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The Clay County Fair in Spencer, Iowa, has long been celebrated as “The World’s Greatest County Fair.” Just 30 minutes from our Graettinger headquarters, Spencer is home to many of our employees and their families. Each September, the fair draws strong crowds from across the region and continues a tradition that connects communities.

This year, EPS was proud to play a part in improving the fairgrounds. In partnership with local EPS Dealer Quail Construction (Joe Quail), our team helped revamp the north gate ticket booths.

The project began in late winter with the goal of designing new booths that reflect the look of the fair’s 100-year-old east gate. Using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), the EPS Design and Engineering team worked with Quail Construction to create three modern ticket booths. Two booths are permanent, and one is movable.

Construction started in mid-August, and thanks to the excellent work of Quail Construction, the fair now has durable, high-quality booths that will serve visitors for years to come.

A big thank you goes to Joe Quail and his team for their effort in making this improvement a reality. We are proud to support a community event that means so much to the people of northwest Iowa.

At EPS, we believe buildings can do much more than provide space; they can create opportunities for people to thrive. A great example of this is our recent connection with Hope Haven International Ministries, a multifaceted organization serving communities in Iowa, South Dakota, and beyond.

EPS Builder/Dealer Brandon Mars of Mars Custom Install (Orange City, Iowa) has worked with Hope Haven on several projects, including their latest effort: the Gift of Hope – Wheelchair Program.

The Gift of Hope – Wheelchair Program

Hope Haven’s Gift of Hope Program is dedicated to delivering wheelchairs to individuals in desperate need from around the world. Their work involves both refurbishing existing wheelchairs and constructing new ones, each tested and tailored to fit the needs of the recipient. Throughout this process, Hope Haven is bringing together people in need with people who have the ability and heart to help.

To date, Hope Haven has delivered over 150,000 wheelchairs in 109 countries.

A New Space to Serve

In 2024, Hope Haven recognized the need to bring their wheelchair construction and life skills programs together under one roof in Orange City, Iowa. Partnering with Brandon Mars, they designed a custom facility that consolidated locations, improved efficiency, and created a more streamlined experience for the volunteer groups who make these wheelchairs possible.

This new facility not only supports the important work of the Gift of Hope Wheelchair Program but also strengthens Hope Haven’s ability to serve for years to come.

Here at EPS, we are proud to highlight the work of organizations like Hope Haven, where thoughtful buildings make a lasting difference.

To learn more about Hope Haven and their Gift of Hope- Wheelchair Program, visit hopehaven.org

Walk onto the Cedar County Fairgrounds in Iowa, and you’ll notice something unique — nearly every building you see is an EPS Building. In fact, with the exception of one historic swine barn, the grounds are a showcase of EPS craftsmanship. And it’s no coincidence. This is one of the most attractive, well-maintained, and picturesque fairgrounds I’ve ever had the pleasure of touring.

The credit goes to local EPS Dealer Custom Builders and their ownership team, who have been deeply involved in their community for many years. The Cedar County Fair holds a special place in their hearts, and over time, they’ve partnered with the fair board to steadily improve and expand the grounds. To date, that partnership has resulted in five EPS buildings — each one designed to meet the unique needs of the fair and the people it serves.

Projects have included:

• A combined fair office and restroom facility
• A cattle barn and show arena
• An outdoor pavilion
• A covered picnic area

This year, when the fair gates opened, visitors were greeted by the newest addition: the Farm Bureau Agricultural Expo Center. This multi-purpose building hosts 4-H activities and will soon become the permanent home of the area’s Iowa State University Extension office.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again — the caliber of builder/dealer that represents EPS is unmatched. These are the kind of people who get uncomfortable when I write articles like this, because for them, it’s never about the recognition. It’s about helping their community grow and thrive. And that’s something we can all appreciate.

At EPS, we believe great buildings can support great missions. One of our most inspiring examples of this is our collaboration with Mobile Loaves & Fishes (MLF), they are a nonprofit organization based in Austin, Texas, that serves individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.

Founded in 1988, Mobile Loaves & Fishes began as a food truck ministry. At its peak, MLF operated 30 food trucks delivering meals to those in need. But they didn’t stop there. Recognizing that food is just one piece of the puzzle, MLF took the next step, providing permanent housing and community support for their neighbors in need.

