team of experts

Adam Hiltner | Owner & CEO

Adam is an entrepreneur passionate about startups, refining systems, and delivering exceptional service. With over a decade of fine dining and hospitality experience, he knows what creates memorable customer experiences. His commitment to excellence drives him in every project.

Starting his career in finish carpentry honed his eye for detail and craftsmanship. In October 2023, he founded Hiltner Home Solutions to merge his hospitality skills with his passion for quality work. In 2024, he expanded to Kairos Construction Group, named for the Greek word meaning “the right moment,” reflecting his vision for the company. His mission is to elevate the construction industry by integrating hospitality-driven service into home remodeling, emphasizing quality and attention to detail.

​Grateful to God for every opportunity, Adam sees his role at Kairos as a calling to serve others positively. He is married to Catherine, and together they have three children: Everly, Keaver, and Winston. They view Kairos Construction Group as a blessing grounded in faith and are dedicated to upholding integrity and stewardship in their work.

Trevor Gerardine

Trevor brings seven years of hands-on construction experience across a wide range of skills, including cabinetry, framing, painting, trim carpentry, siding, and electrical work—a bit of everything. His excitement for the industry stems from a deep appreciation for building things that are both functional and beautiful, as well as the growing demand for skilled, high-quality craftsmanship.​

Trevor finds the most joy in helping people bring their visions to life and exceeding their expectations. For him, there’s no greater reward than seeing clients genuinely delighted with the finished product.

Originally from Nashville, Trevor moved to Cape Canaveral, Florida, when he was six. In his mid-twenties, he returned to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where he and his wife, Emily, now reside with their four children. Married since 2017, Trevor values family life as much as his passion for his craft.

Ben Mester

Ben is a seasoned entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in the gem and jewelry industry, fine cabinetry, outdoor construction, and custom knife crafting. As a gemologist and small business owner, he developed a keen eye for quality and detail. His ten years in a custom cabinet shop in San Diego honed his craftsmanship, while five years in landscaping and construction expanded his skills with projects like retaining walls and sprinkler systems.

​​Currently, Ben leads multiple ventures, including a newly launched custom knife business. His passion for building efficient systems drives his commitment to innovation, exceptional customer service, and creating lasting value in each project.

Garrett Burian

Bio coming soon!

Chris delape

Chris brings over 10 years of hospitality and customer service experience, making him a master relationship cultivator and a strong advocate for our clients. His ability to connect with people, understand their needs, and ensure an exceptional experience makes him a perfect fit for Kairos Construction Group.

Beyond work, Chris is a dedicated family man, happily married to his beautiful wife of nine years, and a proud dad to his amazing daughter. When he’s not building relationships with clients, you’ll likely find him on the golf course, watching sports, or leading worship.

Chris brings both energy and authenticity to everything he does. We’re excited to have him on board, driving the Kairos vision forward with a client-first approach!

Catherine Hiltner

Catherine brings extensive experience in hospitality, HR, and team development to Kairos Construction Group. She met her husband, Adam, while working at Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Arlington, VA, where they bonded over their passion for business and customer service.

Previously, she served as Vice President of Team Services, building and leading an HR department for a company with over 700 employees, focusing on compliance, employee support, and benefits. Now overseeing office and administration at Kairos, she looks forward to working alongside Adam while spending more time with their three children.

​Outside of work, Catherine enjoys spontaneous coffee dates with her parents, being active in the Greater Things Ministry in Knoxville, supporting her kids’ activities, and caring for her many house plants.

colin emms

Originally from Sydney, Australia, Colin made his way to East Tennessee drawn by his love for the mountains, cooler weather, and a slower pace of life. With over 13 years in the trades, he brings precision, craftsmanship, and a passion for detail to every job—especially when it comes to trim work, his specialty.

What Colin loves most about the work is the feeling at the end of a project:

“We did that – and we left the client with something awesome.”

Colin enjoys meeting new people, learning something new every day, and working with a team that values quality and connection. He and his wife are expecting their first baby soon and share their home with their dog, Scout (a spirited Pomeranian), and cat, Maeve. Outside of work, Colin is happiest in nature—whether it’s practicing archery or just spending time outdoors.

We’re lucky to have Colin on the Kairos team—his craftsmanship, attitude, and sense of adventure make him a perfect fit!

Erik “Daisy” Dukes

Originally from Orlando, FL, Erik and his wife Cathy relocated to East Tennessee to enjoy the mountains, experience all four seasons, and escape the Florida traffic. With over 45 years of experience in residential remodeling, commercial construction, and industrial work, Erik brings expert craftsmanship and a heart for people to every job.

His specialties include:

• Precision installation of residential and commercial doors
• Creating quality, lasting work he’s proud to stand behind
• Building meaningful relationships with clients, which he considers one of the greatest rewards of the job

Erik and Cathy have been married for 20 years and have a beautiful blended family—four daughters, one son, and three grandchildren—living in Colorado, Orlando, and North Carolina. At home, they enjoy the company of their two dogs, Baxter the Sheepadoodle and Bella the mixed breed. Erik’s happy place is working in his yard or renovating his own home, especially in spring, his favorite season, when “all of God’s beauty comes back to life.”

Fun fact: When Erik and Kairos owner Adam Hiltner first worked together about 8 years ago, Adam affectionately nicknamed him “Daisy”—and it stuck! We absolutely love having Daisy on the Kairos team and are beyond grateful for the skill, humor, and heart he brings to everything he does.