When Tim Kritter started TJK Design-Build in October of 1992, he embraced the challenges of running a business with a philosophy that would become the company’s enduring motto: Work Hard, Be Fair, Have Fun.
Starting as a one-man operation with degrees in architecture and structural engineering, plus seven years of commercial design-build experience, Kritter officially launched TJK at his dining room table on October 19th, 1992. Judging by the initial surprised reaction of his wife, Liz, to finding him home on a Monday morning, Kritter knew he needed an office and quickly moved into a space owned by two close friends. “I started in the basement of a building on Odana Road, and the business took off from there,” he shares.
Tim K. in the early days of TJK.
In the beginning, Kritter wore all the hats, performing all the drafting, engineering, project management, bidding, and field supervision, and regularly putting in 12-hour days. Despite the long days and initial anxiety of the unknown, Kritter’s willingness to learn from experienced tradespeople and his commitment to building strong relationships laid the foundation for a 32-year success story in the design-build industry. His philosophy was straightforward: Do the right thing, do the best job you can, don’t worry, and the money will follow. This approach allowed TJK to grow organically, focusing on quality work rather than aggressive expansion.
Adapting to Ebbs and Flows
“We’ve been fortunate enough that we haven’t had to chase work,” reflects Kritter. “We work hard and pursue projects, but we don’t chase them just for the sake of it.” As a smaller company, this enables TJK to navigate market fluctuations with more fluidity while maintaining a close-knit team. During slower periods, there’s time to invest in internal projects and improvements, and in busier seasons, the team–many who have been with TJK for 20+ years–can quickly shift into “all-hands-on-deck” mode.
Building Success Through Relationships
“To me, it’s always been a relationship business,” Kritter shares. “I’ve been fortunate enough to develop relationships and friendships both in the community and in the building arena over the past 30 years and built a business by word of mouth.”
Breaking ground on a Dunkin’ Donuts location, back when it still had ‘Donuts’ in the name.
For Kritter, success goes beyond traditional metrics. It’s measured in customer satisfaction, repeat business, employee retention, and lasting relationships. But the true measure of success, he believes, is in the impact TJK’s work has on clients’ lives. “At the end of the day, when you put up a structure, and you go out there and see that smile on that person’s face, their family there, and you’re cutting the ribbon – that’s success,” Kritter explains. “It might just look like a building to you, but to them, this is it. This is what they’re going to operate their business out of; this is what they’re going to operate their livelihood out of. It’s probably the single largest asset they’ll ever create. To see the smile and satisfaction on their face – that’s success.”
Tim on-site at a previous steel and concrete addition for United Alloy in Janesville.
This people-first approach has been the cornerstone of TJK Design Build’s enduring legacy in an ever-changing industry.
If you’re ready to start a conversation with TJK, contact us today. And be sure to connect with us on LinkedIn for project updates, behind-the-scenes site photos, and more.