Photo credit: Woodland Ridge Tiny Homes
Rick Gilliland and Cody Wood never thought they would become home builders. But with real estate prices rising and essential worker problems, they decided to tackle the problem in a way no one else in Livingston, Montana, was doing — by building compact, sustainable homes, as KBZK reports.
“I would say our biggest inspiration is our kids, honestly,” Cody said in the interview. “And the reality is that our kids aren't really going to be able to stay in this community as they prepare to launch,” Cody added.
Rick and Cody founded Woodland Ridge Tiny Home Crafters in 2020 to help families stay in their communities. Their tiny homes cost between $90,000 and $150,000 and meet the needs of downsizers and companies needing workforce housing.
Allison Smith, a Red Lodge resident, was one of her first customers. Given the local housing shortage, she bought a small semi-detached house to support workers such as teachers and restaurant staff.
“Preserving our ranch and farmland is ideal for a rural community, but also to make the community walkable,” she told KBZK. Their investment has already helped stabilize the economy while preserving the city's character.
But for Rick and Cody, this is about more than just housing – it's about creating entire neighborhoods that preserve Montana's ranches and farmland while connecting residents.
“By communities, I don’t mean just a website,” Rick said. “But a full-fledged community where you feel like you’re part of what’s going on around you.”
From helping single mothers finance home ownership to providing much-needed workforce housing, Rick and Cody's work has changed lives.
A testimonial on their website highlights: “Working with Cody, Rick and Jeremy to build my custom tiny house was literally a dream come true. Not only are they the only certified contractors in the state of Montana, but their craftsmanship is next to none.
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Her journey shows how small, thoughtful solutions can create lasting change for people and the planet. Their homes are designed for sustainability, using eco-friendly materials and floor plans that reduce energy consumption.
Taking a similar approach to Habitat for Humanity's all-electric community in Minnesota, Woodland Ridge addresses housing needs with sustainable and affordable solutions.
More companies are developing creative solutions for housing and sustainability, and supporting eco-friendly initiatives is an easy way to make a difference.
Looking to the future, Rick and Cody hope to inspire other communities to rethink housing solutions. The Park Local Development Corporation said in an Instagram post about Woodland Ridge's mission, “Growing up or growing old doesn't have to mean losing a support system due to housing costs.”
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