BUILDING FOR GENERATIONS
by Sarah Ericson
THE GAUDERNS ARE A FIFTH GENERATION WYOMING FAMILY. WAYNE AND STACEY WERE BOTH BORN AND RAISED IN THE RIVERTON AREA, AND THEY HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH A SON AND DAUGHTER, DYLAN AND SAMANTHA. WAYNE BEGAN BUILDING IN JACKSON 25 YEARS AGO AS A FRAMING SUBCONTRACTOR. OVER THE YEARS, THEY HAVE BEEN STEADILY BUILDING A STRONG FAMILY BUSINESS THANKS TO THEIR PRIDE IN CRAFTSMANSHIP AND CLOSE FAMILY TIES.
Wayne Gaudern got into the building trade early. He started — as most carpenters do — learning the foundational skills of framing, window installation, and exterior and interior trim work. After perfecting those crafts, he dedicated himself to learning every aspect of high end custom home building while simultaneously pursuing an education in business and finance. In 1996, Wayne officially founded Accent Designed Homes.
At the same time, Wayne and his wife Stacey were also building a family. With Stacey’s accounting degree and background in commercial insurance, the family business established a firm foundation, and their son Dylan became an automatic protégé. “I’ve spent 99% of my life working for and with my parents,” says Dylan Gaudern. “I’m lucky to have had continuous on the job training both at home and at work.” After learning the basics of the trade during his early years, Dylan packed his bags and left for the big city of Laramie to pursue a business degree at the University of Wyoming. “I took every applicable class I could fit into my schedule, and I couldn’t wait to get back to work and apply it on the job.”
With Wayne on the ground, Stacey in the office, and Dylan in the classroom, Accent Designed Homes grew steadily in both talent and reputation. They worked alongside Jackson’s most respected builders and provided the manpower for countless development projects. In 2003, Accent Designed Homes obtained a General Contracting license but continued to work under senior licensees. “I chose to assist the contractors who came before me out of respect and because I still had a lot to learn. I had established outstanding relationships with the larger firms, and I wasn’t interested in competing, only cooperating,” remembers Wayne.
For 15 years, Wayne continued to expand his skills and grow his business. When Wayne’s mentors began to retire, the Gauderns seized the opportunity they had been patiently waiting for. In 2018, Accent Designed Homes started to take on general contractor projects of their own. In 2019, Dylan returned from college and the business became a bonafide father son duo.
THE TEAM & THE TERRAIN
Nowadays, Accent Designed Homes is a well oiled machine, running like an efficient family business. Co-owners Wayne and Dylan, along with Stacey handling all administrative duties, have clearly defined roles and are masters of their crafts. With a reliable full time staff in addition to the Gauderns, this team provides high quality work for every project they take on. “We pride ourselves on being hands on business owners. Because of our amazing employees and the superb subcontractors we work with, Dylan and I are able to give 100% of our attention and skills to every client. We have extremely high standards for craftsmanship and our whole team is committed to that every step of the way,” says Wayne.
Like most other trades in the building industry, there is stiff competition for wages, housing, and employee retention. Wayne is especially grateful for the solid employees that Accent Designed Homes has right now, because employee retention is a real struggle. Accent Designed Homes values hard work and is committed to retaining talented members on their team. “We recently invested in employee housing solutions to retain great team members. When we find people who do high quality work, we do whatever we can to keep them,” says Wayne. “And we’re not afraid of being a small team,” adds Dylan. “We run a tight ship with less manpower than some of our competitors, yet our delivery schedule and our quality of work remains at the highest level.”
“We pride ourselves on being hands on business owners. Because of our amazing employees and the superb subcontractors we work with, Dylan and I are able to give 100% of our attention and skills to every client. We have extremely high standards for craftsmanship and our whole team is committed to that every step of the way.”
