Meet Patrick O’Keefe | Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Patrick O’Keefe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Patrick, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have always been drawn to the outdoors. In my 20’s I lived abroad in Chile where Patagonia sparked a love for wild outdoor places. After returning to the U.S., my parents wanted me to get a job, but I chose to hike the Appalachian Trail instead. This led to a career in outdoor adventure travel, where I was lucky enough to explore the world as a guide on adventure travel trips. Unfortunately, during the recession of 2008, I was let go from my position in that industry. Because the job market was so competitive, I had been unemployed for a time. I had a new baby and wife to care for, and we’d just bought our first house, which needed a complete renovation. It was humbling to take on this project and realize how much I had to learn. When it was completed, we were fortunate to sell that house and purchase another fixer-upper. The experience of renovating these homes revealed my handyman skills, leading to the inception of my first business, The Old Town Handyman in Longmont in 2009. I ran that business for several years and realized my passion for business and creating a brand that would last. O’Keefe Built combines my love of business, outdoor living, and helping others enjoy their own outdoor spaces at home.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets our company apart is simple: We build to a higher standard, and we’re guided by values rooted in integrity and exceptional customer service. The construction industry has historically been plagued with distrust, and it’s our mission to remedy that. We work to build strong relationships with our team, vendors, and customers. Honesty is at our forefront, with no exceptions, and we make sure our customers know we have their back. Has it been easy? No. Nothing worth having comes easily. I have learned to persevere by staying true to what I know is right and surrounding myself with good people. The lessons learned are endless. I have been reminded time and time again that by doing the right thing, no matter the cost, then I can truly say I’ve done my best.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Living in Old Town Longmont is the best! You can spend an entire day walking around Old Town and checking out restaurants like Long’s Peak Pub, Wibby Brewing, and Jefe’s Mexican Restaurant. I love hiking at Rocky Mountain National Park and rafting on the Upper Colorado River. I also love to take my dirt bike on the trail down to Rampart Range.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My team! I feel really lucky to have attracted amazing people to the O’Keefe Built team over the last decade. The culture here at O’Keefe Built is one of inclusivity and open-mindedness, and we know that running our business is a team effort. We’re all very excited about what the future holds!

Website: https://www.okeefebuilt.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okeefebuilt/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/okeefebuilt

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/okeefebuilt

Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/biz_info/Brm5lZOLMAFwwAMM7i3DDw

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqJNjx4x0AhY5lbIx0gQAVQ

Other: https://www.houzz.com/