Client Spotlight- Bickimer Homes

Building homes — and a partnership — that stand the test of time

Tommy Bickimer, CEO of Bickimer Homes, is not afraid to get his hands dirty. 

When we caught up with him recently on a late summer afternoon, Bickimer was power-washing the mud off a Bobcat at a job site.  

“We try to lead by example around here,” Bickimer said. “It shows everyone in our company that we’re all in this together, and that every role matters.” 

That spirit of humility and hard work is a hallmark of Bickimer Homes, a family-owned homebuilder with deep roots in Kansas City. 

“We always say Bickimer Homes isn’t just one person,” said Bickimer. “It’s not me, it’s not just my family, it’s everybody on our team. That’s how we run our company.”

Founded in 1982, Bickimer Homes began small, and Tommy Bickimer quite literally grew up in the business, sweeping job sites, mowing yards and working summer jobs on framing and painting crews. 

After earning a construction management degree at Colorado State University and working for a national builder, Tommy returned home in 2005 to join the family company.

It wasn’t an easy time. The Great Recession soon forced the company to scale back. Still, that season gave him hands-on knowledge of every aspect of the business, from field work to office operations, and prepared him to lead as the company rebounded.

Today, Bickimer Homes employs 17 people and builds about 40 to 45 homes per year. The focus is now on higher-end homes, where buyers value high quality and customization. 

Navigating challenges with the right banking partner

Bickimer said that after the recession, he and his family sought out a bank that truly understood construction and the local business market.

“We always wanted to work with a local bank,” Bickimer said. “We were introduced to Country Club Bank, and there was an instant connection. We felt like they believed in local businesses the way we do.”

That belief has proven critical. When interest rates nearly doubled in recent years, Country Club Bank stepped up with creative terms and financing options.  

“Their competitive rates and willingness to help us meet market demands have been a huge boost for our growth and expansion,” Bickimer said. “The last few years alone will always make me a loyal fan of Country Club Bank.”

Beyond rates, Bickimer said Country Club Bank’s responsiveness stands out, too. 

“Just recently I needed to get a wire out,” Bickimer said, “I made one phone call, and it was done in an hour. That kind of service is incredible.”

For nearly two decades, Amy Wilcox has been part of the Country Club Bank commercial lending team. She now serves as Bickimer Homes’ primary banker.

“What stands out is their character and how they do the right thing. They’re building very high-end custom homes, but they’re also mentoring young builders and supporting affordable housing,” said Wilcox. “That kind of culture makes them a great fit for us—we’re both committed to doing the right thing, and focused on long-term relationships.”

Bickimer especially appreciates the flexible lending structure. Through a guidance line, the company can secure construction loans to cover the procurement of land, materials and labor.

“They’ve always said, ‘We just want to grow with you,’” Bickimer said. “They’ve increased that line over the years, and I don’t have to wait long for an answer; they’re flexible, supportive and quick to respond.”

That financial foundation allows Tommy’s team to focus on what they do best: building dream homes and serving clients. 

Communication is another differentiator for Bickimer. Bickimer project managers upload daily progress photos so clients can follow their project in real-time.

“What sets us apart is customer service and communication,” Bickimer said. “When you’re building someone’s dream home, communicating is key to make sure that expectations match the results.”

For Tommy, the partnership with Country Club Bank is another example of good communication at work.

“At other banks, you may not even know who the president is,” Bickimer said. “At Country Club Bank, I know everybody, and they know me. They care about our business, and they show it with every interaction.”