Meet Kyle Doman

We were lucky to catch up with Kyle Doman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kyle, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My hard work ethic comes from the values instilled in me by the people and experiences that shaped my life. Whether it was watching my parents and grandparents’ work ethic, learning from various mentors through different stages of life who emphasized the importance of dedication, or overcoming challenges that required persistence and grit. These influential people taught me the value of hard work. Each experience reinforced the belief that success doesn’t come easily—it’s earned through determination, discipline, and a willingness to push through obstacles.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I graduated from college in 2009 with a degree in Architecture. Unfortunately, the field was hit hard by the 2008 economic downturn, so I decided to defer my acceptance to grad school. Instead, I embarked on a trip around the world with my now-wife. During that journey, we made a plan: upon our return, I would either pursue grad school for Architecture, go to med school, or start my own business.

Ultimately, I decided to take a chance on starting my own business, and here we are almost ten years later—it’s been an incredible ride. Along the way, we’ve had the privilege of working on some amazing projects and connecting with truly inspiring people.

40 North Designs is a creative company rooted in hard work, originality, and precision. What began in Owner Kyle Doman’s small, dusty garage has grown into a brand built on trust, craftsmanship, and a commitment to excellence.

As a proud small business, we understand the value of relationships and the impact they have on our journey. It’s these connections that inspire us to create exceptional products that exceed expectations and reflect our dedication to quality.

Every product is meticulously handmade in Colorado, embodying the care and craftsmanship that defines 40 North Designs.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The short answer; Resilience, adaptability and attention to detail.

The long answer; The ability to stay resilient and adapt to challenges was essential in starting 40 North Designs. Whether it was figuring out how to scale production or managing setbacks, staying flexible and committed made the journey possible. Quality speaks for itself, and putting care into every product helped us build trust and pride in our work. Staying meticulous and never cutting corners became a non-negotiable standard.

If I could give advice to myself when I first started it would be: Don’t wait for perfect conditions to start. The sooner you take the first step, the sooner you’ll start learning what works and what doesn’t. Success is rooted in continuous growth. Read, take classes, do whatever it takes and surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

From the very beginning, my wife has been my greatest supporter. While she hasn’t taught me any shop related skills she supported me and gave me the opportunity to develop those skills. It’s clear how proud she is when I hear her talking about the business, sharing details of what we do and highlighting her favorite projects from over the years to friends, family and co-workers.

I also owe so much of our success to our incredible team of employees. Whether their time with us has been brief or long-lasting, each of them has played a vital role in helping us grow. This business is truly a team effort, and I’m not sure where we’d be today without their hard work and dedication.

A special mention goes to my brother, who has worked with us on and off throughout the years. Watching him develop into a skilled shop manager and leader has been a rewarding experience. His growth in both technical abilities and leadership has been a huge asset to the business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.40northdesigns.com
• Instagram: @40northdesigns