Neighbors We Trust: The Best of Minnesota Businesses
Trusted Businesses We Recommend
At Superior Ponds, we believe in high standards. Just like we specialize exclusively in water features, we value partners who focus on their craft, serve with integrity, and care about their communities. Over the years, we’ve built relationships with incredible Minnesota businesses that we know and trust — businesses we recommend without hesitation.
Table of Contents
Home & Outdoor Living
Deck Science
Services: Deck Science specializes in deck building and custom outdoor living solutions. They provide high-quality craftsmanship with an eye toward long-lasting results and functional backyard spaces. They serve homeowners throughout the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas as well as greater Minnesota.
Website: deckscience.com
City: Edina, MN
Connection: Joe Averill is not just a professional partner but a long-time personal friend. He’s played a key role in my growth as a business owner, encouraging me to focus on doing a few things extremely well instead of chasing everything. That clarity has shaped how I serve my clients today with our exclusive focus on water features.
Rochester Deck Builders
Services: Rochester Deck Builders design and build decks tailored to families, with options for low-maintenance materials, safe designs, and modern layouts. They’re known for family-first outdoor living spaces that last.
Website: rochesterdeckbuilders.com
City: Rochester, MN
Connection: Jamie Farendholz and his family are seasoned experts who’ve supported my team over the years. As a first-generation business owner myself, their family-first perspective and decades of experience they have shared with me have helped keep me grounded and focused on what matters most.
Premier Builders MN
Services: Premier Builders MN provides full-service residential construction including additions, remodeling, and decks. With decades of combined experience, they deliver reliable and consistent results for homeowners across Minnesota.
Website: premierbuildersmn.com
City: Rochester, MN
Connection: Another trusted connection of the Farendholz family, who’ve shown me what multi-generational commitment to building looks like. Their knowledge and consistency have been a guidepost for running my own business the right way.
Patriot Exterior Solutions
Services: Patriot Exteriors specializes in patio refinishing, stone sealing, and paver driveway restoration. Their team restores and protects outdoor hard surfaces for beauty and durability.
Website: patriotexteriorsmn.com
City: Belle Plaine, MN
Connection: Local experts I recommend for anyone wanting their outdoor hard surfaces to look refreshed and last longer. Connections of connections, anyone who specializes in such a focused niche gets known pretty fast for how good they are at their craft.
Minnesota Gardens
Services: Minnesota Gardens operates a seasonal greenhouse and landscape center offering premium plants, flowers, shrubs, and garden products. They emphasize strong root systems and long-lasting plants.
Website: mngardens.com
City: Chaska, MN
Connection: Mark at Minnesota Gardens has partnered with us by displaying fountains in his greenhouse. His plants we have acquired for projects and our personal gardens are healthy, well-rooted, and thrive far better than the weak plugs you find at big box stores. His commitment to quality exceeds the “standard.”
Terra Garden Center
Services: Terra Garden Center offers plants, fairy garden displays, and garden décor. They’re a staple stop for both homeowners and contractors in the South Metro.
Website: terragardencenter.com
City: Lakeville, MN
Connection: We’ve stopped in many times for plants and fairy garden displays. Conveniently located off I-35, it’s an easy stop for us at the start and end of our workdays.
Avlaki Drainage Solutions
Services: Avlaki Design is dedicated exclusively to drainage solutions for homes and commercial properties. They solve complicated water management issues that many general contractors cannot.
Website: avlakidesign.com
City: New Prague, MN
Connection: Just like we focus exclusively on ponds, Avlaki focuses only on drainage. They’re the trusted experts when water management gets complicated.
Interior Design & Home Improvement
Nick Slavik Painting and Restoration Co.
Services: Nick Slavik Painting offers whole interior and exterior house painting, restoration, and historic property preservation. Their projects include both residential and commercial work across Minnesota.
