Building dreams with hands-on expertise
From Denver construction sites to Illinois classrooms, Matt Ristow brings a unique blend of hands-on experience, craftsmanship values, and genuine care to every custom home project.
A journey built on craftsmanship & care
My path to becoming a home builder has always been hands-on, built on a "boots on the ground" mentality and a deep respect for the trades. I began my career in the Denver suburbs, working for a small production builder, starting as a "punchman" preparing homes for closing.
From there, I moved into the Warranty department, working directly with homeowners and subcontractors. That role taught me the importance of clear communication, customer care, and teamwork — lessons that remain at the heart of my business today.
I'll never forget closing my first home with zero punch list items. It was a moment that affirmed my commitment to craftsmanship and customer satisfaction — values that define every project we undertake today.
Building experience across the trades
After returning to Illinois, I spent the next decade immersed in various aspects of the building industry. I worked in the HVAC field to help a family business, ran my own general contracting company focused on residential remodeling, and later managed luxury home projects ranging from $750K to $1.2 million.
Along the way, I developed a genuine passion for mentoring others, which led me to a 15-year career in education, teaching Technology and Engineering courses — including residential construction and traditional trades.
In 2019, I fulfilled a lifelong dream by building my own home — an experience that rekindled my love for home building and solidified my desire to return to it full-time. In 2025, I made that decision a reality.
A trusted network of exceptional people
Today, I'm proud to lead a trusted network of engineers, architects, vendors, and subcontractors — many of whom come from family-run businesses and bring decades of experience to every project.
At TME Custom Builders, our mission is simple: build homes of exceptional quality, created by exceptional people. Homes we'd be proud to live in ourselves, and homes your family will be proud to call their own.
Every project is an opportunity to apply the lessons I've learned throughout my career — from that first zero-punch-list closing in Denver to the craftsmanship traditions I've shared with students over 15 years in education.
Ready to build something exceptional together?
Let's create a home that reflects your family's vision, built with the craftsmanship, care, and personal attention that comes from decades of hands-on experience and a genuine passion for the trade.
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