Our staff of skilled carpenters, designers, managers,
and cabinetmakers are the cornerstone of our success.
The TDS family culture empowers our team to exceed your expectations with creative problem solving, open and honest communication and the utmost respect for your home environment.
When you work with us, you collaborate with a team whose creative solutions fit your home’s individual style and whose specially trained builders assure you a craftsman standard of construction. Throughout, you have a partner who focuses not just on the end product, but also on your experience, from reliable communication to the respectful treatment of you and your home.
Join Our Team
We are looking for energetic, driven, and positive individuals to join our award-winning team of experienced craftspeople.
Ben Blodgett
Owner
Ben Blodgett, Life Long Learner
“A job well done, community pride, and small business are my passions.”
Ben started at the company as a laborer back in the last century (1999, to be precise). After fifteen years as lead carpenter in the field, he made the move to office-life as general manager of TDS as a prelude to purchasing the business and running the company.
As of 2021, Ben has taken the lead as the company’s new owner and is excited about TDS’ legacy of sustainability, durability, and integrity—while adding more of his own passionate interests in passive home and green building practices to the business model. As owner, he oversees day-to-day functions, creates well-defined processes that delight clients and is a support system for everyone at TDS.
Ben grew up near Muncie,Indiana. As a child, he loved to organize the spaces around him—sock drawers, the family junk bin, his own room. He’s still using these practiced organizational skills at TDS. He loves working in his vegetable garden, hiking, adding birds to his life list, and working on his home. In 2019, Ben committed to meditating every day for an entire year, and his ongoing practice continues to be a source of meaning and growth. “Sitting in mindful awareness has been life-changing for me,” Ben says.
What life experience do you bring to your work at TDS?
My parents grew up on a dairy farm and ran a feed mill in a small town. I was born on a community farm, worked in wood shops, and as a landscaper before starting at TDS as a laborer.
What do your colleagues value in you as a coworker?
I like to think I’m really steady day to day, always willing to learn new things, and always looking to improve.
What gives you a sense of pride?
I take great pride in my growth as a carpenter turned owner, and I always revel in a happy client and a beautiful project. I really like seeing change come to successful fruition.
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Christi Weber
Design Manager
Christi Weber
Design Manager
“Passive House Pro”
“I feel a deep connection to places. I know how much the spaces we inhabit can affect us. Whenever I design a new space for someone that is not just functional, but delightful to be in, I feel like I’m giving them something that will improve their everyday experience. And remodeling, specifically, breathes new life into old houses—and frankly that idea makes me very happy.”
Christi has been with TDS since 2017. Born and raised in Wisconsin, she’s been in the design field for 10 years, specializing in residential projects, Passive House, Net-Zero and High Performance homes. She was Wisconsin’s first Certified Passive House Consultant. Christi is also skilled at listening, asking good questions and designing individualized, functional and beautiful spaces for her clients, whether the project is small or large, a remodel or new construction. In her spare time Christi enjoys spending time with her family, reading, taking hikes in the woods, and working on her own house.
Professional and Life Experience Christi brings to TDS: Masters in Architecture, over 12 years design experience, Certified Passive House Professional. Drive, curiosity, and organization.
What makes her proud to work at TDS: The camaraderie, respect, flexibility, and the work itself.
Favorite tool (power tool or otherwise): Critical thinking
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Nancy Kaiser
Design Manager
Nancy Kaiser
Project Design Manager
“Expert Puzzle Solver”
“I’m a student of life. I purchased my own home and have tackled many a remodeling project, including my kitchen, my bath, and building a new garage. I’ve traveled to Alaska on multiple occasions and have seen Denali on a crystal clear day.”
Nancy brings decades of work in the kitchen and bath industry, having worked her way up from a draftsperson at a kitchen design studio to being hired full time before graduating from college. Before she joined TDS Custom Construction in 2009, Nancy was the senior designer at a local kitchen-and-bath studio. She is a Certified Kitchen Designer and Universal Design Certified Professional with specialties in Universal Design and Sustainable Design.
