Meet Cletus Willette of Dodge Center, Minnesota.
Cletus is the tenth of eleven siblings, married, and the proud father of six children.
Raised on a Minnesota farm, he learned early that farming goes hand in hand with fixing and repairing—often on a daily basis. From a young age, Cletus had a hammer in his hand, nails in his pocket, and a growing list of projects waiting to be tackled.
It did not take long for him to discover that he loved this kind of work. Saving and restoring old buildings—and making them like new again—became more than a chore; it became a passion.
By tenth grade, Cletus had built a bookshelf. In eleventh grade, he made a three- drawer filing cabinet. Both pieces are still used in his home today, a testament to his early craftsmanship.
One of the most challenging projects Cletus has completed was a Gothic-style barn roof, known for its steep and low pitches. The complexity of the job did not stop him—he approached it with the same determination and attention to detail he brings to every project.
Armed with basic carpentry tools, construction knowledge, and a strong work ethic, Cletus was determined to support his growing family. His goal was clear: to build a “business with integrity.” That vision became a reality with the creation of Acreage and Farm Construction which has now been successfully serving customers for more than 20 years with services such as roofing & siding of outbuildings, doors; windows, repair of outbuildings, residential roofing & decks, carpentry work, and tree service.
Today, 80–90% of his business comes from word-of-mouth referrals and satisfied customers. “Business with integrity—fix it before it becomes a problem,” says Cletus.
When starting a new project, Cletus carefully evaluates every detail. He estimates material costs, square footage, time, and labor before providing a fair and honest estimate. Once a start date is set, he works every day until the job is completed.
His model for success is simple:
Be honest.
Be fair.
Do good work.
Follow through.
Do what you say you will do.
Now is the time to plan for spring projects.
Call Cletus Willette: 507-456-7787
