Golden Rule Design & Build was established in early 2002 when Matt and Sara Vincent saw a need for residential remodeling in the Northeast Kansas Area. Matt had been working in commercial construction for several years and had dreamed of owning his own business in the future. The opportunity to take that leap of faith presented itself and Matt and Sara decided to take that jump. God has been faithfully providing clients from the very beginning.
While the business has grown and evolved over time, the mission has stayed the same: Together, we pursue excellent work and meaningful relationships to positively impact lives. That mission is accomplished by attempting to always do the right thing, work hard, and treat others the way they would want to be treated. From the get-go, the goal has been to benefit the community by providing quality deliverables through exceptional communication and the work of talented and character-filled craftspeople.
Golden Rule associates know that they are part of a bigger picture. They also try to positively impact lives by supporting and participating in causes that primarily benefit women and children in need. The team is passionate about cheering on organizations that work towards care for abused women, unwed mothers, those in foster care, adoption services and quality childcare.
OUR CODE OF CONDUCT
Our name guides our decisions, attitude and how we interact with clients, suppliers, and our fellow associates. Our goal is to treat each person we come into contact with “the way we want to be treated.”
GR team-members always try to do the right thing.
Their word is their bond. When they say they’re going to do something, they do it; if they make a mistake, they own it and do what it takes to make it right; if they see something that needs doing or fixing, they do it or fix it.
GR team-members are always willing to pitch in and help.
Our associates are busy every second of the day at their jobs, but when there is a call for all hands on deck GR associates know that means all hands. They stop what they’re doing and pitch in whenever their team — or any team — is in a crunch situation.
GR team-members know how to be a good teammate.
Our team understands that it doesn’t matter how good you are at your job if you’re not a good teammate. At GR, we rely on working together to collaborate and support each other to get our projects done.
GR team-members are on time.
GR associates show respect for their co-workers and our clients by being on time.
GR team-members work hard — really hard.
At GR, every day is game day, and our associates come ready to play every single day.
GR team-members strive to have a good work/life balance.
GR associates are focused during the work day, but when work is done they set it aside and focus on the other things in their lives.
GR team-members always keep the client the priority.
GR associates know we’re in business to improve more than just the homes of our customers. They understand that our goal is to improve their lives by giving them respect, kindness, and a smile. We only succeed when our customers feel valued.
GR team-members learn from their mistakes and learn to “fail fast.”
Everyone makes mistakes and fails. What’s important is how quickly you fail and how you respond after the mistake or the failure. GR associates own it, do what’s necessary to make it right, and learn from it.
GR team-members know that they are part of something bigger than themselves.
They know that their hard work provides for those they love. They also know that our culture encourages giving to those in need and that each project provides resources for others who may be less fortunate.
“Golden Rule did a wonderful job with the replacement of our front and back porch as well as replacement of an entire wall that had water damage! The guys are very good as well as honest gentlemen! I recommend Golden Rule to everyone I know! Thank you!”
— Rhonda
“Everyone at Golden Rule that I came in contact with were professional, prompt, meticulous with whatever job they were doing. It was a pleasure to have GR in my home I love my beautiful new kitchen.”
— Vicky
OUR TEAM
Sara Vincent
Sara is the co-owner of Golden Rule Design & Build, and she and Matt have five daughters. Sara loves to spend time at our local Topeka restaurants, and is passionate about the work of Haiti Lifeline Ministries, especially their Oasis Project which serves youth transitioning out of institutional living. Sara can often be found reading with the cat curled up on her lap.
Matt Vincent
Matt is the co-owner of Golden Rule Design & Build. He and Sara have been married for over 20 years. Matt loves to travel, and can rarely say no to chips and queso! Matt likes to tease his wife Sara about how much she reads and is pretty sure she loves the cat more than she loves him.
Anna
Anna is a designer at Golden Rule and chances are if you’ve been into our office, it is Anna’s smiling face you’ve met first. From the first phone call you make to the office, to helping clients create the space of their dreams, she isn’t afraid to tackle it all! She loves to mix pieces clients currently have with new furnishings or products to make each space feel updated, and unique to each home. Anna is married to a super stud of a firefighter husband and has 4 kids. In her spare time, she loves to eat Mexican food, rock climb, and cheer on her kids at their sporting events.
