Beginnings

Charlie Knapp grew up in Fairbury, IL and had the opportunity to do work study in high school with a local builder. After high school, Charlie was drafted into the Army and served as a medic in the Vietnam war for over a year and a half. Upon return home from Vietnam, Charlie went to work a couple of builders in Fairbury. In 1971, Charlie married Paula Kaeb and worked for other builders for a few more years till he decided start his own business.

1974

When Charlie was 25, he began a partnership which continued for 3 years. After that time, the name was changed to Charlie Knapp Builders and the company continued doing subcontracting work for other local builders.

1980's

During the 80s recession, CKB began more general contractor work instead of working as a sub-contractor. This season was tough economically, but proved to be a differentiator as CKB was one of the only builders in the Bloomington-Normal area who survived this decade.

1990's

CKB was established as the premier high-end builder in the area in the 90s. The CKB office was in Charlie and Paula’s home on Kim Drive. They would meet with customers and plan their dream home at the kitchen table in the Knapp household. Charlie worked with customers starting with custom designs throughout to the building process. Charlie Knapp homes were truly custom built, not taken from preset drawings or plans. Charlie established himself as the best and only company in the area that field framed their homes. He was well known as a builder who could tie in difficult roof lines. He made the decision to employ his own carpenters not to sub this work out which allowed Charlie to have a pulse on the quality of the homes as they were being built. During this decade, CKB built several custom homes in local subdivisions: Indian Creek, Charterwood Farms, Lake Bloomington, and Hawthorne Hills

2000's

This decade continued to allow CKB to build a stronger business. Wes began working for Charlie in 2005 and in 2008, Charlie’s son Jeremy decided to join CKB and help the company carry on. 2007-08 were tough years for the economy, and much of the work transitioned to remodels and commercial during this time. Charlie trusted that God would provide for the needs of CKB and the company was able to remain financially stable though these years.

Once Jeremy joined the business, he had the vision to work on diversifying and growing the type of projects that CKB would take on. In 2018, Jeremy and Wes took ownership of the company as Charlie nears his retirement. In 2019 the brand name was simplified to "Knapp Builders" and a new logo was introduced for brand clarity and to continue the legacy that Charlie started over 40 years ago. The Knapp team is grateful to be carrying on the strong business that Charlie has built, as well as using their skills to serve the community.