that our buildings will meet any safety requirement around, so you can rest assured that your valuable equipment and animals are well-protected from the environment: dangerous winds, damaging rains or snow, and the powerful sun.

Your building can have a full or partial roof, along with custom doors to ensure that you get what works best for you. Whether you want open or enclosed walls, doors that fold up or roll up or slide or open regularly, one door or two or more- It’s all up to you! We work with you, so that your buildings have the highest quality, guaranteed! Besides, if something doesn’t work properly, or you change your mind, Perka’s building frames have a 50-year warranty.

Speaking of changing your mind, Perka buildings are EXTREMELY re-usable! They can be repurposed into almost anything you need! Our buildings have been turned into places for livestock (horses, pigs, cattle, poultry, sheep, goats, ducks, llamas/alpacas, etc), crop storage, equipment repair shops, milking barns, hay storage, even man caves and she sheds, OR just additional living space! These structures are incredibly versatile; they work well for the whole family! (Even the non-human members of the family!)

All models can be fit to size- height, width, length, steepness of the roof, or anything else! We want to get YOU the perfect size for your building.

Most of our buildings are completed by a vaulted ceiling. This adds an extra level of storage, which can be used for holding more goods, more equipment, and more food!

You don’t have to worry when faced with gusting gales, snowstorms and sleet, rattling rains, or anything else that quivers, quakes, and shakes! Perka buildings are strong enough to weather the storms of life. They are also affordable, to give you the best space for your dollar, so you can invest in other things around the farm. Our buildings and our team are flexible; we’ll work with any changes, fixes, or add-ons, should you so desire. If extra space is what you are looking for, you can consider it done! We make sure it’s easy to get the information you need, AND easy to assemble your building! We hope to ensure that your building is effortlessly and effectively insulated and simple to change. Whatever you need, we’ll get it done quickly, so that you can enjoy the return on your investment sooner. Plus, they are extremely resilient: no small storms can blow them down! They are built to withstand even the toughest of circumstances. However, if they don’t quite hold up, they are simple to repair, remodel, or reuse. With Perka on your side, there’s no way you can lose!

Perka is proud to be the S.A.F.E.R. solution for you, your family, and your farm. Contact us to receive more information and direction. We want to work with you and provide the best buildings we can for your equipment, your products, and YOU!

 

post

Great Expectations

“Great Expectations:”
What happens when they don’t get met?

We all thrive on making and having big plans, big dreams, and big aspirations. Often, children are told that “they can be whatever they want to be.” Whether it is an astronaut, lawyer, doctor, engineer, builder, entrepreneur, architect, or artist, we encourage our children to “reach for the stars”. And we ourselves, through the form of books, movies, and other media outlets are pushed to “pursue our dreams”. But what happens when you wake up and are left grasping and wanting of the visions that visited us during the night?

Happy and sad twinsA recurring issue in our society is in how we deal with our sometimes overwhelming, unrealistic, and therefore unmet expectations. We are constantly bombarded with a notion that “If you don’t achieve this goal or get this product, you’ll never amount to anything or achieve certain things or ever find happiness and peace.” The unwritten and subliminal rules of life are presented all around us, reminding us of all the things we “are supposed to” have or do to be “successful” and HAPPY!   This is NOT to say that there is something necessarily wrong with being a high achiever of success or accomplishing goals. But is there a way to set up feasible expectations for ourselves without feeling like we aren’t doing or getting “enough”?!?!  And then becoming upset from it and then taking it out on those we love or count on to HELP us?


Step 1:
NON ATTACHMENT

Clear away the belief or mindset of “I won’t be happy if I don’t accomplish or “get” this…” Oftentimes, our goals will not serve us well – only because of how LOFTY or rigid they really are! Again, there is nothing wrong with “dreaming big”, but there is a GIGANTIC difference between big dreams and near impossible expectations, especially if it will upset or unnerve you. 

If and when we can let go of the idea that we won’t be happy until we finish a certain (or several!) task(s), we can put more of our productive energy on being present, calm, cool and kind to inspire and lift self and others to find the solutions to easier achieve more goals, even the big ones!

For example, earning a promotion is a reasonable, attainable goal in most cases. Becoming manager within your first two months of service in your career? Alot less likely! There are some things that are not very likely to happen if even just not possible at this time… or within a certain time frame. It is possible that you could become the manager. It is possible that you could finally get that treehouse or shed built in your backyard. (Although the shed would be even faster if you partnered with Perka!)

It is possible that you could write that award-winning novel you’ve always dreamed of. Nearly anything is possible, but it certainly most likely will not be instantaneous. That said whether it takes ten weeks or ten years, it serve us best to make sure that we DON’T base our inner peace and happiness on particular objects or achievements.

Step 2: SMALL CONSISTENT STEPS

Break the goal into “bite-size”, attainable chunks. For example, let’s look at some of the sample goals from Step 1. Building a treehouse? It is a 100% plausible goal. However, building a beautiful treehouse, complete with walls, a kitchenette, and an exit slide? Probably not going to happen fast that is for sure. And not all at once. That’s why we can choose to take it one step at a time, as it comes, methodically, reading ALL the directions (as tedious as it seems), and give yourself and everyone around you plenty of grace. If everything doesn’t happen at once, or over one weekend, THAT’S OK!!! 

Now, let us look at the writing of a novel example (because don’t all us “writers” want to see our names on the New York Times bestseller list???).  Again, like the treehouse, it is attainable. But it certainly won’t happen just like that – nor with our first publication! Therefore we need to set simple, reachable daily goals. In our busy lives, it can often be difficult to find time to sit down and write a large segment. It’s even more difficult if you attempt to do this every day! So, we go with a smaller portion. A chapter a day. Or even just a page or sub story per day. Or even less, like a bullet form outline, if need be. It doesn’t matter what amount you decide to do, as long as it’s consistent.  

Author Robert Collier says “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out!” For larger projects like these, you are only going to burn out your energy (and motivation) if you try to “plow through” large pieces all at once, all the time. It’s more serving in the long run to stick with your small portions. Do it daily, do it well, do it consistently!  Next thing you know – it’s MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Step 3: ENJOY THE JOURNEY

This can be easily overlooked, but remember that the truest path to inner peace and happiness is accepting what American Essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson is very well known for saying it’s not the destination, it’s the journey” that really matters.

As we stated previously, you shouldn’t base your happiness on whether or not you’ve completed a list of tasks or acquired particular objects. Anyone can fill out a checklist, but not everyone can pursue it with everyday JOY!  While you were on the journey, you can also gain invaluable skills that can help you in other things, regardless of whether you fulfilled the goal (yet) or not. We are extremely fortunate to now live in a world where “anyone can be anything”.   BUT not everyone is or will be successful, every time.  And often, even if the goal is attained, not successful where it matters most, anyway.

Our typical definition of success requires people to compromise their values, compromise their dreams, or compromise their priorities. We need to remember that it truly is the process that counts! Life can change so quickly; no one really knows what will show up tomorrow, or become of the things we create?

If we focus on what kind of legacy we want to leave, rather than taking shortcuts in order to get a job done faster, we can take the time to get it done right, and that, in and of itself, is an achievement worthy of being called SUCCESS.  Appreciate the little victories. “Stop and smell the roses.” Allow yourself to grow and glow, while remaining poised and flexible! Hard times do happen, and certainty comes and goes. But if you’ve focused on growing and evolving during your journey, it will help you stay open and centered when bigger trouble hits.

At Perka, we whole heartedly know that it is important to be as flexible as possible, preparing for the unexpected, while always moving towards what is best. We understand that times change quickly, and many things are incredibly “up in the air”, especially during these times. But life is short, and time is too precious to spend it worrying or arguing or complaining.  That is why strength and flexibility are two of our core values. It is why we specially engineer our buildings to be up to every safety code in your area and then some. It is why we work WITH you to ensure that your building goals are achieved, realistically, accurately, safely and correctly. We will never cut corners or compromise integrity.  We choose to do things right, by choose to do the “right” thing.  This way, you can know that if all else fails, you can rely on your friends at Team Perka, to flex with you to seek out the most stress free and realistic solutions.  #sssTsss

 There is much in the way of unexpected, unplanned, unpredictable and even un-thought of events these days — it behooves us to remain calm, open, understanding, gracious, compassionate and seek out the next best solution, trusting sincere selfless service and continue to apply the everyday (baby) steps towards GREAT EXPECTATIONS without the pain of being so attached that we actually HURT ourselves and those we love and count on around us.  

As our local Rotary Club President just said in weekly update… 

“Let’s keep our heads on a swivel, be creative, be positive,
and most importantly, be kind and we’ll continue
to make this world a better place one good deed at a time.”

Contact us to find out how to start your journey with us, and know exactly what to expect, including being poised to address all the unprecedented, unexpected twists and turns of 2020!

 

Life Expectancies too short?

Life Expectancies too short?
Expect More with a Perka Hybrid Building!

There are certain things that we sometimes just kind of assume like: “That’s going to last forever… This will never break down… I’ll be able to keep it for a long time.”  Have you ever thought that?

Unfortunately, “they just don’t make ‘em like they used to!”is an axiom that has become pretty literal these days.  Have you heard, if not even experienced, that one already??!! 

Modern things break down very quickly.  And we may have also heard that other old saying: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, Yes?

So, what, if anything, can we actually depend on these days?  What happened to doing things right?

With every passing day – it is becoming easier and easier to admit affirm:   “they just don’t make ‘em like they used to”.

While this may seem like a reminiscent phrase exclaimed by our grandparents, or even great-grand parents, it’s actually quite true.

Some facts: many household appliances used to intentionally be built to last.  It was part of the design strategy.  Now, it seems like every time we turn around, something needs replaced.  In some ways, that is done with purposes…  Like to keep initial costs down.   And be able to prosper from an after market of parts and services, or all out replacement!  It’s sometimes referred to as <<planned obsolescence>>. 

For example, washing machines from the 1940’s and 1950’s are still in existence… and still work! However, fast forward 30-40 years and you’ll be lucky to get 15 years out of your newer washing machine. (The actual average lifespan of a washer is now anywhere from 10 to 15 years.) 

New dryers “live” about as long as their washer counterparts. 

If you’re looking to wash dishes instead of clothes, the average dishwasher will now last only somewhere between 7 and 12 years.

While we’re on the subject of kitchen appliances, what about the oven and microwave oven? Ovens last a bit longer, with a lifespan of 10 to 20 years, while microwaves only work well for a mere 5 to 15 years. The short longevity of basic household appliances is shocking, especially when you consider the fact that they used to last for multiple decades!

But why do our parts, pieces, and appliances have such shorter lifespans today?   What corners have been cut?  Firstly, the appliances run off of fancy electrical devices. This means that they have more functions, and these particular components are currently made such that they are much more prone to wear and tear, breakage, and damage. Secondly (and more commonly), companies are also just looking to make more money. They make their parts out of cheaper material, faster with less attention to the details.   It’s often all about the money! 

Because there aren’t very many appliance companies, those that still exist practically “own the market”.  Then the companies that have these pseudo-monopolies that can charge you “an arm and a leg” for each new piece, uncontested by competitors and God forbid there might be some inadvertent collusion. 

So, now, more often than not, it’s just cheaper for people to buy a new machine, rather than purchasing a new part and paying someone to replace the old one.

The things we use (and rely on) every day are usually also made with less durable or resilient quality parts in order to also be lighter, more efficient, more productive, more aesthetically pleasing, etc. And the companies who sell them can make (more) money either way, because they know that consumers need their products for everyday life.  These are considered commodities!  Unfortunately, without a significant cultural shift, one to include providing long term value thinking, it doesn’t look like products will be improving in their longevity any time soon.

We don’t particularly like that.  And we also realize sometimes it’s just better to “BE THE CHANGE” we seek!

So, that’s why Team Perka’s approach to product design is different. 

One of our core values is in doing the “right” thing – by doing things right! 

As Team Perka, we are a more that a family owned business with values that focuses on consciously choosing quality materials, assemble by caring craftsman and delivered with intentional service.  We don’t measure our success on the number of orders we get, we measure it by the number of new friends that we make as teammates and ‘clients’ with intentions to KEEP!

Instead of less expensive components that are sometimes indeed planned with obsolescence, to wear out or break down quicker, our wood and steel hybrid structures are consciously designed with intention to be built to last. 

By the number of multi generation clients that we already have – (i.e. children of existing clients buying from us now 20 and almost 40 years later) we pride ourselves in knowing that clients, AKA OUR FRIENDS, will keep coming back to see us, because they understand the value built into our products and trust us to partner with them on a collective future, building projects for the long haul.

YOUR trust, your satisfaction, YOU and your elation over the quality, ease and resilience of our buildings are our higher priorities. 

And being now a third generation business, we want our Grand Children’s kids to be proud of being part of this legacy.  

PLUS, we are happy to back this intention up with our Perka designed and manufactured Steel Frames 50-year warranty

Our teammates, our family, would be absolutely delighted to assist you and your family with your building plans.

For more information about beginning your next building project with Perka, contact us here. To check out our high-quality steel frames, click here. And don’t forget to keep reading our blog!

post

Chasing Perfection, Catching Excellence

Chasing Perfection, Catching Excellence

            In 1959, American football coach and legend Vince Lombardi inspired the Green Bay Packers, and the world, when he said, “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.”

That said, how often do we feel as though we are chasing perfection to no avail. Running around in an endless loop, pursuing something that seems unattainable. And it is exhausting! Many people quickly do realize that perfection is impossible, but they do not like that answer. Instead of looking AT the progress, many just quit altogether. Why do they give up on their goals, and how can we break that pattern?

            Why people quit 1.0: staring at failure. We often catch ourselves looking at everything that goes wrong, and that can be extremely disheartening.  Why don’t we look more to what can go right?  Often it is difficult to set our gaze beyond our failures. We have all heard that old cliche: “Every failure is a new opportunity”. But sometimes, listening or hearing that phrase can be even more frustrating, because we are unable to see what that new opportunity actually is.

