We strive to be the Midwest’s premier source for log homes, timberframe homes, and specialty lumber, focusing on sustainable resources and reclaimed materials, with a knowledgeable and helpful staff delivering 100% customer satisfaction.
"Learning is something that is never ending, people wake up and learn something new every day. It's what you do with what you learn that can make the difference in life", says Joe. "Tammy and I are proud of what we've built here at Homestead, but we also know that we didn't do it by ourselves. We have a great team of employees and family that love to learn and help make us what we are today; the best part is that we are not stopping any time soon!"
In 1980 Jim Bursma bought a 40 acre pine plantation and a used saw mill to build his log cabin. He set up the mill in the field next to his home. He used an old John Deere tractor to power the mill.
His brother-in-law visited the cabin and fell in love, so he decided to build his own log home. It didn’t take long for a neighbor and a nephew to do the same. It was becoming a full time job to keep up with the demand and it was fun.
Soon, a nearby log home company needed hand peeled logs. As word spread, local log home builders were stopping by for their needs. A large workshop and warehouse was soon built for the growing business.
At this time, Michigan white cedar was used exclusively for walls and pine for beams, etc.
After two years it was time to retire the John Deere and bring in 440 electric power and a new mill.
The business soon outgrew its location, as the difficultly of bringing in log trucks and semi trucks was increasing. A commercial site was purchased in 1989. A modern log home was built as the office and two warehouses were erected. The shop and sawmill remained at the old location.
Many log home product lines and lumber were added to supply the log home market including tongue and groove paneling, log railing, tongue and groove decking, and log siding.
1991 saw the addition of two more warehouses and the workshop was moved to a new log structure due to the increase in product lines.
In 1994 the opportunity was seized to take over a wholesale lumber business that was selling throughout the Midwest. This acquisition greatly increased the customer base and sales. More property was purchased and an 8000 sq ft warehouse was built. This addition along with internet sales changed the company from a local supplier of specialty log products to a national source.
Jim decided to retire in 2009. The present owners, the Kluting family, have greatly expanded the inventory and product lines offered including custom furniture made from reclaimed barn wood, reclaimed Michigan barn wood, Montana Ghostwood, and Kebony Decking.
Joe Kluting
Owner/Operator
• Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from MSU 2003
• Certified LEED AP - 2007 USGBC, Certified Construction Document Technologist - CDT 2008
• Joe enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, sightseeing, and relaxing.
•If Joe's not farming or at Homestead, then he's trail riding on his mules, or chasing rabbits in woods with his beagle. He loves elk hunting out west, his dream hunt would be a bighorn sheep hunt.
Tammy Kluting
Owner / Interior Designer
• Part owner and store manager of Homestead Timbers
• Lead Designer at Sweet Magnolia Design
• Attended New York Institute of Art and design for my interior design certification.
• Enjoys: her family, watching her kids play sports, horse riding, crafts and decorating!
Mike Schultz
Solution Specialist
• Been in the building supply industry since 1976.
• Worked at Wickes Lumber & Zeeland Lumber before coming to Homestead Timbers.
• Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI
• Enjoys: Golfing, traveling, Red Wings Hockey, and Lions Football. Also, volunteering for the American Red Cross Transportation Department and Art Prize in Grand Rapids, MI.
Projects -
Karla Winter
Cabinet, Flooring, Countertop Designer
• Associate of Business - Baker College
• Kitchen and Bath Design Certificate - Century College
• NKBA Accredited Kitchen and Bath Designer
• Enjoys the outdoors, traveling, crafting and spending time with family and friends
Brandon Melefsky
Solution Specialist
• 10 years experience in account management, sales, and working with various chambers organizations.
• From Spring Lake, Michigan
• Enjoys golfing, camping, and boating
Projects -
Builder Solution Specialist
• Outside of work Sam enjoys photography, concerts/music and boating
Solution Specialist
• 5 years of Construction/Management/Sales
• Outside of work Richard enjoys steelhead fishing, deer hunting, and hiking trips in the great outdoors.
Solution Specialist
Cole Butler
Marketing Operations
• Grand Valley State University - BBA Marketing
• Enjoys the outdoors, kayaking, fishing, camping, and backpacking
Lisa Knoper
Accounting/HR
• Davenport University - BBA Accounting Fraud Investigation
• Born and raised in Allendale, MI
• Enjoys taking care of plants, crocheting, baking/cooking, big lake fishing, and spending time with her pets.
Richard Tyler
Builder Relationship Manager
• Over 35 years of sales experience, several years in calling on the construction industry.
• Served on many different committees for the ABC and some work with the HBA.
• Enjoys boating, riding my sea doo’s, Michigan football and Golf, as well as spending time with my family and friends.
Brian Goosen
Operations Manager
• Family oriented, loves the outdoors as well as cooking for others, and a nice cold beer.
Katie
Interior Designer
• I have 2 years of experience in the Interior Design Field
• I enjoy being on the lake, spending time with my dog, traveling, and being with friends and family.
• I love watching a client fall in love with the final selection after working hard to make it just perfect! My hope is to help make your dream come to life in a fun and unique process.
Marketing
• Grand Valley State University - B.S. Advertising
• When out of the office, I love playing sports, hiking, and hanging out with family and friends. Go Lions!
