Business Style

Jill of All Trades

Omaha’s Premier Female Remodeling Contractor Getting the Job Done Right—and on Time

By Jackie Byers

Kim Stewart chose the name Jill of All Trades in 2009, to

attract clients looking for many different services, including remodeling, painting, minor repairs, janitorial, building maintenance. “I began in 1978 with Kim’s White Glove Cleaning, specializing in cleaning businesses and new construction.” Kim had always been good with tools, so expanding into small remodeling jobs and house painting was a natural next step. The field was, at the time, entirely dominated by men.

Kim made her way carefully because many potential customers were surprised to find a woman running a remodeling company. “I always liked the idea of being able to blaze my own trail and find my own way,” Kim recalls. More than 40 years later, many women have followed Kim’s lead in the construction industry, painting, remodeling, and decorating homes in the Omaha area.

An important part of Kim’s success is her strong work ethic. She shows up when promised, and she listens to what her clients say they want. This dedication has built her a client base all over Omaha. Kim has remodeled, painted, gutted, and completely rebuilt homes. She can convert an attic into living space, redo a kitchen or a bathroom, add a powder room, and much more. After almost four decades in the business, Kim knows construction.

Her clients agree, and they are spreading the word. “I was introduced to Jill of All Trades on the recommendation from my realtor. I bought a home she had just flipped,” says client Jenny. “Kim had gutted an existing house, taking it down to the studs! I was blown away with all the conveniences. She must have read my mind! It now looks like my dream house.” Jenny continues to call Jill of All Trades for any and all repairs. “I call Kim because I don’t know the first thing about repairs. She comes over after she has finished a day’s work and takes care of whatever needs it. I consider her a great contractor and a good friend.”

Jill of All Trades is going strong. Kim’s goal is to focus on quality, not quantity. “I like to build relationships with my clients, not just get just get the job. I love bringing dreams to reality.” She is thankful to have a reliable group of licensed subcontractors. Nick, her oldest grandson, grew up on job sites and has matured into an 18-year-old senior this year. He is a vital part of the company, from gutting projects to deliveries, from painting and staining, to mowing and blowing snow. “Many of my clients will always ask where Nick is or how is Nick doing,” says Kim, “That makes me so proud.” There are two things Kim loves most in her life. The first is family. Her grandkids are her everything, and the two smaller ones do their fair share of helping out, also. “My second love is my business,” says Kim. “It is my life, while I look forward to retiring in five years.” Her hope is that Nick will become more involved, and after college in business management, then slowly take over the company that I built. “That would be my finest hour and accomplishment,” remarks Kim.

Clients sometimes are not sure what they want at first. When she consults with her clients, she looks at the long term. She firmly believe in creating homes that her clients can live in safely for years to come. Kim is a certified Living In Place Professional. These professionals represent and guide the future of home design. They incorporate the best principles of universal design, aging-in-place, multi-generational living, wellness, and accessibility. Kim provides options that make the best use of the space and choices about color schemes. Each suggestion includes a careful estimate of the total cost, so clients can make informed decisions. When you’re having a bathroom or kitchen remodeled, it’s important to know which changes in the existing structure are economical or even possible. For example, Kim suggests zero-entry showers and always grab bars. Another popular fixture now is a freestanding bathtub.

“Understanding what the client wants is my first priority,” Kim concludes. “I can rebuild a whole house after I build a solid relationship with my client.” If your home needs repair, repainting, remodeling, or even just a little TLC, call on Jill of All Trades! You can reach Kim at 402-905-8144.

Kim Stewart, owner