Resource Center

Builder Corner: Meigs Inc.

Monday, November 11, 2024

Ken Miegs, the owner of Meigs Inc., located in Cross Plains, WI, is about to celebrate an impressive milestone—40 years in the building industry. With a fascinating journey from a career in computer programming to becoming a leader in custom builds and commercial projects, Ken’s story is one of passion, adaptability, and long-term success. As he approaches this remarkable anniversary, I sat down with him to learn more about his journey, his business, and the wisdom he’s gained along the way.

How Did You Get Into the Building Industry?
Ken’s path to the construction world wasn’t straightforward. “I originally started as a computer programmer,” Ken begins. After a stint in the military, he returned to his computer job but quickly realized cubicle life wasn’t for him. “My grandfather always said, ‘Don’t work in an industry where you aren’t happy.’ So, I quit my programming job and took an 11-month vacation to figure out what I wanted to do.”

When Ken returned from his break, he found himself working at Wick Buildings, and then later moved on to Cleary Buildings as a general manager. That’s when the world of construction began to appeal to him. “I realized the sales staff was making more money than I was,” he laughs. “So, I transitioned into sales and, in 1985, started my own business using a component supplier. When Wick ran into financial troubles, I began working with Amwood.”

How Did You Get Started with Amwood?
Ken’s relationship with Amwood began in 2009 after Wick Buildings was restructured. Over the years, the partnership has been a crucial part of his business, helping him grow and take on more custom builds.

Tell Us About Your Business Model
Ken’s business, Meigs Inc., specializes in unique and custom builds. “We focus on barndominiums, custom homes, outbuildings for shops, horse barns, and commercial builds,” he explains. The commercial projects are often for agricultural and manufacturing purposes, and there’s even been a pickleball court and gymnasium with living quarters.

Unlike many builders, Meigs Inc. doesn’t dabble in spec homes and only occasionally takes on remodels, preferring to reserve those for previous clients. Today, Ken enjoys the luxury of picking and choosing the projects he wants to work on, leaving the day-to-day operations to his trusted business partner, Dave Budden.

“Dave and I go way back,” Ken shares. “He was the chief engineer at Wick Buildings, and when I went full-time with my business, he joined me. He’s been with me for over 20 years now and handles all the paperwork, which I’m happy to avoid!”

Where Do You Get Your Leads?
For Meigs Inc., word of mouth has been the most powerful marketing tool. “Most of our leads come from referrals and suppliers. Many of our customers become friends, which makes word-of-mouth recommendations even stronger,” Ken says. This tight-knit network of clients and suppliers has helped the business stay fully booked through June of next year.

While Ken’s team focuses on select projects, there’s always room for an Amwood home. “Amwood does much of the work for us, so we can fit those jobs between our other projects,” he explains.

What Marketing Strategies Have Worked Best for You?
Ken keeps things simple when it comes to marketing. “We have a website, a Facebook page, publish an ad in the local shopper, and put up job site signs,” he says. This mix of online and traditional advertising, along with word of mouth, has proven effective in maintaining a steady stream of business.

What is the Price Range of the Homes You Build?
The cost of building has risen in recent years. “It used to be $200,000 to $400,000, but now the range is more like $400,000 to $600,000,” Ken notes.

What Style of Homes Do You Build Most?
Barndominiums and ranch-style homes are the bread and butter of Meigs Inc. While they’ve built a few
two-story homes, the majority of their projects stick to these styles. Interestingly, Ken has had success converting some barndominium customers into ranch-style custom home buyers, but not the other
way around.

How Many Homes Have You Built?
Over the course of his career, Ken estimates he’s built over 2,000 buildings, and around 150 homes with 50 of those homes being Amwood.

Tell Us About Your Family
Ken has been married to his wife, Susan, for 47 years. “She doesn’t work in the business, and we prefer it that way,” he says. Together, they have two children, Adam and Amanda. While Adam initially considered joining the family business, Ken encouraged him to find his own path, and today Adam works as a plant manager at a plastics manufacturing company. Amanda works as an insurance adjuster for West Bend. Ken and Susan also have three grandchildren, with one more on the way.

What Are Some Other Interesting Facts About You?
Ken’s love for woodworking runs deep. “Every time we move, my woodworking shop gets bigger,” he says. From crafting items for his grandchildren to building mantels, barn doors, and even countertops for a bowling alley, Ken’s workshop has produced some incredible pieces.

In addition to his construction business, Ken also owns Bulldog Recover & Restore, a business that repurposes salvage materials from job sites. “We take things like old barn wood and turn them into new items to sell in our shop,” he explains.

Meigs Inc. has earned numerous awards over the years, including 3 National Frame Building Association (NFBA) Builder of the Year awards for their horse barns, agricultural workshops, and commercial buildings—a testament to Ken’s skill and dedication over the past four decades.

As Ken celebrates 40 years in the industry next year, his passion for building and craftsmanship is as strong as ever. With a trusted team, a successful business model, and a wealth of experience, the future looks bright for Ken Meigs and Meigs Inc.

To learn more about Meigs Inc. at their website: https://www.meigsbuilds.com/