AVATAR Archives - Tenhulzen Remodeling

Unaccompanied Tenhulzens (2025)

Michael Tenhulzen — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 17:37:59 +0000

Unaccompanied Tenhulzens

A Holiday Twist on a Tenhulzen Tradition

Every year, Tenhulzen Residential creates a themed movie-poster inspired artwork to celebrate our vendors, crew, and community. Each poster becomes a time capsule, capturing who we were that year and how we grew. In 2025, we shifted tone and embraced holiday cheer with a poster inspired by Unaccompanied Minors. The result became one of the fastest shoots we have ever completed, and one of the most playful concepts yet.

This poster will debut on a rooftop celebration during Woodinville Winter Fest. The release will take place inside the Cloud Light Room above Woodin Creek Village, timed perfectly with the lighted car parade below from Woodinville Car Club. It is a festive kickoff to the season, complete with laughter, community spirit, and holiday chaos—Tenhulzen style.

A Fast and Festive Photo Shoot

The photo shoot happened directly after a company meeting, which kept everyone in one place and ready to go. Instead of elaborate staging or multiple locations, we gathered in the basement of Hollywood Manor against a plain white wall. It was fast—shockingly fast.

We piled in winter coats, luggage props, and as much personality as the frame could handle. People leaned, posed, and smirked. Attitude carried the concept. We took roughly ten photos in total and blended the best shots into one final composition. Two team members missed the shoot, so we Photoshopped them in later. Because the scene already resembled controlled chaos, the edit fit naturally.

This poster was a refreshing change from our previous straight-faced, dramatic concepts. We wanted fun, we wanted smiles and we wanted something that felt like peppermint and mischief, not stoic seriousness.

The Holiday Theme Takes Shape

We discovered the movie art by accident. None of us had watched the film. We rented it for four dollars and watched it out of curiosity. The movie felt like Home Alone meets Bad News Bears in an airport, but without the same charm. It was clearly for younger viewers. Still, the artwork offered something valuable to us: the chance to do a playful holiday spin.

During the shoot, we asked who had actually seen the movie. Only one person raised his hand, and he admitted he fell asleep halfway through. That sealed the deal—we were not promoting the movie. We were reinventing the concept for ourselves.

The bottom credits were updated with “Contractors spiked eggnog on a rooftop during Winter Fest Parade,” tying the poster to the event. We added wrapped gift boxes, holiday colors, and even included Isabel, the dog, who has appeared in several past posters.

Winter Fest, Rooftops, and Woodinville Magic

Woodinville rooftops are having a moment. New buildings feature rooftop decks. Events happen in elevated spaces. The city lights glow from above during winter. A rooftop theme made perfect sense.

Because Winter Fest takes place the same evening, the celebration feels bigger than one event. It becomes part of a city-wide moment. People will gather for the parade below, while we celebrate above—warm, festive, and surrounded by community.

This poster marks a shift in timing as well. In previous years, we released posters after winter as a vendor appreciation reveal. This time, we flipped the script and chose a holiday-forward launch. It feels fresh, seasonal, and spirited.

Looking Ahead to the Next Chapter

Every annual poster becomes a marker in our ongoing story. Some years go “in theater,” others go “backstage,” “in clubhouse,” or even “interstellar.” This year we went rooftop and puts Tenhulzen Residential “In Community.”

Next year’s design may become whimsical, underground, outer space, or something entirely new. We never know until inspiration finds us. What matters most is that each poster celebrates people—the crew, the partners, the ones who make homes become dream homes.

Unaccompanied Minors reminds us to enjoy the process. To laugh, to gather and to celebrate the work we do and the people we do it with.

And as the rooftop fills with cheer during Winter Fest, we know one thing for certain:

The tradition continues—and the next story is already waiting to be created.

This year’s A.V.A.T.A.R. award recipents

Vendor of the Year: Plywood Supply Inc. | Molly Oberndorf

Trade Contractor of the Year: Hill-Pierce Electric LLC | Eric Pierce & Sherri Torrenga

Customer Service: Even Flo Heating and Air Conditioning | Alan & Angela Puerschner

Creative Solution: Lane Hardwood Floor LLC | Jeff Lane & Brad Greco

Reliable Service: Urban Cabinets Company | Michael & Tammy Alford

Memorable Moment: Jim’s Flooring Services | James Eggerling Jr.

Safety: Tenhulzen Residential LLC | Marvin Avera

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Tenhulzens Out (2024)

Michael Tenhulzen — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 22:26:29 +0000

The Creative Marketing Tradition That Defines Our Culture

Every year, our team creates a movie-style poster that celebrates our culture, our partnerships, and our community presence. What began as a fun idea in 2012 has evolved into a signature Tenhulzen tradition. This year’s poster, Tenhulzens Out, marks one of our most creative themes yet.

