KRM Custom Homes is thrilled to announce our biggest milestone yet—it’s our 20-year anniversary in home construction! We’re honored to have spent two decades crafting dream homes in the Des Moines metro.
As we celebrate this milestone, we’d like to express our heartfelt appreciation to our clients. Without your vision, support, and feedback, our journey would not have been possible. Collaborating with you is always a privilege, and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to bring dreams to life. As we reflect on our journey, it’s only fitting to share the story of how it all began.
The KRM Story
KRM Custom Homes was founded by newlyweds Kirk and Amanda Mickelsen. Just six months after their wedding, they found themselves drawn to the world of home construction.
Despite their relative newness to the industry, Kirk and Amanda quickly made a name for themselves. Their personalized care and unwavering dedication to quality have earned them a strong reputation in custom home building.
Their first project was a spec home in Pleasant Hill, Iowa. The ambitious couple purchased a lot in the picturesque neighborhood of Copper Creek, and quickly got to work.
The construction itself was a labor of love. Kirk and Amanda were involved during every stage of the project, and their hands-on approach ensured everything was built with exceptional craftsmanship. Their unwavering focus on quality resulted in a finished product that set the standard for years to come.
Kirk’s Personal Building Journey
Kirk’s journey into entrepreneurship and construction was guided by his uncle, who served as a mentor throughout Kirk’s high school and college years. He recognized Kirk’s potential and encouraged him to start his own independent endeavors.
Kirk gained valuable experience while working for his uncle. During his college years, Kirk and a friend embarked on a part-time venture building swing sets, which gradually evolved into light remodeling projects. These early experiences provided Kirk with the opportunity to refine his skills and broaden his construction knowledge.
As Kirk’s confidence grew, so did his projects: he started flipping homes. His first house flips only involved small cosmetic renovations, but he was soon undertaking complete property transformations. Kirk enjoyed his work, but shifted his focus towards home building. While house flipping offered immediate gratification, custom home building allowed Kirk to forge connections with clients and leave a lasting legacy.
Milestones and Key Turning Points
2008: Laying the Foundation
After selling their first spec home, it didn’t take long for Kirk and Amanda to land their first custom gig. Kirk’s close friend contracted the couple to build his home in Johnston, Iowa.
2009: Dave Dunn Joins Part-Time
Homeowner turned part-time collaborator, Dave Dunn, joined the KRM team in 2009. Adding Dave to the team marked a turning point for KRM, and the business started to grow.
2010: Brandon Reed Takes Charge
Initially a subcontractor, Brandon Reed transitioned into a full-time role with KRM. Brandon’s expertise in field operations allowed the business to build homes on a consistent basis. While Kirk focused on sales and customer support, Reed made sure everything was getting built.
2008: Navigating the 2008 Financial Crisis
The financial crisis of 2008 roused hardship within the housing industry. Many homebuilders fell out of business, but the demand for homes remained the same. KRM seized this opportunity to fill the market’s demand, which propelled the business forward.
2013: Building More Traction
In 2013, KRM Custom Homes participated in two home shows. These events highlighted the couple’s passion for building and superior craftsmanship, and brought attention to the KRM name. At this time, they also took on a part-time CFO, which raised the business to a completely new level and paved the way for future growth.
2020: Navigating the COVID Boom
The pandemic caused many people to reassess their housing needs. As more and more people sought assistance with their home building goals, KRM was there to help. This experience helped redefine the company’s identity, and emphasized their strength as a custom home builder.
A Sincere Thank You
As we celebrate this milestone, we are filled with immense gratitude and pride. Our journey has been shaped by the unwavering support of our clients. We cherish the relationships we’ve built over the years, and are truly thankful for your loyalty and trust. Here’s to the next 20 years of creating memories and crafting exceptional homes together.
If you’ve built a home with us, we encourage you to tell us your KRM story and leave us a review. Your happiness is what drives us forward, and we look forward to continuing to exceed your expectations.