That vision led to the creation of Community First! Village. This development was built specifically to lift up individuals transitioning out of homelessness. Today, the Village is home to more than 250 employees and residents, with community spaces, work programs, and volunteer support all designed to foster dignity and purpose.

EPS is proud to have played a role in this project. Through one of our Authorized Builders, TLH Structures, we recently contributed to the completion of the 100^th micro unit for the Village. These compact, energy-efficient homes are built using a panelized system to help speed up the building process without compromising quality or durability.

Recently, MLF broke ground on Phase 3 of the Community First! Village, with land already secured for Phase 4. Their model has become so impactful that over 35 cities have been trained to replicate the pattern.

Community is at the heart of what both EPS and Mobile Loaves & Fishes stand for. Whether it’s through our materials or our partnerships, we are honored to be part of a project that is about so much more than construction.

To learn more or to get involved, visit mlf.org

Building for Brad the Builder: A Shop That Works as Hard as He Does

At EPS, we love seeing our materials come to life in the hands of experienced builders, and even more so when those builders share the process with thousands of followers. That’s exactly what happened when Brad the Builder, a well-known YouTube personality and home building expert, chose EPS for his new “barn” project.

Brad’s channel is known for delivering no-nonsense, real-world insights into residential construction, and his new shop build was no exception. On his YouTube channel, Brad walks viewers through every stage of the process, from site prep to panel installation to the final walkthrough, and he doesn’t hold back when it comes to pointing out what works and why.

Why EPS?

Brad chose EPS Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) for their proven performance, efficiency, and ease of installation. SIPs allowed him to enclose the building quickly while achieving superior insulation values. As Brad mentions in the videos, the tight construction and thermal performance of EPS panels make a noticeable difference, not just in energy savings, but also in comfort and building longevity.

“What I love about this system is how quickly it goes together,” Brad explains. “We went from slab to enclosed in just a few days.”

Fast Build, Long-Term Benefits

In his videos, you’ll see how our panelized construction method helped Brad save time and labor without sacrificing quality. The walls and roof were ready to go, which meant no guessing on site and no waiting on multiple trades to get dried in.

This project highlights what makes EPS unique: we supply complete building packages tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re a content creator like Brad or a local builder looking to up your game, EPS panels deliver.

We’re proud to have been part of this project, and we appreciate Brad’s in-depth look at how an EPS building comes together. If you are thinking about your own show, garage, or workspace build, let Brad’s project be your inspiration, and give us a call when you are ready to get started.

Check out these videos and the rest of Brad’s channel at https://www.youtube.com/@BradtheBuilder

EPS Buildings is proud to announce that we received three awards, one runner-up, and one honorable mention at the 2025 Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) Building Excellence Awards! These awards recognize outstanding SIP projects that exemplify innovation, energy efficiency, and excellence in construction, and we’re honored to be among this year’s winners.

🏆 Our Award-Winning Projects:

• Winner – Commercial/Industrial Over 10,000 sq. ft.:
  Agronomy Center – Terril, IA
  This project stands out for its large-scale use of SIPs to create a functional, energy-efficient facility for agricultural operations. It’s a perfect example of how SIPs support both strength and performance in commercial builds.
  View Project
• Winner – Commercial/Industrial Under 10,000 sq. ft.:
  Warehouse & Distribution Center – West Bend, IA
  A versatile and energy-conscious building, this warehouse proves that SIPs offer speed, strength, and significant energy savings—even on a smaller commercial footprint.
  View Project
• Winner – Renovations:
  Celebration Life Center – Trimont, MN
  This renovation project brought new life to an existing structure, using SIPs to improve energy efficiency and indoor comfort while maintaining the building’s original character.
  View Project

🎖️ Runner-Up – Single Family Homes Over 3,000 sq. ft.:
Solar Ready SIP House – Hastings, NE
Designed for maximum energy performance, this modern home is built with SIPs and solar integration in mind—ready to take full advantage of sustainable living.
View Project

✨ Honorable Mention – Single Family Homes Under 3,000 sq. ft.:
ENERGY STAR SIP House – Red Feather Lakes, CO
This cozy mountain retreat meets ENERGY STAR standards and shows how SIPs can provide top-notch insulation and comfort in any climate.
View Project

At EPS, we’re committed to building smarter and more sustainably with SIPs. These awards are a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our entire team—and the trusted builders we partner with across the country.