Looking back, it’s easy to see that home building was practically predestined for Authentic Custom Home Founders Kenyon and Brandi Woods. About eight years into their marriage, the high school sweethearts knew they wanted to create a family business that would contribute to their community, and new home construction was a natural fit for them both. 

Prior to starting Authentic Custom Homes, Kenyon worked several years for a large builder in the OKC area designing homes. Brandi grew up watching her father manage his home construction company and work in the shop behind her childhood home where he hand made all of the cabinets. The home she grew up in had a waterfall made of stone in the corner of the living room and a fireplace made from special bricks that her family found meaningful. It was those little details that impressed her the most and are one reason why it’s so important that each home is true to the spirit, personality, and character of those who will call it home. 

At just 23 and 20 years old, the two were married and the newlyweds supported each other through school. Brandi first earned her physical therapy associates degree from OKC Community College (OCCC) and then earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO). Kenyon first earned his Auto CAD certificate from Platt College where he immediately started to distinguish himself as a talented drafter, highlighted by his creativity and instinct for functional design. His interest in business drove him back to school, earning his Associates Degree in Business at OCCC and then completing his bachelor's degree in business at UCO.
“Kenyon had a natural instinct for conceptualizing and creating floor plans for how today’s families want to live,” said Brandi. “We both also understood that all the little details make a big difference and are what truly make a house a home.”

It Started with Their Own Home

It all came home so to speak when they started building their own. After completing college and saving for their new dream home, they quickly realized the custom build they’d envisioned was not really custom at all. 

Most production and semi-custom home builders in the region offered a predetermined roster of home plans reproduced again and again for most of their communities. Options and upgrades were restricted to a select few. The selections they were able to make were extremely limited. “We were asked if we’d like our garage on the left or right, what two paint colors we wanted, and that was it,” said Brandi. “And unfortunately we found that was the industry standard.” 

Recognizing this need in the new home market, Kenyon and Brandi went to work and started laying the foundation for their own custom home business. They began with a savings of $5,000 and, understanding that every success story has people along the way who provide support and cheer you on, found a banker who believed in their vision and work ethic. 

They built their first spec home as Authentic Custom Homes in 2006 and knew there was no looking back. Kenyon and Brandi instinctively understood that each family’s home should be a true reflection of who they are, what they value, and their lifestyle. Together, they created an unmatched opportunity for local families to build true custom homes authentic to their personalities and preferences. 

Designing True Custom Homes

Authentic Custom Home designs live beautifully with a harmonious balance of form and function; layouts are maximized to their fullest potential with no wasted space, and design detail and finishing selections of the highest quality from established manufacturer partners. Unlike with production builders, structural options are welcomed and design ideas embraced to craft homes that are true custom builds with every detail thoughtfully considered. 

It’s All About the Experience

While many home builders were facing trying times during the recession’s aftermath, Authentic Custom Homes continued its success. As Kenyon’s and Brandi’s family and business grew, they remained laser-focused on their shared vision and mission. 

“The home building journey should be streamlined, stress-free, and fun, and we’re humbled and proud when families select us to build their home,” said Brandi.

Creating an incredible home design and build experience for each and every family was and continues to be the driving force behind every decision they make, from selecting the leadership team and vendor partners, to community locations and product and finish details. Even now as the company builds more than 100 homes per year and is moving toward 150 closings next year, Brandi and Kenyon take a hands-on management approach and personally oversee each project from start to finish.

“We build every home as if it were our own,” said Kenyon. “We don’t believe in cutting corners and we work hard with our team to build homes that bring dreams to life."

Values-Based Leadership

Leading a management team of highly experienced home building professionals who share their dedication and commitment, Kenyon and Brandi are always striving to align company operations with their core values.

Faith and family are among their guiding principles, and they fundamentally understand that a home is so much more than a financial investment. It’s a place where families come together, connect, and make shared memories that last a lifetime, crafted and built by professionals who have families of their own. That’s why a couple of years ago they decided to defy industry standards and close all operations on Sundays so team members can take the time to practice their faith if they choose and spend time with their families. 

“It was a giant leap of faith to close on Sundays,” said Brandi. “In this industry, it is unheard of to close your model homes on Sunday, a day when most foot traffic takes place, but not only did we do what we felt was right for our company, but we have created a culture that values people and family above all else. Our company culture is something we are very proud of and is one of the ways we define success.  Since closing on Sunday, we have not experienced any loss in revenue. In fact, we have continued to grow.”

A Bright Future

With more than 10 actively selling communities throughout greater Oklahoma City and Kansas City, Authentic Custom Homes shows no signs of slowing down. 

“I think people recognize the incredible value we provide,” said Kenyon. “Our team offers a home-buying and design experience that is customer-focused, and because of that most of our customers are now repeat purchasers or are coming to us through referrals.” 

The happiness customers experience when they move into their new Authentic Custom home is one of the many benefits of being in the home building industry.

“Helping families design and build the home of their dreams that perfectly fits their needs and lifestyle, that’s what it's all about,” said Kenyon. 

“We love seeing their smiling faces on closing day,” said Brandi

If you’re ready to start building your dream home, we’re ready to help. Reach out to the Authentic Custom Homes team to start your journey today, https://www.buildauthentic.com/contact-us.