A Decade of Creativity and a New Mystery Theme

Finding a movie poster with many characters gets harder each year. Yet this challenge fuels our creativity. In the past, our themes ranged from action films to westerns to sports classics.
For 2024, we embraced a new direction: a murder mystery theme inspired by Knives Out.

The timing also aligned with our murder mystery dinners at Hollywood Manor, creating a perfect crossover between our events and our marketing.

Why We Create These Posters Each Year

Our poster series began in 2012 to highlight performance, teamwork, and connection.
We reveal each poster at the annual A.V.A.T.A.R. event, where seven awards honor our trade partners and vendors. These partners support our work daily, and the posters help us celebrate them.

Before 2020, the themes were chosen by popular vote from options with large casts. COVID changed that. The 2020 poster reflected uncertainty during the early pandemic. Later posters reflected major moments for our team: scrutiny on our property in 2021, construction chaos in 2022, and the long-awaited completion of Hollywood Manor in 2023.

This year’s theme honors our growing visibility and involvement in the community.

The Meaning Behind “Tenhulzens Out”

“Tenhulzens Out 2024” represents more than a movie parody; it signals that after completing Hollywood Manor and settling into Woodinville, we are fully out in the community again. That message is strongly reinforced by our sponsors; Woodinville Rotary, Woodinville Wine Country, the Woodinville Chamber, and VMG Studios, who hosted our green-screen shoot. Each partnership reflects our growing presence and deepening ties within Woodinville and beyond.

Building the Poster: Characters, Costumes, and Collaboration

Every year, our team dresses as characters from the featured film.
Outfits come from secondhand stores or personal closets.
Each person picks or is assigned a character that matches the original poster.

Our staff fully commits. They channel expressions, gestures, and personalities to capture their character. The only challenge? Movie posters rarely show smiles. So once again, we look like the world’s most serious remodeling company.

We position our core team near the center, with support staff around the edges. Bright colors, bold textures, and dramatic poses help match the original artwork while keeping things fun.

Behind the Scenes: The Shoot at VMG Studios

VMG Studios offered their green room for our shoot this year. Their space allowed us to pose, coordinate lighting, and recreate the poster’s dramatic tone.

We searched for construction-themed props for the magnifying glass but found no good alternatives. We kept the original letter opener to stay true to the concept.

The background library image came from an open-source collection. It matched the film’s atmosphere without violating copyrights.

The “patriarch” seated in the center was chosen with humor in mind. Jeff, our oldest team member, had repeatedly joked about retiring when his wife retired. So we “killed him off” for the poster. He is still with us—very much alive and still part of the team.

A Year of Successes Worth Celebrating

The year behind this poster was strong.
We met our construction budget while handling fewer but larger projects.
Our top vendors continued to support us with unmatched reliability:

Ferguson Enterprises for plumbing and lighting.
Dunn Lumber for consistent reliability.
Fredericks Appliance, a trusted partner we confidently send clients to.

These relationships helped shape a memorable year for our entire team.

Capturing Company Culture Through Creativity

Each poster includes credits that honor contributors and community ties.
This year’s credited organizations included Woodinville Football, PTSA, Minuteman Press in Redmond, catering from Costco, and even a fictional band named “Dead Pan Expression.”

The photo shoot itself often becomes a highlight of the year.
Snacks, light drinks, laughter, and teamwork create genuine memories—far beyond marketing value.

Celebrating Community, Creativity, and Collaboration

“Tenhulzens Out 2024” represents how far our company has come.
The poster honors our presence in Woodinville, our partnerships, and the vibrant culture we continue to build together.

This tradition is more than a marketing project.
It is a tribute to our journey, our people, and the trade partners who help us bring every remodel to life.

We look forward to unveiling the final poster at the upcoming A.V.A.T.A.R. event—and to creating the next chapter in this ongoing story.

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Tenhulzen House (2023)

Michael Tenhulzen — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 23:29:09 +0000

Tenhulzen House: A Celebration of Community, Craft, and Commitment

The night felt like more than a party. It captured the spirit that drives Tenhulzen Residential forward. As we gather at Hollywood Manor, the energy reflects a team that works hard, laughs often, and moves together toward a shared finish line.

“Tenhulzen House 2023” is not just a theme. It stands as a symbol of resilience, teamwork, and the joy of creating something extraordinary. The story continues to unfold, and our excitement for what comes next grows stronger each year.

A Foundation Built on Vision

Every great build starts with a solid foundation. The same is true for our culture. Our annual A.V.A.T.A.R. event celebrates the craftsmanship, collaboration, and commitment that shape every Tenhulzen project.

This year marked the 10th Annual event, fondly named “Tenhulzen House 2023” in homage to the classic Animal House. Hollywood Manor once again served as the perfect backdrop. Guests arrived in college-inspired outfits, filling the venue with laughter, music, and a sense of playful nostalgia.