The American inventor Thomas Edison said it best: “I have not failed. I have just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”  In some situations, if we never find the 10,000 wrong ways, we may never find the one RIGHT way! We must not see our shortcomings as a failure; let us view it as an unusable path. Keep track of your unusable paths, certainly to avoid them in the future, and we will soon be on a certain road to success!

            Why people quit 2.0: distractions. Cacophony. Clamor. Din. Hubbub. Pandemonium. Racket. Hullabaloo. They all mean the same thing- “noise”.  #bignoise.  With our typical everyday hustle-and-bustle, it is pretty easy to become distracted. Whether it is due to audible noise, the noise from endless tweets and social media post, or the noise that comes from inside our own heads, we often take our “eyes off the prize” and become bogged down, totally distracted and off course. With everyone, be it our boss, kids, spouse, parents, pets, neighbors, alter ego – constantly needing something, we can mis-use our time that could better be used to focus on our goals. That is why Team Perka is here for you. Perka Hybrid Buildings offers noise free and very affordable building designs, which can be perfect for when you need to work close to home… but not too close.  Structures also known as a “man cave or “she shed” (or how about a “dream destination”, “plan place”, or “house of hopes”), TEAM PERKA is in the business of helping man and woman kind – be safer, happier, healthier and kinder.   

They aspire to be a presence so that you can find your solution to create a space for your private, quiet time to “formulate, focus, pursue and attain your dreams” without or with at least LESS, of the usual distractions and NOISE!  Our favorite goal is to help you attain yours, and we are committed to doing everything in our power to ensure that your very own space is exactly what you want and need.

            Why people quit 3.0: unwillingness to change/grow. No one likes or ever wants to be told that they are wrong. No one wants to believe that their method is inferior. Most people simply lack the willingness to change. This is a major hindrance in achieving progress. Some people are just looking for perfection, but they do not want to take the time to learn, improve, and to focus on personal advancement. This is an issue that is often rooted in a certain stubbornness and pride; an “I’m just right, you’re wrong, and you can’t convince me otherwise” mindset. Unfortunately, that attitude generally gets everyone NO-WHERE.   If you are willing to listen and can be open to change, while there is still a possibility that your ideas might fail, there is much HOPE there.   To totally refuse to listen to possible ideas and differing perspectives from your peers and adapt, adjust or evolve your ideas to make them the best they can be, will almost certainly guaranty that you will definitely not find any perfection, excellence or happiness for that matter.

If you wish to have a partner to help with building choices, our trained and dedicated advisors also known as Team Perka are here to assist you, to adapt with you and for you.  One of our core values is flexibility. We strive to have flexible personalities, to be able to take whatever comes our way and adapt – roll with the punches; AND similarly our buildings are flexible, able to also change, adjust and adapt in order to suit varying and sometimes forced pivots.

           Why people quit 4.0: fear. This explanation could go on and on. There is fear of failing, fear of what your peers will think, fear of letting others down, fear of letting yourself down, even fear of success.  These, of course, all stem from that goal of and being totally attached to “perfection”.

However, if you “strive for perfection and are willing to catch excellence”, none of these fears can ever dominate. If you catch excellence, you haven’t failed, you haven’t let anyone down, not even yourself.   Of course, the first step to conquering these fears (and to catching excellence) is to begin the journey by SHOW UP to take the first step.  Set your goals, and then figure out ways to achieve them! It may not be perfect. It does not HAVE to be really!  — But it certainly will feel excellent once you’ve begun on the path towards your dreams!  Progress is the key.   Tony Robbins says that the MAIN ingredient to HAPPINESS is not possessions, destinations, or even permanently bliss filled relationships…  it is growth and making PROGRESS towards something!  It is the Journey!!

            At Perka, we want to join with you, to help you, to progress on that path, on that journey as you pursue your goals…  towards an ever evolving better today!   Contact us and let us know how we can be a part of your journey!

post

Top Priority

Top Priority

No one tries to “keep up with the Joneses” anymore… do they? “Keeping up with the Joneses” is an older phrase or idiom that means you attempt to base your success on how well you match up with the success of your neighbors. Sounds exhausting (and at times difficult), right? This requires us to take note of everything the neighbors do, see how our lives compare, and make ourselves seem as good (or better) than the folks next door.

Unfortunately, this concept is one that we often practice nearly every day. We are so often tempted to constantly compare… and often attempting to be just a little bit better than that other person. We look around to see how we stack up or at least differentiate from the people around us. Bigger house? That’s one point for me. My kid threw a tantrum, when hers never cries. OK, one point for her. My car is nicer than his; I get another point. The list can go on and on when it comes to comparing.  Sound familiar?

However, comparing ourselves to others isn’t always wrong or undeserving… if we’re comparing the right things and in the right “way”.  Like doing so with a certain admiration, to learn from and GROW!   What we shouldn’t compare, especially with any attachment or competitiveness per se, are our families, our finances, certain personal life choices, even relationships, etc. We don’t always have control over the things our families do, some of the choices we can get forced into, or the adversity we may encounter. Besides, those perfect Instagram posts and family photos don’t show everything. Those are typically just ONE moment in time…. 

In reality, almost everyone has uncomfortable, messy, less-than-perfect moments that sometimes lasting days, weeks, and those moments, those photos rarely end up being posted.  Do they?  We shouldn’t compare material things either: things like houses, cars, finances, possessions, etc. If we keep looking at those things, we’ll always find someone who has it just a little bit nicer or “better”. Those collations can often disappoint, in one way or another.

This begs the question: Is it ever OK to compare? The answer is “yes”. However, this has to be done in a healthy, constructive way. As earlier mentioned, it isn’t serving to look at other people’s lives and wish that ours looked more like theirs. But it can be constructive to observe other people’s behavior or personalities: the way they act, think, and speak. By observing others without judgement, we can learn from their consequences, accomplishments, and appreciate the differences while respecting their strengths. We can work to figure out what they do well, and if it fits, apply that to our own lives. To practice this kind of healthy comparison doesn’t produce jealousy, bitterness, or longing; it produces kindness, understanding, appreciation and a mindset of growth or evolving.

If you have read this far, you’re probably curious as to why we’ve been talking about collation and “keeping up with the Joneses” (or any other families who happen to live next door to you).  What does this have to do with buildings?  Well, it’s because of Perka’s dedication to our customers: to YOU.  The products and services we offer are part of the bigger picture goal of wanting to make our world better… To serve man and woman kind! 

So, guess what? We are not concerned with your neighbors.  We are not “worrying” about what others are doing.  It matters not as to whether their house is nicer, whether their car is larger, or whether they have more social media followers than you or us. Our number one concern is you. You, as you. You, with a lived-in house – a well-used vehicle or children filled with abundant enthusiasm and energy. (Although, if your house is a bit cluttered, as in lacking in space, well, Perka Hybrid Buildings can be a great choice for adding storage, extra room and or functionality. – Just saying.) 

More than supplying you with high-quality, well thought out building and structure solutions, we want to provide you with the best possible stress free service that will earn your trust and help you find the right solutions for YOU.  

And as to comparing?  We will definitely do that with you.   We will compare quality and type of the structure.  Is it Steel?  Or is it Wood?  Or is it Hybrid?  Is it pre-designed? We will look at how the buildings are produced?   Are they pre-fit to eliminate headaches on the job site, or are they sent to you with a WISH and a HOPE that they will fit? We will indeed compare so that you know that you are getting a 50 year warranty from a business that has been around long enough to re-assure you that they are not going anywhere!  We will compare to make sure your choices meet the minimum requirements you would expect to protect you and your family – like strength, and affordability, like flexibility so you are not stuck with a never look back decision.   Like ease & simplicity so that you don’t get all lost in the jargons and the attempts at “BS to impress”! And we will compare to be sure you realize the building you choose is resilient to withstand whatever challenge or adversity that sometimes LIFE just throws at us!  The unexpected.   The unplanned for.   The unpredictable. 

We aim to be robust, resilient and remarkable at the very least…  Because with TEAM PERKA, YOU are our highest priority. Not the Joneses. You. Your goals. Your dreams. Your aspirations.  Your SAFETY.  Your future…  To find out how you can begin a project with your very own trusted building adviser and Happy Perka Teammate, contact us here.

post

Farms, Food, and Finances

Farms, Food, and Finances

All of us with Team Perka really LOVE OUR FARMERS! Since our founder “ET” began the TEAM PERKA journey way back in 1981, he always stayed rooted in his own humble beginning as a son of a farmer.  And so, men and women workers of the earth’s fields, always held the highest stature in his eyes! We just can’t exist without our food supply chain… and they are right at the ROOT of it all – (puns intended!)

Perka’s Hybrid Buildings can be used almost anywhere around the farm yard or even in the fields, as farmers have been one of our most valued clients over our near 40 year history.

Unfortunately, and it is sad to see, farmers are struggling right now. There are a lot of questions surrounding farmers and the food they produce. People are ever more curious to know where their food comes from… how it is grown, and then where is it going!? Fear not, O wise ones who read this blog. Today, we’ll be taking a closer look at some of the main questions about what’s happening in the food industry.

Farmer looking at his big farmLet’s begin at the farm, the actual source of our entire food supply chain. (No, it’s not the “store”!!)

Farmers are currently being forced to eradicate months’ worth of work because the demand for their services is not as the same and therefore not as timely as it once was and therefore not as “great”.

But wait… if anything, shouldn’t their demand be greater? One might think that at least the same if not even more people are still hungry and possibly even without supplies or access now than they were before quarantine/shelter protocols. Schools have been shut down, and most restaurants are only open for a drive-through or curbside pickup. People are eating at home more often.

Food that goes to restaurants and schools is packaged much differently than food that gets distributed to the public. Meat, cheese, fruits, and vegetables are transported to restaurants in much larger quantities than that same cuisine being bought at a grocery store. The problem is, sadly for the moment, is that the farmers don’t have the capacity or resources to package their own goods, and much food has been left to rot. That said there have been some bright lights standing out in the darkness of current uncertainties as we try to figure this out.

dairy cattleOne Pennsylvania farmer, Mr. Ben Brown, came up with an alternative to dumping the milk from his many cows. He was fortunate to have access to equipment that would allow him to process the milk himself. He worked long and hard to make sure he wouldn’t have to waste an ounce of his milk… even if that meant waking up at midnight to continue bottling. His farm opened up for people to come buy his milk, and he sold out in a matter of hours.

Pretty inspiring, isn’t it? Thankfully, more of those sort of pivots are happening as we speak!! In our home town here of St. Joseph, MO – people have organized a FREE farm-to-family distribution by volunteers to GIVE AWAY the food that might otherwise get wasted. They meet in our shopping center parking lot – three times a week and cars line up to take fruits, vegetables, dairy products they can use or pay forward themselves.

The next link in our “food chain” is the processing plants. What’s happening there? Unfortunately, over 14,000 cases of COVID-19 have been linked to meat processing plants across the United States. It seems that it has been difficult to maintain social distance and take other safety precautions when working in a meat processing plant. New measures have been slow to implement. If any sick person continues to work at such a place, they not only expose their co-workers, but potentially anyone who eats the food that may have been handled by the sick person. As such, companies like Tyson Foods, https://www.tysonfoods.com/ Smithfield Foods https://www.smithfieldfoods.com/, and JBS https://jbssa.com/ have closed one or more of their plants around the country. Since these processing locations have closed, farmers have had no way to slaughter and distribute the meat they produce; millions of animals have gone to waste.

So as we see this happening, we also see that there is by no means a shortage of food; there is only an insufficiency of processing and handling. Because of the causal difference in a lower supply and still the same demand, meat prices have skyrocketed, and we may not see as much of certain foods (the healthier kind) on the shelves at the grocery store in the coming months.

Rustic Silverware

And this brings us to the final link in the food supply chain: you. The consumer. The “eater”!! What can we do to help your local farmers?

Wherever you can, buying locally grown food, like from the people who supported Ben Brown – can make a huge difference – right up front.
Also, we can mindfully choose to follow recommended quarantine protocols, so that we can aid in mitigating and hopefully ending the spread of COVID-19; if there could come a day, sooner than later, where we can confidently say that we have contained the spread (till safe medicine is available) this will most definitely help our farms and food industry bounce back sooner.
And if you decide to plant some of your own fruits and vegetables while you’re more at home these days with more telework and certainly less travelling, we would love to help you with any possible building add on needs! Perka’s hybrid buildings work well for greenhouses, crop storage, or any form of agricultural, farmer, rancher needs.
If you are interested in more information about the food shortages in America, check out these related articles: Tyson, pigs, vegetables, plants closing.
And, as always, for more information about Perka Buildings, contact us. We’d love to help you as and if you embark on your new or next food, farming and financially friendly adventure!  
post

Living in a S.A.F.E.R. World in the Midst of a Pandemic

Living in a S.A.F.E.R. World in the Midst of a Pandemic

Blog submitted by Olivia Truesdale

Back in February, Kansas City experienced one of its most epic moments ever: Winning the Vince Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl LIV.

After the Kansas City Chiefs won, there were parties and parades. The city could not stop celebrating!

I had a friend who was unable to watch the game in real time, so she settled in and watched the recorded game. She, of course, already knew what was going to happen: The Chiefs were going to win. It was all over the papers! Everyone knew! (They had already won!) Still, when the Chiefs were down by ten points at the end of the third quarter, she couldn’t help but feel a little nervous.

Even when we know the outcome, it can be difficult to stay calm and positive, especially when, in a given moment, all hope looks lost. It’s like we know that we will eventually beat this COVID-19/Corona Virus challenge. In the meantime, everyone is (as we should be) concerned for their own health, as well as the health of others.

