Steve Feilmeier has built his career helping organizations grow through thoughtful
leadership, strategic investment, and a long-term vision. Today, the Wichita State
University's Barton School of Business alumnus is applying that same leadership to
one of the nation's most pressing challenges: making high-quality homeownership more
attainable.
Feilmeier, a member of the Barton School Dean's Advisory Board and a 2026 Barton School
"Beyond" Hall of Fame inductee, serves as CEO of Prime Craftsman Homes, an innovative
homebuilder that is redefining how homes are designed, manufactured, and delivered.
The company recently celebrated the grand opening of its state-of-the-art manufacturing
facility in Wichita, marking an important milestone in its mission to expand access
to affordable, high-quality housing through innovation and advanced construction methods.
The company was founded on a simple but ambitious idea: high-quality homes should cost significantly less. It is pursuing that vision by reimagining how homes are built. Using an off-site manufacturing model, Prime Craftsman Homes streamlines production, reduces waste and improves efficiency while maintaining craftsmanship and quality. The new Wichita facility positions the company to serve communities throughout Kansas and the surrounding region while creating new jobs and expanding access to attainable homeownership.
“Everyone deserves the opportunity to own a quality home,” said Feilmeier. “Prime
Craftsman Homes is demonstrating that innovation and efficiency can help make that
possible. We are building homes differently so more families can realize the dream
of homeownership without compromising on quality.”
Following a distinguished career at Koch Industries, where he served as Executive
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and President of Koch Investment Group, Feilmeier
sought opportunities to continue creating meaningful impact. After learning about
Prime Craftsman Homes and its unique approach to home construction, he saw an opportunity
to combine business innovation with community benefit. That philosophy has defined
much of his career.
A two-time graduate of the Barton School of Business, Feilmeier earned both his bachelor’s
and master’s degrees in accounting before becoming a Certified Public Accountant.
During nearly 25 years at Koch Industries, he helped guide the company’s financial
strategy and growth while serving on its board of directors for almost two decades.
Today, his leadership extends well beyond the private sector. In addition to serving
on the Barton School Dean’s Advisory Board, Feilmeier is a co-founder of Spero, a
Barton School movement that expands access to opportunity through career readiness
and entrepreneurship micro-credential programs. Spero helps individuals gain the skills
and confidence needed to pursue meaningful careers, launch or grow businesses, and
contribute to Wichita’s long-term workforce and economic vitality.
Feilmeier also serves on numerous civic and nonprofit boards, including the WSU Foundation
and Alumni Engagement National Advisory Council, reflecting his longstanding commitment
to investing in both people and communities.
“Steve represents the very best of the Barton School,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean
of the Barton School of Business. “Throughout his career, he has demonstrated that
business leadership is about creating value for others. Prime Craftsman Homes is another
example of his entrepreneurial mindset and his desire to solve meaningful challenges
while strengthening communities. We are incredibly proud to celebrate this exciting
new chapter.”
Prime Craftsman Homes’ Wichita operation is expected to play an important role in
addressing housing demand across the region. By manufacturing homes in a controlled
environment and utilizing innovative production techniques, the company aims to deliver
homes more efficiently while reducing costs for homebuyers. For Feilmeier, the venture
reflects a belief that business can be a catalyst for positive change.
“Our goal extends beyond building houses,” he said. “We’re building real opportunities
for families, for communities and for future generations. That’s the kind of impact
that makes this work especially meaningful.”
Feilmeier continues to demonstrate how business expertise can be applied to solve
real-world challenges. Through Prime Craftsman Homes, he is helping shape the future
of housing while continuing a lifelong commitment to innovation, service and community
impact. To learn more about Prime Craftsman Homes, visit primecraftsmanhomes.com.