We at Great Northern Builders are always on the lookout for opportunities to give back to the community, and giving back to veterans holds a special place in our hearts. Among the many stories that have moved us, few have touched us as profoundly as Kyle Anderson’s.
Kyle, a courageous young man who sustained a life-altering head wound while serving in Iraq, continues to impact lives with his remarkable strength, resilience, and positive outlook. His journey is a testament to the enduring spirit of our veterans, and we are privileged to have had the opportunity to contribute to his well-being.
Inver Grove Heights native Kyle Anderson, once the epitome of high school popularity and a state wrestling champion, faced immense challenges after being severely injured in 2004. Despite losing most of the left lobe of his brain, Kyle hasn’t lost his spirit. He now works stocking coolers at Walgreens, where his perseverance is an inspiration to everyone he meets.
Recently, Kyle Anderson’s remarkable journey and the heartwarming story of the man cave were featured on Kare11. The segment highlighted Kyle’s unwavering resilience and the incredible support from his community, showcasing how friends and local businesses came together to honor his service and uplift his spirits.
This project to build a man cave for Kyle started as a labor of love, driven by Kyle’s high school wrestling buddies, Seth Anderson, and Nate Biljan, and supported by an array of volunteers and contractors. Nate, deeply moved by Kyle’s journey, got his brother, Chris, the owner of Great Northern Builders to help build a new garage from the ground up and made a fully customized space for Kyle to enjoy—a two-stall garage outfitted with a fancy bar, large TV, and a pool table, all paying homage to Kyle’s service as a Marine.
The project was a testament to the community’s gratitude for Kyle’s sacrifice. On a chilly morning, friends, family, and supporters gathered to unveil the surprise. The air was charged with emotion as Kyle was finally shown his new retreat. The joy on his face, when he saw the desert-colored floors and reclaimed wood walls, was priceless, a moment that encapsulated the community’s appreciation and respect for his service.
Kyle’s story is more than just one of survival; it’s a narrative of camaraderie, sacrifice, and the enduring human spirit. It is our honor at Great Northern Builders to have played a part in creating a space where Kyle can relax and enjoy life, surrounded by the warmth of his community.
For us, this project was about more than just construction; it was about giving back to a hero who has given so much to his country. We hope Kyle enjoys his new man cave and finds it to be a small token of the immense gratitude we all feel for his service and sacrifice.
Amazing work for an amazing hero. Here’s to Kyle, a true inspiration.
Special thanks to all the donors who made this possible…
Walker Landscaping & Concrete
The Electric Guys
Royal Star Furniture
Schadegg Mechanical
Ojeda Paint and Drywall
Manomin Resawn Timbers
BT Design (Brian and John Truesdell)
Besser Welding
Midwest Specialties
Nature’s Stone, LLC
Home Media Innovations
Jerseys Bar & Grill
Polaris
The Coating Crew
Inver Grove Brewing Co.
Speedpro
Hayden Stanton
Shultz Photo & Design LLC
Professional Billiards Services, LLC
RC Seamless Gutters
Trail Star Audio
Conversion-Omics Speakers & Consultants
