20/03/2026
Meet the hands behind the frame. This series is about the people who keep Three Ten Timber building one of a kind structures.
Next up is Steve Kidwell, who joined the team in early 2025 and brought vast construction experience with him. This guy is a major difference maker in our day to day operations, both in how smoothly these projects run and how the guys around him keep getting better.
Here’s a look at Steve’s take on the trade, from early builds to some standout moments on the job.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I was born in Rio Vista, California. When I was 13 my family moved to Iowa and I’ve been here ever since.
Q: First memory of building or working with your hands?
A: Not the first thing, but my friends and I built a tree house in high school that was so fantastic it made the front page of the local newspaper.
Q: What drew you to work with reclaimed timber?
A: I’ve always loved the challenge of taking something old and rough and giving it new life. After Elias invited me to help out with the Nantucket barn, I knew there was no turning back.
Q: Favorite species of wood to work with, and what makes it different?
A: Walnut. It’s luxurious in every way. Nice and stable, but not too hard that it fights every bit and blade.
Q: Most memorable jobsite moment so far?
A: The Nantucket barn raising. Building a structure in that location, surrounded by such history, was a build to remember.
Q: If you could bring one historic structure back to life, what would it be?
A: The Mandalay Mansion in Cedar Falls.
Q: Dream project location?
A: Lake Tahoe, CA.
Q: What’s one thing clients might not realize about what we do?
A: We are not Amish. But if you are Amish or former Amish and able to travel for work, please call me.
Q: Favorite meals from the road?
A: Lobster rolls at Walters Deli, Nantucket
Oysters at Neptune Oysters, Boston
Enchiladas Verdes at Mi lindo Vallarta, Cedar Rapids
Gabe’s Chicharrón
Bear Soup at Jed’s
