Our Story

ABOUT ACTUATE IMPROVEMENT

Our Company

OUR MISSION

At Actuate Improvement, our mission is to build beautiful spaces and build them well. Our pledge is to provide the highest quality of work with integrity and respect for our clients! We will continue to learn and educate ourselves and others. Actuate Improvement is not only a design and remodeling company but also the utmost trustworthy organization. Actuate Improvement is here to provide its team service with a successful mindset. 

OUR PROCESS, VISION AND EXECUTION

Like all our services, we perform interior remodeling in Design + Build fashion. We take the time to understand your goals for your interior space, how you’ll use it, and your personal style. From there, we’ll create an interior design illustration to show the vision for the project. After your approval, a project team is assigned, and our friendly and expert craftsmen build the vision as planned.

group-silly-2023-cropped
mark-alexander

Mark Alexander

OWNER

My name is Mark Alexander.  I am the owner of Actuate Improvement. I was born and raised in Stoughton, WI. I have always had a passion for design and construction.

My career in the construction industry started in 1999, building decks, sheds, and other small projects in our small community. Once I graduated high school, I joined a very good company as a framing carpenter, building residential homes and small commercial buildings. That company started to grow, and in 2002, I started running crews on houses and commercial projects as a foreman. I loved the challenge of learning the industry and helping our company grow. I worked with that company until 2006. My desire to learn different aspects of the building industry took me to work with design and consulting for a remodeling company from 2007 – 2013.

Actuate Improvement was a dream in the waiting. Although I have learned from and worked with many very well-known and reputable leaders in the industry, I have always wanted to create my own contracting business to help others with designs and home changes/modifications.

Our goal and mission with Actuate Improvement is to provide a great service and quality finishes.

brett-klitzke

Brett Klitzke

HUMAN RESOURCES

Brett started working for Actuate Improvement in September 2020 as a carpenter. It was quickly apparent that his skill set made him better suited to tackle the role of Human Resources, which he filled for both the State of Wisconsin and UW-Madison. Brett also wears many other hats in the office, such as Customer Service Representative and the maker of morning coffee, Mark Alexander’s life coach, fill-in carpenter, and many other duties.

Brett continues to instill the goal and mission of Actuate Improvement by providing great customer service and quality finishes.

Design—Create—Actuate

ryan-luedtke

Ryan Luedtke

DRAFTSMAN/DESIGN MANAGER

Ryan is the Chief Operating Officer and Draftsman for Actuate Improvement. He is responsible for organizing remodeling projects’ pre-production, designing, and procuring building plans. Ryan’s vast knowledge of the remodeling industry, building material products, and proficient CAD skills help customers achieve their needs and wants on every project. Understanding our customers’ needs and wants makes Ryan a valued asset at Actuate. Ryan relies on his Bachelor of Arts from Ripon College, creative mindset, and easy-going personality to help customers achieve their dreams.

stephanie2-klein

Stephanie Klein

LEAD INTERIOR DESIGNER

Stephanie joined the Actuate Improvement team in November 2019 as the head Interior Designer with 20 years of experience. She graduated with her degree in Interior Design in 2001. She is passionate about design and loves to help her clients achieve their dream home. With attention to detail, Stephanie incorporates the clients’ ideas and uses her creativity to build a space that is beyond their expectations.

Stephanie loves to spend time with her husband, 3 children, friends, and family. She is active with camping, swimming, and playing sports. She also loves entertaining, cooking, baking, and crafting projects with her children. She is involved in our community and volunteers at her children’s schools and sports programs. Stephanie is a pleasure to work with and looks forward to working with you on your next project!

sarah-corbin

Sarah Corbin

LEAD INTERIOR DESIGNER

Sarah brings inquisitiveness and zeal to interior design. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sustainable Interior Design from Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. Sarah’s appreciation for life’s simple pleasures fuels her creativity and holistic approach to design and infuses her designs with a sense of warmth and authenticity. Her ability to connect with clients personally allows her to create spaces that not only meet their needs but also reflect their individuality and values. She loves experimenting in the kitchen, exploring nature through backpacking, and enjoying moments with loved ones and her pets.