Website: nickslavik.com
City: New Prague, MN
Connection: Nick is a mentor and friend who pushed me from hobbyist to professional. His advice, teaching, and example have helped me build a company with systems, training, and consistency. I am grateful for his time and continued investment in myself and our shared community of New Prague.
Jessica Hein Interiors
Services: Jessica Hein Interiors focuses on residential interior design, tailoring each project to client lifestyles. She balances functionality with aesthetic appeal to create spaces that feel personal and timeless.
Website: jessicaheininteriors.com
City: Jordan, MN
Connection: I’ve worked with Jessica since she first stepped out on her own (after years of experience working as a designer for a remodeler). Her eye for design and her ability to make a space work is unmatched. Jessica is personable and agreeable to work with, and I have only heard praise from those I’ve referred her to for design projects!
LJ Interiors
Services: LJ Interiors creates welcoming, beautiful spaces that reflect each client’s style and lifestyle. From fresh updates to full remodels, Leah guides clients through the design process with ease, helping them make selections they’ll love for years to come. Her projects have been highlighted in Minnesota design publications.
Website: ljinteriorsmn.com
City: Chaska, MN
Connection: Back when I was getting started, Leah took the time to connect and hear about my business. She has helped many of my clients choose updates for their homes and they’ve brought me in for the installation.
Dorin Design
Services: Dorin Design specializes in landscape and hardscape design, including retaining walls, rock installations, and commercial landscapes.
Website: dorindesignllc.com
City: Minneapolis, MN
Connection: A fun personality with a sharp sense of humor, we connect regularly at industry events every month.
Larson Basement and Bath
Services: Larson Custom provides custom cabinetry, woodworking, and remodeling services. They design and build personalized solutions for basements, bathrooms, and kitchens with a special focus on basements and bathrooms.
Website: larsoncustom.com
City: Elk River, MN
Connection: Luke and Kristen have grown alongside us from small handyman work years ago to refined remodels on a professional scale. We value their friendship so much, we break bread together whenever we can, and are grateful for their supportive friendship.
Paveman Coatings
Services: Paveman Coatings provides concrete coatings and custom flooring finishes for residential homes, garages, kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and commercial spaces.
Website: pavemancoatings.com
City: Rochester, MN
Connection: Justin is a personal friend who has supported me through the hardest early years of my business, offering practical advice and encouragement from his own experience. Always willing to share, Justin has been a true friend.
Stasney Electric
Services: Stasney Electric provides electrical services for homes, businesses, and specialty projects, including pond and fountain setups.
Website: stasneyelectric.com
City: New Prague, MN
Connection: Pete from Stasney has helped us personally and professionally, from installing outlets at home to powering our display pond. He’s careful, thorough, and trustworthy.
Hertaus Floors
Services: Hertaus Floors provides flooring sales and professional installation, offering a wide range of carpet, hardwood, and vinyl options.
Website: hertausfloors.com
City: New Prague, MN
Connection: My wife’s family has used Hertaus Floors personally and referred friends countless times with successful installations. They’re quick, professional, and always deliver a great finished product.
Professional Services
Neisen Consulting
Services: Neisen Consulting provides business consulting and virtual assistant management. They specialize in helping entrepreneurs reclaim their time and improve operations.
Website: neisenconsulting.com
City: Montgomery, MN
Connection: Sarah has helped friends of mine free up time and money by outsourcing the daily grind so they can focus on what really grows their businesses. She helps manage several networking groups I am a part of and keeps them on track and organized. I have seen firsthand her excellent organizational skills!
Close at Title
Services: Close at Title delivers real estate title and closing services. They simplify the closing process and provide client-focused support.
Website: closeattitle.com
City: New Prague, MN
Connection: Tracey is a local gem who makes closings easy and stress-free. I’ve seen firsthand the impact she has on clients who didn’t even know they could choose their title company. From initially meeting at a networking meeting, Tracey and I are now good friends and see each other weekly.
