Kelly Reynolds Awarded Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist Designee of the Month
Presented by DuPont
Kelly Reynolds is one of the select group of professionals nationwide to earn the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) certification, identifying him as a qualified builder with the skills and knowledge necessary to remodel or modify a home to meet the unique needs of the older population, disabled owners or their visitors.
Kelly has been a member of the Dallas Builders Association since September 2013, winning numerous awards as well as serving on the Dallas Board of Directors and the Dallas Division Board. Over the last two years, Kelly along with his employees at Keen Homes have completed 90 hours of continuing education, helping them to keep abreast of emerging trends and advanced building techniques.
The CAPS program includes training and education on the technical, business management and customer service skills essential to compete in the fastest-growing segment of the residential remodeling industry — home modifications for aging-in-place.
Kelly began his homebuilding career in 1985. At that time he received construction, sales and customer satisfaction training while working for large builders from 1985 to 2005. He recalls, during that time production builders hired young single men that could work 70-80 hours per week. “Those of us who did not burn out learned a lot in a short time,” he states.
Since then he has managed the sale and construction of homes ranging from 1200 square foot starter homes to 8,000 square foot luxury custom homes. Kelly has held various titles including VP of Operations and Division President for publicly traded builders. He focuses on customer satisfaction and has received training from J.D. Power and the Ritz-Carlton, specifically focusing on customer service.
When asked about what his favorite part of the residential home building industry is and why he has chosen this as his field he simply replied “I view homebuilding as a noble profession and the people that have a long tenure in our industry became successful by doing the right things the right ways.”
Kelly enjoys traveling with his wife and is an avid snow skier and seeker of knowledge.
What does your certification add to your business?
“Knowledge of aging-in-place plays an important role in the design of our homes. We are more thoughtful in our designs as to how accessible our homes are today and how they remain so as our homeowners age.”
How do your customers respond to your certification?
“We receive a fantastic response during the design stage. Customers appreciate ample spaces in our homes that may not be found in homes not designed with aging-in-place in mind.”
Why did you decide to become a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist?
“Obviously the population is not getting younger and statistics indicate people are staying longer in their homes. It is apparent that new homes designed with CAPS as a focus will meet the future needs of our customers with accessibility features they may not have considered at the time of purchase.”
Advice you may give to someone new starting out?
“Be passionate about what you choose to do, learn from the best then learn more, be willing to do what others won’t do.”
CAPS graduates include remodelers, builders, designers, architects, occupational therapists and others who help homeowners remain in their homes safely, independently and comfortably as they age.
In three days of coursework, the CAPS curriculum incorporates market demographics, communication techniques, marketing, common barriers and solutions, building codes and standards, product ideas and resources and business management.
Become a CAPS graduate this year in just three days. Classes will be offered March 11-13, 2020. Register online at dallasbuilders.org/upcoming-classes.
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