Nancy is proud of both the people and the company culture at TDS. Nancy uses her design experience to solve the puzzle of your kitchen or bath, fitting pieces together to create a useful space. She derives a great sense of satisfaction seeing the unique projects the talented team at TDS bring to fruition.
Outside of work, Nancy loves to read, binge-watch all things BBC, bike and take hikes around Madison. She’s passionate about Craftsman-style homes and has a keen eye for historic architecture.
Favorite tool (power tool or otherwise): My computer, which requires gaming speed to operate the design software.
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Tanya Rucinski
Accounting & Office Manager
Tanya Rucinski
Accounting & Office Manager
“Keeper of Receipts”
“With work, I strive to learn as much as I can and be the best I can be. I take pride in knowing my job and doing it well. In life, I strive to be the best person I can be in order to be there for my loved ones—especially my kids. I take pride in knowing I set a good example for my kids and siblings, and I have no problem voicing my opinions when needed. I’m ‘mama bear.’”
Tanya has been with TDS since March 2019. She has a Primary’s Degree in Business Administration, and twenty years of combined experience in administration, marketing, and management. As a single mother of three boys, she’s been through it all, and that life experience has translated into strong management skills. “I’ve worked in wild and chaotic work environments throughout my life,” she says, “so I can handle almost anything.”
At TDS, Tanya makes sure our i’s are dotted and our t’s are crossed, and she plays a key role in bringing order to the workplace and the business side of things. “I get the job done and I’m willing to take on more to help others stay sane. I’m sarcastic and sassy in a good way,” she says. Tanya likes to read, spend time with her family and friends, cook and bake, travel, visit antique stores and thrift stores, and be outside during warm weather to soak up her Vitamin D.
What do you value about TDS as a company? What makes you proud to work here? At TDS we take pride in what we do and strive to give our customers a beautiful final project. Family is important to me, and I love that we are able to balance our personal and business lives appropriately. And my co-workers rock!
Favorite tool (power tool or otherwise): Calculator and my MIND
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Jackie Matelski
Selections & Client Manager
Jackie Matelski
Selections & Client Manager
“Arbiter of Jokes”
“I enjoy creating systems to keep things organized. And occasionally cracking a joke.”
Jackie has been with TDS since May 2017, and in her time here she has worn many hats! Currently, she’s helping define the selections process as well as managing many internal systems and duties. Prior to her time at TDS, Jackie owned and operated a small ceramics company,Toast Ceramics, for 5 years. While she mostly operates her business ceramics on the side now, it continues to teach her the back end of business operations and marketing on a small scale. Creating systems to help things run smoothly is crucial to running her business and gives her unique skills to assist TDS. In addition to her business knowledge, Jackie is passionate about her home and creating efficient and functional spaces without sacrificing unique style. She’s done a lot of her home improvements herself and finds air-sealing and insulating fascinating!
Jackie grew up in Wisconsin and has learned to appreciate its under-the-radar quality to other places she’s lived and traveled. In her spare time, she likes to hike with her partner and two huskies around the state, garden in her large flower and vegetable beds, and create with her hands—from making pottery and reupholstering furniture, to cooking meals and installing flooring.
What do you value about TDS as a company? What makes you proud to work here? The focus on sustainability and flexible mindset of the company and my co-workers is what sets us apart and makes me proud to work at TDS.
Favorite tool (power tool or otherwise): Multi-tool, such a handy thing.
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Ian Schwandt
Project Developer
“The Bean Counter”
“I bring a tradesperson’s perspective to understanding the myriad of costs associated with every construction project and a willingness to view my work from the perspective of others.”
Ian joined the TDS team in 2020 as a Project Developer. He is a Certified Passive House Tradesperson and has completed the Net Zero Building Program at Yestermorrow School in Vermont.
