About
Our Story
Steven’s journey began in Heber, Utah, in the heart of the Wasatch Back, where he grew up immersed in a world of hard work and craftsmanship. Raised in his father’s plastic fabrication shop, he started working early, mastering tools and machinery while building everything from display applications to intricate industrial objects. Beyond the shop, life in Heber meant constant hands-on labor—fixing equipment, building fences, baling alfalfa, ranch work, framing, painting, laying tile, and roofing. “I was very fortunate to have grown up this way,” Steven reflects, crediting this upbringing with his deep appreciation for the satisfaction of a job well done. However, growing up in Heber wasn’t just about hard work; it was also about the mountains. Whether skiing down powdery slopes, backpacking through the Uintas, rock climbing, mountain biking , or playing in a river, there was always an adventure waiting, shaping his love for the outdoors and the lessons it taught.
In high school, a transformative opportunity came when Steven took a class that allowed him to build a house from the ground up. That experience cemented his passion for construction. Eager to expand his knowledge, he went on to college, earning a finance degree with an emphasis on real estate development. During those years, he could often be found at Barnes & Noble, poring over architecture and design magazines and books, fueling his growing love for creating beautiful spaces.
After college, Steven honed his skills under the mentorship of real estate developer Dave Loyens, managing both commercial and residential projects. From Dave, he gained invaluable insights into building, development, and business lessons that would shape his future. Yet, his heart remained tied to the mountains. Throughout this time, Steven spent much of his free time immersed in the alpine landscapes he adored, training in yoga and exploring the peaks. Inspired, he wondered if he could build a lifestyle business that fused his love for the mountains with his passions for yoga and alpine running. So, he launched Practice Guild, envisioning a life of teaching others to find peace and strength in the wild. But the reality hit hard: “Not all passions should be turned into businesses,” he admits. The pressure to earn a living from yoga and alpine running stripped the soul from what he loved, and the venture struggled to support his growing family.
To keep things afloat, Steven began taking on odd jobs and handyman work alongside Practice Guild. It was through these small projects that he rediscovered his joy in working with his hands. “I remembered how much I liked building awesome things that would make people’s lives better,” he says. After a couple of years balancing this dual life, the lesson came full circle—his true path was in building! Determined, he set his sights on earning his General Contractor’s license. Knowing there was still much to learn, he continued his handyman projects and studied diligently for two more years, all while maintaining elements of his yoga and mountain running business. His persistence paid off when he finally received his license, marking a new chapter.
“I just love building beautiful homes where families and friends will make joyous memories for lifetimes.”
That chapter blossomed from humble beginnings. The years of handyman work had earned Steven a roster of fantastic clients! Soon, they were asking him to take on bigger challenges—full home and landscaping remodels, even transforming unbuildable lots into buildable sites crowned with beautiful homes. “I just love building beautiful homes where families and friends will make joyous memories for lifetimes,” he says. That love drives Oak-n-Crete today, where Steven’s unique journey—from a kid in a fabrication shop to a licensed general contractor—infuses every project with craftsmanship, creativity, and a commitment to building legacies.
Our Commitment
Oak-n-Crete is built on a foundation of integrity, craftsmanship, and a genuine love for creating spaces where life happens. We bring diverse experience and unwavering dedication to every project, ensuring your vision becomes a reality.
Let’s build your dream together.