We at Team Perka are committed to help keeping you out of harm’s way, and we want you to stay S.A.F.E.R. too. Wait, aren’t those the same thing? At Perka, our motto, “S.A.F.E.R”, stands for “Strong, Affordable, Flexible, Easy, Resilient”. How can we at Perka (and you at home!) live in a S.A.F.E.R. world even in the midst of a pandemic?

STRONG: It can be quite the challenge to remain strong during our present situation. As humans, we often feel that we have to be strong for everyone: kids, spouse, parents, co-workers, etc. However, being strong doesn’t always mean “having everything under control”. It takes strength to be vulnerable and honest, especially when you don’t have everything under control. It takes strength to stay positively optimistic… especially when living through your very first global pandemic or otherwise new challenge! Life is quite different and can feel difficult right now. At Team Perka, we stay strong by continuing in our preparation, study, and readiness to help.  Feel free to contact us ; we’d love to know how we can help you!

AFFORDABLE: With all the prices of different commodities going up and down, how do you STAY poised and secure??? It can be difficult to figure things out, especially price vs value wise. We, however, continue to focus on USE VALUE and purpose filled worth/usefulness.  We are always seeking ways to create value and find the best fit and best price for you and your dream project!

FLEXIBLE: Stay loose and adaptable! With everything changing and evolving as much and as quick as it is, the only thing we can do is evaluate adjust and respond with whatever changes that are required right along with whatever is happening.  (Our preference is to be more in the lead of changes – but sometimes stuff just happens!!!)  It seems that information, recommendations, guidelines, and LIFE is changing, and sometimes even contradicting itself, by the minute! We must not get bogged down with the stress of change.  We keep traditions where we can, and remember that our life is not the only one that is affected by COVID-19 or whatever else is going on. At Perka, we remain open TO SERVE and are always at the ready to help Y-O-U!

EASY: Keep it simple, and don’t worry! Hopefully, a Perka building project can be a part of doing what is easiest and most efficient for you and your loved ones. Or, as we like to say, “Keep It SAFER and Stress free” (#KISS). We want to be part of keeping things safe and stress free for you and your family now, during the current pandemic and “tomorrow”, as we continue to evolve together

RESILIENT: When we all come out of our “going within” or “staying in” or “quarantine-ing”, after this pandemic has been resolved, it may still be difficult, or awkward, to adjust to all the new rules and way of life that we may have evolved into. We can’t let that discourage us; we must continue to bounce back and get up from the difficulties this pandemic, and this year in particular, is exposing . Hopefully, things will soon be back to a form of “normal”, though it may take some time for them to be a fully embraced “normal” again. In the meantime, let’s stay positively optimistic and confident. Never forget that we at Team Perka are on your side, ready to bounce back and stay strong in the game!

And voilà! What do you think? That’s how we stay S.A.F.E.R and how you can stay S.A.F.E.R., too.

For more info about how we can help you stay SAFER – CLICK HERE.

post

GIVE UP, GIVE IN OR GIVE MORE – “Winners never Quit”. UPDATE 4/16/2020

GIVE UP, GIVE IN OR GIVE MORE
“Winners Never Quit”.

With 7 important and invaluable tips to stay ahead of the curve.

How about this current experience that we ALL find ourselves in these days?  What are you thinking?

If it were a football game or a hockey game, and we had just gone through a most disastrous quarter or period of scores/goals against, “turnovers”, “setbacks”, “uncertainties” and “injuries”, what would you do?

And what if the likely outcome for any sort of “victory” looked anything but probable let alone possible, what is the plan?

What are the options Coach?  Give up? Give in? or Give more?

Would we GIVE UP and “quit” to just END THE GAME right there?  Or would we GIVE IN and just go through motions to get this whole thing over with ASAP and start again another day?  Or might we seek out to GIVE MORE, and crunch each moment into an opportunity to grow, to learn, to adjust, to evolve and maybe even to transcend into something even greater?

These can be things to make you go hmmm, eh?

If the 2020 Superbowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs, led by the remarkable phenom Patrick Mahomes, are an example of the potential impact of a GIVE MORE practice and mindset, then one can readily see that, even in the face of something even futile, applying consistent, determined, moment to moment, synergized effort, discipline and dare I say faith or belief, one can still “prevail” and overcome!!  DO YOU BELIEVE?

Not unlike this Covid-19 pandemic, most of us are facing totally unexpected and unplanned-for setbacks, losses, changes, uncertainties and, for some, sickness (and God forbid, death).  What do we do?

For many, who are probably some of the more fortunate ones, we are working from home.  With all the possible disruptions we are enduring, we are still able to be and do something productive, in some form of comfort, that can still add value to our business, our job, our lives, our selves, our community, our world.

For some others, it is work, almost as usual.  Albeit with social distancing protocols, hyper hygiene habits, though still in a factory, warehouse or job site setting.  (And most thankfully, not a war zone.)

For a certain other group of strong, brave, devoted, courageous and no doubt dearly admired, appreciated and needed – they face daily overwhelm and un-bargained for risks, as they serve, every day, selflessly, to keep our world tended to, cared for, fed, sheltered or otherwise protected.

And yet for another group, most unfortunately, they are out of work, out of purpose, running out of resources and no doubt experiencing fear and an almost unbearable amount of uncertainty!

What do we do?

Thankfully, for those who are able and willing, there is an overwhelming consensus to reach out and help each other.  Protect each other.  Connect with each other. In fact, there are many businesses, not for profits, churches, service clubs, individuals and local governments – who are pro-actively seeking out to be our brother’s and sister’s keepers.  #Inthistogether.

So, if you are reading this now, and are finding yourself in a place that knows not what to do, and would be served by some help with a call for you to seek out some sort of assistance – feel free to reach out to us.   Team Perka is currently working with many agencies from Rotary International, to United Way, to Kiwanis, to the Optimist Club, to our Chamber of Commerce, to the Second Harvest Food Bank and with many of our family, local businesses, friends and neighbors to be on call to assist.  No one needs to go through this alone.  Resources from all sectors of our society are being deployed to help.  Please call.  Reach out.  Ask!

And, if you are debating on what to do with your current new construction, retrofit, remodel or re-purpose of your building or expansion plans, there actually might exist, TODAY, HERE and NOW, a very good open opportunity of extra available time, readily accessible talents, more accessible resources and even lowered interest rates and costs that you could take advantage of immediately to still keep moving things forward, despite all the uncertainty.

I’d be remiss not to mention that most of the business leaders in our building industry are noticing a pent-up demand that is exponentially growing every day, which could literally and significantly bottle neck and possibly overwhelm schedules, especially once we do get an all clear.  This is not unlike what is happening in New York, Michigan, California, Illinois, Louisiana and Georgia hospitals. – That said, pretty much EVERYONE believes we will get that ALL CLEAR, it’s just a question of when! 

Our question is: where do you want to be when that happens?

To help you stay ahead of that upcoming event, here are seven very important and very doable things you can initiate right now!  TODAY!

  1. If you haven’t already done so, you may want to apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Relief (EIDL) advance. You could get a forgivable $10,000 in relief.  (As of today’s writing, the system is already on overload and the demand will most likely cause for a fourth stimulus package, so it behooves you to get in that queue!) This one can take less than an hour to fill out.  Even though it says allow 2 hours – some have done it in 15 minutes!! Click here: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/economic-injury-disaster-loan-emergency-advance
  2. If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, sole proprietor or even self-employed with one or more employees – you could also qualify for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). There too you could get forgivable loans to help you keep all your employees paid and on YOUR staff.  For many of us it have been a big challenge to find and train great teammates.  The last thing we want is to lose them!  This will help everyone!  Apply for that NOW!  Fair warning: the queue line is growing there too.  But as one of leaders in our industry said – it is FREE MONEY to help keep our teammates employed!?  Who wouldn’t want to do that?  Go here for that info: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program-ppp.  You will need to go through a SBA approved lender for this one.  (*** As of 4/16/2020 – the allocated amount for this “phase” has run out and there is talk of adding more —  the suggestion is to apply anyway – just in case!!)
  3. You can refinance any existing assets to take advantage of the current near zero interest rates. Your home, your office building, your church, your car, your warehouse, your home equity line – can all be possibly refinanced to new lower rates.  Banks are poised to refinancing that could save you several hundred dollars or more every month!
  4. Get your new construction loan set up for your shouse, barn, garage, barndominium, warehouse, hangar, store, shed, arena, stables or dream home, ready to deploy as soon as you want. There could be several steps to this process.  The sooner you start, the sooner you will have it done!  As you can see from the above – banks will be extra busy for a while too.  Don’t despair. GET IN THE QUEUE NOW ANYWAY!  Inaction is NOT AN OPTION.  At some point things will get back to some sort of new normal, — this is not the end of the world…  so it behooves us to stay in motion!  #KEEPMOVING…  the motion can create a vacuum for attraction.
  5. Begin the research process of getting exactly what you want for your new structure.   Strength. Affordability.  Flexibility. Ease. Resilience.  All very important factors to seek out and find out as much as you can about.   With the help of a trusted building adviser you will not need to rush or worry into a most stress-free building solution, and make sure you get the one designed for you and your circumstances!   You do not want to get this wrong!  Ask questions.  In fact, you can get a free white paper on the top 7 things to ask before you buy. Click here for that.  You might invest a bit more time and money up front – but this will pay back MANY FOLD in use value, long term savings, asset appreciation, ease of construction, little or no changes or rework, flexible retrofits and in so many other ways.
  6. Get yourself into the ever growing queue of pre-orders for their building drawings and materials by getting yours written up, drawings detailed out and approved with your building department and permit offices NOW.  While things appear to be slow in the overall economy and people planning — time is still of the essence!  This too shall pass.  In fact, for these code enforcement officers, while they may be working from home, they are actually responding quicker in relative terms, to most requests,   Reason for this could be since there are less people acting on their plans and they are actually available!  So, this would be a perfect time to get ahead on that.
  7. You can even begin on your site work (especially if you are DIY – Do-It-Yourselfer and are having to shelter in place at home), and can maybe even get the concrete poured right away;  as we also know weather (rain, flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes, etc.) can also put a wrench into building and construction plans… And, in reality, with only so many GOOD concrete guys around (it is a very highly skilled craft – DO NOT CUT CORNERS HERE!), you will be well served to get that in, with the best contractor you can, when you can get it done, as soon as you can!  This will help your builder who may have to change up his own queue by WHO IS READY TO GO NEXT!!  (Being ready could also get you a break in labor costs if your timing is right and the contractor needs to fill a gap… many will cut margins to keep the flow!)  A big key factor to this is COMMUNICATION!  DO NOT WAIT – COMMUNICATE.   The better you do this – the more stress free and actually enjoyable your experience will be.

Like the disaster relief funds that are being issued by the Federal Government CARES ACT, as big that number was, ($360 Billion) unfortunately, it appears that there won’t be enough to serve everyone.  (Just added as of 4/8/20 from a phone presentation by Senator Roy Blunt (MO) – there might be an add on of $250 Billion more! – $70B has already been issued he said!)   It was and is going to ever more be on a “first come first served” … so, it’s the doers and decision makers, – albeit calculated risk takers, who may very well come out of this ordeal on the better end of the recovery phase. (*** As of 4/16/2020 – the allocated amount for this “phase” has run out and there is talk of adding more —  the suggestion is to apply anyway – just in case!!)

As we might expect, there is definitely some pent up demand in so many ways of so many things… from going to restaurants, to theaters, to beaches, parks, parties, bars, weddings, birthdays, vacations, holidays, you name it…  people are chomping at the bit to “get out”.     While this experience may be dampening spirits for now, today, when we begin to get back to some sort of normalcy – people will be wanting to get out like it was the last day of high school – free for summer vacation!  Even if it’s not an ALL CLEAR – there will be some line up queues forming!  Where do you want to be?

It behooves those who can, and this looks very much like YOU who is still reading this now, the optimist, the hope filled spirit, the planner, the wise, the more fearless, the hungry, the doer, the person of ACTION – to KEEP ON MOVING, even if it’s small steps every day.  To quote Mike Dooley from TUT – “Your Zenith of Magnificence awaits”!

NOTHING IS PERMANENT.

We too here at TEAM PERKA, are planning on this to pass…, because it will.  We take steps every day.  Making conscious choices and thought out decisions that will bring us closer to our goals, our intentions, our vision, our dreams, every single day.  The “destination” is actually the Journey.  Our purpose is to seek out the most Stress-free Solutions while Trusting Sincere Selfless Service.  #sssTsss.

Being a big fan of Simon Sinek, our intentional “WHY” culture at TEAM PERKA does rely a lot on this all being an Infinite Game.

So, we strive every day:

  1. To wake up every morning enthusiastic, inspired an engaged.
  2. To go through each and every one of those days on purpose, energized, lifting up our families, our mates, our friends, our neighbors.
  3. To go to bed at night feeling fulfilled and satisfied from a day well spent!

Are you with us?  Are we truly in this together? Even though temporarily apart?

Call us, – we want to help you tap into your reservoirs of tenacity, understanding and asset building for the future of your homestead, your business, your family, our community and our world!  Let’s do this!

THE BEST COMMUNICATION IMPROVES THE “GAME” OF LOVING LIFE & LIVING LOVE.

I was sitting in an airport on my way back from Atlanta after several hours of delays due to this year’s wintery FREEZE.  I was beginning to get kind of bored from just reading.   I started to eavesdrop on some nearby conversations… An unknown woman was talking about a spent vacation in a beautiful location – villa Koh Samui on Thailand.  I realized by many of the varying topics – that REAL-LIFE conversations can be as informatively interesting as surfing the net, reading a book or watching a good documentary.