First Bank and Trust
Services: First Bank and Trist provides personal banking, commercial banking, and financial services with a community focus.
Website: bankeasy.com
City: New Prague, MN
Connection: We’ve banked with First Bank and Trust for years, my entire time in Minnesota. Their staff are always friendly and helpful, and it’s rare these days to walk into a bank where everyone knows your name.
New Market Bank
Services: New Market Bank is a community bank offering mortgages, loans, and full banking services to families and businesses.
Website: newmarket.bank
City: Elko New Market, MN
Connection: Becky Wilson helped us with our first mortgage and continues to guide us years later. She’s a trusted friend and someone I recommend often.
Innovative Insurance
Services: Innovative Insurance is an independent insurance agency offering personal, auto, home, business, and workers’ comp coverage.
Website: innovativeinsure.net
City: New Prague, MN
Connection: Innovative has handled every insurance need we’ve ever had, from personal home and auto, commercial vehicles to worker’s comp. They’re thorough, professional, and consistently find the best coverage at the best prices. They provide peace-of-mind!
Keepsake Agency
Services: Keepsake Agency is a full-service insurance brokerage offering customized risk management solutions for families and businesses.
Website: keepsakeagency.com
City: New Prague, MN
Connection: Carla Sticha is a local insurance broker who goes above and beyond for her clients. She sets policies right so claims are never denied. Many friends of ours trust Carla for good reason.
Specialty & Lifestyle Services
Word of Life MN
Services: Word of Life MN is a local church with two locations offering faith-based teaching, family programs, and community outreach.
Website: wordoflifemn.com
City: New Prague and Le Sueur, MN
Connection: Our family church. Pastor J, Pastor Nick, and the whole congregation have been a safe, welcoming place for us—and one I’m proud to recommend!
The Well Treehouse
Services: The Well Treehouse provides youth counseling, after-school programs, and development programs aimed at guiding and protecting future leaders.
Website: treehousepath.com
City: New Prague, MN
Connection: Their work with youth is vital. My family and I have personally supported their meal programs, helped with special events and fundraisers, and seen first-hand the impact they have on shaping the next generation here in our town!
Inspire Services
Services: Inspire Services, LLC was created to address a critical gap in mental health and substance use care, particularly in rural Minnesota. Operating three clinics and five residential homes, the organization provides comprehensive support through mental health therapy, recovery programs—including Substance Use Disorder Intensive Outpatient Programs (SUD IOP)—and integrated co-occurring services tailored to each individual’s journey. Their mission is to empower people to live fulfilling lives through compassionate, evidence-based care—and to strengthen communities by fostering healing, resilience, and connection.
Website: inspireservicesllc.com
City: Montgomery, MN
Connection: John and Josh provide more than just mental health—they provide encouragement. Their podcasts and newsletters have inspired me and my team to keep growing. Mental health is important to everyone, and I have personally benefited from conversations with them.
ID Threadz
Services: ID Threadz provides custom apparel, embroidery, printing, and uniforms for businesses, schools, and events.
Website: idthreadz.com
City: New Prague, MN
Connection: Janelle supplies all our branded gear, from uniforms to hats. She makes sure our team is always comfortable and well-represented!
2 If By Sea Tactical
Services: 2 If By Sea Tactical offers a gun range, gun shop, safety training, and a unique historical museum. They also host events and support local veterans.
Website: 2ifbyseatactical.com
City: New Prague, MN
Connection: Austin and his team care deeply about veterans, a cause close to my heart. They’ve helped us support the veteran employees on our own crew and make sure they’re take care of in the best ways possible.
Chicka Chicka Broom
Services: Chicka Chicka Broom provides residential and commercial cleaning services across the South Metro, with a reputation for dependable results.
Website: chickachickabroom.com
City: Montgomery, MN
Connection: Kate Sloan, the owner, has been both a client and a guide. Her insights into modern service delivery and her reputation across the South Metro make her a standout in the cleaning industry. I have learned much from her over the years.