Ian brings a wealth of experience to his work at TDS—from his traditional carpentry apprenticeship, to his work leading large scale commercial construction projects in the health care sector; from his historic preservation work as a self-employed tradesperson, to writing for trade publications like Fine Homebuilding and JLC. Through all these experiences, he learned first hand what can be accomplished by talented tradespeople dedicated to lifelong learning.
Ian grew up as the sixth generation on his family’s farm, and then moved to the Hudson Valley region of New York where he lived for 13 years. Living and working in a densely populated area gave him the opportunity to build relationships with a diverse group of people from around the world. Ian says he would not be who he is today, or living back on the farm where he grew up, without many of these relationships. In his spare time he enjoys reading, woodworking, and furniture making.
Favorite tool (power tool or otherwise): Hammer. It was the first tool I was given as a small child on the farm.
What do you value about TDS as a company? What makes you proud to work here? TDS places a high value on maintaining a positive work life balance and everyone who works here has a real desire to make a positive impact in our clients’ lives by building greener, higher performing living spaces.
What gives you a sense of pride? I enjoy creating things that are greater than the sum of their parts, and I get the same sense of pride from building a detailed construction budget spreadsheet as I do from building a functional piece of furniture.
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Sean Size
Production Manager
Sean Size
Production Manager
“TDS does a great job seamlessly blending the old with the new. I appreciate the care TDS gives to the preservation of our older buildings and by extension, respect to all the previous generations of builders.”
Sean has been remodeling for over 20 years. Before joining TDS in 2009, he ran his own business. He has a keen understanding of the building code, so co-workers often go to him with questions. It gives him a sense of pride to make new things look like they’ve always been there, and he enjoys the creative challenge it can sometimes take to achieve that.
In his free time Sean mentors a local high school robotics team, and enjoys hiking in the woods and cooking with family. He’s also been exploring turning drawing into physical objects with 3D printers and CNC routers.
Worth noting: I prefer to fix something rather than replace it.
Favorite tool (power tool or otherwise): My Neos Overshoes
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Kevin Kovacs
Lead Carpenter
Kevin Kovacs
Lead Carpenter
“Co-Worker & Storyteller”
“It gives me a great sense of pride to have earned respect through the years from sub-contractors and inspectors for running an efficient and professional job site.”
Kevin Kovacs has 40 years of construction experience, and has been with TDS since 2018. He has experience as a builder in three different regions of the US—all with distinct climates. To the TDS team, he brings a willingness to share trade skills, and a problem solving outlook, and he’s proud to work at TDS because of their outstanding reputation in the Madison area.
Coaching youth sports for twenty years has given Kevin great insight into working with children, parents, and institutions. In his free time, Kevin makes wood objects in his home workshop. You can see some of his work by following him on Instagram @blueotter_woodworks.
Favorite tool (power tool or otherwise): Pencil and paper
Follow Kevin on Instagram @blueotter_woodworks!
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Kevin Hayes-Birchler
Lead Carpenter
Kevin Hayes-Birchler
Lead Carpenter
“Smile Supervisor”
“I love to be able to stand back and know that the product I’ve produced is of the highest quality both above and below the surface.”
Kevin Hayes-Bircher has been with TDS since 2016. He graduated with honors from Madison College Construction & Remodeling program. At TDS, he is working to streamline the construction process, while also fine-tuning his own finishing capabilities. Kevin brings positive energy, a strong work ethic, and problem solving abilities to his work as a project lead. He believes in working hard to ensure both that potential problems are addressed before they arise, and that projects are completed in a timely manner. He values quality and thoughtfulness, and he takes the time to think things through to make sure that we end up with the best possible product. Kevin is an avid bike rider, and enjoys building and racing bikes.
What do you value about TDS as a company? What makes you proud to work here? TDS provides a sensible design that I can translate to a high quality finished product. Our employees are treated well and rewarded with a job well done.
Favorite tool (power tool or otherwise): I love my miter saw. It’s a highly capable tool that allows me to cut trim to perfection.
