Honoring Our Roots: The Legacy of Vujovich Design Build and the Retirement of Ed Roskowinski
This August, we take time to reflect on our journey as a company—from humble beginnings in 1977 to becoming one of Twin Cities’ longest standing design-build firms. Alongside that story, we are celebrating the retirement of a true cornerstone of Vujovich Design Build: our General Manager, Ed Roskowinski.
Our Beginning: A Family Foundation
Vujovich Design Build was founded in 1977 by Peter Vujovich. Originally established as Vujovich Construction, the company began with Peter, his brother, and one other carpenter. Even in those early days, the foundation was clear—commitment to quality, care for craftsmanship, and a passion for the unique challenges and beauty of remodeling older homes.
As the company grew and evolved, so did its name. Vujovich Construction became Vujovich Design Build, reflecting a full-service design-build approach that ensures a seamless experience for homeowners—from initial concept through final construction.
Ed Roskowinski: 39 Years of Heart and Leadership
In 1986, Peter’s 21-year-old cousin, Ed Roskowinski, joined the company. Like many young employees starting out in the trades, Ed began at the ground level—doing demo work and hauling debris to dumpsters. But from day one, he was captivated.
“I found it fascinating,” Ed recalls. “Especially working in these old homes with so much history and character.”
Over time, Ed moved through virtually every role in the company: from the job site to project management, and eventually general management. But he credits his growth to the vision Peter had for him.
“I did advance through the company, and I would say it wasn’t because I was ambitious,” Ed said. “It was really because Peter saw the potential in me and there was always a job he didn’t want to do!”
From those early days to his final ones at the company, Ed remained grounded in humility, teamwork, and a quiet leadership style that inspired those around him. One management principle he carried throughout his career was advice from Peter:
“Always hire people who are more competent than you are and then listen to them.”
Reflections from the Team
At Ed’s recent retirement celebration, surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues past and present, the impact of his career was clear. Many shared stories and reflections that painted a vivid picture of the kind of leader Ed has been.
Chris McGuire, Director of Operations, put it best:
“For 39 years he really helped shape the culture of Vujovich.”
Chris added:
“When I started back in 1988, I pretty much knew right away that Ed was kind of the Yin to Peter’s Yang. Peter would have these crazy plans and great ideas, and Ed would be the one who would help shape them into something that could actually work.”
Ed’s integrity and steady leadership also served as a foundation for the company’s core values. Chris continued:
“We talk a lot about our core values, and I really feel like a lot of these values were built on Ed’s personal values. The first two being trust and integrity—this is Ed to his core. When Ed says he’s going to do something, you know it’s going to be done.”
He went on to say:
“We talk about knowledge and creativity. You are the knowledge side for sure, and Peter was creativity [he laughs]. Again, Yin and Yang. The last is our positive relationships and communities. Ed has an easy way about him, and everybody knows it when you meet him—he genuinely cares about you and all his employees.”
Peter Vujovich echoed that sentiment during the celebration:
“I may have had the name that stuck to the company, but the real guy behind the scenes making all of the gears turn and making it all work was Ed.”
Beyond the Job: A Heart for Community
Ed’s legacy extends beyond the walls of Vujovich. He and Peter have long led by example when it comes to philanthropy and community involvement. In 2017, Ed received the Achievement of the Year award from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) for his instrumental role in launching NARI Cares, a nonprofit dedicated to helping Minnesota homeowners and organizations in need with affordable repairs and remodeling services—a lasting contribution that continues to improve lives.
Ed’s Message of Thanks
Ed’s final words at his retirement party were a testament to the relationships he built and the purpose he found in his work:
“I love and appreciate all of you guys, and I wouldn’t be up here or have had the wonderful career that I had—and all of the joy and fun that I had—without you. I especially want to thank Janet [Ed’s wife]. She taught me to, even though it was uncomfortable at times, advocate for the people and things you care about. And I appreciate her very much for that.”
And, finally:
“It’s been a great career, and I’ve loved every minute of it.”
A Grateful Farewell from Vujovich
As we step into this next chapter at Vujovich Design Build, we do so with gratitude for the legacy of those who came before us. Ed’s influence will continue to shape our team, our projects, and our purpose. We’re honored to carry his spirit of trust, craftsmanship, and compassion into the future.
Thank you, Ed.
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