7.2. PRSR 03-14-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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THREE RIVERS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION LEADERSHIP HALL OF FAME JOHN WEICHT 9-22-2010 John Weicht has contributed to his church, community, and the quality of life of those who know him. Being his father's legs", John started roofing at age 15 and by 16 he was in business for himself. He also worked for Elk River Lumber where he built commercial projects out of town and out of state. It was while building a rutabaga warehouse in Askov he met Sandy, his future wife. After returning from his tour of duty in Vietnam, John rejoined the crew at Elk River Lumber. Ben Roper had requested an early out for John to come back to work. The company changed hands and became Standard Lumber. As the last crew Standard Lumber had erecting their buildings, George Cruickshank and John started their construction company when Standard Lumber stopped construction projects. George retired and now thirty six years later John's business has changed and grown. The start was pole buildings and homes. Becoming a steel building dealer opened a bigger market. John still did a few very exclusive custom homes. The last twenty years commercial, industrial and multi-family building has been the main stay of the business. John's specialty has always been design build. He has three partners in the construction business and several others in the development side. Most work has been within a twenty mile radius of Elk River. John believes that Elk River area should be the best it can be and that whenever possible business should be kept local. The Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce has benefited from his many hours setting up for expos and 4th of July celebrations. While helping the 4th of July celebrations, he has also stepped into help the Little Britches Rodeo with his equipment. He has set up and taken down their rodeo chutes, using his equipment and time to help this youth organization. What ever equipment might be needed was used at no cost. In 2000 the Chamber awarded him and Sandy the Business Person of the Year Award to honor his contributions to the business community and the over all quality of life of the residents of Elk River and the surrounding area. The life of his community is important to John. Through Elk River Lions activities since 1983 he has contributed his time, knowledge, expertise and use of his company equipment and resources. He has hosted four international youth exchange students in his home, was acting director of the International Youth Camp; worked at Lions' projects of pancake breakfasts, senior breakfasts, Halloween parties, food stand worker at fairs, festivals, graduation parties, collecting food, and numerous other events; participated in parades representing the Lions (purchasing a golf cart, etc.); worked at various other fundraising functions and contributed to the worthwhile causes. John built the Lions Park Center, calling in many favors and donations from other businesses to keep the cost low. He also donated his entire contracting fee and spent many extra hours on the project. He and his family