Freshly painted parking lot lines and clean concrete might seem like finishing touches, but for Sureline Surface Solutions, they’re an important part of creating safer, more welcoming places to live, work, and visit. 

Based in Alexandria, Minn., Sureline Surface Solutions specializes in ADA-compliant parking lot striping and residential and commercial pressure washing. The company works with businesses, organizations, and homeowners throughout west central Minnesota, helping improve accessibility, reduce safety hazards, and create properties that leave a positive first impression. 

For owner Jake Dreher, every project begins with a simple goal. 

“Some people may think we’re just making things look nice,” said Jake. “What we’re really doing is improving safety, helping businesses stay compliant, and creating spaces people feel comfortable walking into.” 

Jake started Sureline Surface Solutions after deciding to build a business that reflected both his professional experience and the life he wanted for his family. After moving from Saint Paul to Alexandria nearly two decades ago, he and his wife found the kind of community where they wanted to put down roots and raise their children. As the idea of business ownership continued to grow, he realized he was ready to take the leap. 

“I got to a point where I realized that if I could successfully manage someone else’s business, I could build one myself,” said Jake. “I wanted to create something my family could be proud of and someday pass along to my kids.” 

Looking beyond 

appearance to safety 

and accessibility 

Sureline Surface Solutions focuses heavily on ADA-compliant parking lot striping, ensuring businesses have properly marked accessible parking spaces, access aisles, directional markings, and layouts that meet current requirements. Those details help create safer, more accessible spaces for everyone. 

“My father and my mother-in-law both lived with disabilities,” said Jake. “These parking spaces matter because they give people independence. Somebody has to make sure those standards are followed, and that people have access to the places they need to go.” 

The same mindset carries over into the company’s pressure washing services. Whether cleaning restaurant entrances, sidewalks, dumpster pads, or residential driveways, the work is about more than appearance. Removing grease, algae, dirt, and debris helps reduce slip hazards while extending the life of the surface. 

Jake’s attention to detail is part of what sets the business apart. Every line, measurement, and surface is completed with precision because, in his view, quality work creates confidence for both property owners and the people using those spaces every day. 

Turning preparation 

into a business 

Like many entrepreneurs, Jake had the vision and a plan. What he needed was the financing to purchase equipment and officially launch Sureline Surface Solutions. 

With support from West Central Initiative’s loan program, he was able to take that next step and begin serving customers across west central Minnesota. 

“I walked out of that first meeting feeling like someone finally believed in what I was trying to build,” said Jake. “West Central Initiative gave me the opportunity to turn all that planning into a real business.” 

Giving back to 

the community 

As Sureline Surface Solutions continues to grow, Jake hopes the business becomes known for more than the services it provides. 

Each year, he plans to invite community members to nominate a church or faith-based organization to receive complimentary parking lot striping services. One organization will be selected annually, helping improve the safety and appearance of a place that serves others. 

“I’ve been fortunate to have people believe in me and support this business,” said Jake. “This is one way I can give back. If an organization is serving others, I’d like to help them keep their property safe, welcoming, and looking its best.” 

Looking ahead, Jake plans to continue growing Sureline Surface Solutions while maintaining the same attention to quality and service that shaped the business from the beginning. Whether it’s a freshly striped parking lot, a safer sidewalk, or a cleaner entrance, each project contributes to stronger businesses, more accessible public spaces, and communities that people are proud to call home. 

To learn more about West Central Initiative’s loan program, visit wcif.org/loans. 

About West 

Central Initiative 

West Central Initiative is a place-based nonprofit, community foundation, and regional development organization dedicated to fostering a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable future for White Earth Nation and Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, and Wilkin Counties.  Since its founding in 1986, West Central Initiative has provided funding, technical assistance, planning resources, and philanthropic services to strengthen the economic and social fabric of the region. The organization has provided more than $62 million in loans and approximately $93 million in grants to businesses and organizations. Learn more at wcif.org.