It just so happens that our team (PERKA) is always working hard at steadily improving our ability to communicate – so that we can “know” more, be more aware, to be able to use our individual, collective and combined awareness through a power of attention and focus on details.   We consciously chose to practice this; to not just “be” better for each other, or to “make” things better for clients but to intentionally work to “serve” others selflessly and sincerely more.  By having more than one of “us” involved in this process it is revealing that it is easier to be “selfless” – without “EGO” …  and work towards our primary team objective of seeking the best, most serving, STRESS FREE solution for the client and us as teammates!

From a practice of working on “listening” skills through “eaves dropping”, …  I was able to re-affirm 3 very important factors about collaboration and cooperating through effective communication.

  1. HEARING CLEARLY: I first “listened” to a young man talking to his wife on the phone about him going to have to quite regrettably miss their all but guaranteed family dinner that Friday evening…  you could tell from his tone and choice of words he was disappointed and apologetic.  He then had his daughter join in on another phone to be part of the conversation, so he could share his regrets and love to her.  The fact that they were on two phones on the other end now, seemed to make it hard for him to hear as you could see his frustration rise in an inability to understand his wife and daughter and to properly assimilate their responses with ease…  There were many requests for clarification and you could almost sense the two on other end also losing their thresholds for patience and communicating more.  It became evident the effect on being able to physically hear well and understand was so fundamentally important.
  2. EMPATHIZING WITH PRESENCE: Then I “scrolled” my hearing to focus on a pair of young men maybe in their late 30’s, early 40’s… (For me that’s young ok?).  They were trading stories about how much travelling they were each doing.   How they were racking up air miles going to various cities in the U.S. and to even towns and villages in other countries!  They lamented some at how they spent 2 days traveling, 3 days in office and 2 days at home almost every week of the year!  Yet the gist of their conversation was on the fact that they just HAD to see people.  And they recognized and valued that process.   Whether it be their clients, their suppliers, their teammates or even colleagues from other industries.  They said and agreed that they just could not get their FULL message out – without truly HEARING the voices, SEEING the eyes and FEELING the emotions and the body language from their client’s… especially as it related to their true needs, wants, desires and even dreams.  The phone, emails, texts, etc. could only bring them so far.  Not to mention the sometimes difficulty in hearing properly over the phone or “reading” the right emotion in a written word.  The words have power — but they were amplified, solidified, clarified and got more “results” by and with the FACE TO FACE visits!  With recent trends towards less of this happening, it was quite refreshing to hear this coming, ever so randomly, from two unrelated individuals in unrelated industries, in an airport no less.  And they were YOUNG! (In my eyes!!)
  3. REPEAT WITH VARIETY AND RESPECT (AND LOVE): After that conversation ended due to a much-awaited boarding call …  I got up, boarded and took my seat on the plane.  I was returning with my wife, from some R & R time in sunny Florida where I like to free myself from the daily grind to “think” – be “creative” and plan things out.   It’s part of my intention to periodically “keep the axe sharp” so to speak.   That way when I go back to “chopping wood” – it will be more effective and require less effort.  

After we took off and reached our cruising altitude I got to “eavesdrop” on an elderly couple … actually not that elderly as they were maybe about 7 years and 4 months older than I and sounded to be recently retired.  They were delightful to listen to.  BOTH were genuinely respectful of each other.  They did not “talk” over each other…  both were patient to wait till the other was fully heard.  It was a bit noisy in the cabin of course…  so, they tried to speak loud enough to be heard – but not too loud to broadcast their conversation.   Lucky for me I was close enough. Notwithstanding – they both took turns to repeat what the other was saying or asking for clarification to be sure they understood and to confirm that the other was heard.  They did it gently, with kindness, patience and an obvious total respect and LOVE for each other.  I could FEEL that sentiment flowing back and forth.  They seemed to be reminiscing too of some of their past and you could hear them even apologize for certain things they may have done or not done at some time or another.   Yet, the other would acknowledge it with a chuckle of rekindling a memory and say it was “all good” and part of their journey together.   This immediately reminded me of an old African proverb that says people who love each other do not dwell on each other’s mistakes…  And so, ideally, in that moment, that said to me that the pinnacle of great communication is to listen and hear another with so much empathy it resembles and behaves like LOVE!  (I did also hear, while we were deplaning, someone say to them how they looked so “adorable” together.   The woman quite proudly said – “well that’s what 50 years of DATING each other can get you… constant wind beneath my wings”.   Hmmm now that was something really interesting to ponder on.  Watch for a future blog on that!)

And one never knows what they can “learn” from being “divinely” delayed and waiting around in an airport!

May we be so lucky to always have wind beneath our wings,

Martial Thevenot

Taking the time to get it RIGHT… takes time!

There is an old story in our family about two young men who both wanted to buy a car to go to College with.

Both had roughly the same amount of money.  Both looked at cars of the same type and year.

One walked in to a dealer ship – met with a real nice representative of the dealership who spoke real fast about all the benefits of the car and how this young man would just be so happy if he bought this one – right now – as it was actually on sale, as the last one on the lot.

The second young man on the other hand – went to a couple different car lots, spoke to various representatives, shared his need and want list, took time to listen to answers and replies, expanded on them and asked even many more questions.  He appreciated the various rep’s enthusiasm – but took time to get to know the cars he was interested in, the rep, the dealership, the service department, noticing how they treated him and checked up on the reputation of all of the above.  It took a few extra days to find his car of choice and he did spend a bit more money up front, despite buying the same kind of car with the same year.   But he knew alot more about the car and the people behind it, from his own research.

The first young man drove the car for less than a month and started to have troubles.  When he returned to the dealer – nothing he needed attention was covered under warranty.  The nice rep he spoke to – was never available when he called or visited.  It cost him several trips to and from the dealer, many days without a car and alot of money he had never planned on spending.  He ended up selling the car at a loss a few months later.   He had to finish school taking buses, taxis and getting lifts from friends.  This all ended up costing him nearly as much as owning a better car – but with nothing to show for it.  Worse of all he was not a HAPPY CLIENT.  He was downright stressed out most of his time at school – counting on public transportation or on others!

The second young man kept his car maintained, and was able to own it till after he graduated from College.  He was even able to actually save some money over the four years and traded up his car for a nicer newer car.  He enjoyed his time at college – had no transportation worries and was a HAPPY CLIENT, which is why he returned to the same dealer for the trade.

Moral of the story is that it really can be a most serving and beneficial investment of one’s time to get answers and share as much info as one can with the supplier.

These two young men were old friends of our original founder from back in the late 70’s.     He subconsciously decided right then and there, that education was going to be the key to not only good service and making sure his client’s would be happy, but to endure the test of time.  Since the early 80’s we have been steadily working on ways to improve that, albeit much of time unconsciously or without specific intention or reverence.

A few years ago we had an epiphany of a Divine Nudge.  The bit of Grace, led us to figuring out our “why”, which began to light bulbs in our mind and hearts, and which we chose to consciously and with intention to make our mission.

  In one sentence it is this:

“Perka is about seeking out

S.A.F.E. and stress free building solutions”

And the BEST way for us to do that is to find out all we can about our client’s needs and wants, FIRST…  And then making sure we would do all we can to figure out the BEST, most serving choices, and be able to meet those desires as best we knew how… – if not, we would just not be their supplier.

So we came up with an acronym to best describe our objectives on HOW we could meet our WHY!

S.A.F.E.

  1. PERK BUILDINGS ARE STRONG to endure the test of time and the many challenges from Mother Nature.
  2. PERK BUILDINGS ARE AFFORDABLE to give you (USE) value that will be an asset and not a liability for years.
  3. PERKA BUILDINGS ARE FLEXIBLE to be able to adapt to your exact needs of today and in the future.
  4. PERKA BUILDINGS ARE EASY to help make life simpler and stress free.
(** All this, orginally designed by a DO-IT YOURSELFER, FOR the DO-IT-YOURSELFER!  To be quick to build with many pre-thought, pre-fit, pre-welded, pre-punched features…)

And that is now, PERKA’s, conscious mission.

And…  WE LOVE TO HELP…  it just feels good!

Cheers,

I.C. Scoops!

welovetohelp

 

Rigid buildings and your future

Before I even start this blog post – I will admit that I AM BIASED!  I was raised by parents who demanded I be truthful, honest.

They only wanted the BEST for me –  but also taught me that I HAD to BE and DO my BEST to earn it.    They showed me what it looked like to be a good steward, to NOT WASTE, to do things right and do the RIGHT thing.  They encouraged me to THINK, to not just TAKE things as fact just because someone said so, but to do MY OWN homework and research.  They showed me the importance of making sure the things meaningful (to me) in my life had value, integrity, durability, quality and purpose; from the people I could choose to be, work , live and play with to the “things” I choose to own, operate, use, share and/or have stewardship over.   So quality, value, durability, integrity, flexibility, adaptability and sustainability, just to name a few, would become constants in the measuring of whenever we had freedom to make choices.

And so goes with the products as TEAM PERKA, that we offer, the teammates we attract, the service we aspire to give, the care with which we undertake life’s moments with.

So in this biased sense we feel the PERKA BUILDING’s ‘system’ – offers the highest value as an investment, the most strength for withstanding the elements, the best affordability over the long haul, the most flexibility to adapt to any building need now, as well as being easy and simple to deal with for any modifications, finishing, maintaining be it during the build process or even months, years or decades in the future.  Those are the sort of things we hear that are important to builders and building owners alike.

Take the RIGID frame (plate beam) type of building design.   It’s own name pretty much says that they are not going to be very “easy or flexible to deal with”.   And boy oh boy has that been our experience.

Despite being totally committed and convicted about the many many great things in a hybrid building, we are not always able to convey the information, experiences and testimonials needed to help some folks fully understand.   So we still have looked for the best, most affordable “rigid frame” type building sources so that we could still offer this alternative to clients who still want to deal with a company that has the integrity to stand behind their commitments and obligations.

In the couple dozen or so Rigid Frame buildings we supplied over the last few years we can say in total honesty that every one of them has offered up at least one challenge that either cost our client or ourselves MORE money than we originally counted on spending.

Whether it was not having a door positioned in the right place and then having to go through hoops and loops to resolve; or dealing with part after part that was NOT pre-assembled, NOT properly labelled,  not fabbed accurately or just NOT there.  The fact that we had these issues was not the worst of it — the worst part was what we needed to do to “fix or resolve”.  It was not a matter of pulling out the saw to cut a few pieces and fasten them up with some wood grip fasteners.   No.   We had to first get clearance from engineering to make sure we were not altering the integrity of the building SYSTEM since the buildings TOTAL LOAD capacity is pretty much 100% dependent on EVERY part being the part it’s suppose to be and in the place it is suppose to be and installed the way it is suppose to be installed.  ANY deviation of any of these can lead to reduced load capacity and potentially compromise the building’s ability to withstand snow, wind or seismic loads.

Are Rigid buildings strong?  Sure they are —  but only as strong as they are “built” to the exact specifications of the manufacturer.  NO DEVIATIONS.  No modifications.  No after the fact changes.   At least NOT without getting things cleared.

Are Rigid buildings flexible?  Yes, but only to the extent you have torches and welders to modify AFTER you get approval and able to afford the typically HIGH COST of beefing up, from the extra labor and the need for more or newer (STEEL) parts to accommodate the change.   Which typically can only be purchased from manufacturer.  “No substitutes”!

Are Rigid frames EASY and SIMPLE?  Only if you know EXACTLY what you want UP FRONT, and basically “never” want to change ANYTHING.   If you don’t meet those two criteria…  count on complexity, difficulties, delays and worst of all alot MORE MONEY.  Not just a little.  ALOT!

Are Rigid frames aesthetically pleasing?  If you like the main option being JUST STEEL. Yes.  Oh you can COVER these with decorative materials —  but don’t think about “saving” the steel to put something else on to save money.  It won’t happen.  You will either have to leave the steel sheeting on, and PAY EXTRA to cover it – or pay alot more for special engineering and structural beef ups to be able to remove the sheeting to allow you to put something else more aesthetically appealing instead.  Not exactly a “value added” option!

Are Rigid Frames less costly?  Yes –   again if you know EXACTLY what you want and DO NOT PLAN to change pretty much ANYTHING!  (I guess that’s why they call them RIGID frames!!!).  Otherwise —  NO.  Pure and simple they will cost MORE.   And in some cases, as we experienced, ALOT more.

Do your homework.  They can be the best solution – but you MUST know what you want and WHO you are getting it from.  Otherwise —  CAVEAT EMPTOR!!

 

Cheers.

 

 

More on Rigid Frame Designs – Caveat Emptor

At the time of our last post – we were well in the process of handling issues that some of our Rigid Frame clients had to deal with — and we felt obligated to share it in the spirit of open, honest, transparency…  and as you can see from that post: http://www.perkabuildings.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=1173&action=edit, PATIENCE & TIME are invaluable resources you really need to harvest alot of to deal with those types of issues.

Well, since then, we’ve also come across another important lesson/experience, well worthy of mention here.

For those who have more experience with dealing with Rigid Frame packages – no doubt this is stuff you already are very much aware of and can probably prevent from happening with properly pricing it all in BEFORE a client makes his purchase …  so he knows UP FRONT what all it’s going to cost him – RIGHT?

hmmm  NOT so, in our experience as a Rigid Frame client.   It seems suppliers/fabricators of Rigid Frame type designs – pretty much DO NOT want to say any more than they have to …  after all – they just might NOT get the order!!  YUP!  Lesson #1 or #100 in buying a building… ASK QUESTIONS!

We just supplied a building to a client who felt the $2500 more to get a PERKA HYBRID BUILDING package was just too much “more” for his budget.  With the Perka package – EVERYTHING was layed out … NO SURPRISES.  It was all there – nothing MORE to add.

So he purchased a Rigid Frame Building – no more questions than needed and NO MORE INFORMATION than necessary provided by Rigid Frame Supplier.   The building was to be a dirt floor – 3 sided Hay Storage Building.  No big deal right?  Buy the building – put it up.  Go on down the road.

