About Us
Introduction
Together with over 30 employees and countless subcontractors, F.E. Trainer Construction delivers high-quality construction services to clients across the greater Knoxville, TN and Smoky Mountain markets. Our portfolio spans a wide range of residential work, from new construction to delicate historic renovations, and everything in-between. Through the decades, F.E. Trainer has solidified its reputation as a premier custom home builder in East Tennessee.
History
Fred Trainer, Jr. founded F.E. Trainer Construction, Inc. in 1998 in Knoxville, TN. He based his construction company on the core values of excellence, wisdom, honesty and faith which were instilled in him by his family and the surrounding Knoxville community, where Fred grew up. Today, F.E. Trainer Fine Homes & Remodels is considered one of the elite custom home builders in the East Tennessee region.
The company's emphasis on quality of service, hard work, teamwork, and responsiveness to client needs remain central to this vision. As a Certified Green Professional, F.E. Trainer has long been involved in environmentally sensitive building practices. Additionally, each F.E. Trainer construction or renovation project upholds the company hallmarks of quality craftsmanship and quality materials.
F.E. Trainer continues to support the local community through volunteer efforts, as well as supporting many local charities and non profit organizations. Working with the City of Knoxville and Knox Heritage, F.E. Trainer has spearheaded projects such as the restoration of Talahi Park in Sequoyah Hills, among others. In 2023, F.E. Trainer was named a Top Workplace by the Knoxville News Sentinel, and was also recognized as being the best company to work for due to a good work/life balance.
Looking forward, F.E. Trainer Construction aims to continue to serve customers with wide-ranging residential construction services across East Tennessee, while continuing to follow the core values that have guided the company from its inception.
Thank you Knoxville for voting us first in Remodels and runner up in Custom Homes and Custom Homes $1M+ for two years straight!
- 1998 - F.E. Trainer is established by Fred Trainer in Knoxville, TN
- 2000 - F.E. Trainer achieves Certified Green Builder status
- 2006 - F.E. Trainer becomes a member of the Knox Heritage Society
- 2010 - F.E. Trainer Construction wins Knoxville's Best Contractor award presented by the Knoxville News Sentinel
- 2016 - Knoxville Mercury "Top Knox Readers' Poll" winner for renovations and remodeling
- 2017 - F.E. Trainer Construction receives the Knox Heritage Award for historic preservation
- 2018 - CityView "Best of the Best" Residential Contractor
- 2018 - F.E. Trainer Construction celebrates its 20th year in business
- 2019 - CityView "Best of the Best" Custom Homes
- 2019 - West Knoxville Lifestyle "Best Contractor"
- 2020 - CityView "Best of the Best" Custom Homes
- 2022 - Home Builder Digest "13 Best Custom Home Builders in Knoxville"
- 2022 - CityView "Best of the Best" Remodels, Custom Homes, Custom Homes $1M+
- 2023 - F.E. Trainer Construction celebrates its 25th year in business
- 2023 - KnoxNews.com designates F.E. Trainer Construction a 2023 Top Workplace
- 2023 - CityView "Best of the Best" Remodels, Custom Homes, Custom Homes $1M+
Mission
Our mission is to significantly impact lives in positive ways.
Vision
Our vision is to increase our impact by growing our business and creating a profitable, disciplined, systems-oriented company that can thrive as an organization and that is built to last beyond the founding generation.
- To impact the lives of our employees, subcontractors and their families by maintaining a work environment that enhances the rest of their lives
- To impact the lives of our clients by providing a professional and enjoyable homebuilding experience and a beautiful, functional home
- To impact our community by building quality structures and using our resources to help those less fortunate
Core Values
These are the values we are guided by in everything we do. Every decision is evaluated by these values before it is made.
- Excellence — Aspiring to always improve in how we build homes and conduct our business.
- Wisdom — We seek to both continually learn and share our experience with others.
- Character — We will always be honest and strive to be transparent, humble, joyful, and kind to everyone, creating an atmosphere that is attractive and enjoyable for all.
- Faith & Family — Our work serves a higher purpose for us and for our clients.
Testimonials
"Fred Trainer’s honesty and integrity made one of the most stressful life events a manageable and positive experience."
—L. & M. Murphy, Knoxville, TN
"We are very pleased with our custom home by Fred Trainer. His quality and attention to detail combined with honest business practices was the right combination for us."
—J. & C. Sardano, Knoxville, TN
"This is the fourth Christmas our family has celebrated in one of your projects. We are very happy with our home and appreciate all your attention to make it what it is.
—L. Massingale, Knoxville, TN
"I feel my home is in good hands with you guys and I applaud the extra care your crews have given inside and outside. I look forward to the finished product and the ability to remain in my home for many years to come. Thank you!"
—C. Schwenn, Knoxville, TN
Licensing
F.E. Trainer is licensed in Tennessee (Unlimited License #46470).
Safety
F.E. Trainer is dedicated to providing and maintaining a safe and secure construction site. We view safety as a line responsibility to which all employees are held accountable. While our job superintendent is responsible for enforcing best practices on the site, our project managers also routinely inspect.
Gary joined F.E. Trainer in September 2017 as Chief Financial Officer after 34 years with one of the nation’s top 20 public accounting firms. He oversees all areas of accounting and finance with a strong commitment and passion to helping the company achieve its goals.