nate-oxley

Nate Oxley

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Nate has held several roles in the remodeling industry and serves as our Production Manager. His easy-going attitude makes it easy for everyone to get along with him, and you will always see a smile on his face. Nate has many outside interests, including furniture building, beer brewing, hula hoops, instructing a spin class at his local VFW, and snowshoeing.

alyssa-hensen

Alyssa Hensen

DRAFTING ASSISTANT

Alyssa joined Actuate Improvement in September 2021 as the Office Administrator/Design Assistant. She graduated in 2016 from UW La Crosse and again in 2018 from Madison College with a degree in Interior Design. She currently has 3 years of design experience in commercial and residential projects and is looking to move full time into residential. She enjoys the outdoors in her free time through camping with her family, hiking with her dogs, gardening poorly and going to the beach on the Wisconsin river.

pam-alexander

Pam Alexander

BEST MOM EVER

“I am the Creator of the Owner of Actuate Improvement” she likes to say! Pam also has two other sons and 9 grandchildren. She did daycare for 12 years while her boys were growing up and worked at Stoughton Trailers in the office for 20 years. Retired, went back to Stoughton part-time for 2 years. She got bored at home after retiring again, so she came to work for Actuate Improvement part-time and she LOVES it, and all the people associated with it. It’s like a second home!

paul-davenport

Paul Davenport

PROJECT CONSULTANT

Paul has been with Actuate Improvement since March 2023 and brings 8 years of sales and project management experience in the remodeling industry to the team. Prior to him entering into the Madison remodeling industry, Paul managed restaurants and brought his customer service passion and focus to our sales team. Paul loves his role in sales and project development because it allows him to talk remodeling all day long and take his clients through the exciting process of conception to a final finished project, all without putting his fragile, middle-aged body on the line. He truly loves helping our clients actuate their dream projects and says that there is nothing more rewarding than clients who are thrilled with their end product. Outside of work Paul loves spending time with his three daughters, his wife Jenna, and their Bernese Mountain Dog Frankie. Whenever he can carve out time from the family, you will likely find him on the water fishing or out for a long hike with Frankie.

justin-kane

Justin Kane

PROJECT CONSULTANT

Justin is a Sales Manager at Actuate Improvement. He is responsible for wrangling sales staff, training, and ensuring consistency and quality of work. Justin attended Herzing College for Drafting and has 18 years of working construction knowledge from many facets of the industry. His laid back approach (he wore boat shoes and shorts to his interview) and attention to detail keep our sales staff on point and our clients in the know about every step of their project. Justin’s hobbies include travel, mountain hikes, and fishing Wisconsin’s Northwoods.

jennifer-stelzer

Jen Stelzer

PROJECT CONSULTANT

Jen joined the Actuate team in 2024 and brings 12 years of remodeling and project management experience. She first found her passion for the industry when she purchased a home in 2012 and dove headfirst into remodeling it. She has since flipped three homes and helped family and friends with countless projects. Jen loves spending time with her family, golfing, and playing tennis. She has three dogs for whom she would do anything, and she continues to do all she can to make an impact on canines’ lives. Jen is excited to have the chance to help you with your next home improvement project!

michael-jazinski

Michael Jasinski

PROJECT MANAGER

Michael grew up in a family of three generations of Carpenters. He worked for his dad as a helper in the summers, where he learned that he loved building things. In 1992, he joined the Carpenters’ union in Chicago and spent 20 years serving as a master carpenter. Michael has trained many apprentices from year one through year four. In 2010, he started his own construction company that did new and remodel construction. In 2012, he moved to Wisconsin, and in 2014, he took a break from working in the field. He is now back in his element, doing what he does and loving it.

peter-boeke

Pete Boeke

FIELD CREW

Pete joined our team in 2024 and has proved to be an invaluable asset! He grew up in northern Illinois and moved to Wisconsin 10 years ago. He has worked in the field for over 20 years and is excited to be a part of the team. Pete enjoys being outdoors, the Badgers, and spending time with his family.