Brent
Brent's roots trace back to a farm near Lucas, Kansas, but for the past 17 years he has called Topeka home. An adventurous spirit, Brent loves exploring diverse culinary experiences, from down-home cooking to sushi and Indian cuisine. He is an experienced disc golfer, if you want to take him on in a match! You can also find him spending time with his family, woodworking and working on home projects. He is a favorite at our morning office meetings because he is a master barista!
Brian
Brian is our window connoisseur and runs all projects concerning windows. Brian is married with three daughters, and he has a hunting dog named Stella. He enjoys playing poker and would one day love to go to Spain. He would like to note that he does not like Sci Fi or The Lord of The Rings.
Caroline
When Caroline started at Golden Rule it was like she was the perfect fit for our team. She brings the best energy and creativity to our bustling office. She is from Topeka and graduated from Washburn with a Mass Media degree. She is married to Aaron and they have 4 busy kiddos. Caroline is the hostess with the mostess, with the ability to transfer her home and any space into a cozy or festive haven, especially during the holidays. When not attending her kids' events or hosting friends, Caroline and her family unwind at home for a cozy movie night.
Chandler
Chandler is an amazing addition to our team and such a hard worker! She was born and raised in Topeka and loved getting to watch her dad (Matt) work on projects all around the city growing up. If she’s not working, you can find her on the land with her firearm or at MJs enjoying some chips and Queso. She also decided to copy Jill and become a cowgirl for a little while ;)
Chris
Chris is an integral part of our remodeling team. He is a native of Rossville, Kansas with a love for all things baseball. On the weekends if Chris isn’t out at the baseball fields with his family, you would likely find him in the weightroom. Chris has a swanky palate - claiming his favorite food is lobster tail.
David
David joined our team after moving from Nebraska a few years ago. He is our "yes man," willing to take on any task! David is on the go whether at work or home. He loves working on side projects but we wonder how he can do that with 4 kids and one on the way! Along with house projects he likes to read in his down time. We have the same thought as you...does downtime exist with 4+ kids?
Dean
Dean hails from Ohio but moved to Kansas in 2022 to be closer to extended family. He is usually in mismatched socks because he gets dressed in the dark. He doesn’t want to wake up his wife….awwww! Dean loves comfort food and would never turn down a good beer and a serving of tater tot casserole or chicken pot pie. Dean loves to farm, and lives on lots of land with his wife and son.
Elliot
Elliot is a great addition to our team. He has a good amount of experience in the field, starting with an interest in carpentry at age 12. He has always been in Topeka and has an incredible family of support that has kept him here. He has a brother who he thinks should be a movie star. We are working on our connections for him...we need a GR brother in Hollywood! Elliot loves to be outdoors, either with his pup or fishing on a nice day.
Hank
Hank is the cutest addition to the Golden Rule team! He is nothing short of energetic and playful. He loves to greet our clients when they stop by and most likely he’ll want them to stay and play catch for a bit. His favorite actives include going out in the great outdoors on a nice sunny day as well as curling up and taking a cat nap.
Jennifer
Jennifer is a designer at Golden Rule and comes from a diverse background of experience. From years as a college tennis coach, to retail and home staging, she brings a solid work ethic and love for team collaborations. Jennifer has been married for 20 years and has 3 children. Outside of work, she loves volunteering with women’s ministry at her church and spending time with friends who tolerate her bad jokes!
Jerry
Jerry is one of Golden Rule’s project managers, and has been with us for almost 10 years! He hails from Lyndon Kansas, and has been married to his wife for 40 years. In his free time he likes to make jerky, coach high school baseball, and spend time with his wife.
Jill
Jill is the Office Manager and has been a part of the team at Golden Rule since 2014. She loves to travel with her family, and is always up for an adventure. As long as that adventure involves a real mattress and not camping! She loves to cheer for her alma mater, Indiana, despite their ability to win at most sports. A fun fact is that Jill can claim that she was once a cowgirl in the mountains of Colorado.
Jonathan
Jono has been working for Golden Rule for six years, but started carpentry around the age of 9. Jono loves to hunt and do puzzles, but says his ideal night would be eating his favorite steak at Mulligan’s and watching WNBA basketball (or trains).
