Two Days, Two States, Invaluable Moments:

VOLUME ONE: Okoboji + Sioux Falls

Day One:

11:00am: DEPART WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN

The adventure begins! Regan meets Kasey at her home, and the duo sets off on a three-and-a-half-hour drive south to Okoboji, Iowa. With seven years of business partnership under their belts, they've settled into their road trip routine: Kasey takes the wheel, and Regan dives into remote work and virtual construction meetings. Their rental car becomes a mobile office as small talk is replaced by the hum of productivity.

1:30pm: Arrive in Okoboji, IA

Okoboji isn’t just another dot on the map for Kasey and Regan; it's where BPC's first project came to life seven years ago. Despite their history here, they’ve never had much time to soak in the local charm. On this trip, they finally explored Arnolds Park, finding the hype well-deserved—in this picturesque area, there’s something for everyone!

2:00PM: NETWORK

Their first face-to-face meeting of the day is with Derek Lee of Lee Custom Homes, a local contractor, to learn more about each other and explore opportunities for collaboration. The company’s growth ambitions resonate deeply with BPC’s own, and Kasey and Regan leave the meeting optimistic about a promising partnership in the future.

3:30PM: CONSTRUCTION SITE VISIT

Next, they visit Spinner, one of BPC’s full home interior and exterior renovation projects currently under construction on West Lake, meeting with Jason Rossow of Rossow Construction, who is not only the project GC but also a trusted partner and dear friend. They have worked on several projects together since the inception of BPC. Like all their previous collaborations, the craftsmanship and quality of this lake home are breathtaking!

4:30PM: QUALITY TIME

A quick stop at West O Beer offers a chance to unwind and catch up with Jason before heading to their hotel to check in and freshen up.

6:30pm: A HEARTFELT DINNER

Kasey and Regan head to the waterfront to meet their very first client at Maxwell’s — a tradition that means the world to them as they are the ones who entrusted BPC to design their 11,000 square-foot new-construction home, end-to-end. Memories and stories fill the night with warm and fuzzy nostalgia, and leave BPC feeling immense gratitude and honor to have worked with such incredible people.

Following an impromptu photoshoot together before their BPC “family” heads off into the sunset on their boat, the ladies wandered around and explored, ending a soul-fulfilling day with drinks at a pier-side bar. Sitting side by side with the locals, Kasey and Regan basked in the warm glow of camaraderie (and perhaps a bit of the local brew).

They vow to come back soon and stay awhile longer!

Day Two:

8:00AM: NOTEWORTHY MENTIONS

It’s the beginning of another busy day in the life! First stop, Oakwood Inn: a stunning bed and breakfast surrounded by nature, adorned with intricate architectural charm inside and out. Kasey and Regan pick up a gift certificate for their client to use as a retreat while their home is under construction, allowing them a chance to take in the Okoboji summer, if only for a couple of nights!

9:00AM: DEPART OKOBOJI, Ia

Headed west to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to visit the construction site of project: Crystal Blue Persuasion, another full exterior and interior home renovation and addition, Regan is back to work, in and out of virtual meetings, and—shocker—Kasey is driving! Are you noticing a theme here?

11:00AM: Arrive in sioux falls, sd

Regan meets with the contractor and subcontractors, addressing questions and collaborating on construction issues, and walking the site to review quality and alignment with the design intent and construction documents. Despite the homeowner's invitations to relax with a glass of wine and watch the rain, Regan remains focused on the task at hand. Meanwhile, Kasey sets up her mobile office to tackle her work.

As the day’s work wraps up, Kasey and Regan finally join the homeowners around the dinner table and connect over a glass of wine—grateful for each and every moment with them.

4:00pm: A SOUL-FULFILLING EVENING

They could have sat there all night talking and laughing, but a phone call sparked an impromptu visit to show Regan and Kasey the client’s son’s new house. The tour was filled with ideas and creative advice from the duo, who are never shy to “help.”

Following the visit, they head off for dinner at The Gruff Plates + Pours with the project’s general contractor, Derek Thompson of Carpentry by Design, his wife, and the clients for a celebratory close.

6:00PM: homeward bound

With full bellies and hearts, Kasey and Regan embark on the journey back to Minnesota. This time, exhaustion keeps Regan from working. And—you guessed it—Kasey is driving.

They call their kiddos to say goodnight and spend the rest of the drive reflecting on the accomplishments, connections made, and deep gratitude and respect for each and every one of the people who have believed in them.

Just before midnight, they arrive home and go to bed inspired and excited for the next client, next project, and more life-long relationships that create the days of our lives!

Follow us for more on “These are the days of our lives”!

@bluepencilcollective