alexander-dustin

Alex Dustin

Field Crew

Alexander Dustin grew up in the small town of Juneau. He spent the last 10 years in the food industry and realized he needed a change, which is what brought him to Actuate. His parents put an addition on the back of their house several years ago, which they did as a family, and it was then that he realized the satisfaction and pride of building something with his hands and seeing the finished product. It made him realize that this might be something he would enjoy as a profession. He spent 4 years in the Wisconsin National Guard and has a tremendous love of sports, especially football, GO PACK GO! He usually spends his free time in the summer Disc Golfing or camping. He bears the cold Wisconsin winters, usually playing some video games and trying to keep warm!

tami

Tami Newman

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Throughout her career, Tami has worn many hats in the marketing universe—often simultaneously—including sales, graphic design, writing, social media management, marketing direction, and entrepreneurship. This diverse experience has equipped her with a unique ability to find creative solutions to even the stickiest challenges, turning obstacles into opportunities with a remarkable flair and inspiring those around her with her resilience and creativity.

Design + Create + Actuate

Our way of doing business is unique. We believe communication, accountability, and customer service are must-haves. If you want a home contracting company that cares about your project as much as you do, then give us a call to find out if we’re a good fit for your next project.

  • Conversation

    Let’s get together. Let’s talk about your goals, budget and timeline. Let us show you how Actuate can not only meet, but exceed your expectations.

  • Design

    We believe that form and function should exist side by side to create beautiful and practical spaces. Our design team will work closely with you to bring your vision to life.

  • Proposal

    We provide our clients with a detailed scope of work and custom project renderings to give you a clear understanding of what to expect.

  • Details

    From countertop materials and cabinet styles, to drawer-pulls and paint colors, Actuate Improvement will guide you through the selection process.

  • Build

    Our production team provides the experience, reliability, and customer service to insure that your project runs smoothly and the results stand the test of time.

Ready to plan?

CONTACT US AND LET’S START THE CONVERSATION

Clients

ABOUT US

  • Working with Mark is refreshing. He is thorough and always ready to take care of us. Every time we had a question, no matter how small or unimportant, he responded quickly. He never left us waiting and was always making sure the project moved along as quickly as possible. When a question required more follow up, Mark let us know when he'd have an answer and he called us back at that time or before. Mark's inspection of the existing structure as he put together his quote was thorough and precise. He explained every detail of the work that would have to happen and taking the time to make sure we understood what he would do and why it had to be done that way. When asked about alternatives, he considered our concerns and adjusted his plan where he could. I've worked with few people as diligent and responsive as Mark.

    Burt P.
  • Due to an extreme life change, I needed to remodel my home quickly. Actuate helped me do this. What made me happiest is that I truly felt like I was working with family….Yes, I would recommend  this company to family and friends, in fact I already have. The entire process was made easier and I felt like they truly cared about me and my unique situation.

    Mary H.
  • I would not hesitate to use your company again… It was a pleasure to work with someone who knows all aspects of the industry…Returning phone calls in a timely manner is one of my pet peeves, but your company did not let me down.

    Geralyn S.
  • From planning through execution, the job was performed without fault and done to a top-notch professional degree… Mark's attention to detail and ability to tackle any part of the project with professionalism was nothing short of amazing. We are thrilled with the outcome.

    Paul S.
  • You took care of the smallest details and made every adjustment to our liking.

    Ruth W.
  • You have been helpful before, during and after the remodeling project.  Thank you for that.  I’m so glad you are putting new life into a house that holds many memories for our family.

    P.M.
  • You guys did a great job and we love our basement and deck! Thanks and great job!

    Courtney C.
  • Enjoyed the men who did the work. Very workman-like, efficient, pleasant, and careful of surrounding areas.

    Mary W.
  • Dear Mark, Thank you so much for taking on my project and spearheading it to completion! I've many complements on it and I especially am so proud of it!  

    Laurel S.
  • Thank you so much for doing such a fantastic job on our remodel. You just can't put a price on Marty being able to go on the porch by himself now, and providing safe bathrooms for him. You are all pleasures to work with!

    Jen M.