In New Braunfels, TX, KC Custom Homes stands as a beacon of quality, integrity, and family values. This family-run business, deeply rooted in its local community, has grown from a single man's vision to a renowned name in custom home building. Through an interview with Ryan Castro, partner and operations manager, we delve into the passion, dedication, and unique approach that sets KC Custom Homes apart within the competitive world of custom home building.
From Personal Struggles to Professional Triumphs
The journey of KC Custom Homes began in 1998, founded by Ryan Castro's father after a frustrating experience with home builders during the construction of their family home. "My father retired from his career as a regional sales manager for Ryder Systems and decided to start building homes because he saw a desperate need for a more professional and higher quality home builder in our area," Ryan recalls. This personal journey laid the foundation for a company built on the principles of quality, professionalism, and family values.
Ryan joined the family business in 2012 after earning his engineering degree, and his younger brother Christopher, with a sales and marketing degree, came on board in 2014. Together, they have continued to uphold and expand their father’s vision. "We have evolved into a family-run business, which defines us today." Ryan explains, emphasizing the importance of family in their operations and client relationships.
A Unique Signature: Creativity Meets Craftsmanship
One of the standout features of KC Custom Homes is their commitment to unique, high-quality designs. Their in-house designer, who is also Ryan’s uncle, brings a level of creativity and personalization that is rare in the industry. "Our in-house designer is extremely creative, and we’re able to put out a product that I don’t think any other builder is able to do on an architectural level," says Ryan.
This unique approach to design is complemented by a robust operational framework that ensures client satisfaction. Ryan highlights their focus on managing expectations through effective communication and systematic processes. "We like to set the expectation up front and manage it all the way through the build. There’s not a lot of conflict because we do a really good job of managing expectations," he explains. This meticulous attention to detail helps prevent the common pitfalls of home building and fosters strong, lasting relationships with clients.
Heartfelt Connections: Building More Than Just Homes
For KC Custom Homes, building a home is more than just a construction project; it’s about building relationships. "We try to make a long-lasting friendship with our customers. They let us be a part of their family’s biggest investment, and we don’t take that for granted," Ryan asserts. This philosophy is evident in their high rate of repeat clients and referrals, a testament to the trust and satisfaction they inspire in their clients.
Their marketing efforts, particularly on social media, also play a crucial role in attracting new clients. "Our marketing team does a phenomenal job of putting our product out there. Many clients are already familiar with our craftsmanship before they even meet us," Ryan notes. This proactive approach ensures that potential clients see the quality and creativity that KC Custom Homes offers, making them a preferred choice for many.
Partners in Craft: Valuing Trusted Relationships
A Family Legacy
The true emotional core of KC Custom Homes lies in its deep family roots and the passion that drives its team. This company is not just about building homes; it’s about continuing a legacy that started with Ryan’s father’s dream. "We’re a family-run business, deeply rooted in our area, and integrity is at the forefront of our minds all the time," Ryan emphasizes.
This commitment to family values and integrity is what makes KC Custom Homes more than just a builder. They are dream makers, crafting not just houses but homes where families can build their lives. Ryan’s heartfelt dedication to this legacy shines through in every aspect of the business, ensuring that KC Custom Homes will continue to be a cherished name in the industry.
KC Custom Homes exemplifies the best in the custom home building industry, blending creativity, quality, and integrity in every project. From their unique in-house designs to their meticulous quality control processes and strong client relationships, they have set a high standard for excellence. With a clear vision for the future and a commitment to their core values, KC Custom Homes is poised to continue building dreams for many years to come.
Commitment to Excellence: The Heart of Quality Control
Quality control is a cornerstone of KC Custom Homes’ operations. Ryan describes their bottom-up approach to quality assurance, which involves monthly focus sessions with their trade partners and industry professionals. "We’ll spend a day with our trade partner and a professional in the industry to walk through the correct process for specific tasks, like window installation. This helps our partners understand the correct way to do things and why they’re done that way," he explains.
Additionally, KC Custom Homes has developed comprehensive checklists for each phase of construction, ensuring that all critical components are completed before moving on to the next phase. "These checklists have saved us a lot of rework and frustration," Ryan adds. This systematic approach to quality control ensures that every home they build meets their exacting standards.
Written by
Skylar Grey
Editor in Chief
Built America Magazine
The Road Ahead: Visionary Plans for the Future
As KC Custom Homes continues to grow, they are not content to rest on their laurels. Ryan shares their ambitious plans for the future, which include expanding into new markets and possibly acquiring other custom home building companies. "Over the next five years, we plan to expand our reach into other areas, including Dallas, Fort Worth, and even out-of-state areas. We’ll achieve this through acquisitions, integrating our SOPs and KPIs with other companies," he reveals.
This forward-thinking approach, combined with their commitment to quality and family values, positions KC Custom Homes for continued success in the future. Ryan’s passion for the business and dedication to their clients and partners are evident throughout the interview, reflecting the core values that have driven KC Custom Homes from its inception.
KC Custom Homes prides itself on the strong relationships they have built with their suppliers and trades over the years. "We view all of our subcontractors as partners. This partnership approach has really helped drive quality and forge strong relationships," says Ryan. One key partner is Bison Plastering, a full-service stucco and masonry company established in 2004.
Bison Plastering specializes in various types of stucco and masonry work, including stone, brick, and CMU Block. They are also known for their custom Coolstone Work, which can imitate any stone, brick, or wood, and they produce their own molds for custom cast stonework. Their team of specialized and experienced masons and plasterers strives to do quality work and take pride in a job well done. This partnership has been crucial in maintaining the high standards KC Custom Homes is known for.