Finnkin Stucco, LLC
The pride of a nation
![Finnkin Stucco, LLC’s high-end stonework helps distinguish this Copper Creek Homes house.](storyassets/oregon_sw_washington/feature_stories/F17_PO_FS3_Finnkin_Stucco_LLC/F17_PO_FS3_Interior1_530x370.png)
Finnkin Stucco, LLC’s high-end stonework helps distinguish this Copper Creek Homes house.
![Finnkin Stucco, LLC serves Oregon and southwest Washington.](storyassets/oregon_sw_washington/feature_stories/F17_PO_FS3_Finnkin_Stucco_LLC/F17_PO_FS3_Interior2_530x370.png)
Finnkin Stucco, LLC serves Oregon and southwest Washington.
Every time Karl Kuoppala stuccos a house, it’s more than a project. It’s a reflection of him, his family, even an entire country.
The Finnish craftsman is a second-generation mason from a nation known for its brick and stucco work. His father and uncle emigrated from Finland to British Columbia, Canada, where they began a masonry company about 40 years ago.
Kuoppala learned the skill under their watchful eyes in high school. Among the lessons: work hard, be honest and always pay attention to the details. Kuoppala found these principles particularly important when working with his passion: stucco.
A few years ago, Kuoppala married Mary Tapani and moved to her hometown of Battle Ground, Wash., where he started Finnkin Stucco, LLC—the name an ode to his cultural heritage. There, he continues the family’s—and nation’s—tradition of high-end masonry.
“Finns are very big on brick and stucco both,” he says. “They know their quality products. They know they’ll last. Finns stand by their masonry work. It’s passed down from generation to generation.”
Finnkin specializes in stucco, exterior insulation and finish systems, plastering and lath, stone masonry, concrete flat work, decorative concrete as well as some specialty architectural elements, such as rammed-earth architecture and spray foam architectural moldings. “These are all materials a true tradesman can be proud of,” he adds. The company serves southwest Washington and Oregon.
Finnkin’s work stands out from the rest due to its detailed artistic nature, which has drawn customers from across the region. Last year, the company’s revenue grew three times faster than it projected, and anticipates even quicker growth in 2017.
Fun with Clients
People are drawn to the finished product, but they fall in love with Finnkin because of how Kuoppala and his staff treat each customer. Every individual or company Finnkin serves is treated like a partner on the project, just like Kuoppala’s dad and uncle taught him.
“When we work with customers, we try to be straightforward and honest,” Kuoppala says. “We try not to play a business game. We try to get to know them and they get to know us. We visit with them. We have fun with them.”
Finnkin builds a relationship with every customer based on trust. Customers are hiring more than a service provider when they work with Finnkin, they’re getting an advocate. Clients understand Finnkin will put their needs and desires first, says Kuoppala.
Building a home or commercial property is a complicated process that involves many people making many decisions that ultimately come together. Kuoppala and his Finnkin co-workers know the process well and therefore can help navigate that journey for the benefit of all.
“We have such a wide variety of experience,” Kuoppala says. “You’re dealing with an interior designer, exterior designer, architect and owner on every decision. Everyone wants to pitch in; and we want everyone to be happy.”
Each project matters to Kuoppala because he cares about the people Finnkin serves. The end product impacts the customers he works for as well as the community where he lives.
Even the Hidden Things Matter
“First and foremost, we care,” Kuoppala says. “Not just about the portion that’s visible, but the portion or scope of work that’s covered up when complete. For example, the weather barrier and insulating value of the work is important to us. We don’t want future water damage or poor insulating values resulting from shoddy workmanship being covered up. We will stick to our guns concerning proper installation procedures, as if it’s our own residence.”
Recently, Finnkin was working with a man who was building a Scandinavian-style farmhouse. There was a discussion about which materials to use, and Finnkin drew upon its experience in these kinds of projects to advise the client to use stone rather than cultured stone. As a result of the decision, the client has the maintenance-free home of his dreams.
“With our nature, we can’t help it,” Kuoppala says. “We have to say something. We really care about the building in the end. We’re not working for us. We’re working for the customer.”
He adds, “Now, he’s happy as ever. You can tell the difference. It really looks like a real farmhouse.”
Developer Says Finnkin is “Highly Recommended”
Copper Creek Homes’ Michael Shanaberger has seen Finnkin’s work up close when Finnkin installed stucco on five high-end homes in the past 18 months.
“When Jim Groth, President of Copper Creek Homes, reached out, Karl was quick to respond with bids on a few of our custom homes,” Shanaberger says. Sabrina Shanaberger, also with Copper Creek Homes, works closely with her company’s clients on choices regarding rock and other exterior and interior finishes. She has found that the Finnkin team is always willing to exceed expectations and provide a quality custom finish.
Recently, Finnkin joined the Builders Industry Association of Clark County to become involved locally in the industry and to grow its business. “Karl and his team are professionals in every aspect and are highly recommended,” Michael Shanaberger adds.
Kuoppala enjoys seeing the projects Finnkin has worked on. From his viewpoint, Finnkin projects stand out above all others. Seeing them reminds him how clients react when they first see their completed projects.
“We can usually tell how a project has turned out from the reaction of the owner or the builder,” Kuoppala says. “There’s a smile there. For us, there’s a sense of accomplishment. When it’s done, you know it’s going to be a building for the next 20 to 30 years. When you drive by, you hit your brakes and look at it.”
![John Hall](storyassets/contributors/JohnHall.jpg)