While he is sometimes found in our Steamboat Springs office, you'll most likely find Ben Yoder-Henley on job sites around Routt County. As part of the Construction Management offering in tandem with Crafted Structures, Ben brings a unique blend of hands-on construction knowledge and a thoughtful, systems-oriented mindset to his role. After starting his construction career in home remodeling and drywall finishing, he went on to specialize in fine plasterwork — even teaching the ancient technique of Tadelakt to homeowners and contractors. With experience running his own business and a passion for doing things the right way, Ben is the steady presence behind the scenes making sure SmartPads homes are built to the highest standards.
Meet Ben
I grew up in Minneapolis, MN, and studied Psychology at Knox College. I first moved to Steamboat from 2015 to 2018, working at Vista Verde Guest Ranch — where I met my wife! Over the past seven years, we've lived in Minneapolis, Bozeman, and Burlington running businesses centered around construction and home improvement services , but we missed Steamboat so much we decided to come back. We now live here with our three-year-old cat, Lisa. I'm the Construction Superintendent for Crafted Structures and oversee all SmartPads builds in Routt County.
Q: How do you like to spend your weekends?
On weekends, I enjoy practicing yoga, mountain biking, hiking, and playing pickleball! Staying active and spending time outdoors helps me recharge.
Q: What is your favorite place to eat out in Steamboat?
My favorite place to eat out is Bésame. The food is incredible, and the staff is always friendly and knowledgeable.
Q: What part of your job is the most fun?
I love working with the wide variety of subcontractors who come onto the jobsite. No two days are the same, and there’s always a new challenge. This job involves a lot of problem-solving, and I enjoy coming up with creative solutions on the fly.
Q: How do you bring value to SmartPads customers?
I bring value through clear and consistent communication. I make it a priority to ensure our clients feel informed and involved throughout the entire process of building their dream home.
Q: What do you feel has the biggest impact on the look and feel of a home?
I believe windows have the biggest impact. Here in Colorado, nearly every window offers a stunning view, and SmartPads embraces that. For example, the Fairview model places the living room and kitchen on the second floor to maximize those scenic vistas — I think that's a brilliant design move.
Q: What makes the SmartPads design different?
SmartPads stands out because we’re intentional with every layout — there’s no wasted space. By using high-quality building materials and focusing on thoughtful design, we’re able to deliver a product we can truly be proud of. I love being part of a company that does things the right way and never cuts corners.
Q: What are some common things people don’t think about (but should) when building a SmartPads home?
A lot of people don’t realize how much needs to be figured out before we even start building. Things like zoning rules, building codes, HOA restrictions, or access issues can really affect whether a modular home will work on a piece of land. It can seem like a lot, but luckily the SmartPads sales team is super knowledgeable and great at helping clients work through all of that upfront. It makes a big difference in keeping the project on track from the start.
Q: What advice would help potential SmartPads homeowners as they begin the process?
Make as many decisions as possible on the front end. Having a complete roadmap from the start makes things much smoother for the general contractor and helps ensure your vision is carried through during construction.
About SmartPads
At SmartPads, we focus on delivering custom prefab homes that are thoughtfully designed for efficiency, comfort, and a modern mountain lifestyle. Every home reflects the care and expertise of our close-knit team - people like Ben, who plays a key role in making the building journey smooth and as stress-free as possible. Want to learn more? Fill out our Contact Us form, and we will be happy to connect with you and share more details.
