Photography: Alexander Aleman

It’s said that “behind every successful man, there is a great woman,” but for Charles (Chuck) Powell, founder of CKC Custom Homes, his great woman isn’t behind him; she is right beside him.

Kristal Powell has worked alongside her husband as co-founder and interior designer of their successful custom home business since its inception, imparting her uniquely elegant style in every CKC home.

Kristal’s impeccable eye for design, paired with Chuck’s extensive background in construction and finance, has enabled this powerhouse husband-and-wife team to rise to the top as leaders in the industry of custom homebuilding.

Both in their 30s, the young entrepreneurs have enjoyed early success and growth in their business from the time they established it in 2002. Since then, they have won numerous awards, including San Antonio Parade of Homes best floor plan, best master suite and best outdoor entertainment.

They have also been recognized by their peers, the Greater San Antonio Builders Association (GSABA), winning Summit awards for best kitchen, pool and master suite. They have continued to win Summit awards every year since 2006.

To know that this thriving business was born simply because of a wife’s encouragement and profound belief in her husband is to understand the reason behind Kristal and Chuck’s success.

“Kristal believed in me when no one else did,” Chuck confesses.

At a time when Chuck faced uncertainty about his future, leaving his home and job in Austin to move to San Antonio, it was Kristal who urged him to consider starting his own construction business.

“I worked in construction all of my life, beginning when my father sent me to work digging foundations, laying cement and framing outhouses,” he says. “After college, I took that experience and went to work for a nationally recognized builder, working my way up the ladder from superintendent to construction manager. I was pretty much at the top of my game when I realized I needed a change.”

During this time of transition, Chuck says Kristal insisted that rather than going back to work for someone else, he should use his expert experience to start a business of his own.

“I remember telling others about this idea of opening my own custom homebuilding company, and the response I was usually met with was, ‘there’s too much risk,’” Chuck says. “But Kristal had a different attitude. She saw it as, ‘What do we have to lose?’”

So with Kristal’s blessing, Chuck used their 50K in savings and cashed in his 401(k) to take a leap of faith in starting his own business. Looking back, he agrees it was definitely a risk worth taking.

The emerging company CKC Custom Homes has evolved as a major competitor among custom homebuilders. In its 10th year of business, the company is flourishing.

“We have been lucky to be able to make it through this rough period, coming out stronger than before,” Chuck says.

And the key to their success, he explains, is rooted in their partnership.

“We rely on each other,” Chuck says. “Our business is a true team effort where I design and construct quality custom homes and Kristal enhances them by helping clients select the finishing touches.”

The result is always a one-of-a-kind custom home that is perfectly suited to its location and unique topography – something Chuck is passionate about. When planning and designing each home, he carefully considers the orientation of the land, as well as sun and wind direction.

This way, he says, “we can design the home according to the land, taking advantage of natural cooling and heating abilities that are more cost effective, as well as utilize the natural landscape. It is part of the reason that no two CKC custom homes are alike.”

Kristal has been equally instrumental in helping distinguish the unique style attributed to CKC Custom Homes. While her husband focuses on the structure of the house and what‘s behind the walls, she handles the interior aesthetics of the home.

Using a hands-on approach, Kristal personally assists clients in their selection of paint, tile, cabinets and all other aspects of design, helping homebuyers choose things that reflect their individual style and make their home special.

Both Chuck and Kristal take great pride in providing their clients with highly personalized service.

“The client doesn’t talk with the foremen or construction bosses on the job,” Chuck emphasizes. “He/She talks to us – the owners of the company – throughout the homebuilding experience.”

And it’s one business practice that has certainly paid off. Many clients are referrals – friends of those who built their home with CKC Custom Homes and were very happy with their experience.

“Personal service is everything,” Chuck says. “Our focus is always on the customer – getting to know them so we can understand their needs, visions and goals for their home. Then we make those dreams a reality.”

While Chuck and Kristal have worked hard to build a great reputation with their clients, they are also making a name for themselves in the community by raising funds for philanthropies such as the Gordon Hartman Family Foundation and the Military Warriors Support Foundation, specifically Homes 4 Wounded Heroes.

Last October, CKC Custom Homes, along with support from clients and local business, donated a mortgage-free home to a wounded warrior and his family at one of their famed “under construction” parties.

These parties, a creative marketing concept, are hosted to create awareness and raise funds for various organizations while, at the same time, celebrating the construction of a client’s new home.

“This idea has become really popular with our clients,” Chuck says. “We host the event in honor of the homeowner(s) during the phase of construction when the plumbing, electrical wiring and insulation are in plain view.

“It’s a great way for us to showcase the quality of our work behind the sheetrock – the things that will make a real difference in the long run. But the best part is that we are able to benefit local charities.”

Chuck confesses that giving back to the community is something that has become very important to him. Considering where he started, when he admits he was down to his last $100, “it’s nice to be at a point where I can give back.”

Reflecting on his success, though, Chuck admits he could not have done it without Kristal. A great team, both at work and at home (they are raising two little girls), the Powells exhibit a partnership that is admirable.

“Kristal believed in me when no one else did, so I set out to do what others said was not possible,” Chuck says. “With her by my side, we have built this great company with a bright future, and together, we’ve made the impossible possible.”

For more information about CKC Custom Homes, please visit www.ckccustomhomes.com.