Son of Local Couple Wins Award

The Thorp Courier (Thorp, WI)
March 24, 2010
Transcribed by Dolores Mohr Kenyon

Tony D. Szak, son of Tony M. and Connie Szak of rural Thorp has won yet another building award.  The 1996 graduated of McDonell High School, who in 2006, won both the coveted People’s Choice Award in the La Crosse Parade of Homes and the Builder of the Year Award, adds to his impressive trophy case.
 
On February 13, 2010, at the Wisconsin Builders Association (WBA) annual convention, held at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton, WI, Tony Szak, right, and Phil Jones, left, of Empire Development, won the Commercial project category in the “A Cut Above the Rest” 2009 WBA remodeling competition.
 
The WBA remodeling awards showcase the work and commitment members have to the remodeling industry. The winners of the remodeling awards have proven to uphold values such as pride in craftsmanship, attention to detail, extraordinary customer service, and a passion for the industry.  The 2009 “A Cut Above the Rest” WBA remodeling awards were sponsored exclusively by American/Kennedy-Hahn.
 
All entries were judged by a jury of professionals in the remodeling and building industries.  Winning entries were selected based on their unique, creative approach to design, aesthetics and marketing appeal, sensitivity to existing building elements, appropriate use of existing building elements and functional value and cost effectiveness.
 
Ardie’s Family Restaurant is a La Crosse based business established in 1970. The restaurant had a stigma of the “old folks hangout” and the owners wanted to change that.  By giving the bar area a fresh new look and changing the name to the Flip Side Pub & Grill, the goal has been achieved.  From flooring to lighting to a 30-foot bar top finished off site and installed by over 15 men at one time, Flip Side Pub & Grill received the “wow” they were looking for.