Killowen Construction Behind the Business: Bringing out the best from every team member (part 5 of 5)

This week, we’re wrapping up our Behind the Business series with the fifth and final installment spotlighting Killowen Construction, a Utah-based luxury home builder setting the standard for intentional building. The team shares how their people-first approach – paired with Buildertrend’s tools – has streamlined processes, improved communication and solved even the toughest challenges. From pre-construction planning to unique build solutions, this finale highlights how Killowen combines talent and technology to deliver exceptional results.

When Tyler Farrell, president of Killowen Construction, reflects on the company’s success, it’s clear where his priorities lie: the people.

“If there’s one thing I’m good at, it’s acquiring and keeping great talent,” Tyler said. “I couldn’t do this without them. As a team, I just feel like we’re unstoppable.”

It’s not all smooth sailing, though – nothing worth building ever is.

Over the years, Tyler and his team have worked to strike a balance between the bespoke artistry of high-end custom homes and the streamlined processes of a finely tuned machine.

“Over the past several years, we’ve been trying to standardize things a little bit more. Make things not necessarily corporate, but make it so we have standards,” Tyler said.

What makes this possible? According to Tyler, Buildertrend plays a key role in keeping the team’s processes cohesive and clients informed.

Setting clients up for a smooth ride

At Killowen, the journey starts long before a shovel hits the ground.

“Pre-construction starts from the time we meet with clients, and it takes you through the time your home starts digging,” said Mame Martin, Killowen’s director of preconstruction. “My job is to set clients up for success, so they have an emotionally good build.”

And let’s be honest – building a custom home is a rollercoaster. Budgets can stretch, favorite tiles might get discontinued and lead times on trendy brass faucets could make you question every life decision.

But Mame isn’t fazed. She prepares clients for the inevitable bumps in the road with empathy, foresight and a steady hand on the Buildertrend wheel.

“The biggest way Buildertrend has streamlined our pre-construction process has been through budgeting,” Mame said. “It’s helped us be better organized, which then our subcontractors really appreciate.”

Figuring it out, one moulding profile at a time

Their director of construction, Sam Abbott, thrives on challenges – and he’s had a few memorable ones.

“They don’t make this profile at Oak, but Kuiken made it for us,” Sam said, referencing a piece of moulding. “I called them and asked, ‘Can you make this?’ And they said, ‘No one’s ever asked.’ I love figuring stuff out. I love having a problem, brainstorming, executing it and making everyone’s life easier.”

For Sam, Buildertrend is the ultimate problem-solving sidekick.

“Forcing communication toward the clients, toward the design team, toward the architect team through Buildertrend is huge,” he said. “There are not a lot of professions where in an hour swing you could either have a $10,000 problem or a $10,000 solution – just by putting your brain to it.”

The result? A thoughtful, organized process that saves clients money and builds trust along the way.

Building a legacy with Buildertrend

At its core, Killowen Construction isn’t just about crafting dream homes – it’s about fostering a culture of teamwork, creativity and communication.

And with Buildertrend helping to bring Killowen standards to life, they’re primed to build a legacy.

Want to see how Buildertrend can help your business create its own set of unbeatable standards? Schedule a free demo today.

Behind the Business with Killowen Construction

If you missed the other installments in our Behind the Business series with Killowen Construction, you can check them out here:

Part 1: Scaling to $50 million in a decade with Buildertrend

Part 2: Earning client trust as a cost plus builder

Part 3: Real talk on challenges every builder faces

Part 4: Avoiding pitfalls before they happen