New Owners of Interstate Building Supply: Andy and Lisa Tufte

When Andy and Lisa Tufte took ownership of Interstate Building Supply's Wabasha location in January, they decided to keep the transition quiet. "We didn't want the business to change or for people to really notice anything was different," said Andy Tufte.
Walking into the building, you'll find a welcoming atmosphere with dog treats and lollipops on the counter. During my visit, I watched as Andy greeted a customer by name. The Tuftes welcomed me into Lisa's office, excited to tell me their story.
They shared how their path to ownership wasn't sudden. Andy had spent seven and a half years as an Outside Sales Representative for Interstate Building Supply. During his employment, he had developed a good relationship with the previous owners. Andy made it clear that if the chance to buy the business he wanted to be considered for the opportunity. Meanwhile, Lisa was building her entrepreneurial experiences. With 28 years in the hair industry and her own successful salon in Lake City, her accounting skills were self-taught and honed through years of handling finances for several Rochester-based hair businesses.
For Andy Tufte, Interstate Building Supply has been more than just a workplace during his time as a sales representative. "Everyone gets along really well here. We're a little family," Tufte shared, expressing his desire to prevent the company from being absorbed by a corporate entity and potentially losing valued coworkers, many of whom have dedicated 10-20 years to the business. The company's 45-year history of local family ownership resonated with the Tuftes.
When the time came to sell the business and focus more on the Cannon Falls branch, preserving its small-town family values was a top priority for Rod Reinhardt. Reinhardt said his family wanted to thank the Wabasha community for its support over the years. He also knows that the community will continue to support Lisa and Andy. Interstate Building Supply was started by his mother Patty and Father John Reinhardt. His brother Jeff, and Rod took over in 2005. The Tuftes proved to be the perfect buyers for Interstate Building Supply, ensuring the business would remain locally owned and continue serving the community, “community is very important” said Rod.
Originally from west of Rochester, years ago the couple found themselves drawn to Lake City so they could be by the Lake. Their journey to residency in Wabasha came unexpectedly when a realtor friend showed them an off the market home, which they purchased immediately. Within a year, fate seemed to have bigger plans as the opportunity to acquire Interstate Building Supply presented itself. "It all seemed like it was really meant to be," said Lisa.

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