WHEN TALENTED PROFESSIONALS TALK, WE LISTEN.
ADMIT IT, YOU HAVE AN INQUIRING MIND, AND YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE TEAM designing YOUR JACKSON HOLE DREAM HOME. WE UNDERSTAND THE INCLINATION. SO WE DECIDED TO BRING YOU SHOP TALK, CONVERSATIONS WITH THE TALENTED PROS DESIGNING, BUILDING, AND OUTFITTING YOUR HOMES.
“We strive (for perfection) every day. If the clients and Architects are blown away, we’ve succeeded.”
––John Jennings, Owner, Peak Builders
Peak Builders
John Jennings, Owner
John Jennings established Peak Builders in 1992, with the goal of creating a true custom home building company in Jackson Hole.
Since then, Jennings has crafted an amazing reputation and compiled a long-tenured team, full of deep experience and unparalleled skill. The uncompromising standards of quality and attention to detail propel their homes to stand far above the ordinary.
What services do you offer?
Residential and Commercial General Contracting.
What geographic area do you serve?
Jackson Hole and the surrounding area.
What is your professional background?
I have 36 years exper-ience in construction, and have owned the company for 27 years.
When did you know that you wanted to go into construction and what motivated you?
I was motivated by the need to buy my own things as a kid. After that, I realized I had a skill at carpentry, then moved into contracting.
How do you see construction changing in the next five to ten years?
In the JH area, I see it getting more and more difficult. There is a shortage of affordable housing for tradesman, and this is becoming a greater problem for builders. Those who have homes in JH, usually acquired them many years ago when workers in the valley had the chance to own their own home. It’s impossible to do alone anymore, unless you have help from parents, etc. It’s very sad. My own kids grew up here and have a very difficult time making it.
As far as real estate is concerned, I see the trend continuing positive for JH regardless of economy. JH is it’s own bubble now. Like a biosphere, it’s self contained. Inevitably, the ebbs and flows will continue here and everywhere, but those hills and valleys will stay much more towards the mean rather than the extreme.
how do you work with clients, designers, and architects?
We prefer to be hired with the Architect and work as a team through the schematic pricing phase so that we build a proper budget that is consistent with the design of the home. This process protects everyone from future failure.
What other specialties do you have in-house?
We have all of our own framing and finish carpenters, concrete people, excavators, drywallers, and cabinet makers.
What project(s) are you most proud of?
Difficult question.
We are proud of all of our projects.
What is the difference between good and great construction?
ntegrity. Staying there and doing what’s right whether or not you are making money in the end.
What do you enjoy most about work?
Satisfaction of a close to perfect project. As it’s impossible to be perfect, we still strive for it every day. If the clients and Architects are blown away, we’ve succeeded.
What’s the most exciting new product or development in your field?
Probably the 3D plans we get from the architects and engineers.
How did you get your start?
I worked as an apprentice in the early 80’s on tract housing complexes in Malibu, California.
If you weren’t in construction, what would you be doing?
I would own a chile relleno food truck and drive around the country.
What do you listen to while you work?
Disneyland music. It keeps me calm and soothed.
Do you have a favorite sport or recreational activity, and what do you enjoy about it?
I golf, surf, ski, paraglide and bike.
What places in the world do you find most inspirational and why?
Indonesia. There are so many remote islands with still indigenous tribes that were not influenced and ruined by western civilization. In the densely populated areas, you witness Hindu, Buddist, and Muslim people living cohesively in a remarkable way.
What do you enjoy most about living and working where you do?
It’s the most beautiful place in the Lower 48.
Last book you read that you would highly recommend?
Ghost Rider. Neal Peart of the band Rush lost his daughter and wife within 6 months of each other. The book tracks him riding his motorcycle around Canada, America, and Mexico to “find” himself after he went lost. It is an nspirational story.
what is the Favorite trip you’ve ever taken?
Italy for my honeymoon.
“Many of our guests thank us for introducing them to local coffee (left in every rental), as well as connecting them with other local favorites. This often allows our guests ‘to live like a local’, if only for a few days.”
––Jennifer Kilgrow, Owner | General Manager
Rendezvous Mountain Rentals
Jennifer Kilgrow, Owner | General Manager
Rendezvous Mountain Rentals (RMR) is a full-service, locally-owned, property management company operating in Jackson Hole for over 20 years.