Kaihtlyn
Kaihtlyn is the sanity to Golden Rule when things get messy. She can clean and organize our space in the same amount of time Matt can send 10 emails. Kaihtlyn loves baking and has another gig working at Circle Coffee. Have you tried their baked goods? GO! Kaihtlyn is the daughter of Noah, who was the first employee ever at Golden Rule. Being a part of our team is in her blood!
Katherine
Katherine is the Golden Rule Staff Accountant. She is charged with keeping the vast array of financial details organized. This includes holding all of us accountable for turning in our receipts (properly coded, of course). Katherine has been married to a local real-estate tycoon named Cory since 2009. Together they have four children who keep them young at heart. Avid K-State fans, Katherine and Cory are found many fall Saturdays at Bill Snyder Family Stadium taking in a football game. They also love hosting people at their lovely home.
Kerigan
Kerigan hails from Topeka and went to Washburn Tech for carpentry. Windows are her "specialty" and she is a great addition to that crew! Kerigan loves to play tennis or hang out with her 4 cats and dog. On the weekends, you can find her camping with her dog, Oakley.
Mark
Mark has joined the Golden Rule team as an Estimator and Project Manager. Mark and his wife, Beth (who makes the BEST chicken caesar salad around), have been married for 32 years with 3 kids, 2 kids-in-law, and 3 awesome grandkids. In his spare time, Mark likes to play the drums, make Spotify playlists, read or hang out with his fun family. Aside from Beth’s caesar salad, a good cup of coffee or an IPA are what Mark prefers in his top 2 food groups.
Mike
Mike is one of Golden Rule’s talented remodeling carpenters and he has lived in Topeka almost all his life. Mike loves Longhorn Steakhouse and spending time with his wife of 25 years.
Nick
Nick is a Top City native, and learned the trade of carpentry from his dad. He is married to Andrea and has 3 kids. He spends a lot of his time running those to and from their activities. Nick loves summers at the pool or on the golf course.
Noah C.
Hailing from Lyndon, Kansas, Noah is an essential part of our outdoor crew. We hear he is the best uncle to several doodle dogs. Whether he is on the golf course, manning the grill, or hanging out with friends, adventuring is Noah's favorite hobby. Of course, he loves a perfectly cooked steak (by him on the grill...duh!) and potatoes dinner. A true Kansas native!
Noah
Noah has been with Golden Rule for 19 years, and is one of our project managers. He’s a skilled carpenter and he enjoys (most) humans, being outdoors, being indoors with coffee and a thought provoking book, and spending time with loved ones. Noah’s favorite things include concerts, Mexican food, sports, good bbq, and soft cookies.
Noel
Noel is from Durango, Mexico and has 4 kids between the ages of 20 and 6 months! He loves to play chess (no one on the GR team has been brave enough to challenge him to a game!) and spend time with his family.
Rachel
Rachel is the head of our design department. With multiple years in the business, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team. Rachel is an incredible leader and loves being hands on in every part of our design projects. She's often tagged as the best listener and that is a gift when bringing clients design dreams into reality. She spends all of her spare time as a shuttle driver (AKA MOM). If she finds a quiet weekend, she loves to read, binge a podcast or tackle a design project at her own home!
Shawna
Shawna is Golden Rule’s Team Manager and she’s been with Golden Rule for about four years. She’s been married for 23 years and has five kids ages 10-21. Outside of the office she can often be found cooking for friends and hosting parties. Shawna is also a foster mom and is passionate about advocating for Kansas children.
Tim
Tim might know every county in Kansas. He is from Salina, but frequently moved around Western Kansas before settling into Topeka at age 16. Even though Tim has always lived land-locked, his favorite food is any type of seafood. He is a true outdoorsman, loving to be outside to observe wildlife or venture downriver on a kayak. On a free weekend, you might find Tim carpooling one of his kids around, or tending to his garden. He also spends a lot of his time tackling his "honey-do" list. Good choice, Tim!
Tony
Around the office, Tony is known as the master of the smoker. He is from a small town in Wisconsin and served in the US Army. Tony is a dog dad to Eddie, Bentley and Cora and also has 13 chickens and one wife. Along with being a master smoker, Tony enjoys playing disc golf.
CAREERS
Here at Golden Rule we work as a team.
Our company is dedicated to treating our clients the way we would want to be treated ourselves, and we aim to exceed expectations every time we take a job. We work hard, we respect others, and we get the job done right. If you’re an experienced and energetic remodeling carpenter in need of a job, fill out our application below!