–Wayne Gaudern, Accent Designed Homes
Wayne and Dylan are fully aware of the evolving nature of Jackson and the surrounding area. The changes that accompany most premier winter and summer resort destinations are felt by longtime residents and newcomers alike. With that awareness, Accent Designed Homes remains steadfast in its commitment to contribute to the authentic local makeup where they live and do business. “Our job is to enhance the area and to build homes that are harmonized with the surroundings,” says Wayne. “That’s why it’s important to build responsibly for and with people who share this commitment to our cherished place.”
“We run a tight ship with less manpower than some of our competitors, yet our delivery schedule and our quality of work remains at the highest level.”
-Dylan Gaudern, Accent Designed Homes
COLLABORATIONS IN THE TRADE
Every residential building project in Jackson Hole is the result of professional collaboration. By the time a project is completed, expert contributions have been made by architects, engineers, builders, interior designers, and real estate professionals. The Gauderns, with years of experience under their belts, have built long term relationships with countless partners across disciplines and continue to work with industry professionals whose values and commitments align with their own. “We take pride in our projects, and we are proud to work with people who value the same high quality of work. The more success any one of us has, the more success we all have together. And when it clicks, we’re eager to work together again and again,” says Wayne.
Usually Accent Designed Homes is brought onto a project when the design and engineering stages are complete, although Wayne remembers plenty of builds where he was active in the back and forth of design drafting. “Especially when architects and engineers are not local, I can offer a perspective of what works and what doesn’t work in this environment,” says Wayne. “And with the rugged nature of the valley and the greater Teton Mountain Range, having a partner with local experience is priceless.”
“We take pride in our projects, and we are proud to work with people who value the same high quality of work. The more success any one of us has, the more success we all have together. And when it clicks, we’re eager to work together again and again.”
–Wayne Gaudern, Accent Designed Homes
Jackson Hole is world renowned for its premier real estate values and cutting edge architectural styles. Wayne and Dylan are proud to have been part of this legacy since day one, and their portfolio proves it. “Our projects continue to deliver high end craftsmanship,” says Dylan. “Some projects have bigger budgets than others, but no matter the cost, we strive to exceed our clients’ expectations.”
Currently, Accent Designed Homes is completing multiple single family homes in the premier Hidden Hollow neighborhood. These homes offer custom floor plans, top of the line finishes, and stunning views of the Elk Refuge. Hidden Hollow is one example of Accent Designed Homes’ versatile offerings, with each residence custom built to the current market demands.
“We’ve built stand alone residences for a variety of different client scenarios. Whether we’re working directly with a homeowner or with an owner’s representative, we have a proven track record delivering quality craftsmanship,” says Wayne. “And being hands on as the owner operators allows us to easily adjust for whatever is required,” adds Dylan.
BEING PRESENT, LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
The history of Accent Designed Homes can be charted just like the Gaudern family tree. And the future is clear for both the business and the family. Dylan’s young son Benjamin is getting real time industry exposure as the fourth generation in a long line of builders. Whether or not he knows it, the business is in part being built for him. “I started from nothing to where we are today,” says Wayne. “And now we have something that’s long lasting and better with Dylan on board. It’s feasible to think that this could be Benjamin’s someday, if he wants it,” he adds with a smile.
As for the future of the building industry in Jackson, trends are all on the rise. The draw of tourism and additional homeownership near the area’s ski resorts and national parks continues to be a major draw for elite clients. With this draw comes an ever rising bar for acquiring quality materials and pushing the boundaries of architectural style. Wayne has the benefit of hindsight to compare where Jackson is according to where it’s been, and Dylan has the benefit of youth to see that the sky is the limit. “Properties in Jackson Hole are like pieces in an art museum. We’re dotting the hillsides and valley floor with gems. And it’s an honor to build art that’s not only for display but meant to be lived in and enjoyed by our clients,” says Dylan.
In a moment of reflection, Wayne and Dylan discuss the past and present projects in Accent Designed Homes’ portfolio. What emerges is an overview of the many challenging and rewarding aspects of luxury home building. When asked to identify the most important job they’ve ever had, Wayne answers, “That’s easy. The work we’re doing at any given moment is the most important job we have.”
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