RMR exclusively manages properties located in Teton Pines, the Aspens, and Teton Village. Our primary goal is to provide homeowners a “hassle-free” experience, and to offer exceptional customer service to our guests.
Conveniently located on Moose Wilson Road across from the Aspens Market, RMR has a team of 45 employees covering over 105 properties, and is one of the largest property management companies in the valley.
What specialized services do you offer?
Our property management services are individualized to each owner’s needs, including everything from maintaining personal vehicles, to ensuring holiday lights are hung perfectly. We also have an exclusive partnership with Xplorie providing free activities to our guests. We offer 24-7 guest services, with staff on-call.
You mentioned Xplorie, what is this?
Xplorie is a company that coordinates activities offered by local companies to create a curated experience for each RMR guest. Guests can access up to four free activities, (over $200 value), such as rafting trips with Dave Hansen Whitewater, or rentals from Ski Butlers Ski Rental, for one adult for each paid rental night. Our property owners also get to access these activities when they are staying in their residence. (For a list of current offerings, please refer to our website www.rmrrentals.com). We love this program and partnering with local businesses!
What are the keys to high-end property management?
RMR ensures that nothing is overlooked and we know no detail is too small. Whether it requires two inspections to make properties “Guest Ready,” or to see that no kitchen gadget is missing from a fully-stocked kitchen, RMR covers it all. The small things make the difference.
What advice do you have for guests looking to organize a vacation in Jackson Hole?
I strongly recommend travelers consider a short-term vacation rental vs. a hotel if staying two or more nights. Vacation rentals allow guests to experience the community and live among the locals, have fully-stocked kitchens, private hot tubs and many of the other amenities that only come with vacation rentals. Our guests get to “live like a local,” for a few days.
RMR has a property for every budget, from a one-bedroom studio in the Aspens to a 7-bedroom estate on the slopes of Teton Village. There is truly something for everyone. Just ask!
What are the biggest challenges that a property management company faces?
Maintaining the balance between owner needs and guest needs is a big challenge. With the rising costs of real estate and the high cost of living in Jackson Hole, every company faces issues with maintaining quality staff and balancing the cost of business. RMR
maintains competitive rental rates. Short-term vacation rentals must compete with the full-service and amenity hotels in the valley. We work to provide a consistent, high-quality experience both guests and property owners can trust.
What sets your company apart from the competition?
RMR is different than other management companies because of the relationships we form with our owners, and the quality of stay we offer our guests. Also, many of our staff have worked with Rendezvous Mountain Rentals for over 15 years. This experience and history is integral to our success. We create an excellent work environment where our employees thrive. Our staff will go the extra mile for our property owners and guests alike. Per the old adage, “The Guest (or Owner) is always right,” we believe it!
WHAT DO YOU DO TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY?
As a business, we understand the need to be active in the community. On top of supporting local non-profit organizations such as Teton Adaptive Sports and the Jackson Hole Ski and Snowboard Club, RMR recently formed a partnership with Grand Teton National Park Foundation (GTNPF) pledging $1 for each night’s rental to the GTNPF.
We also use our broad reach to highlight local businesses. Each property within our portfolio has a property handbook with information about our national parks, local activities, as well as restaurants and bars.
What do you want our readers to know about your company?
RMR has over 45% of their guests return year after year, often staying in the same property. Many property owners have been with our company for many years. Our primary focus is on our guests and property owners. For some, RMR and Jackson Hole has become a home away from home.
How did you get your start?
My husband and I moved to Jackson Hole in 2003. Teton County School District recruited me for a position as a school psychologist as I was completing my PhD program at the University of Oregon. I worked in the local school district for 14 years, both as a school psychologist and as an assistant principal.
My partners and I purchased this com-pany in the spring of 2017, when I transitioned to become the General Manager/Owner of RMR. Having been owner-operated for 20
years, RMR had an excellent reputation and incredibly loyal base of owners and guests. I knew it was a company I wanted to be part of, and support its growth and expansion.
Which restaurant did you last eat at?
Teton Thai. Located in Teton Village, the consistency and quality of the food is excellent. However, you are most likely to find me at Calico for the amazing outdoor seating, spicy margaritas and wood fired pizzas. It is my favorite place to stop after work or after a hike. Just thinking about it is making me hungry.