NOT SO FAST.  Dirt Floor?  No concrete floor mesh and rebar to tie everything together?   Did you figure on adding buried, concrete encased tie rods from side to side of your building to make sure the frames don’t spread out?  Yup, we know that is also required for certain size PERKA BUILDINGS…  and we will tell you up front.   No so much for the RIGID FRAME.  That $2500 difference?  YUP —  it was exceeded in the labor and materials to add those cross ties!  GO FIGURE!  Had we only known UP FRONT!. Checkout knightfinance co for more details.

‘Buyer’s beware’…  ASK QUESTIONS! #bestbuildings #strongbuildings

Cheers.

 

knetter5

knetter9

knetter23

I couldn’t sleep this morning…

serviceAboveSelf

Team Perka’s core values include ‘Service above Self”…  That comes from being involved with Rotary International.  We believe in giving value with high quality in our Perka Buildings to make them not only STRONG, but FLEXIBLE and Easy.  We also strive to give added value through SERVICE to our clients and also to our neighbors, brothers and sisters all.

I could not sleep this morning…

I kept “dreaming” – and hearing a voice. It sounded so much like the voice of Larry Lunsford… but strangely it also sounded like what God’s voice might sound like. “WAKE UP!” He said… as I peered at the alarm clock to read 4:11 AM., and then thinking 411 – isn’t that the “old” number to call for information?.

“WAKE UP!” he said again –“Today is the day.”

For those of you who don’t know Larry Lunsford, he is the tireless Cheerleader for Rotary International’s efforts at providing SHOES FOR ORPHAN SOULS.

I had the GREAT privilege of meeting Larry at last year’s Rotary District 6040 Annual Conference in Kansas City. And when I say privilege… I really mean that. What a bright shining light of compassion, generosity, kindness, enthusiasm, service and especially LOVE he is! He radiated a Love for what he was doing, who he was being. And he equally radiated DOING and BEING what he loved! (A magical combination!!) And if that isn’t a “living example” of what our Way Shower taught, I don’t know what is. What an inspiration to me and to all those at his presentation, what a role model to emulate. I will always remember his energy, his spirit … and I am convinced it is what woke me up this morning.

So after a couple tosses and turns… I got up. I showered. I ate… all the while remembering his message, his TESTIMONY of unconditional love & compassion that he spoke of to our group that breezy cool day in November.

So I did as he did. This morning I left my home just past 6:00 am and drove to our local WalMart. It was cool, still dark and raining… but it all felt pleasant. It felt right.

I walked in and went straight to the shoe section. Like he instructed, I found the clearance rack. I looked for a shoe to fit a young boy and then one for a young girl. I thought about young children I know — some more fortunate than others – being Thankful. Then I thought of the experience he shared – of actually meeting young orphan boys and girls from a third world country he had personally visited. How that experience touched HIS SOUL. How the orphan souls we touch can also be PART of OUR OWN!! He was very emotional about it. The room ran out of tissue! He touched ALL OUR SOULS.

I picked out two pairs of shoes. I whispered a brief prayer of Thanks for all of my own Blessings. I thought of Erin Hook and the Pay it Forward movement her family gifted our community. I thought of Larry’s words of encouragement to each of us (a mini challenge of sorts) to DO THIS as well … reminding us that giving money is GREAT… but sometimes the HARDER part is the LOGISTICS of getting, collecting and bringing the shoes in. He suggested that if we could EACH pick up two pairs of shoes and inspire two others to do the same… — you got it — the math becomes exponential!!!

This all brings to mind the natural law of “What goes around comes around”… and also sparks the teaching of Jesus as shared by Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

And in the “East” it is spoken of as the Laws of Karma…

We are not only doing this for orphan children. We don’t only do this for the orphan part of our own soul. We do this for what we sow… and what we will reap for our individual and collective futures. Something more to think about.

And as I personally get older, with my own children all grown up, fortunately blessed in their own ways… I can’t help but look to grow my own circle of those to GIVE to… with compassion, kindness, inspiration, love. From young orphans, to at risk students, to young men and women who may have made a mistake, paid for their trespasses and now just need a helping hand to bring them up to be respected purposeful citizens again, and to our elderly, often forgotten, who crave for companionship, for purpose, for love; we have all so many opportunities to shine our own light, to sow love.

Erin Hook’s Random Acts of Kindness is a great example of the GREAT THINGS WE ALL CAN DO.https://www.facebook.com/groups/1399854173618922/

May Rotary International’s program of Shoes for Orphan Souls be something you can expand YOUR circle of what “Goes around, Comes Around”! (For more information on that contact ANY Rotary Club, of which we have no less than three right here in Saint Joseph.)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/102532247484/

God Bless,

Your Brother,
Martial Thevenot

— with John Murawski and 6 others.

 

20140403_061815_resized 20140403_062240_resized 20140403_062740_resized 20140403_062805_resized 20140403_063240_resized 20140403_062740_resized20140403_062240_resized20140403_061815_resizedshoesfororphans3 shoesfororphans2 shoesfororphans

20140403_062805_resized

More time/money VALUE ADDED benefits with Perka Prefab Wood Steel Hybrid Buildings

It's ALL inclusive!

It’s ALL inclusive!

If you are able to take a bit of time to learn ALL about Perka’s design ideology you would be very pleasantly surprised by the many benefits, advantages, positive features, money saving ideas, waste preventing forethought and just plain amazing simplicity of their steel frames.  Add to that a genuine desire to serve selflessly, to assist generously and to share whatever wisdom, tips and experience the Mates at TEAM PERKA  have, and you have a pretty low downside and HIGH UPSIDE product package!

To help you sift through some of that “time” – here is a list of just some of these big MONEY ($$$) affecting PLUSES!!

1. You don’t have to leave your vehicles, equipment, assets OUTSIDE in the weather!  They will last longer, need less repair and will be worth more money if and when you decide to trade them in!!

2. You don’t have to work on or repair things out in the cold, wet or heat.  You can have a nice comfortable dry place – which will save you time, money and trips to the doctor!!

3. You will use LESS concrete, and spend less money, in your foundation as compared to any ALL STEEL rigid frame option.

4. The building will be easier to assemble,without mis fits, do to it’s PRE-FIT process.  That will  save you time and money!

5. All Perka clips are pre-punched and pre-welded on the frame.  That will  save you time and money!

6. If you purchase a full kit package from Perka – you will get a takeoff that is conscious of waste and you will get all you need to build your building according to your approved drawings and nothing more.  The building is priced accordingly so you will save money and not waste materials needlessly!

7. Perka Hybrid Buildings are designed with ease of assembly in mind.  That will  save you time and money!

8. Perka Hybrid Buildings are designed with ease of interior in mind.  That will  save you time, materials and money!

9. Perka Hybrid Buildings are designed with ease of insulation-ability in mind.  That will  save you time and money!

10. Perka Hybrid Buildings are designed with efficient use of the least amount of “energy” to heat or cool.  That will  save you money!

11. Perka Hybrid Buildings are designed with quality, durability and no compromise on design safety.  The frames come with a 50 year warranty and over the long haul that will  save you time and potentially alot of money!

12. Perka Hybrid Buildings are designed with quality, durability and no compromise on design safety and than can also save you on repairs from weather damage and possibly even on insurance premiums.  That can save you time, money and aggravation!!

13. Perka Hybrid Building Frames are generally pre-engineered but never un-modifiable.  Perka’s in house engineering, design and detail team can easily, quickly and inexpensively custom design ANY frame to meet YOUR exact needs. A custom building at pre-engineered price.  That can save you time, money and future aggravations!!  

14. Throughout the process from order taking, fulfillment, to production, packaging, shipping, construction and after sales service – TEAM PERKA aspires to always carry out the intention for an ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE AND FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE product.  AND THAT WILL SAVE YOU MONEY!

Full circle closed loop thinking...

Full circle closed loop thinking…

And these are just a few of many benefits…  Search and browse our blog and sights for more —  or just call us at 800-467-3752!  WE LOVE TO HELP!

Cheers

Perka Buildings builds VALUE through education, product quality and dedication to Service!

valueadded1
It seems changes/choices/opportunities are coming at us faster and faster every day as more and more folks are having to face the realities of ever more rapid societal changes!  Re-engineering, re-inventing, bringing about layoffs of obsolete tasks/positions, business closings, re-organizations, changes in ways of doing things, to how, when and even where!
What has brought us to this? Some experts are pointing to very simply: WASTE!
We have just bought, consumed, acquired and or still have, STUFF that maybe just was not necessary.   And we did  it without much thought of the “waste” consequences.  From not realizing the extent of our carbon footprint in production (even of energy conscious products) to what gets thrown out into our landfills from the packaging to lower quality merchandise that has a short life span!  Ring any bells??
And furthermore, alot of that is done on BORROWED monies and resources, the cost of which was not factored in, and, in some cases, can no longer even be paid back…  which perpetuates the cycle of “waste”!!
I don’t mean to sound negative or hope less – God knows my Dad would cringe if that is what I was doing… NO, this is POSITIVE! If it weren’t for this major wake up call, would I even be writing about this now? Would so many people be talking and debating about what are we going to do about all the changes???
YES THIS IS A WAKE UP CALL! We must become more conscious of WASTE in all it’s forms!
For example: if we don’t NEED it, don’t get it.   If we don’t use it – pass it on – share it – sell it – give it to someone who will.  If you can’t PAY for it now – don’t buy it now.
We all know the banking system and lending policies was a big cause of what has brought many of us to our proverbial knees – begging each other to hang with us – while we figure things out and get things moving again. Unless you still have some reserves, you’re probably not going to last very long playing the old game… and if you do – let’s realize now there are many great opportunities to collaborate and actually HELP correct things along the way.
Bottom line though is – we can’t fix any of it by going back to same old ways… Things have to change – systems have to change – our habits have to change … including the way we build things!!
TEAM PERKA is fervent about being part of the solution. Our open web structural steel trusses and frames are soundly and soulfully crafted with the highest grade recycled steel materials… and with a conscious awareness fro minimizing waste, reusing, recycling, repairing…  While it may not exactly bring us to a ZERO carbon  footprint – it is nonetheless GREATLY reduced.   MORE IMPORTANTLY, by being a material of such structurally sound integrity, we choose to enhance the sustainable aspect of longevity, by designing these trusses and frames as independent free standing units.  SOVEREIGN so to speak.  Unlike most wood buildings and MANY steel building (RIGID FRAME, LIGHT GAUGE STEEL) producers – our designers do not incorporate and thus rely on the shell or envelope components into the design of the truss/frame… Our system allows the structure to stand alone – to allow you Mr./Ms. contractor or you Mr./Ms. do-it-yourselfer to be able to put up, on and around the structure ANY material you want — and preferably Earth Friendly ones!  So even if the envelope you choose does not have structural integrity per se, PERKA’s steel frames will accommodate this and lends to a LONGER LASTING product.  Think about that for a moment!  By lasting longer, and not having to be “thrown” away or even heavily maintained, think of the resources being save in all of that??  From NOT having to remake new parts, rebuild, reconstruct, etc., etc… AND it won’t end up in any landfill from fatigue or collapse any time soon, especially since much of it is recyclable anyway!
This opens the doors to all kinds of permutations of styles, shapes, sizes and combinations of building options – and, at same time, keeping a strong, durable, reliable skeleton frame system on which to apply your individual artful sustainable materials.
So let’s stop wasting resources.   Even from just no longer leaving high value assets like our cars, trucks, farm equipment and machinery laying outside at the mercy of all the elements – deteriorating them quicker than necessary and requiring more resources to maintain and repair!  Get the idea?
We don't want this do we?

We don’t want this do we?

Nor this?

Nor this?

Definitely not this!

Definitely not this!

RIGHT?

RIGHT?

We propose PERKA BUILDINGS as your answer to building afford-ably, building strong, building sound and building with an answer to being a solution to some of today’s world wide concerns.
Cheers,
YES - MUCH BETTER!!

YES – MUCH BETTER!!

Growing trend to Hybrid Steel And Wood Homes

Over the past several years we’ve been seeing trends towards building stronger homes.

As the building codes for commercial, industrial, institutional and even agriculture and residential structures have had to BEEF UP load tables due to increasing wind/snow limits (based on last 100 year patterns), more and more folks are looking to STEEL framing for their homes!  And why not?  If we’re going to beef up protection for our toys, hard assets and animals it makes sense to do so for our families and loved ones!  YES?

Since making a home in ALL STEEL can have some of the “disadvantages” found in building with Steel frames  & Steel Purlins/Girts (http://www.perkabuildings.com/builders-information/fire-performance-highlight/) & (http://www.perkabuildings.com/builders-information/all-steel-buildings-advantages-disadavantages/) more and more folks are looking to the BEST of both worlds —  The PERKA PREFAB WOOD STEEL HYBRID BUILDING SYSTEM!!!

Not only do you get STRENGTH where STRENGTH is needed by using Structural Steel Main Frames for the super structure – you also get flexibility and warmth where you would need those best by using THERMO BREAKING wood purlins and girts.  (Find many more great reasons here: http://www.perkabuildings.com/why-a-prefab-perka-hybrid-wood-steel-building/).

Many are concerned, however, if it will look and feel like a “steel shed”???  Our answer is an emphatic NO!

Besides saying that,  you will also have ALL KINDS of flexibility in your construction by NOT having many of the limitations conventional wood / stick built homes have:

FOR EXAMPLE:

1. You WILL have easy OPEN clear span spaces to design rooms/walls how and where you want,

2. Hybrid shell design ALSO allows for EASY and EFFECTIVE insulation options for a consistently WARM or COOL, COZY and COMFORTABLE home.

