About Us

Our Mission

At First Choice Exteriors we believe it is our duty to provide customers with the highest quality home exteriors at the best price available. We work closely with homeowners, keeping them informed on every step of a project. We are very experienced in working with insurance companies; our deep understanding of the inspection process and how to identify damage allows us to file hundreds of successful claims each year. We work with only top-rated products and highly trained roofing professionals to give you the best looking home in the neighborhood. We value honesty above profit, and believe our reputation is our most valuable asset. At the end of the day, we aren’t satisfied until you are!

Our History

First Choice Exteriors was born in 1999 when our founder, Mark Willier, opened First Choice Seamless as a gutter installation company. His goal was to be number one in both quality of work and customer satisfaction. These two priorities proved effective, and after several years of successful business Mark expanded the company to include full exterior services. Since then we have grown our network across the metropolitan area, serving our community and connecting with some of the best people in the industry. Many exteriors companies don’t last more than a few years, doing shoddy work to make quick cash, but not us. Although our company has grown, our commitment to quality work and customer satisfaction remain the same as day one. With over 19 years of experience, First Choice has the reputation and expertise to transform your residence into a dream home.

Meet the Team

Mark Willier: Owner

Mark was born in Eden Prairie, MN, and was first introduced to the construction industry in 1995 working as a seamless gutter installer. In 1999 he started First Choice Seamless which grew year after year, finally expanding from gutter service to a complete exteriors company. He has spent 21 years learning every detail around residential construction and growing First Choice into a trusted and reputable contractor with thousands of happy customers.

Mike McCain: General Manager

Mike was born and raised in Excelsior, MN and grew up around building operations and management. The family business was constructing, managing, and maintaining numerous commercial buildings and residential homes. He spent much of his early years working in various realms of construction including owning and operating a successful finishing company for more than 15 years. He has a top-notch approach to both customer service and personnel operations here at First Choice Exteriors.

Mike’s impartial and always professional demeanor has made him one the industry’s most reputable players in handling insurance claims. He has continued to teach employees of First Choice Exteriors the correct avenues to becoming elite in their field. The dedication Mike has to 100% customer satisfaction is why he and First Choice Exteriors continue to be one of the most referred exterior contractors in the Twin Cities.

Phil Paradise: Field Manager

Phil was born and raised in Victoria, MN, where he was brought up as the son of a contractor. He grew up helping his father with various construction projects and they lived by the motto of ‘treat every job as if it’s your own home’. After attending St. Mary’s University of Minnesota for 4 years, Phil jumped right into the exteriors sector of the construction industry. He spent his first two years in the business learning every moving part of a project from beginning to end. Quickly Phil’s niche became working with homeowner associations and commercial management companies in resolving large loss insurance claims. Phil joined the company in 2013 and instantly proved to be an extremely valuable asset and team player at First Choice Exteriors. In each of his 4 years his gross sales have increased. His extreme attention to detail and knowledge of the industry make him one of the best in the business.

“Every claim is important to me. No matter how big or small the claim may be, I always promise to handle it with the utmost professionalism and efficiency”. -Phil.

Dave Mack: Project Manager

Prior to entering the residential remodeling industry, Dave’s work experience included six years in customer service and ten years as a production manager. Dave started in the remodeling industry in 1999, and spent the first 15 years selling roofing, siding, windows and seamless gutters. Due to our growth and commitment to a high standard of quality and customer service, Dave was hired in 2015 as a full time on-site project manager to oversee all aspects of our roofing and siding installations. We are proud to say that we are one of the only companies with a dedicated project manager for every individual job. Dave serves as a very important line of communication between the company and the homeowner.

Markus Helmken: Field Supervisor

Markus joined the team in 2018 after graduating from St. Olaf College with a double major in Mathematics and Chemistry. He is originally from Vermont, the only state friendlier than Minnesota! Markus is a helpful and enthusiastic person. A true extrovert, his favorite activity is getting out and meeting with new customers. He's learned a lot in three years and is now training in new team members, and is enjoying watching the First Choice Family grow.

Jordan Peoples: Field Representative

Jordan recently joined the First Choice team after graduating from Augsburg University. At Augsburg Jordan studied sociology with a focus in leadership and urban studies. He plans on using these skills to better understand and relate to all customers in their pursuit of completing their dream home project. People close to Jordan would describe him as outgoing, friendly, and helpful. Treating customers/homeowners like family is what Jordan specializes in, so if you see him in your neighborhood don’t hesitate to call him over!

Emma Helmken: Field Representative

Emma is the newest member of the team having recently graduated from the University of Vermont where she studied anthropology and global studies. She has a background in Emergency Medical Services and Ski Patrol and is looking forward to channeling her passion for helping people into the restoration industry. She is devoted to serving the Twin Cities metro area with excellent customer service and is excited to help guide new customers through the home improvement process.