A Decade of Excellence Takes Center Stage

The evening opened with heartfelt gratitude. Mike and Tracy thanked everyone for a decade of hard work and shared success. Their message was simple: Tenhulzen Residential thrives because of the people behind it.

The A.V.A.T.A.R. awards highlight the remarkable dedication found across our partners and crew. Each award honors a value we hold close—safety, creativity, reliability, excellence, and customer care.

Honoring the Best: A.V.A.T.A.R. Award Winners

This year’s award recipients earned well-deserved recognition for exceptional work:

Safety Award: 4 Seasons Painting | Elmer Gonzalez
Memorable Moment: Clean Lines | Mike Singley
Reliable Service: CTD | Darrick Green
Creative Solution: Tenhulzen Crew | Jamie Meredith
Customer Service: Sutter Home & Hearth | Daniel Hammer
Vendor of the Year: Matheus Lumber | Tailor Masterjohn
Trade Contractor of the Year: Concrete Construction Services | Bob Wendt

These winners reflect the strength of our partnerships. Their dedication fuels every successful project and every satisfied homeowner. Their contributions echo far beyond the walls of Hollywood Manor.

A Night That Celebrates Progress and Promise

As the celebration continued, the night transformed into something deeper. It reflected the shared determination that guides our team. We stand close to an important finish line, and the anticipation feels powerful.

“Tenhulzen House” reminded us that our success comes from working together. It celebrated resilience during challenges and unity during growth. It showcased a team who shows up, lifts each other, and takes pride in every completed project.

A Future Built Together

The laughter and camaraderie inside Hollywood Manor marked another chapter in our story. Every year brings new milestones, new lessons, and new victories. From early foundations to joyful festivities, our journey remains rooted in passion and purpose.

The Tenhulzen Residential family looks forward to the work ahead. The best chapters remain unwritten, and we are ready to build them…together.

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Tenhulzens In Space (2022)

Michael Tenhulzen — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 21:31:32 +0000

Tenhulzens In Space

We may be homeless, but we’re not helpless.

Standing in the wooden forms that make the footings for our new building, our crew find themselves having to make the most out of what little space we have. Scans confirm intelligent life, but it’s unclear how many of us are crazy for embarking on this massive undertaking.

The entire crew is performing admirably despite the uncertainty of what’s to come.

This is the foundation of the 5,000 SF addition to the 1,700 SF main house, that was previously converted into a taproom. The new structure is designed to compliment the valley in the form of a turn of the century farmhouse.

Designed by Michael Tenhulzen, the new building will include 5 suites, 3 powder rooms, 4 rooftop decks, a wine cellar and a 3-stop elevator. Once complete, each room will have a different theme to showcase a variety of products, systems and solutions. Vendor and Trade Partners are providing discounts in exchange for promotion of their products and services.

With any luck, by this time next year, we will no longer be lost in space.

Tenhulzen Reserve

Design work began in late 2019.
Building permit submitted December 11, 2020.
Permit issuance June 9, 2022.
Groundbreaking was on the 3-year anniversary of purchasing the property, September 13, 2022.
Completion expected January 2024.

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The Usual Tenhulzens (2021)

Michael Tenhulzen — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 04:37:20 +0000

The Usual Tenhulzens

With COVID-19 mostly behind us, we banded together to undertake a new series of adventures. Feeling like outlaws on our own property, this poster captures the essence of the multiple anonymous complaints about Tenhulzen Reserve.

The first adventure was purchasing the property known locally as “The Pink Tractor Place” in September of 2019. During that time, the primary residence had been previously converted to a tap room, and continued to operate for another 3 years.

The second adventure was moving our Design Studio into the outbuilding that was previously a wine tasting room. This drew additional attention by anonymous onlookers as Tenhulzen Reserve became established.

The third adventure was standing up for our rights against a malicious and well funded group holed up in the hills of Hollywood. For nearly a decade, our property had been used for distribution of beer, wine & spirits. Though we had no intention of continuing this activity, nonetheless we were in the crosshairs. Add some non-permitted improvements by the prior owner, a design studio and you can get yourself a date with the King County Hearings Examiner.

Our 2021 AVATAR poster represents the ongoing series accusations and interrogations by two relatively well-known self-proclaimed protectors of the valley.

Although recognitions were made, awards were not given this year.

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A Series Of Tenhulzen Events (2020)

Michael Tenhulzen — Sun, 31 Jan 2021 03:28:32 +0000

A Series Of Tenhulzen Events

Global pandemics have a way of changing events in our lives. Some events are altogether cancelled. Some events are merely limited. And others become necessary routine.

This year’s AVATAR falls into the first category simply because each year it celebrates the people that help make our business successful.

People make the difference in the customer experience.

This year, we commend those that turned a series of unfortunate events into a series of very successful projects.