3. This same hybrid shell and Perka’s UNIQUE stand alone Structural Steel frame design allows you to be able to finish your outside envelope wall(s) and roof with ANY FINISH!  You do not have to use steel panels!!

These are just some of the advantages…  (Visit links above for even MORE!)…

I know — words are words, and sometimes don’t carry much weight  —  so how about some pictures? …  and you can thus SEE for yourself!  RIGHT?

Have a look:

EASY OPEN ROOM CONCEPTS

EASY OPEN ROOM CONCEPTS

 

Matching house and garage designs are a cinch.

Matching house and garage designs are a cinch.

 

 

Your imagination is the only real limit

Your imagination is the only real limit

 

Easily added porches and decks

Easily added porches and decks

 

By combining different frames and models you can achieve ANY layout or look!

By combining different frames and models you can achieve ANY layout or look!

 

I know this is a church - but it shows brick finish and architecture...

I know this is a church – but it shows brick finish and architecture…

 

Multi frame layout

Multi frame layout

 

Creative back yards with deck overlook.

Creative back yards with deck overlook.

 

Nice brick front finish with patio entrance way.

Nice brick front finish with patio entrance way.

 

 

Nice and cozy...

Nice and cozy…

 

 

Easy to combine home and shop in a picturesque setting...

Easy to combine home and shop in a picturesque setting…

 

Nice and cozy on inside too!

Nice and cozy on inside too!

 

Nice high ceilings for added open air comforts

Nice high ceilings for added open air comforts

 

How about waking up to this view???

How about waking up to this view???

 

Easy!

Easy!

 

Makes for very nice settings...

Makes for very nice settings…

 

Stucco finish is easy!

Stucco finish is easy!

 

Windows of any shape...  just pot them in.

Windows of any shape… just pot them in.

 

Want a fancy porch?

Want a fancy porch?

 

Full bay windows too!

Full bay windows too!

 

189832659306_0_BG

 

How about a grand entrance?

How about a grand entrance?

 

Need a hip roof!

Need a hip roof!

 

 

Santa Fe Style.

Santa Fe Style.

 

Easy to finish

Easy to finish

 

Make for easy breezeways.

Make for easy breezeways.

 

Easy to decorate.

Easy to decorate.

 

Nice ceiling beams

Nice ceiling beams

 

 

Home Shop Combo

Home Shop Combo

 

Nice big clear span halls

Nice big clear span halls

 

Large family gatherings?

Large family gatherings?

 

 

Lotsa space...

Lotsa space…

 

Interiors built just like any other...

Interiors built just like any other…

 

Fancy stone front

Fancy stone front

 

 

Man cave anyone?

Man cave anyone?

 

Nice all wood finish with custom door ways?

Nice all wood finish with custom door ways?

 

Spacious

Spacious

 

Wet bar?

Wet bar?

 

Even steel cladding can still look nice.

Even steel cladding can still look nice.

 

Need a fireplace?  No problem!

Need a fireplace? No problem!

 

Jerry Burtnett 136

Clean, practical lines.

 

DSC00320

Let your imagination FLY!!

 

Nice head room

Nice head room

 

Spacious Kitchen...

Spacious Kitchen…

Are you thinking of a farm Quonset Building or a Staightwall?

Good choices indeed.

In fact when we (Perka) started back in 1981, Quonset Buildings were REAL popular.  They were cost effective shelter buildings, fairly easy for the do it yourselfer and readily available with dozens of manufacturers making them all over North America!

Fast forward 30+ years —  and they are still relatively cost effective (though alot less so) and not much has really changed about them so they are still relatively easy to put up, if you like putting in thousands of bolts to put it all together!

Back then they were “sold” without much engineering calculations to support them.  Today there is much more of that available – but of course it closed the gab in the cost range.   If you are going to build something to CODE – it must be able to withstand the earth quake, wind and snow loads…  So they had to beefed up in many cases to do that.  Just like with Pole Buildings or Stick Built structures – if not built to code — SURE THEY WILL BE CHEAP!  If they are — the price will go up – and sometimes quite significantly!  So it’s always about EDUCATING yourself and KNOWING what it is you are really buying!

With alot less manufacturers – shipping costs can be a significant add on too.  Something else to watch for.

Another thing to be careful about is – actual “size comparisons”!!!   A 40 foot wide Quonset will not have the same VOLUME of space as a straight wall.  And even between straight wall designed buildings some have BOTTOM CORDS with TRUSSING all above that and so you will get LESS HEAD ROOM!  Get some sketches with dimensions if you can!

Below is an example comparing the Quonset sizes on a “40-19” model vs and 40-14 Perka Model 4000 Hybrid!

The moral of this story here is: —  ASK QUESTIONS.  Know what you are buying — hopefully BEFORE you do that!

The Common Law of business balance by Ruskin sums this up best:

“There is hardly anything in the world that someone cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and the people who consider price alone are that person’s lawful prey. It’s unwise to pay too much, but it’s worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money — that is all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do. The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot — it can’t be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run, and if you do that you will have enough to pay for something better.”

The question is will you be able to afford actually paying for it LATER (usually more), if you don’t put some extra in NOW!

Make sense?

Here is that comparison!

COMPARE BEFORE YOU BUY!!

COMPARE BEFORE YOU BUY!!

If you have ANY questions about ANYTHING regarding buildings — there are some pretty good chances TEAM PERKA can help!  We have over a century of industry experience here and been actually putting building SOLUTIONS together for OVER 30 years!

Feel free to call 800-467-3752.  WE LOVE TO HELP!

post

Wood vs Steel = No Brainer

Someone once said that KNOWLEDGE is power… 

The FACT is — it’s the USE of KNOWLEDGE that is POWER!

knowledge-n-action-equal-power
 

OK….  so without “thinking” which would you choose? —
regardless of purpose?

 WOOD or STEEL?

There is much written about the benefits of wood AND steel.

The POWER is in KNOWING where and when to use EACH!

Someone also said —  a PICTURE is worth 1000 words.
Well here are just two!

polevsteel2

NOW.  KNOWING THIS…  what do you think?

NO BRAINER?

Untitled-4

… YES – Perka –  World Class Buildings served by World Class Teammates.

more_power_to_you-LRG

For a live discussion on this topic and MORE PICTURES visit:  https://www.facebook.com/PERKABUILDINGS/posts/10152188528584882

 

How does Team Perka view quality?

PERKAHOME2 (1)

Custom built Residence made with a Perka Hybrid (M4600) building! Getting Maximum Use Benefit here!!

Quality in a product or service is not in what a supplier puts INTO them, it is what a client GETS OUT OF THEM. 

We believe clients should only pay for what is of use to them and gives them value in the big picture, at the completion of the project and over time.   This is a fundamental understanding and intention of those who make up our family: “Team Perka”.

(Paraphrased from Peter F. Drucker quote)

 

quality

How about another 7?? (Good reasons to build a Perka?)

lovetohelp

 

Here are 7 more GREAT Reasons Why it would serve you well to put up a Perka Building System.

Continuuing from 2 previous post at: http://www.perkabuildings.com/7-more-great-reasons-to-help-you-build-strong/  AND – http://www.perkabuildings.com/why-a-prefab-perka-hybrid-wood-steel-building/
15. 50 year factory warranty on Perka Frames  – We put our money where our mouth is.  Most other companies only offer one year.  Or more with all kinds of conditions!!   PERKA IS MADE TO LAST!

16. Because we typically use expandable ends, future additions or building expansions are made easily.  All you have to do is take out the posts, girts and sheeting and add on another frame.  If you are thinking of the FUTURE we can make that work easily for you!!

17. We’ve been awarded the Gold Key of Excellence 9 times and 6 years in a row.   This is voted on by contractors and we receive it for our commitment to superior service and quality.  WE BELIEVE IN DELIVERING ONLY THE BEST FOR OUR CLIENTS!

18. With Perka, while we do have a standard roof pitch for our prefab hybrid buildings — we can design the building with ANY pitch you want.  No cookie cutter designs that will limit you.  Always “MADE TO ORDER”!

19. We can even mix wood with steel to the point that you can have a wood frame with clear spans on one end and steel or steel expandable frames on the other end and for all clear spans we would use steel.  TOTALLY FLEXIBLE AND INGENIOUS DESIGNS!

20. We have over 500 different frames with 5000 different configurations.  There is no need to be “stuck” with a particular configuration…  WHATEVER YOU NEED – WE GOT IT!

21. Since you are reading this – you are probably in the top 10% of the informed building consumer public.   This means you are doing your homework and you deserve the absolute RIGHT BUILDING, FOR YOU, based on YOUR NEEDS.  And THAT is what we do BEST as TEAM PERKA.   We listen and we will deliver.  Call us now – 800-467-3752.  WE LOVE TO HELP!

7 More Great reasons to help you BUILD STRONG!

7more

 

Here are 7 MORE GREAT Reasons Building with Perka can serve you BEST!

8. Because of the use of steel frames (trusses) for core super structure you can have wider spans and longer bay spacings than wood buildings. This makes for easier floor planning by being more flexible and practical!

9. Because steel frames have longer bays and wider spans, you can have fewer columns and this means less foundation “holes” than wood (pole) buildings.  Plus having columns sitting on piers is always better than wood poles in the ground.  In fact most poles actually do not meet codes.  (See: http://www.perkabuildings.com/pole-barn-collapse-educate-yourself-before-you-buy-all-wood/).  This makes your building more durable!

10. Perka offers TOTAL Design flexibility; you can get the EXACT building you want and need, not one that might work for you.  We can design and build to the INCH…   If you need anything more – ASK!  (ie. Inside width and height can be made to the inch and the length is endless.) YOUR PLAN is what we derive the BEST SOLUTIONS FOR!!

11.  Perka has IN HOUSE house design team – we have our own engineers, draftsman and detailers who check and recheck all our designs for OPTIMUM efficiency and accuracy.  And we can tailor the building EXACTLY how you want it!  YOU GET QUALITY FRAMES, MADE FOR YOU, THAT YOU KNOW WILL FIT TOGETHER!

12. You can get anchor bolt plans in less than 5 days, engineered data drawings in 7-10 days and the building can be delivered in as little as 3-6 weeks.  If you have any special circumstance we will always do our best towork something out WITH you. You can count on FAST NEIGHBORLY SERVICE!

13. Perka’s unique steel frame STAND ALONE design permits for UNLIMITED exterior finish choices. By turning the wood purlins to a vertical position you can virtually add ANY finish you want. Just like a roof/wall in your house! You can have the nicest looking building in your area – with STEEL inside! Instead of looking like a “shed” it can look just like your house or existing business. EASY TO WORK WITH AND FINISH!

14. Perka has an easy to read and nicely detailed 32 page assembly guide made with the “Do-it-yourselfer” or carpenter builder in mind. PERKA BUILDINGS ARE REAL EASY TO PUT UP!

 

For more info and details on any of the above benefits and feature contact your PERKA TEAM MATE!

WHY A PREFAB PERKA HYBRID WOOD STEEL BUILDING?

7reasons_title

Here are 7 GREAT Reasons Why it would benefit you to purchase and build with a Perka PREFAB HYBRID WOOD STEEL BUILDING System.  (Put simply — for more detailed info – call your Perka TEAM MATE or find out who from HQ at 800-467-3752).

1. Using wood for the purlins and girts is a GREAT ENERGY SAVER….  Wood is NOT a conductor of hot or cold and energy costs are rising through the roof! You Save MONEY!

2. Perka’s attachment clips are pre-welded on!  NO assembly required by YOU or your contractor.   You Save Time!

3. Wood girts allow for easier door and window installations. Hammer and nails are easier than a blowtorch or welder. You can install the openings whenever and wherever you want. You get convenience and save Time & Money!

4. Because Perka spaces their wood purlins and girts typically at 24” inch centers, the interior is already prepped to be finished.  You don’t have to BUILD another building INSIDE your building to finish it!  Easy to work with!

5. With all steel buildings using steel ZEE purlins, Tek screws and washers are used to attach metal and typically in 5 years or so the screws and washers leak. Wood will not leak because the wood will swell to seal the hole. Maintenance Free building!

6. It is easier finding carpenters to put up a wood/steel building. Steel erectors cost more, have less flexibility and are generally often less “creative”.  Carpenters are often experienced tradesmen, with more options and usually with alot of creativity to make things work.  This makes building alot asier and less costly!

7. In the event of wind up-lift, snow or ice loads or fire, unlike typical ALL STEEL OR ALL WOOD DESIGNS you’ll never lose a whole building.  You may lose a bay but that’s it!  If a fire breaks out in a all steel building, because the metal twists and bends, the steel purlins pull the other frames in collapsing the whole building.  Perka Buildings have purlins and girts in wood – that burn up and allow the roof section to collapse but not the whole structure.   Also unlike WOOD poles and trusses, Perka’s STEEL frames are designed to stand alone…  AND in the case of that God Forbid Fire, this actually vents the heat and the Perka steel frame remains untouched. The frame survives, stands up and after the clean up, the building’s steel structure will be ready for new wood purlins and girts to be replaced and the new exterior to be put on.  A safer better investment!

 

For more in depth info contact TEAM PERKA at 800-467-3752 or email to perka@teamperka.com.

Pole Barn collapse… Educate yourself before you buy all wood!

Pole barn collapse kills 5 cows and injures 2 more.

Pole barn collapse kills 5 cows and injures 2 more.

Check out this link on the International Building Code Website regarding post frame/stick built/post and beam construction:

 http://www4.iccsafe.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=26;t=000885

It’s also reproduced below.

This is something you can share with friends, family, neighbors thinking of building with pole barns or post frame alternatives – we know these will be priced MUCH LOWER…  as they should be… question is: “is it really worth the risk?”

 Note there are post frame companies that do build to code…  but there is NO WAY they can price it much less if at all than our PERKA BUILDING Model 4000 – let alone the ECONO MODEL!

