From Garage to Greatness
Picture this: It’s the early 1980s, heavy snow is falling in Northern Illinois, and Ken Spears is determined to finish a kitchen remodeling project for a family with four children. The farmhouse near Rollo is barely accessible, but that doesn’t stop Ken. He drives his van as far as possible, then hooks up a snowmobile trailer to complete the journey. That unwavering dedication has defined Ken Spears Construction since its founding in 1975—a commitment to getting the job done, no matter what challenges arise.
Building a Remodeling Legacy
It all started with a garage. Not just any garage, but one built for Ken’s kindergarten teacher in Hinckley, IL. That first project quickly led to a siding job on a church across the street—in November, no less. Ken, recently retired from the Air Force in Arizona, returned to his hometown with a vision for a different kind of home remodeling company. Ken wanted to fill a gap in the market left by “part-time, seasonal tradesman, many of whom were farmers,” as he puts it. “I wanted to do remodeling and repairs year-round and do it in a professional way.”
The drive to provide consistent, professional services laid the groundwork for what would become a trusted and well-respected business in the following years.
Tackling Early Challenges
The early years were far from easy. Ken remembers the uncertainty of where the next job would come from, relying solely on word-of-mouth marketing. Determining proper pricing to ensure business sustainability was a constant concern. For Kathy, watching the business grow meant tackling increasingly complex scheduling as their reputation—and project backlog—grew.
Adding to the stress of a growing full-scale remodeling company was the impact of the Illinois weather on their ability to work. As Kathy recalls, “Since we worked on both outside and inside projects, the weather could play havoc on schedules,” sometimes pushing projects to the back burner due to harsh conditions. However, as Ken’s fateful snowmobile ride demonstrated, nothing kept the dynamic duo from keeping their promises—not even a snowstorm.
Innovating the Remodeling Industry
A pivotal moment came in the early 1980s when Ken and Kathy attended their first Remodeling Conference in Dallas. This experience transformed their approach to business. They implemented computer systems, developed streamlined processes, and created comprehensive checklists that would become the foundation of their operation. Perhaps most importantly, they began forming partnerships with specialized contractors, enhancing their ability to deliver exceptional results.
Growing Through Quality Craftsmanship
The company’s growth followed a careful, strategic path. After eight months of solo operation, Ken hired his first employee. By 1979, they had added a second van and crew, followed by a third in 1983. The team continued to grow steadily, reaching thirteen employees at its peak before 2008. Each addition to the team was carefully considered, ensuring they maintained their high standards of quality and service.
Core Values That Endure
Through five decades, certain principles remained constant. The foundation was always doing what they said they would do—a simple but powerful commitment that earned them trust throughout the community. Respect and honesty guided every interaction, whether with customers or employees. Ken’s natural ability to listen and truly understand customer needs became a hallmark of their service.
“We did what we said we would do. That’s the short answer. Our word was our bond.” – Ken Spears
For Kathy, gaining the trust of countless homeowners has its roots in a more personal place: “It has been such a privilege to be entrusted with people’s homes,” she says with pride. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Serving DeKalb for 50 Years
In 1999, Ken Spears Construction achieved a significant milestone when they were named a BIG 50 Remodeler. The recognition highlighted their remarkable achievement of serving three generations of families, a testament to their enduring commitment to quality. Their expansion into comprehensive remodeling services came naturally, growing from their deep understanding of homeowners’ needs in places like Hinckley and DeKalb, IL.
Remodeling for the Next Generation
Today, Ken Spears Construction continues to offer complete home remodeling solutions in DeKalb, IL, and the surrounding areas, from kitchen and bathroom remodels to room additions and whole-home renovations. Their interior design services help clients envision possibilities, while their exterior remodeling expertise ensures homes are both beautiful and durable.
Although Ken and Kathy are retired, their values remain at the heart of the company. Now led by Greg Spears, the business continues to uphold its family-run traditions. The countless thank-you letters and multi-generational client relationships stand as testimony to their enduring legacy of quality and service.
Ready to Start Your Project?
We want you to become part of our continuing history! Explore our blog for more remodeling tips, browse our portfolio and featured projects for inspiration, and schedule your in-home consultation today to get started. Let Ken Spears Construction help make your vision a reality!
Coming Soon: Fifty Years of Stories
Join us throughout our anniversary year as we celebrate the legacy of Ken Spears Construction. Each month, we’ll share insights and reflections on:
- The evolution of construction technology over five decades
- Our proudest achievements, from client successes to major awards
- The connections we’ve built with our community and local partners
- Stories from the team that makes it all happen
- Design trends that have shaped Illinois homes since 1975
Follow along as we explore our history and look ahead to the future!
