Lets get to know each other!
Our Company
Better Builds was founded in 2022 by Joseph Timm. “I believe that in the world of construction, communication is key. I love the building industry and Im passionate about offering high quality craftsmanship on every project.
I build with sustainable and innovative practices that are kind to our community and our planet. We would love to help turn your vision into a reality!”
2024 NARI award winner
Residential Bath under $40,000
Gold – Better Builds
Meet the Better Builds Team.
Joseph Timm
As a third generation builder and entrepreneur, who grew up on a local sawmill, Joseph has a rich history in the trades. Over the last twenty years, he continued to cultivate those skills, through his family business, working for various Twin Cities building and remodeling companies, and establishing his own businesses.
Joseph founded Better Builds in 2022, recognizing the need for customer-driven and detail-oriented Contractors, who can guide clients towards budget-friendly and environmentally conscious decisions, without sacrificing creativity or quality construction.
Whether remodeling, restoring a historical home or creating an addition, Joseph’s eye is on the customer experience and the craftsmanship, as well as the building science that makes the space durable and sustainable.
Owner, Project Manager, Consultant
As he says, “All that will remain when we die, is the way we treated people and the things we made.”
When he’s not building structures, you will find Joseph building community. He will happily contribute his craft of smoking meat to neighborhood events with his 14-foot, custom-made smoker. He is also a family-oriented guy, who prioritizes time with his wife, Shannon, and his two kiddos, Russell and Christine, but occasionally slips away for a solo wilderness trip or a good podcast.
Keith Helke
Keith Helke, Project Manager, Lead Carpenter, Consultant
Keith has been in the building industry for the last 30 years, including owning and operating his own business for over a decade. In that time, he has built custom homes---from modern designs to traditional log homes---and brought life back to established spaces through rehabbing, remodeling and historical restorations. Merging his building skills with his lifelong passion as a rock climber, Keith even had a brief stint as the Project Manager at Nicros, the sister company of Vertical Endeavors, building climbing walls.
After connecting with Joseph and recognizing their shared values in building, design and life, Keith joined Better Builds.
Keith has a deep commitment to sustainability and minimizing building waste. His philosophy is, “If it is worth doing, let's do it right."
In his spare time, Keith enjoys playing music, hiking with his corgi, bombarding his wife and young adult daughter with funny Instagram posts, and binging videos on building science. With a degree in philosophy, clients can rest assured that Keith has deeply contemplated their building needs, as well as the nature of existence.
Nancy Sollie
Executive Assistant
Nancy comes to Better Builds with a background in education. From teaching preschool children to boldly reestablishing her life to work abroad—teaching English in Asia—Nancy brings her quick thinking, creative and organizational skills to her behind the scenes role on all our building projects.
As she states, “I love making sure everything is set and ready, so that others can do their job smoothly, efficiently and effectively.”
While chronologically young, Nancy jokes about her granny lifestyle, spending her free time reading, crocheting and exploring neighborhood coffee shops. On a perfect weekend, you’ll find her enjoying her quiet time at home, watching a film, baking something delicious and cuddling her cats, Saja and Howl.