Cheaper is seldom “BETTER”!

 PASS IT ON — Knowledge is POWER!

 

I have a question for the code enforcement community as it pertains specifically to building code enforcement for post frame buildings. Why do you generally NOT require engineering design documents for post-frame buildings?

Post frame buildings are highly stressed, structurally indeterminate structures that most generally rely on wall sheathing (wood or metal sheathing) for stability. By my estimate there are a minimum of 10 connections and structural elements that require structural analysis to insure building code compliance. Checkout loanload for financial needs. A fairly comprehensive list for a simple building follows:

1. Main columns (posts) solid sawn or laminated
2. Post embedment (constrained and non-constrained)
3. Post footing thickness and diameter
4. Truss to post connection (uplift and down load)
5. Roof purlins
6. Wall girts
7. Wall sheathing
8. Roof sheathing
9. Gable wall posts
10. Lateral bracing for gable posts and trusses

The analysis of a post-frame building is more akin to aircraft analysis than stick-frame analysis. By the time a simple, box post-frame building is ready for review by the Building Department a design package should include about 23 pages of calculations and seven 8.5″ x 11″ (A size) drawings.

Since there is no prescriptive code for post-frame buildings (I would write one myself and FIRE all of these expensive engineers and designers if I could write one myself) and since the job of Building Officials and Plans Examiners is to insure building code compliance and, thereby, public health, safety and welfare, it seems reasonable to me that engineering documentation would generally be required for these structures. Not only is this not the case I find that a significant fraction of code enforcement officers and Building Departments are complicit in the circumvention of the building code.

There are several counties here in Oregon and Washington that actually hand out design documents whereby non-compliant, unsafe buildings are allowed to be permitted and constructed. I gathered up all of these documents that I could find and ran a structural analysis on them all. I found 400% overstresses in all cases. When I complained to the Engineers Board about this problem, they (the weenies) claimed to have no jurisdiction over the activities of Oregon Building Departments. I complained to the Building Codes Division of the State of Oregon. BCD claimed to not only not care about the situation they claimed that THEY had no jurisdiction over the local Building Departments. I might add that when I asked the President of the Engineers Board what he would do to me if I turned in such documents. He replied “Oh, we would revoke your license.” Indeed.

Non-engineered buildings fall down at an alarming rate. We had a little sprinkle of snow here in Oregon and Washington over Christmas of 2008. Afterward I took a tour of two Oregon counties with a contractor that I work with. He was licking his chops at all the building collapses. It looked like Godzilla had walked around in those counties. Buildings had gone down in less than half the local design snow load. And that was deemed to be an “Act of God”. It was no such thing. It was the act of a bunch of incompetent contractors and Building Departments that refused to do their job. 

I spoke to a woman recently whose building had blown over in a little puff of breeze the day after the contractor left the building site. The woman owned two acres and a llama. The county Building Department had done her a favor and given her an Ag Permit. The Ag Permit saved her money and kept her from having to comply with the Building Code. It also kept her out of the clutches of the engineers. Some favor. She had absolutely no recourse. The disheartening thing is that collapse could have been prevented by the installation of a few pieces of pressure treated wood that the contractor left behind in the scrap pile.

Oregon and Washington are not the only states that don’t enforce the Building Code for post-frame buildings. I am licensed in 38 other states and ALL of them hand out Ag Permits like candy. “It’s just a pole building, who cares?” I care because when one of them falls over or blows down I have to help pay for it through my increased insurance premiums. We all do. Hell, I did an as-built analysis on an equipment storage building for a county road department that had been ag permitted. When the road maintenance supervisor found out about it HE required the analysis not the county Building Official. 

I could go on. I won’t because I know I’m already boring everyone. But my question remains – Why don’t Building Departments enforce the building code? I’m sorry if I hurt any feelings out there but I personally believe that the building code is a good thing that insures the public health, safety and welfare. And I further believe that code enforcement officers and licensed design professionals should live up to the duties and obligations that have been entrusted to them by the citizenry. Thank you – Nicholas Jasper, PE

What is so different about Perka Buildings?

greenearthreclogoPerka Buildings manufactures their own proprietary stand alone sovereign steel frames that are specially designed for EZ install by unskilled labor as well as for Do-It-Yourselfers.

Furthermore, the Engineer’s design process puts the load on the Perka Frames without necessarily taking into account the extra re-inforcing that comes  from ADDING the side wall wood girts and the roof wood purlins.  On top of that there is also inherent “strength” in the total BUILDING SYSTEM that comes from adding the exterior envelope material – typically steel siding…   This offers much stronger steel frames and adds to the security of the building’s safety.

Most other pre fab building manufacturers design their structures as a SYSTEM.   These designs are very strict as wells as restrictive with regards to being able to make ANY changes after design.   They are typically designed ONE way and must remain so.  Also their built in SAFETY factor would be much narrower on a SYSTEM designed building over one like Perka’s as “stand alone” frames!

Perka is also very conscious of our product and overall business carbon footprint, and choose to incorporate features into our product process to save on materials, time and effort, not only for assembly, but for insulating, maintenance, future add ons and finish.

The Perka Frame is versatile and flexible enough to be able to accept virtually ANY earth friendly material for it’s envelope, thus not only facilitating the “organic home”, “ecobuilding” or ”Greening” ideals, but also provides a still very important concern for strength and integrity for structure and content safety, including a longer lifespan which is also consistent with a closed loop sustainable construct.

For more info about how Perka is always looking out for it’s clients of today as well as for the generations of the future contact any TEAM PERKA mate at 800-467-3752!

In it for the long haul!

Cheers,

advantage

 

Who exactly is a Perka Team Mate?

(Paraphrased from Father Athol Murray’s “The Notre Dame Man”. Father Murray was head of small High School “Notre Dame College” in Wilcox, Saskatchewan)

Our World today
is looking for men and women,
Who are not for sale. Who are honest,
Sound from center to circumference,
true to the heart’s core.
With consciences as steady as the needle to the pole.
Who are steadfast if the heavens totter and the earth reels.
Who can tell the truth and look the world right in the eye.
Who neither brag nor run – Who neither flag or flinch.
Who can have courage without shouting it.
Who know their message and tell it.
Who know their place and fill it.
Who know their business and attend to it.
Who will not lie, shirk or dodge.
Who are not too lazy to work.
Who are willing to eat what they have earned,
and wear what they have paid for.
Who are not ashamed to say “No” with emphasis.
Our World is looking for them, men and women,
who can unite around a common faith,
who can join hands in a common task .
Not only are they better prepared to fulfill their
duties to their world, they make a better friend,
a better husband, a better father,
a better wife, a better mother. Because free people do.
They are better prepared to live, and when their hour comes,
they will know better how to die, because free people do.

This, is a PERKA TEAM MATE.   Are you?

Would you like to join our TEAM?

Call us at 800-467-3752 or email to perka@teamperka.com

dealer

 

Prefab Steel Building Buyers Beware

caveatemptor

…  Sometimes when you pay a little more – you get something MORE!

 Sure, in SOME cases, the package of materials for a Perka Deluxe Hybrid (Wood/Steel) designed buildings may cost a few dollars more…  but the PERKA FRAMES are engineered to stand up WITHOUT the rest of the materials!  Much of these extra few up front dollars will be recouped in construction time, as well as USE savings.  In fact some of the BIGGEST savings might be in the form of PEACE OF MIND when those BIG WINDS or POLAR VORTEX SNOW FALLS come a threatening…   
See attached excerpts from an article that ran in KC Star a few years back after a tornadoe hit Joplin, MO
Read the comments below these excerpts – and PASS IT ON!!
hybridvssystem_20110627120849_00001
hybridvssystem_20110627120849_00002

Is it best to build in Steel or Wood? — How about BOTH!?

IMG_0880

There are more and more folks thinking of building their own homes, shops, garages, etc., either as a do it yourselfer or as their own “General Contractor”…  This is to not only for the freedom to be able to design it all exactly the way they would want, but to also substantially save on costs.  This is always a good thing!
Once that is decided the next question that often comes up is: What materials is best to use for the superstructure?… Wood, Steel or otherwise?

We can share from many experiences being involved in the building industry for now well over 100 collective years… #1 is a steel framed building structure for your home, business or shop will give you many advantages!  Here are just a few…

1. IT IS MORE DURABLE

A steel framed home, shop or shed or garage will be much more durable and sturdier from day one and, more importantly, for the long haul.  As you might expect – STEEL is definitely a stronger material than wood!  It will last longer and withstand much more in terms of wind, snow loads or even .
2. IT CAN OFFER LARGE CLEAR SPAN OPTIONS

With Steel frames, you will be able to create nice, clean, clear span, unobstructed rooms.  Steel can span larger dimensions easier, while not requiring posts or beams to support the roof trusses.  And some Perka Models will even be able to offer clear vaulted ceilings offering even more advantages with getting higher door openings, more open access and even space for mezzanine lofts, 2nd floor areas or even practical attic storage.
3. STEEL IS MADE MOSTLY FROM RECYCLED MATERIALS

Wood is a great organic material – but it is also being depleted faster than it’s being renewed! While a renewable resource – it does take time.  Most steel these days comes from recycling old steel…  from cars to old bridges and structural steel scrap.  This is a good thing for the environment.
4. WOOD HAS IT’S ADVANTAGES TOO

Of course going with all steel does sound pretty “COLD”…  As stated above, wood is a very organic material and does offer a certain “energy” to a living or working space. So using a HYBRID Wood and Steel system – will give you the best of both worlds. You will be able use steel where steel is needed in and for the superstructure – and then can frame all the rest – including any openings for windows, doors etc, with wood where it serves best! There are a few Hybrid Building Companies around like Perka Buildings.  www.perkabuildings.com
5. AREN’T STEEL HOMES/BUILDINGS HARDER TO KEEP WARM IN WINTER AND COOL IN SUMMER?

Steel Frames are not necessarily harder to heat or cool if you create the right THERMAL BREAKS. By using a product like one with an expanded polystyrene (EPS) core (i.e. www.p2000insulation.com), you will be able to effectively and easily insulate the home against ALL THREE forms of heat transfers. 

a) The EPS – especially on wood purlins and girts – will virtually stop conduction since it pretty much blocks the transfer of heat to the cold (like a coffee cup – but 5 or 8 times thicker?).
b) The coverings that are offered like reflective Mylar will handle the heat loss from radiation due it’s ability to reflect back most of the radiant heat.
c) And finally, by sealing all the board joints with their overlap, foam sealants and or tape systems, you will prevent any heat transference from convection (air flow)…

And that’s it – ONE application on a wood steel hybrid building and you have a virtually perfectly super-insulated system!!


6. QUICK, EASY AND LESS EXPENSIVE TO ERECT.

If you get the right steel building frame design system (i.e. with pre-welded and pre-punched clips, pre-fitted to assure accuracy, minimal connections for simplicity, and well thought out and designed to eliminate as much shimming, splicing and retrofitting) – it will actually be allot quicker to erect, finish and insulate your home or building – and this will save you allot of time, money and “headaches”!! 

So, it’s always good to do your homework.  Check out the various steel building frame and insulation options that are available. Know who you are buying from. 

You can easily have a well built, well insulated building or home that will not only be very affordable, but be low maintenance, energy efficient, strong, secure, comfortable and last for generations.

Cheers!

TEAM PERKA.

IMG_2680

 

merz28

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introducing a Perka ECONO model…

Save_Money2 (1)More and more folks are finding themselves on tightened budgets these days. Concerns about economic slow downs, cut backs, and job insecurity has got people really counting their pennies and not spending them faster than they absolutely need to. And that is perfectly understandable!

Most people are also aware of the fact that you can only GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!!

PERKA’S HIGH STANDARD OF QUALITY

As many of you may already know PERKA is synonymous with quality, integrity, reliability, accuracy, service, dedication to client satisfaction and much more. These are inherent values you will ALWAYS get from PERKA products.

Now many people will say we are kind of like the “Cadillac” of the building world. We have many standard options that are ALREADY included. We hold to very high standards of design, workmanship, inspections and accountability from start to finish. Of course all these virtues do add more time and attention to the product process and thus give it even more value.

THE LAW OF BUSINESS BALANCE

According to John Ruskin the law of business balance simple states you just can not get something for nothing – so all of Perka’s value added elements end up built into the cost of producing the product and providing service.

In today’s world, more than ever, this is not always an easy aspect to accept! Many people hope they can get all this extra attention and commitment and essentially get it for the lowest price going out there! Believe me, we’ve tried to trim in various places to help bring the numbers down to help more folks get into a PERKA BUILDING. And let’s face it – most people love the “luxury car” feel and amenities – but can’t always justify or accept the extra initial cost on their budgets. (Even though in many cases there is a substantial saving on maintenance, depreciation and wear and tear items.)

Well all this to say PERKA is not about to compromise any of their value added elements. So there really is no room for cost cutting there. We have decided however, that we can modify a few things to make the Perka Econo Building more comparable to many lower priced alternatives and yet still offer all the major benefits of the PERKA STANDARD for quality and service.

 

7 FEATURES TO HELP SAVE ON YOUR BUILDING BUDGET

The new PERKA ECONO MODEL is a small variation of the present Model 4000 system. Same basic look, same quality in workmanship. But to help us be able to be more comparable to plate beam, “pole barn” or “post and beam” buildings which can be lower priced, we are now choosing to do a few things to close if not even eliminate the gap.

#1. Eave Height

The standard eave height on a Model 4000 is the dimension to the top of the truss’ steel. So by the time you add the purlin and sheeting – the actual height is 8″-10″ taller. So the Perka ECONO MODEL will now have a nominal eave height dimension that includes the purlin and sheeting. Just like most of the lower priced alternatives.