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Alex Bartlett
Lead Carpenter
Alex Bartlett
Lead Carpenter
Alex has worked at TDS as a carpenter since 2013. He graduated from MATC, Construction and Remodeling program in 2013. Alex enjoys problem solving, and enjoys finding creative new solutions to the ever-changing challenges presented by the different projects he’s encountered over the years.
What do you value about TDS as a company? What makes you proud to work here? Understanding the importance of work/life balance.
Favorite tool (power or otherwise): Laser level
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Martín Gutiérrez
Lead Carpenter
Martín Gutierrez
Carpenter
Mr. Detail
“TDS is a progressive workplace with good values and great people! I’m proud to be associated with one of the top remodeling companies in our city.”
Martín joined TDS in 2018, and brings a background in industrial design to his work at TDS. Before TDS, he worked as a designer for retail fixtures and interiors, with major brands such as Puma, Burton, Lego & Nintendo. Since coming to TDS he’s been able to shift his work focus—away from a mental exercise in creativity to physically producing a concept to reality.
Growing up in Argentina and traveling a lot throughout his life has given Martín an appreciation for the culture and beauty that this world has to offer. He has fond memories of horseback riding through the Andes in Patagonia. Martín is bilingual in Spanish and English, and his multicultural background has proven an important asset at TDS.
Inspired by master craftsman Brent Hull and his passion of beautiful architecture and the art of timeless building, Martín takes pride in being able to create things—bringing ideas to reality in work and in life. He and his partner Debby have two small dogs—a PeekaPoo named Filbert, and a French Bulldog named Bruce. “They truly are our kids and we love them so!” says Martín. Outside of work, Martín also has an interest in art and custom motorcycle design.
Favorite tool (power tool or otherwise): Lasers!
Favorite quote:
“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you anywhere.” —Albert Einstein
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Jim Papadopoulos
Carpenter
Jim Papadopoulos
Carpenter
“The True Greek Freak”
“At the end of the day I would rather fix something old than erect a new development with a parking lot. I value TDS’s long history as a company rooted in immaculate home preservation. It’s the reason I take pride in being a part of the team.”
Jim came on board in 2019, as one of our newest carpenters here at TDS. Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, he has worked in museums and galleries, restaurants, three furniture companies, and a kitchen and bath remodeling company. He once founded a gallery in his old apartment’s closet when he lived in Portland, Oregon. He brings a BFA and MFA in painting and sculpture to his work at TDS, which have given him a uniquely versatile and at-the-ready set of carpentry skills. “I have made art objects for the better half of sixteen years,” he says, “and I always look forward to the challenges that arise with a given material on a daily basis.”
Jim has found that taking the time to do something correctly and intently gives him a sense of pride—in his view, it’s both more difficult and more enjoyable to find a real solution than it is to quickly but inadequately mend something. “Being challenged is fun, and ultimately translates to both personal and professional growth,” he says. When he’s not working you can find him welding or woodworking, gardening, making fresh pasta, or doing anything outdoors with his wife.
What do your colleagues value in you as a coworker? My level of extreme detail to any process I’m working on, and my hard work ethic.
Favorite tool (power tool or otherwise): My level—it never lets me down.
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Emlyn Jones
Carpenter
Emlyn Jones
Carpenter
“Captain Tidypants”
“My dream is to find a property to create a green-built cabin oasis to share with the world, helping people recharge in a beautiful, hand-crafted space.”
When Emlyn joined TDS in January 2020, he was excited to find a company whose values fit his own. “It feels good to work for something you believe in,” he says. He’s passionate about bringing high quality workmanship and sustainable practices into projects. Working at TDS allows him to continue pursuing his best self, he says. Emlyn has a BA in Holistic Landscape Design, two years of experience as a regenerative farmer, and five years of military service including a deployment to Afghanistan. He has always worked with his hands, and building has been a lifelong interest—he has built tiny earthen cabins, large barns, and plenty in between. He has certificates in natural building and fine woodworking from Yestermorrow Design/Build School in Vermont, and aspires to be a Primary Builder.
