At SmartPads, the people who bring our homes to life play a vital role in the operation. While building homes is our business we’re about more than just the products we produce. How the team works together, the culture of our workplace, and who these folks are outside of work are all key elements of our business. Today we’re excited to spotlight Josh Olsen, our talented Team Lead. From overseeing construction to training new staff, Josh is an integral part of what makes SmartPads homes exceptional. Let’s dive in and get to know him a little better!
Meet Josh:I grew up in West Valley City, Utah, where I went to high school and played water polo. In 2013, I got married, and our first child was born in 2017. In 2021, we moved to Vernal, Utah, and since then, we’ve added two more kids to the family.Q: How do you like to spend your weekends?I enjoy spending time with my kids or going out hunting. Duck hunting, deer hunting, and small game hunting with a muzzleloader—especially with my dad—are my favorite ways to get outside and enjoy where we live.Q: What part of your job is the most fun?I like that I get to do a bit of everything related to construction—framing, finish work, flooring, or installing cabinets. It’s not the same task every day, and I enjoy the variety.Q: How do you bring value to SmartPads customers?By doing quality work and teaching others to do the same. I’ve been fortunate to have great mentors, including my dad, who was a general contractor and taught me a lot. Now, I get the chance to pass that knowledge on to others.Q: What do you think has the biggest impact on the look and feel of a home?This is a simple one but the quality of the exterior siding. If you go with cheaper siding, the home just won’t look as nice. For example, cedar siding is more expensive, but it makes a big difference. Another simple thing that makes a huge difference is taking time with the details. I’m particular about straight nail lines—they really add to the overall clean look of a home.Q: Has there been a design or engineering element in a SmartPads home that stood out to you?One kitchen design in a home had a window that opened directly to the patio to be able to pass food through. It had a smooth countertop going from inside to outside. It was a really cool feature, though it was pretty tricky to install!Q: What advice would you give to potential SmartPads homeowners regarding the design of their home?Try to keep things matching in a room. I once worked on a house where the size of the beams didn’t match. I could imagine five years down the road, the homeowners might look at it and think it looks off. It’s just my opinion, but I prefer when things match.You can see why we enjoy having Josh as part of our team, and why our homeowners are appreciative of his role in bringing their vision to life. About SmartPadsSmartPads, with operations based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado and Vernal, Utah, serves the Mountain West with a unique approach to homebuilding. Inspired by a love for adventure, our company was founded to create homes that capture the essence of mountain living. With a focus on maximizing natural views and designing open, modern spaces, SmartPads homes embrace a mountain modern aesthetic. Amid rising construction costs and labor shortages, SmartPads simplifies the process of building a home. By combining our signature design with the efficiency of prefab and modular construction, we offer a more accessible path to owning a high-end, custom home.
