Lake County Contractors Licensing Board Meeting – February 20, 2026

The Lake County Contractors Licensing Board met on February 20, 2026, to consider multiple contractor license applications. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call (members present: Councilman Charlie Brown, Dave Saderclist, Jesse Ripping, Scott Cooper, Sal Ospino, Steve Mager), and a moment of silence in memory of deceased inspector Bob Latinsky. No old business or communications were reported. The board then proceeded to new business, reviewing and voting on 14 license petitions.

New Business: Contractor License Applications

Each applicant appeared before the board; the board reviewed insurance, workers' compensation, bonds, and scope of work. All applications were approved unanimously by voice vote, with two conditional approvals.

1. Four Seasons Heating and Air Conditioning LLC – Alec Grip, Electrical Contractor. Business located in Bedford Park, IL; in business 50–60 years; approximately 1,500 employees. Insurance and workers' comp in order. Approved.
2. Hillcrest Incorporated – Eric Vandern, General Contractor. Located in Sheral, IN; in business about 30 years; 6 employees; residential custom homes. Insurance, bond, and scope in order. Approved.
3. K and K Builders Incorporated – Brad Kutzenberg, General Contractor. Located in Sminster; in business 48 years; remodeling. License previously held by father. Approved.
4. Premier Construction Group LLC – Robert Jovanowski, General Contractor. In business 3 years; bond and insurance in order. Approved.
5. Northwest Fence Incorporated – (project manager/office manager), Fencing Contractor. Located in Romeo Billing; 33 years; about 30 employees. Insurance and bond active. Approved.
6. C and G Concrete Creation LLC – Gordy Horn, Floor Covering Contractor. Located in Crown Point; 20 years; 2 owners (no employees); workers' comp exemption claimed. Motion approved contingent upon receipt of partner's exemption from workers' comp.
7. Assure Energy Solutions LLC – Mike Lunsford, Insulation Contractor. Located in Frankfort, IL; over 15 years; 39 employees. Insurance and workers' comp in order. Approved.
8. CJ Insulation – Jeff Huban, Insulation Contractor. Located in Yorkville, IL; 25+ years; 38 employees; commercial/residential. Bond and insurance in order. Approved.
9. Stands Painting and Decorating Incorporated – Mickey Jebtic, Painting Contractor. In business about 4 years; approximately 100 employees. Insurance and bond good. Approved.
10. Economy Signs Incorporated – Walter Sweat, Sign Installation Contractor. 42 years in business; insurance and bond recorded. Board noted license does not allow electrical work. Approved.
11. Southcom Refrigeration (d/b/a Premier Star, Indiana) – Joshua Dykesman, Plumbing Contractor. Project manager/estimator; company has 4 plumbers. Bond expired January 10, 2026; new bond required. Motion approved contingent upon receipt of new bond recorded in the county.
12. R.W. Collins Company – Dominic Piscopo, Demolition Contractor. Company 80 years; located in Bedford Park, IL; 40 employees. Insurance covers demolition and tank work. Approved.
13. R.W. Collins Company – Dominic Piscopo, Underground Tank Contractor (same company, separate license for underground storage tank removal). Approved.
14. Owner Acting as General Contractor – Rafael De La Paz Guzman, for property at 13505 West 81st Avenue, Dyer, IN 46311. Building own house; will hire licensed contractors. Insurance valid through February 2027. Approved.

Key Outcomes

• All 14 license applications were approved unanimously by voice vote.
• Two conditional approvals: C and G Concrete Creation LLC (workers' comp exemption for partner) and Southcom Refrigeration (new bond recorded in county).
• Meeting adjourned after no further business.