About Virtue Homes
We’re not your typical custom home builder, residential construction general contractor, and basement finishing company. Learn more about Virtue Homes and how we live up to our name as the premier custom home builder in Northeast Wisconsin.
We’re So Much More than Custom Home Builders & Basement Finishing Contractors
The word “virtue” means “behavior showing high moral standards.” Virtue Homes founder, Gerald Helf, intentionally chose the name Virtue Homes when starting this custom home building and basement finishing company in 2009. Our name and our virtues are at the core of every home construction project we do.
We set the bar high for ourselves, striving to be the best residential construction general contractor in the Fox Cities. When it comes to quality, honesty, and top-notch customer service, we do everything we can to live up to our name. We bring our Midwestern values to every custom home build and basement finishing project we tackle.
With more than 200 homes and basement finishing projects under our belt, we’ve built a strong reputation as one of the Fox Cities and Northeast Wisconsin’s most respected and best home construction companies. We deliver through a unique combination of reliable communication, industry insight, timely management, and cutting-edge custom home design efficiencies.
Our Home Construction Process
You will notice the Virtue Homes difference from day one. We are committed to our motto of “Sharp Details, Smooth Build”. Throughout the home construction project, we’ll be working with you every step of the way to answer all of your questions and design your dream home! We’re proud of our custom home design capabilities and fully customizable floor plans, upfront pricing, and timely responses to all your pre-construction questions.
As we move forward with the home construction process, we provide accurate schedules, up-to-date budgets, and ongoing feedback and expertise along the way. We even encourage on-site weekly meetings to keep you involved with walkthroughs at critical stages throughout the build, so you’re never left worrying or wondering about your new home. From initial lot selection to move-in day, we promise you an enjoyable custom home construction experience.
When it comes to quality, we treat every build with as much care as if we’re building our own home. That means we accept nothing less than the highest-quality materials, superior craftsmanship, and sharp attention to detail we would want in our own home. We know we’re only as good as our team, which is why we hire quality craftsmen and hold our crews to a very high standard when it comes to our home construction experience, cleanliness, and organization. We’re so sure of our work and products, we back it up by going out of our way to fix any warranty issues quickly, at no cost to you.
Overall, Virtue Homes is more than just a name. Our name serves as our foundation and it’s how we measure the success of every home construction project we take on.
Gerald Helf – Owner
Gerald, the driving force behind Virtue Homes, has crafted a career built around his passion for construction. He got his start in residential construction through his father and grew up working in the trades right here in the Fox Cities. He attended Appleton West High School where he took as many construction, technology, and engineering classes as he could and received the Technology Achievement Award his senior year. He went on to earn his Bachelors of Science in Construction Management from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie.
Gerald is a Certified Associate Constructor through the American Institute of Constructors. Never one to shy away from a challenge, or the chance to grow, he remains on the cusp of design-build innovation by working closely with the Focus on Energy New Homes Program and local organizations like the Home Builders Association of the Fox Cities, and enrolling in continuing education classes to expand his expertise and the company’s capabilities.
Dan Klopfer – Sales & Realtor
Dan, a realtor in the Appleton area, has a passion and skill for helping people find the right home. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and has worked in numerous outside sales and service-related positions. When his daughter was born in 2009, he took the leap of faith to put his sales skills to use as a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker: The Real Estate Group in Waupaca.
In 2012, the Klopfer family was looking for their next house in Appleton. After touring countless houses and not finding the right fit, they finally decided to build their next home. After touring spec houses throughout the Fox Cities, they knew wanted to get a quote from Virtue Homes due to the quality and craftsmanship they’d seen.
After interviewing local builders and discussing options, Dan and his family decided to build with Virtue Homes. During that time, he connected with Gerald, and Dan was asked to list some of the spec homes Virtue Homes was building. From there, Dan learned even more about the design process and helped Virtue Homes better find their niche as custom home builders. He was formally hired in 2015 to help clients looking to build custom homes.
With the first-hand knowledge of the custom homes building process and Virtue Homes, Dan brings a unique view that helps make the custom home process easier, smoother, and more fun.
Cristy Wildenberg – Interior Designer
Trait Design is an interior design studio that focuses on the design of interior spaces for residential new builds and renovation projects. Cristy is passionate about ensuring that every project is both uniquely beautiful and functional for each of her clients.
From helping with decisions on cabinetry types, countertop materials, plumbing styles, lighting and more, Cristy guides clients through the endless material options available for their project while providing in-depth knowledge on the pros and cons of each.
With an eye for detail and an aptitude for creative ideas, Cristy is able to develop fresh concepts for each project she works on that result in stunning living spaces that portray her clients’ individual styles.
When not dreaming up new spaces, you can find Cristy spending time being adventurous with her husband, two sons, and chocolate lab.
Kyle Mueller – Project Manager
Kyle discovered his passion for carpentry and building at a young age and turned that passion into a career he loves! Kyle has been in the home building industry for nearly 24 years, including 12 years as a project manager. He completed the Fox Valley Technical College Residential Building Construction Program in 1999.
In his spare time, Kyle still enjoys woodworking as well as restoring vintage trucks and garden tractors. Kyle lives in Sherwood and loves working with our home owners on their building projects throughout the Fox Cities!
Daniel Thiel – Project Manager
Dan joined the Virtue Homes team in 2018 and has 20 years of experience in residential home building! As a finish carpenter, Dan gained the technical knowledge and attention to detail that Virtue Homes is known for. He enjoys finding creative solutions to the unique challenges that come with each project to ensure that every job meets his high standards.
Whether he’s taking on custom projects or crafting high-quality designs, Dan finds inspiration everywhere, and it’s evident in his work. His passion for carpentry continues as do his skills and artistry. When not working, Dan enjoys spending time with family, playing soccer and going to his cabin in northern Wisconsin.
