About
Our Beginnings
Our story began when owner Robert Kraft developed a love for historic homes at an early age. He became enthralled with a 1767 house near his hometown in Massachusetts, and this sparked his lifelong passion for carpentry. Robert graduated from college with a degree in economics, and after a cross-country road trip to the West Coast, began working as a carpenter in Eugene, Oregon.
This Old House
In 1979, Robert was serendipitously introduced to the producers of Boston’s PBS station. They were about to air a new show and needed a carpenter/caretaker for the home they were renovating. Robert lived in the house and put his carpentry skills to work during the first season of “This Old House,” then returned to Oregon to settle down and build a life. It became one of the more popular TV series on PBS, resulting in a number of spin-offs, as well as a magazine.
Robert Kraft Carpentry
In 1982, Robert obtained his Oregon General Contractor’s License and started running Robert Kraft Carpentry from the back of his truck. As business grew, he began working from his homeʼs basement, and by 1988, Kraft Carpentry, Inc. was born.
Kraft Carpentry continued to grow throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, reaching over 15 employees. To meet his business’ growing needs, Robert bought the old West Salem Post Office building in 1997 and completely renovated the space into what is now Kraft’s main office. It was around this time that Roger Stuckart joined Kraft as a Project Coordinator.
Quality Over Quantity
After years of expansion, Robert realized that bigger isn’t always better when it comes to a service-oriented business. He saw the value in taking a more personalized approach to each project. He did this by refining Kraftʼs systems and processes to ensure his clientsʼ needs and concerns were taken care of from start to finish. Most of all, he wanted his clients to be happy and love their home.
With this in mind, Robert made a conscious decision to downsize, and renamed the company in 2001 to Kraft Custom Construction, Inc. to better reflect his desire to provide a more sophisticated, personalized home remodeling experience.
A Boutique Company Offering High-End Custom Work
Kraft now has a handful of dedicated employees who share his vision for providing the highest quality work, craftsmanship and service to a select number of clients in the Portland, Salem, and Eugene metropolitan areas.
“I hired good people to do their thing, and I got out of the way. They were smart in figuring out what I needed. The original scope of my imagination was very limited compared to what I ended up getting.” – Angus V. (client)
Who We Are
We are Leaders. Kraft Custom Construction is a recognized leader in raising industry standards. Our work and our contributions to the community are well known in Portland, Salem, and Eugene.
We are Experts. Kraft has been in the business for more than 37 years. We have perfected our processes and procedures to minimize surprises and ensure the entire project is taken care of. When you work with us, you have a skilled contractor in your corner who values solid procedures and has the ability to exceptionally manage all the moving pieces of your job.
We Build Trust. Trust is everything. We help you create a home you love living in, that flows with ease—and lasts a lifetime. To that end, we use the highest quality materials, and only work with tradesmen we trust. We also work with clients who trust us to exceed their expectations.
You are Our Priority. We make sure designing and creating the home of your dreams is fun and stress-free. Through daily communication and mindful awareness, we aim to anticipate your needs and minimize disruptions to your daily routine. From the moment we meet you to the final walk-through, we are with you every step of the way.
Who We Are
We are Leaders. Kraft Custom Construction is a recognized leader in raising industry standards. Our work and our contributions to the community are well known in Portland, Salem, and Eugene.
We are Experts. Kraft has been in the business for more than 35 years. We have perfected our processes and procedures to minimize surprises and ensure the entire project is taken care of. When you work with us, you have a skilled contractor in your corner who values solid procedures and has the ability to exceptionally manage all the moving pieces of your job.
We Build Trust. Trust is everything. We help you create a home you love living in, that flows with ease—and lasts a lifetime. To that end, we use the highest quality materials, and only work with tradesmen we trust. We also only work with select clients who trust us to exceed their expectations.
You are Our Priority. We make sure designing and creating the home of your dreams is fun and stress-free. Through daily communication and mindful awareness, we aim to anticipate your needs and minimize disruptions to your daily routine. From the moment we meet you to the final walk-through, we are with you every step of the way.
Over 140 Years of Combined Experience
Behind every successful company is a dedicated and hardworking team. Kraft wouldn’t be an industry leader without its talented employees. They are the bread to our butter and the foundation of everything we do.
Meet Our Team
ROBERT KRAFT
President
Connecting with people is one of Robertʼs greatest joys. He is dedicated to responding to every phone call and email he receives. He values communication, friendliness and having a light-hearted attitude, always seeking to provide solutions to clients' concerns. He is a born educator, and loves teaching what he knows about the industry.
Robert believes in the power of being involved in the community and exerts every effort to do so. He currently serves as the secretary of the Architectural Heritage Center Board of Directors, is a member the Portland Rotary Club Preserve Planet Earth Committee and the Oregon Ethics in Business Steering Committee, and has been the Performing Arts Coordinator for the Salem Art Fair and Festival for more than 25 years.
