How Jill of All Trades Brings Heart, Vision, and Fun to Every Project

Built to Last and Designed Together

By Leslie Byrne

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When Kim Stewart began her business, she didn’t just enter a male-dominated industry—she carved out her own way of doing things. At the time, there were virtually no women general contractors in Omaha. Kim didn’t see that as a limitation. She saw it as an opportunity.

 

The name of Kim’s business—Jill of All Trades—evolved over the years due to her ability to handle whatever was put in front of her. In the early days, a custom home builder told her, “Kim, you’re not a jack of all trades—you’re a Jill of all trades.” The phrase stuck, and over the decades, so did her reputation for quality, honesty, and a deeply personal approach to renovation.

 

Kim’s path into construction wasn’t a straight line. She began her career in environmental services at Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa, before launching Kim’s White Glove Janitorial Services—a business that is still operating today. One commercial client introduced her to the construction world, and Kim took it from there, learning on job sites, building relationships, and formally establishing Jill of All Trades in 1978.

 

More than four decades later, Kim remains hands-on in every sense. She designs projects, estimates costs, manages timelines, coordinates subcontractors, and is on job sites daily—always arriving before the crew and returning again at the end of the day. Organization and communication, she says, are non-negotiable.

 

“Subcontractors want to work with someone who’s prepared, who has the materials onsite, and who is good to work with,” she notes. “And clients want to know what’s happening in their home every single day.” That’s why Kim arrives before work begins and explains to the property owner who will be arriving that day, what time they’ll arrive, and what work will be done.

 

One of the most noticeable shifts in recent years has been how people think about their homes—and how much they enjoy improving them. Bathrooms, in particular, have become a focal point.

 

“I can’t believe how many bathroom remodels I do now,” Kim says. “Sometimes two or three in one house. I average about five bathroom projects a month.”

 

Zero-entry showers, built-in benches, larger vanities, heated floors, back-lit mirrors, and discreet grab bars are now common requests. While the features may be high-end, Kim consistently encourages timeless design.

 

“Kitchens and bathrooms sell houses,” she says. “I always remind people that someday, they’ll sell the home. You can have the bells and whistles, but the foundation should be classic.”

 

What truly sets Kim apart, though, is how she helps clients envision their space—and enjoy the process. One of the most beloved parts of working with her is the shopping. “I go shopping with my clients,” Kim says simply. And for many, that’s a game changer.

 

Unlike most contractors, Kim doesn’t just hand over a list of materials or leave decisions to chance. She walks through tile showrooms, granite shops, and lighting stores alongside her clients, helping them select finishes that flow together.

 

“People have a hard time picturing the final result,” she explains. “Shopping together makes it real—and it’s fun.” Clients love it. The experience turns what can feel overwhelming into something collaborative and enjoyable. Starting with tile—because it’s permanent—Kim helps build the rest of the design around it, ensuring everything works together visually and practically. The process eliminates costly mistakes and gives homeowners confidence in their choices. As Kim puts it, “It’s not just about picking pretty things. It’s about making sure the whole space makes sense.”

 

Her design philosophy extends naturally into aging-in-place work. As a Certified Living In Place Professional (CLIPP), Kim is passionate about helping people stay in their homes safely and comfortably. Still, she notes, many people don’t want to think ahead.

 

“There’s a lot of denial,” she says. “But people want to stay in their homes.” One project illustrates why those conversations matter. A client initially hired Kim for painting, and during the walkthrough, Kim noticed an outdated bathroom and wasted space next to a large laundry room. She suggested a zero-entry shower and thoughtful layout changes—“just in case.” A year later, the client was diagnosed with cancer. Hospice nurses were surprised by how accessible the bathroom was and assumed it had been remodeled because of the diagnosis. Those earlier choices allowed the client to remain at home.

 

A common misconception, Kim says, is that accessible design looks institutional. “People think hospital or assisted living,” she says. “But when they see frameless shower doors, beautiful tile, and lighted niches, it’s easy to fall in love with the space.”

 

As a woman in a still male-dominated field, Kim has seen progress, but surprises remain. “People are still shocked when a woman shows up at the door,” she laughs.

 

She believes communication—and yes, shopping together—plays a role. “A lot of women tell me their husbands won’t shop with them,” she says. “I will. And we have fun doing it.”

 

Giving back has always been part of Kim’s values. She remains active in her parish, Suburban Rotary, the BBB, and other community organizations. She’s also known for taking on small jobs for older clients—projects many contractors turn away.

 

“Some of the smallest jobs turn into the biggest relationships and often grow into larger projects,” she says. “I’ve worked with grandparents, then their children, and now their adult grandchildren.”

 

Those values are summed up on the back of Kim’s business card—a quiet mission statement she lives by every day:

To always maintain a good working relationship with my clients, subcontractors, and vendors. To never put quantity ahead of quality. To act honorably, operate with the highest morals and ethics, act in the best interest of my clients, and never forget to give back to the community that has given me so much.

 

Looking ahead, Kim hopes her grandson may one day take over the business. Until then, she’ll keep showing up, learning, and doing what she’s always done best—bringing craftsmanship, care, and a little fun into the places people call home. 

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