Ryan Flanagan

Born in Madison, WI to parents Kevin (bricklayer) and Sarah (accountant), Ryan grew up in and on construction sites. The same tiny, post-war single-story that welcome him home from the hospital had grown (after multiple additions up and out) to a beautiful 2,400 square foot home finished on 3 levels by the time he left for college. After 4 years of Economics, Philosophy, and D3 Football at Macalester College in Saint Paul, Ryan enjoyed the briefest stint working in finance before deciding to leave the professional world and pick up a carpenter’s tools. Today, Ryan still lives in and on construction sites, operating as an MN Licensed Building Contractor (#QB795079) rehabbing small multifamily properties in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Ryan lives in Northeast Minneapolis with his wife and growing family.

My dream job would be…
Running a small construction company staffed with friends and family. Building infill “missing middle” housing and mixed use in the Twin Cities. Preservation and adaptive reuse of Minnesota’s incredible historic architecture.

My first job was…
Carry golf bags and tending the pins as a caddie at Nakoma Country Club in Madison, WI.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me…
Remodeling our 1910 duplex in Northeast

The best “unknown” restaurant I’ve been to is…
“Restaurant” would be generous, but… Chicken Licks (formerly Chicken Lips – there was a lawsuit) in Sun Prairie, WI. Excellent wings, cheap New Glarus draught beer, and a dive bar vibe in what used to be someone’s living room.

My favorite food is…
Fresh, local, organic. We are probably the #1 customers of the Eastside Food Co-Op.

My favorite vacation spot is…
Minnesota’s North Shore. Happy to share my favorite BWCA canoe routes!