The Suit Magazine

When Tara Saxton joined her father, Charles Minasalli, and uncle, Mark Minasalli, in creating New Hampshire-based KTM Properties, LLC, she was carrying on a family tradition. The Minasalli family has worked in construction for over 25 years.  That longevity has been the result of high-quality work, garnering some high-profile recognition.  “We have been featured on ABC’s Extreme Makeover Home Edition,” Saxton said.

KTM Properties specializes in construction remodeling and design. “We do siding, roofing, flooring, painting, windows, roofing, kitchen replacements, and rehabilitation,” Saxton said. “We work on residential properties with 20-30 units or 200-300 units, building from scratch. We also do decks and  trellis work, as well. We also specialize in lead abatement, mold remediation and asbestos removal through our sister company Environmental Restorations, Inc.”

She attributes her success to her work ethic and insistence on excellence. “We have a competitive edge.  We take pride in our work.  If a customer has a 3:00 a.m. flood, we’re there,” Saxton said. As for her experience as a female in the male-dominated construction industry, she said, “[As a woman] it sometimes takes more yelling for me to get things done.  I’m not treated differently by the customers.  [And with vendors] I’ll get an answer no matter how much I have to badger them.” That’s the approach she follows whether she’s finding the right windows or getting hold of a dump truck.

In addition to providing basic remodeling services, KTM does technical projects such as HVAC work and even setting up home intranet systems and WIFI networks. They also do external work, such as roofing and deck building. Their location in New England has given them plenty of experience in repairing weather damage from the harsh local winters. 

“My family and I started KTM in 2004,” Saxton said. “I also have an electrical contracting business.  As a minority businesswoman, it gets us into contracts that require a percentage of minority owners.

Environmental Restorations Inc., owned by her father and uncle, provides an extra pool of skilled contractors from which to draw. In addition to general contracting work, Environmental Restorations offers specific services such as asbestos removal, fire restoration and Farrow System cleaning – a process by which paint and other coatings can be removed from delicate surfaces without damage.

Saxton and her family’s goal for KTM Properties was to create a “one-stop shop” for remodeling. To that end, they work with large numbers of subcontractors. “We average a staff of 35-40 people, and work with various subcontractors, and in total at times manage over 100 people,” she said. The company also takes advantage of advances in technology to improve its service offerings. The combination of a wide skill base and a high level of technology makes it possible for KTM to complete a wide range of product types.

Before joining with her family to found KTM, Saxton attended Babson College, earning a bachelor’s degree in business management and marketing. She said, “My mentor was my father. He never stops. He works 90 hours a week – keeps goin’, keeps busy – that’s where I got my work ethic and drive. I’ve been working seven days a week for I don’t know how many years.”

Saxton’s hard work has paid off; even the recession has not stopped her. In 2010, the infusion of economic stimulus money resulted in contracts with the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development to rehabilitate properties and bring them up to code. With such resilience and a proven history of drive and dedication, KTM is looking forward to success for generations to come.

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