Hendel Homes Named NAHB’s Custom Home Builder of the Year

Photography provided by Hendel Homes

Since 1999, Hendel Homes has been setting a high bar for luxury homes in Minnesota and across the country. Raising that bar even higher, the Excelsior-based custom home builder was recently named the National Home Builders Association’s Custom Home Builder of the Year — the first company in the state to receive this accolade. The prestigious award recognizes builders for their innovative achievements, professional leadership and creativity in crafting one-of-a-kind homes. Here, we caught up with Hendel Homes founders Amy and Rick Hendel to learn more about the company’s legacy and what this honor means to them.

How did you get started in the home industry?

Amy Hendel: We got started in the home building industry by accident in 1999. Rick, originally pursuing a career in medicine, began remodeling homes while in college to make ends meet. It didn’t take long for him to discover a deep passion for the intricate details and craftsmanship of residential construction. After receiving his bachelor’s degree from Bethel University, his focus shifted from science to building homes with a commitment to uncompromising quality, precision and attention to detail. I had a background in marketing and design, which supported the beginning of Hendel Homes.

This newfound passion eventually led to the founding of Hendel Homes. Since then, our team has built a reputation for combining high-level craft with thoughtful design, providing an unparalleled experience for every client we serve. We continue to deliver excellence in every project, ensuring that each home reflects our values of quality, integrity, and meticulous execution.

Photography provided by Hendel Homes

Hendel Homes is the first Minnesota builder to be named NAHB’s Custom Home Builder of the Year. What does this award mean to you? 

Rick Hendel: The recognition is truly a reflection of the dedication, passion and expertise that the entire Hendel Homes team puts into every project. It speaks to the commitment we have to our clients, to the craftsmanship and to continually striving for excellence in high-end custom home building.

For us, this award is not just an accolade but a validation of our philosophy — serving with integrity, precision and a focus on building homes that will stand the test of time. It reaffirms the quality of our work and the strength of our process, as well as the commitment of our team. To have our people and their efforts nationally recognized against the high standards expected by NAHB is an incredible honor.

This achievement is also a testament to the trust our clients place in us, the collaborative efforts with architects, designers and trade partners, and the exceptional work of every member of our team. It’s a humbling moment for us, and we’re excited to keep building on this momentum!

What’s the secret sauce that sets Hendel apart from other custom home builders?

AH: Our secret sauce lies in the core values that drive every aspect of our work: humility, unwavering work ethic and a unique ability to collaborate effectively with clients, designers and trade partners. These principles are the foundation of our success, but what truly sets us apart is our commitment to delivering the “Hendel product.” Our team’s dedication means we go beyond simply building structures — we turn our clients’ visions into reality. We listen attentively and understand their needs. The result is a seamless blend of function, beauty and quality that stands the test of time. Ultimately, it’s this blend of integrity, personalized service and a relentless pursuit of excellence that makes Hendel Homes a standout in the custom home building industry.

Can you take us inside your tailored design process?

RH: We believe in a process that not only builds exceptional homes, but also fosters a relationship built on trust, transparency and collaboration. From choosing the right team and finish selection to construction to service and warranty, our signature step-by-step approach ensures that every detail of a project is done right every time.

Do you have a favorite or most memorable project?

RH: One of the most memorable homes we’ve had the privilege to work on was a Montana lodge built around a stunning natural feature. We constructed the residence over a man-made stream that started at the front of the property, designing it so the water runs underneath a breezeway at the front door and continues all the way to the back of the home, where it feeds into a tranquil trout pond. It truly feels like a boutique resort nestled in the heart of Montana. The way the natural elements were integrated with the home’s design made it a breathtaking and unique living experience.

What’s next for Hendel Homes?

AH: As we continue to build upon our legacy of exceptional custom homes and renovations, the future is filled with exciting possibilities. We are focused on expanding our reach while staying true to the craftsmanship, quality and personal connections that have defined our brand.

In the short term, we’ll keep doing what we are doing while continually becoming better and better. We are always striving for a higher level of excellence in all aspects of our business.  From new design trends to innovative technologies and building science, we will continue to elevate the homes we build.

In addition to expanding our local presence, Hendel Homes offers owner’s representative services to new and existing clients who are building in other locations. Whether it’s across the country or around the world, our clients can trust the process knowing that Hendel Homes will oversee every aspect of construction. With our experience managing projects globally, we ensure a seamless experience for clients no matter where they’re building.