Meet Kraus-Anderson’s New Hearts & Hammers Volunteer Leader, Superintendent Matt Peterson

This year, 2026, marked the 29th anniversary of Kraus-Anderson’s partnership with Hearts and Hammers to restore a home for someone in need in the Twin Cities area. This was the first year, however, that the volunteer team was led by KA Superintendent Matt Peterson. Early in his KA tenure but a veteran superintendent, Peterson was motivated to step into the role by passion, skill and a personal history. 

“Last year, I was the co-captain, and this year the opportunity to lead came up,” Peterson said. “I knew I could handle scheduling manpower, the scaffold, all the logistics, right? But the thing I didn’t know was how to bill it and where to put costs, more of the project manager style of work.” 

This is where his own team of volunteers came in to help, with Assistant Project Manager Malia Lee and Matt Mikkelson, a Project Manager 2.  

“Thank you to Malia and Matt,” Peterson said. “They were a big help to have that’s for sure.” 

A Personal Inspiration

For Peterson, stepping into a leadership role with Hearts and Hammers was as easy as the first time he said yes to being on the volunteer team. 

“My mom was a single mom, and she worked a full-time job and then also worked a part-time job, but she still didn’t make a ton of money. We were kind of struggling, and over the years, our house just deteriorated,” Peterson shared. “My mom couldn’t keep up with it and couldn’t afford to pay anyone. She was always very embarrassed of the appearance of the exterior of our house and that prevented us from having friends over.  

“When I first saw the opportunity come across in an email, it kind of hit home to me, and I thought, well, how cool is this. I would have loved for someone to do that for us when we were growing up. I didn’t know anything about it; I just signed up. AJ reached out to Nicole to find someone with carpentry skills, and he got my name and said, ‘I’m wondering if you’re willing to put in a little extra.’ I told him, as much as I can and whatever you need, I’m there for you.”

Transferring Skills

“Being a sup over the years, I think it’s always very important to set expectations with your customer, or in this case, the homeowner. Just so when everything was kind of said and done, she wasn’t going to have any big surprises,” Peterson said, comparing the skillset he brings every day to the job site with his interactions with the owner of the remodeled home. 

“I always try to put myself in the other person’s shoes. Me and Lonnie, the homeowner, we’ve been in contact quite a bit. When I first met her, I gave her my number. I’ve just been keeping that communication open to her. And, you know, she’s called me just about things that don’t even pertain to the house, updating me on her life and other things.” 

Peterson said he is happy to share his knowledge and recommendations both volunteering and on the job site. “Just making people feel comfortable with the work we’re performing is always number one, right?” 

Going the Extra Mile, Staying Healthy

Peterson isn’t the kind of superintendent who will sacrifice quality or time. He insists on going above and beyond in whatever he’s committing to, as evidenced by his project delivery. Peterson wrapped 2 projects as he was volunteering with Hearts and Hammers, and when asked how he balanced it all, he said it’s his personal philosophy.  

“I want to be there for Kraus Anderson as a team member. I don’t just want to be an employee or a number, I want to excel and go above and beyond,” he said. “Things like Hearts and Hammers makes me feel more connected to my organization. And if that’s, me putting in a little effort using some of my own personal time, if I can make a bunch of people happy, that’s kind of why I do it.” 

A heavy workload, however, means an increased focus on taking care of oneself is necessary. Peterson said he was “honestly spread pretty thin” in the week before Hearts and Hammers. While maintaining constant communication with tradespeople and subcontractors on his job sites, Peterson said it helps to take things one day at a time.  

“I try not to dwell on stuff. I’m big on prioritizing, so I take my biggest issues and put those ahead of everything else,” he advised. “And then I’m a big advocate for exercise and going to the gym. I get done with my work activities and I work out the stress with the weights and the Stairmaster.” 

A Big Thank You, Ready to Return

“I can’t say thank you to BrandSafway enough, they donated the scaffold and took time out of their day to come out, measure stuff with me, discuss logistics. They delivered all the scaffold and they sent a helper,” Peterson said. 

When asked if he’ll return next year, Peterson replied, “If you will have me, I would love to continue to be the team captain. 

“I think Hearts and Hammers did a really good job this year, in the middle of a transition, thank you to them. Thanks for connecting us with Lonnie and for what they do. Looking forward to our 30th year next year!”