Water & Environmental Services
Clean Slate Junk Removal and Demolition
Services: Clean Slate MN offers junk hauling, debris disposal, and environmental cleanup services for residential and commercial needs.
Website: cleanslatemn.com
City: Belle Plaine, MN
Connection: Justin has been our cleanup partner for years. From hauling away debris from rebuilds to clearing out old equipment, he’s clean, reliable and professional. We call him several times a month for junk removal!
Draeger Commercial Services
Services: Draeger Commercial Services offers dumpster rentals for both residential and commercial clients. They handle projects of all sizes.
Website: draegercommercialservices.com
City: Prior Lake, MN
Connection: Jake Draeger provides dumpster rentals for our bigger projects. He’s on time, professional, and always careful not to damage property during drop-off or pickup.
Scuba Weed Control
Services: Scuba Weed Control specializes in aquatic weed management for lakes and large ponds. Their divers provide targeted removal of invasive plant species.
Website: scubaweedcontrol.com
City: Minnesota-wide
Connection: Connor and I have discussed our work many times. They focus on lake and large pond vegetation management, while we focus on backyard ecosystems. A solid fit for their niche.
The Sewer Dude
Services: The Sewer Dude provides drain and sewer cleaning services, specializing in quick response and reliable fixes for residential and commercial systems.
Website: thesewerdude.com
City: Minneapolis, MN
Connection: Rod helped us personally at home with a couple stubborn drains. He was on time, thorough, and left everything spotless. Definitely recommended.
The Pond Co.
Services: The Pond Co. sells pond equipment, pumps, filters, and supplies tailored to DIY pond owners who want to take on projects themselves.
Website: thepondco.com
City: Bloomington, MN
Connection: Great for DIY pond enthusiasts. We often step in to help clients who’ve bought equipment here and need professional installation.
Helping Hands Junk Removal
Services: Helping Hands Junk Removal provides junk hauling and disposal with a focus on eco-friendly practices and community service.
Website: helpinghandsjr.com
City: Owatonna, MN
Connection: Mark keeps the junk business fun while giving back to his community. He’s passionate about what he does, and his social media is worth following for the stories alone. We have had conversations before and run in the same circles.
Automotive & Vehicle Care
Joe’s General Auto
Services: Joe’s General Auto provides reliable auto repair and maintenance for both personal and commercial vehicles. They cover everything from oil changes to major repairs.
Website: joesgeneralauto.com
City: Shakopee, MN
Connection: Joe is a personal friend and our go-to mechanic. We’ve shared a lot of time together as friends, and I am grateful for his real friendship. He’s honest, dependable, and keeps both my family and my team safe on the road year-round. Truly “not your average Joe.”
Palmer Welcome Auto
Services: Palmer Welcome Auto offers used auto sales with a reputation for integrity. They’ve been a trusted local business for years. Most anyone in our local area knows the reputation Palmer has for honesty and integrity!
Website: palmerwelcomeauto.com
City: New Prague, MN
Connection: Palmer is a trusted mentor and friend. I’ve literally never trusted anyone’s handshake more. He runs a community-focused business built on honesty and integrity. We’ve shared meals together and enjoyed each others company at local community fundraising events. He is a man who gives back.
Tint & Wrap MN
Services: Tint & Wrap MN provides professional vehicle wraps, automotive tinting, and branding services to make businesses stand out on the road.
Website: tintandwrapmn.com
City: Savage, MN
Connection: Sumeer and his team gave us incredible vehicle designs and wraps that make a big statement in every neighborhood! They’re the ones helping keep us visible—literally.
Minnesota is home to some incredible businesses — people who do their work well, care about their clients, and give back to their communities. Just like Superior Ponds focuses on stress-free water feature maintenance, these partners focus on their craft with the same level of pride.
If you’re looking for trusted businesses in the Twin Cities or southern Minnesota, you can’t go wrong with any of the names on this list.