And though restricted to a limited and facially-covered work environment, the award-winners on the below list have been recognized by our crew as being the deserving recipients of this year’s “Series of Tenhulzen Events”.

– Memorable Moment Award: Boardwalk at the Reserve

– Safety Award: L&I Compliance Jobsite Consultations

– Reliable Service Award: Bart, Sterling Electric

– Creative Solution Award: Cabinetree Works

– Customer Service Award: Acet Tile

– Vendor of the Year Award: Rich, Dunn Lumber

– Trade Contractor of the Year: Wes, Woods Creek Plumbing

Be well and stay safe out there!

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The Little Tenhulzens (2019)

Michael Tenhulzen — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 19:08:15 +0000

The Little Tenhulzens

The inspiration for this year’s poster comes from the classic film, “The Little Rascals,” a theme that was voted for by attendees at last year’s AVATAR event.

Filmed at VMG Studios by Dai Ross Photography captured the team in Little Rascal’s 1940’s inspired attire. A 30-second behind the scenes video was taken while individual head shots were taken to splice into a group photo.

Since 2014, Tenhulzen’ s annual company photo tradition has been inspired by movie posters. Last year’s “The Tenhulzen Yard,” was our version of the popular remake of “The Longest Yard”. Each of our prior posters can be viewed in the right margin of this website.

The finished poster for this year will be released at McMenamin’s Anderson School in Bothell, during the Annual Vendor And Trade Awards & Recognition (AVATAR) event in late January. This event is by invitation only.

Safety Award: Brandon Wilson, Snoqualmie Ridge project

Memorable Moment: Elmer, 4 Seasons

Reliable Service: Randy, NW Stone

Creative Solution: Alan, EvenFlo Heating & Air

Customer Service: Ed, Sterling Electric

Vendor of the Year: Eric, Banner Bank

Trade Contractor of the Year: Wes, Woods Creek Plumbing

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The Tenhulzen Yard (2018)

Michael Tenhulzen — Sat, 05 Jan 2019 18:53:41 +0000

The Tenhulzen Yard

This year’s annual company photo is a compilation of individual head shots to replicate the 2005 remake of The Longest Yard. Dai Ross Photography directed our crew of favorite jerseys into various positions.

Our 5th AVATAR (Annual Vendor And Trade Awards Recognition) and 2018 poster release was “On Location” at JM Cellars in Woodinville.

The 2019 poster will be determined by popular vote and our 6th AVATAR event will be “In Production” at a construction project in progress.

Helmets, pads and jerseys were provided by Woodinville Junior Football. If you look closely, the jerseys in the original artwork read Allenville. Woodinville is a bit of a play on that original content, but also eludes to the location of our 2019 AVATAR event.

As fate would have it, this event coincided with the Seahawks’ first playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys at Centurylink Field. The Seahawks were not the victors, but the event was made positive with a white elephant gift exchange.

The event is sponsored in part by JM Cellars, El Gaucho Catering, Butler Valet and Woodinville Wine Country.

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The Magnificent Tenhulzens (2017)

Michael Tenhulzen — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 18:41:08 +0000

The Magnificent Tenhulzens

Our Annual Vendor And Trade Awards & Recognition event was hosted “back stage” at our office this year. The theme for the poster was based on the Magnificent Seven remake, as suggested by our carpenters.

Food and beverages were western-themed as well. Nearly 30 attendees congratulated 7 award winners in the following categories:

Creative Solution Award: B ecker’s Custom Cabinets for custom vanity mirror

Safety Award: CTD Excavating for trenching extra deep footings

Memorable Moment Award: Ryan McCurdy

Reliable Service Award: Riley & Sons Drywall

Customer Service Award: Kristi Smith, Seattle Lighting

Vendor of the Year Award: Karen Williams, CFM Redmond

Trade Contractor of the Year: Jim’s Flooring Services

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Meet The Tenhulzens (2016)

Michael Tenhulzen — Fri, 13 Jan 2017 18:28:54 +0000

Meet The Tenhulzens 2016

The 3rd Annual AVATAR event was held “in studio” at VMG Studio 520. What a evening it was!

Inspired by a family-oriented comedy, this year’s poster was appropriately selected. The entire year dealt with a lot of family support, sharing and caring. Even the Christmas party seemed to include more kids than adults.

Our two designers, Ronda and Abbas are pictured center as the happy couple, both scheduled to be married to different people in the coming year.

Award winners were applauded by the 43 attendees in the following categories:

Creative Solution Award: EvenFlo Heating & A/C

Safety Award: Advanta Clean

Memorable Moment Award: Smith RHT

Reliable Service Award: CTD Excavating

Customer Service Award: Elite Doors & Millwork

Vendor of the Year Award: Dunn Lumber

Trade Contractor of the Year Award: Lane Hardwood Floors

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