One of his strengths is maintaining a clean and orderly space at work and at home—he enjoys finding ways to keep things running smoothly and looking good. He loves learning from colleagues and bringing his best to each job and for each customer, creating a high-quality experience for everyone. In his spare time he loves running, woodworking, and spending time with his wife and two young kids—cooking together (or just making popcorn), camping, reading books and adventuring outside.
Favorite tool (power tool or otherwise):
Side Projects: Ask me about November Project or my not-yet-famous homemade mayonnaise!
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Elliot Samuel-Lamm
Carpenter
Elliot Samuel-Lamm
Carpenter
“Ensign”
“I would love to pet your dog. It doesn’t bother me at all if it jumps on me or barks at me. I have pets, too, and will be very careful not to let a cat or dog sneak out of the door I’m using. Cats are great, too. No snakes, please!”
Elliot joined TDS in 2020. Before that, he worked as a carpenter for several years in Madison and did a fair bit of restoration work on the old YWCA in Janesville. Elliot appreciates the friendly work environment at TDS, our commitment to quality, and most of all, our commitment to safety—especially with regard to lead remediation. He also appreciates our progressive values and our support of the BLM movement.
Recently, Elliot and his wife bought a large house built in 1864 that had been abandoned for 30 years. They are currently living on the first floor and working on making the second floor functional. All of his free time goes toward fixing up the house and taking care of his kids; he says he has heard of hobbies and that they sound interesting.
What do your colleagues value in you as a coworker?: Under usual circumstances, I’d say my smile, but we’ve all had to wear masks since I started here.
What gives you a sense of pride?: Rot repair and restoration—making damage or rot disappear. I like to zone in on something for hours at a time and get into a creative flow state.
Favorite tool (power tool or otherwise): Commercial espresso machine or flip open box cutter.
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Sam Breidenbach
Former Owner/Consultant
Sam Breidenbach
Former Owner/Consultant
“Chief Legacy Officer”
“I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for TDS, guided by a new and talented generation of leaders who are driven by an outstanding work ethic and customer service to maintain, improve and build homes throughout Dane County. I am proud knowing that I helped cultivate and guide the company for the past 35 years so that it may thrive well into the future.”
Sam helped found TDS Custom Construction in 1985 . For the last 30 years, Sam has enjoyed collaborating with his talented staff on new projects. He loves to seek innovative solutions that increase homeowner comfort and energy efficiency, while preserving the built environment. From net-zero homes to historic preservation, Sam is a passionate advocate of conservation. He is a Primary Certified Remodeler and a Green Certified Professional through NARI.
Before starting TDS, Sam worked as a carpenter in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. He traveled and worked extensively in Europe for two years. When he returned, he bought and renovated three investment properties in Milwaukee.
Sam is a 13-year cancer survivor of metastatic melanoma. In his spare time, Sam explores scenic Madison biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing. He also enjoys studying foreign languages, yoga and mindfulness meditation. He volunteers for The Madison Trust for Historic Preservation, and serves on the City of Madison’s Building Board of Appeals.
Favorite tool (power or otherwise): Knife
What do you value about TDS as a company? I believe that TDS has a natural DNA that acknowledges the value of each and every employee and the skills they bring to the design, development and construction of each and every project for the complete satisfaction of our clients.
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“"Your carpenter did an incredible job – with carpentry/craftsmanship as well as coordination, communication, and respect and care for our home throughout the process. The construction process and the outcome really couldn’t have been better. (The designer) was also very helpful in finalizing design details and decisions."
David
“"We really enjoyed working with (all your staff). But working with (our lead carpenter) on a day to day basis was the icing on the cake. He was always so professional, calm, and just a nice guy to work with."
Kevin & Phil
“"Thank you for the excellent planning and execution throughout. We’re looking forward to our next project with TDS!"
Carl & Eve