As a Certified Master Builder, Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler, and a Master Certified Remodeler, Robert is the only licensed general contractor in Oregon to hold all three of these credentials. His zeal has also earned Robert numerous industry awards.
"We're not just a business; we're members of the community. We have an obligation to this environment, to contribute to its maintenance and longevity. It's important to also give back to the community that we live in by volunteering with non-profits and civic entities. But in the end, it all comes down to treating people and their homes with respect, and with the same dignity and professionalism that we would like to be treated with."
ROGER STUCKART
Project Coordinator
Roger has been working in the industry for over 30 years. An Oregon native, he started working in agriculture at a young age, both in the field and in the shop. Combining this experience with learned knowledge, Roger obtained a degree in Construction Technology and began working with a contractor in Silverton, Oregon in 1983. Over the course of 15 years, Roger worked and gained knowledge in project estimating and coordination for commercial, residential, agricultural and industrial projects.
In 1999, Roger decided to switch gears and work for a smaller company on more specialized projects. Twenty years down the line, Roger remains with Kraft as our esteemed Project Coordinator. He is the main communication hub between clients, architects/designers, trade contractors, material suppliers, building departments, field superintendents and the rest of the office team. Roger manages project estimating and scheduling, and ensures each project runs smoothly from start to finish
"I love the variety; every job and client are 100% different. We are not cookie-cutter or production-based—everything is custom and individualized to each project. There are so many options and products on the market; We work with homeowners to find the best solutions for their needs and give them exactly what they want. We provide value and quality. That quality shows in the relationships we build and how most of our work comes from repeat clients."
TED WILEMAN
Field Superintendent
Ted has been in the industry since 1982. His experience ranges from residential to commercial construction, including custom home builds, spec homes and tenant improvements. In 2006, Ted moved from the Seattle area to Oregon, and in 2014, joined the Kraft team as a Field Superintendent. In addition to his remarkable skill, Ted enjoys getting to know clients and provides exceptional customer service. He mostly focuses on rough and finish carpentry, and enjoys finding solutions to obscure or custom requests—a process he calls "creative problem solving." Ted is the brains behind the "wave" ceiling in the basement remodel that won Kraft the 2016 National Contractor of the Year Award.
PRO TIP"Predictability keeps your stress low. No matter how tidy and conscientious workers are, it is a construction zone. There will always be some degree of dust, noise and changes to your routine. We go above and beyond to protect your home and are sensitive to your individual needs. We will ensure you know what to expect so your life remains as peaceful as possible. And hey, this may be a great time to get out of the house and take a vacation!”
RANDY KIDD
Field Superintendent
Randy started working in the industry in 2000 and quickly became a construction foreman, mostly focusing on framing, concrete and exterior work. After years of working independently, Randy realized his true passion not only lies in the physical art of construction itself but also in working with a team of other highly skilled professionals. He joined the Kraft team in 2018 as a Field Superintendent. Working hands on, he oversees all aspects of project supervision, carpentry duties and quality control.
PRO TIP"Surprises are great, but not in construction projects. You want a contractor who’s prepared and organized—who goes over every single detail with you, twice, before any work begins. From design to final walk-through, extensive materials lists to detailed schedules, our love of super-thorough planning makes each project as surprise-free as possible."
EMMA KRAFT
Business Operations Manager
Robert's daughter Emma grew up in a carpenter's home. She learned the business by watching him fix and build things, and eventually gained the skills needed to handle tools and help on smaller projects. She even participated in a major kitchen remodel in their family home—and Robert claims she was both the youngest and bossiest supervisor heʼd ever had! For a time, Emma explored a path that led her away from the world of carpentry — she graduated with bachelor's degrees in psychology and Spanish cultural studies, gained fluency in Spanish and initially worked in social services for a number of years. Yet her roots kept calling her back to the world she grew up in. Emma began working for Kraft in 2018, and currently manages office operations, marketing and development.
PRO TIP"Know the company culture. Anyone can slap on a tool belt and claim to know what they’re doing. Before you hire a contractor, talk to past clients to find out if they had a good experience and are happy with the results. Integrity, service and professionalism are rare in this industry, but it makes a huge difference and that's what we're here for!"
JORDAN LEFRANCOIS
Apprentice Carpenter
Jordan started working for Kraft as an Apprentice Carpenter in 2018. A Salem native, Jordan enjoys camping and playing music with friends. Though he's new to the industry, Jordan approaches each project with an open attitude, an eagerness to learn new skills, and optimism to see where his learning will take him. He believes working for Kraft is a great opportunity to build a strong career in the industry.
PRO TIP"This process is about building relationships. Your contractor is going to feel like a family member by the time your project is done. They will be in your home, interacting with you and your pets, and should be sensitive to your needs. Don’t feel bad about interviewing multiple contractors and trusting your gut. Remember, you’re going to be around these people every day—so pay attention to how a company makes you feel."