#2. Dead Load

Perka’s standard allowance for dead load has always been a minimum of 4 pounds. This allows for the weight of the purlins and the sheeting and as much as an extra 1.5# for more weight – be it insulation, more roof material or even small collateral load items. Now we will design in the same loading of 2.5 pounds found in most of these lower cost alternatives.

#3. Girt spacing

Another Perka Design Standard for their HYBRID wood/steel design buildings has been to always hold to a 24″ spacing on the purlins and girts. There is not much we can do about the roof since the 24″ spacing is minimum needed to meet snow loads. However, on the walls, a 48″ spacing (and even more in some cases) is more often used. And another thing that is found in many pole barn or post & beam buildings is the girt is often only a 2″ x 4″ and many times laying flat with it’s weaker axis taking the windload. Now we’re not prepared to go to the extent of using 2″ x 4″ for girts – but we can still meet minimum windload requirements and have our typical girts clips (still pre welded and pre punched) at 48″ centers and still receive 2″ x 6″. Another lower cost saving! Just like most of the lower priced alternatives.

#4. Frame Warranty

The standard warranty period offered by Perka on their frames is presently 50 years. Like any form of insurance – there is a certain small percentage of every “order” that must be allocated to the cost just in case. Since most of the lower priced building alternatives carry little or NO WARRANTY, and if they do, it is one offered from pretty much a BRAND NEW company or from the contractor themselves! (Remember: you get what you pay for!) Now we can’t erase our 30 year history of providing quality buildings but we can take away part of the allowance for the warranty to help with the cost. While you may not be getting an actual written warranty with this option – you are still getting the building frames from a 30 year old company who is high on integrity, honesty and good will.

#5. Sheeting warranty, trim package and fasteners.

If you are purchasing a building material package to include sheeting, trims and fasteners – Perka has always supplied the higher quality sheeting and trim alternatives.  Always with the higher warranty.  Like right now it’s at 40-45 years depending on the actually manufacturer we get supplied from. That being said – to compare with the lower priced alternatives, we can offer at a much reduced cost the typical 10 year warranty alternative. Furthermore – all Perka Material Packages have come with a deluxe trim packages which includes closure strips, eave trim, base trim and gable trim that is typically NOT included in lower priced packages. Also Perka generally only uses color matched #10 wood grip fasteners – these are screws. Of course supplying standard roof nails costs a bit less. So another place to lower the price!

#6. Fascia, gable and corner finishes

When you get a building material package furnished by Perka you will have wood material to support your mid bay girts on buildings with over 14′ bay spacings, and for the finishing of your fascias on the gable ends, as well as for your corners to make it easier to fasten your sheeting and trims. Whether you are a do it yourselfer or a seasoned contractor, this is just one of those “luxury” options that makes the builder’s life easier. Of course you will not necessarily get this with the lower priced option!

#7. OPTION 1 – NON EXPANDABLE WOOD END FRAMES

Typically when a material is offered we can give the client 3 basic options.

  1. All steel frames for the mid 2 bay load bearing frames with wood construction non-expandable frames on both ends.
  2. All steel frames for the mid 2 bay load bearing frames with wood construction non-expandable frames on one end.
  3. All steel frames for ALL the frames in the building.

By choosing OPTION 1 – you see we can lower the cost a bit more to be even more comparable. This way you still have STEEL WHERE STEEL IS NEEDED AND WOOD WHERE WOOD CAN SERVE BEST!

In conclusion – by adding all these feature adjustments into the PERKA ECONO BUILDING, we can, in most cases, lower the cost enough to still be able to offer you the peace of mind of using PERKA quality and integrity but being able to pay a little less to get it while getting no less than what you would from the lower priced alternatives!

Check it out for yourself. Visit other sections on this website —  www.perkabuildings.com for more info about standard designs… feel free to call direct at 800-467-3752.

Cheers

More of what others are saying about TEAM PERKA!!

greenenergy

 

Reply by RM on July 25, 2009 at 11:54pm

Team Perka as an organization/business has great customer service that gives the contractor instant credibility with his clients.
Team Perka’s willingness to embrace alternative building techniques greatly helps them become leaders in the growing green sustainable buildings industry.  Keeping costs down in this building climate and showing them a home or building that saves money, and not just a little but allot is so needed, still quite rare but so WELCOMED from TEAM PERKA.
Perka’s Hybrid designs saves people money from the very start and this really needs to highlighted and appreciated. As a nation and industry that spends BILLIONS of dollars every year, we really need to wake up (educate) ourselves to SUSTAINABLE building concepts.  Getting contractors to use designs like Perka’s prefab WOOD STEEL HYBRID buildings is very important… because they understand your stance on sustainability and green technologies.
In my opinion, the soul of a company is just as important as the quality of the product. Supporting companies that are going the extra mile to help save resources and promote a movement towards responsible and aware construction is more important then just looking at up front costs/price.  A more long term look at costs (waste, Trusted Roofing, energy, maintenance, etc.) must be take.
With that said, the complete Perka designed Hybrid package becomes an affordable product… and one that is now being marketed by a company that has a solid and thoughtful green outlook.
I just wanted to offer my view point from the customer side. Team Perka’s staff is just great and I am inspired by the Team Leader’s enthusiasm for the next generation for our collective building industry.  Having the wisdom to see whats around the corner is going to ensure a great position and standing of visionary leadership in the building industry. RM
For more info contact TEAM PERKA at 800-467-3752 or email to perka@teamperka.com or visit www.perkabuildings.com.

What some people are saying about Perka Buildings!!

advantage

 

A few years back we asked contractor/builder folks what they thought about Perka Buildings.   You don’t have to take our, albeit biased, opinion…   here is just one reply we received…

Reply by K.M. on March 2, 2009 at 5:46pm

The benefits of using Perka frames in almost any building (commercial/residential) are endless. Here are just a few of them!
1. Perka Buildings vs other Metal Buildings.A. Being able to make changes on sight because of wood purlins and girts…
B. Ability to insulate and sheetrock for true inside finish.
C. Two story buildings. Perka can add multi-story floor joists in. For others, the cost is staggering for this. It’s more cost effective to build a building inside a building (which is not cost effective at all compared to the time, materials and financial savings with a Perka building).
D. Ability to design the building exactly the way you want.   You can get a custom building that iss not at custom pricing.  It’s not just cookie cutter buildings like others sell.  If you want a custom metal building from others, either the cost is prohibitive or they flat out just can’t do it.
E. Ability to side the building with non-metal products.

F. Owner-Builder friendly.   Enough said on this one.2. Perka Buildings compared to stick (wood) framing.

A. No perimeter or interior footings required.  Savings on cement.
B. No load bearing walls. Savings.
C. No door headers. Savings.
D. Ability to put interior walls where ever you please.
E. Much less studs to drill for wiring and piping.
F. Model 4000 Frames can be purchased (in some areas like the east and west coasts) for the cost of wood trusses alone. WOW!!!
G. They are really low cost and super fast engineering.
H. Major labor savings on construction.

3. Perka vs residential stick building.

A. All of the above plus:
B. You can get no hassle open beam vaulted ceilings
C. Ability of frames to be built for sloping land.  The cost savings here alone on cement footings can be staggering.
D. No hassle perimeter decking, second floor balconies, covered porches, etc,etc,etc.

Like I said the list above is just a few of the benefits.

On selling/promoting Perka Buildings:

I know this was not part of this discussion but I can’t stop when I’m on a roll!

The biggest thing for me is not to go head to head with other metal buildings.  I don’t sell metal buildings if I can help it.  They are a pain to put up.  A pain to work with.  You always need to consult engineering for any type of change.  I’d prefer to sell Perka Metal Building frames.  If someone just wants a non insulated, plain jane, metal building and they are just price shopping regardless of quality or benefits then that’s going to be a challenge.  If they are wanting and understand value, benefits, long term investing, then they just opened the door for Perka Building.  You may need to do a lot of prying (ask questions) about their project.  I probably shouldn’t use the word prying but sometimes that’s what it is.  For myself I’m always truly interested in the persons project, their preferences, their wants and desires.  They can tell that when I talk to them.  And I can do this with confidence knowing the Perka can back my ability to serve them.    The first and foremost thing I truly do is rack my brain to find ways to save them money and be able to show them that on paper.  For instance I can space the frames at 15′ and not need to have as many frames as stick buildings.  Spacing the frames at 15′ also meant bigger floor joists and roof rafters.  Since I’m such a good economist (cheap son of a gun), I decided to see how much it would be for an extra frame so I could use smaller lumber. To my surprise the total price with extra frame was the same as without.  Since there was not as much load as the bigger spacing the metal required for the framing was less.  Wow, see what I mean —  the flexibility allows me to be able to try the different scenarios and come up with the BEST one.  I am not locked into to just ONE way!!

Two stories.  One of a sale and one of a non-sale.

Non-sale: A customer of mine from my other business was telling me that her and her husband were adding a garage (for storage) with living quarters above. I told her that I could save her a lot of money if she used Perka frames.  Unfortunately she already had a contractor hired to build the stick framed building.  He was behind by a couple of months and hadn’t started their building yet.  She got a hold of the contractor and he said he would take a look at the Perka frames.  BTW, this contractor had built several buildings for these people before.  I designed some frames that gave her way more usable space plus added a huge second floor deck (his plans had no deck).  All for more that $50,000 less than the contractor’s project finish price.  I only lost that one because once the other contractor to a look at my plans and numbers, he saw that he would make a lot less money.  Namely that $50,000.  All of a sudden he was no longer busy and started to build their building while they were gone on vacation for four weeks!  They did not have a contract with the builder but were friends so they just let it go…

Sale: This was actually to another contractor. He was building a residence plus hangers for private airports that has became quite popular around the country.  This was actually a building he wanted for himself. He was going to stick build the two story residence with a workshop below part of it…  but wanted metal frames for the hanger that was connected. I was actually bidding against other metal truss builders (Perka knock offs) for pricing . When I saw his plans I said “how about I price out the whole building for you with Perka multi design Frames. He said no because the building was already engineered and through planning, and he wanted to stick build because he was a contractor and he thought he could do it much cheaper.  He said don’t bother you would be just wasting both of our time. I didn’t listen to him. I priced out the hanger frames but I also priced out the whole project with (custom) Perka Frame.  He pretty much just had a un-attractive same height square box before. I designed him a beautiful split roof with high windows HOME. With the same footprint he gained 900 square feet in his second floor living quarters plus a added second floor observation deck to oversee the runway. He had clearer shop space below (less load bearing posts).  I also showed him where and how he would save money and labor over his design.  Once he saw my idea in a colored pencil drawing I made (just the shear better looks of my building design sold him on it I believe), he had to meet me in person to go over it.  After we met and saw what I was saying was true, he scrapped his project. He tried to shop other building frame manufacturers to try to get a better price than mine.  But nobody else he contacted would not even entertain putting a similar package together. He was sold!  Sometimes it pays to show a person different ideas, even if at first they are set in their ways.  He is extremely happy with his building now and told me it went together without a hitch!!

For more info – visit www.perkabuildings.com, email perka@teamperka.com or call 800-467-3752.

Welcome to our Blog… again.

n588257622_433914_5363
 

It would be so easy to get really frustrated right about now…

Some of this really started about 7 years ago now. Our founder, long time leader and most friendly mentor to so many people, passed away suddenly, and very astonishingly, leaving a fairly HUGE void in many lives. I for one, his son, his business partner of 30 years, an avid student of his wisdoms, guidance and leadership and most importantly a LIFE LONG friend, was virtually devastated.  I not only lost my “dad” who I treasured and loved, I lost three other important “personalities” as well!!!

If you’ve ever experienced a loss of a very close and dear loved one (similar to this), you no doubt know that one never really gets “over” it. Sure time heals some of the pain… it can, however, be a frequent struggle keeping the mind from falling into the pain traps… – but, what doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger, right? … and it is… still.

I, and we as a Team, did whatever we could, with whatever resources we could manage, to cope, adapt and persevere. The challenges since then have been quite heavy at times indeed, after all, we lost our “strongest” carrier. So we had to reach out, step up and dig deep! As a collective of family, friends, caring neighbors and even the occasional kind angelic stranger, we were better able to handle the loads and are still here today.  Thriving. Again.

Much like our buildings, (which is as much a PHILOSOPHY as it is STRUCTURE) … we put into practice the virtues and positive product ideals of synergy, optimism, honesty, appreciation, faith, integrity, efficiency, accuracy, quality, durability and flexibility! And never will we compromise on these. While we may be able to give you all the various options in quality and price, to make a well informed choice – we will always first put forward our absolute best, and do so with all the conviction and faith that my dad had when he came up with it and all that his loyal team can put behind it!

Now, why am I saying we could really be feeling frustration right now? Well if you’ve been following our blog on our main website (http://perkabuildings.com/blog) over the past few years you will have noticed that about 6 month ago – it disappeared again —  for a 2nd time!!  While the first time was apparently we were “hacked”, compromising certain security levels and we had to “amputate” the blog to save the site!   This time it was a site rebuild which somehow LOST the blogs….  again.  With that – we lost some 50+ blog entries dealing with all kinds of “building”, motivational, anecdotal and even the odd socio-political issue.

So here we are now – having to start over and re-write many of these that were not saved, including our previous WELCOME memo!  (I kidded often when I was younger, – learning various trades under my dad’s sometimes ”sink or swim” tutelage: “If we didn’t do it twice – we didn’t do it right – but by God – we ALWAYS did it right!!” – Thanks again Dad!)

So for now, as we begin the task of reposting the blogs, I just want to extend to you a warm welcome (or welcome BACK), and to also express our Team’s sincere and most humble APPRECIATION for your interest in not only our product and our company, which we truly believe will really SERVE you well, for a multitude of reasons, but also about being and doing the RIGHT thing… After all – that is the only rule any successful person, business or organization ever lives by…THE GOLDEN RULE!

Cheers,

Martial