Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeanna Tersteeg
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
After graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Interior Design in 2007 I started my first design firm with a friend from college. We got our feet wet in the world of design all while having our first babies and while I continued to coach men’s gymnastics part time. We definitely operated in the red, making all the mistakes that a young business owner does.
It was a learning experience for both of us. She discovered being a stay at home mom was her path, while I decided that design for remodeling was my passion and that as soon as my youngest of three started kindergarten I would take it full time and be done coaching.
As scary as it was to put all eggs in one basket, I prepared and was incredibly blessed to have opportunities and success follow suit.
Pinnacle Interior Designs (PID), my former firm served over 500 clients, mentored 8 aspiring designers, and had numerous high school kids shadow.
PID brokered 5 construction companies and I worked closely with the general contractors so ensure not only good design, but I operated on the belief that we were a team and I was to have everything dialed in so they just had to come to demo day ready to swing a hammer. I built my business on being an asset, knowledgeable in construction, not just making things pretty.
One of my trusted contractors (and mentors) Scott Tersteeg (now husband) had been suggesting we join forces and become Design + Build for a few years, but it wasn’t until we started dating and combining our families (from previous marriages) that I really considered it.
In July of 2022 we made Pinnacle Design and Remodeling and launched officially in October, right before our daughter was born.
We office out of our house, managing our seven kids, and have amazing subcontractors aiding us in doing what we love, one house at a time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely has been a bumpy road, but all the twist and turns lead to something beautiful. I use to worry that not going into an established design firm impeded my success, but I look at where I am now and realize this was how it was supposed to be, both professionally and personally.
I took the risk of being a small business owner and it isn’t as glamorous as people think. Yes, I get to chose my schedule, projects, and workload to be able to be there for all our kid’s field trips, sick days, sporting events, college tours, etc. I also work weekends and nights to facilitate that. The balance of mom, wife, friend, designer, and business owner is intense.
I have missed out on opportunities that at the time felt huge, but the timing wasn’t right, and trusting in that is important.
On Christmas morning of 2023 Scott was hit on the side of the road at 60 mph while we were pulled over during an ice storm. He miraculously survived, albeit very injured. This meant ending my maternity leave early and taking over his role, plus my own, and solely taking care of him and all our kids. It was an extremely stressful time and looking back I can not believe we not only made it through, but managed to have our most successful year separately and together. A true testament of our work ethic, faith, support, and systems we have put in place to manage our jobs.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Pinnacle Design & Remodeling?
With over 40 years of combined experience, we offer a wide range of interior services from paint consultation to whole house remodeling. We also specialize in exterior work including decks, additions, porches, roofing, windows, and siding.
After meeting on a job site over a decade ago we realized we worked really well together and shared a passion for the industry. Now we are a husband and wife team, with over 50 referable projects completed. We have numerous clients we call friends. We truly love what we do, together.
The Promise: QUALITY FROM START TO COMPLETION
We operate on the strong belief that if you are going to do something, you do it right. We have a commitment to solid communication, efficient time management, thoughtful selections, and quality craftsmanship.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Growing up in North Dakota we lived for weekends at the lake. The sun beating on your warm skin after swimming and tubing is a sensation I still cherish. Lazy pontoon rides by day and bonfires, fire grilled pizzas and music by night.
I have carried that on with our kids and we sneak away up north as much as we can to our family lake house.
Pricing:
- Design Only is $150/hour
- We fulfill a design contract first so that our construction estimate is accurate, not just a ballpark with unrealistic allowances
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pinnacledesignandremodeling.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinnacledesignandremodeling
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pinnacledesignandremodeling
- Other: https://www.houzz.com/pro/pinnacle-design-and-remodeling
