Chad Rohde is just as comfortable walking down a runway as he is running a construction site. That’s because he models with Kim Dawson Agency and works as a contractor with his dad, Travis Rohde. Chad joined his father on commercial and residential spaces 16 years ago, though Rohde Construction dates back 40 years.
In addition to doing all manner of new construction and remodel projects, the Rohdes also design and make furniture. “We do everything from traditional to super contemporary to rustic,” Chad says. “We’ve even done two restaurants—in Miami and Tennessee—and a bakery in Fort Worth.” And although they say they share a similar aesthetic, Dad lives in a redone 1957 ranch while Chad has been known to love a Craftsman.
However, both agree that the relationships and creativity the work affords are unmatched. “Being trusted to build something is amazing. Most of our stuff is very personal for us. We’re smaller, so we get to know the clients very well. There are no in-and-out kinds of jobs for us,” Chad says. Agrees Travis: “The best part of my job is when a client trusts me. I love when they tell me to go for it.”
