The Kiowa County Independent is proud to introduce a new feature series, Indy Kids in Business, highlighting young entrepreneurs who are making a difference in our rural communities. From livestock ventures and handmade products to service-based businesses and startups, this series will showcase the ambition, creativity, and hard work of youth across Southeast Colorado.
Our first feature introduces Karsten Buller, an 18-year-old Eads High School graduate who recently turned his passion for woodworking into a business of his own.
Karsten, who previously lived in Wray and now calls Eads home, graduated from Eads High School and will soon attend Fort Hays Tech Northwest. While preparing for the next chapter of his education, he has already taken a significant step toward his future career goals by launching Buller Carpentry in June 2026.
Buller Carpentry specializes in woodworking products and custom projects. Customers can purchase completed pieces, request custom dimensions, submit their own ideas and designs, select custom materials and finishes, or order personalized gifts and specialty items.
For Karsten, the business grew naturally out of something he already loved doing.
“I have always enjoyed building things and have a hand at woodworking and creative designs,” he said.
The turning point came when he built a picnic table.
“When I decided to build a picnic table, it turned out very well and drew me in.”
Despite being in business for only a week, Karsten has already completed his first custom order and is working to establish a reputation for quality craftsmanship and personalized service. He is also actively building a portfolio of projects and designs through his business page.
Like many new entrepreneurs, one of the biggest challenges has been attracting customers and building awareness.
“Gaining customers” was the hardest part of getting started, he said.
Even in its earliest stages, the business has already provided valuable lessons. Karsten says he has improved both his woodworking abilities and his time-management skills while learning what it takes to operate a business.
His favorite part?
“Being able to do what I enjoy and profit from doing it.”
At the same time, he recognizes the responsibility that comes with serving customers.
“The most difficult part of owning a business is being able to efficiently provide quality products to customers for as cheap as possible.”
Looking ahead, Karsten has ambitious plans. He hopes to continue growing Buller Carpentry while attending college and eventually expand into construction contracting as he gains professional experience.
His long-term goal is to build a sustainable contracting business while mastering multiple trades.
If someone handed him $1,000 to invest in his company today, he says he would take a practical approach.
“I would honestly save the majority of it and if I were to spend any, it would be to expand through new tools or products.”
In five years, Karsten hopes to be operating a successful contracting business with an established customer base and a reputation for dependable service.
Family has played a major role in helping him get started. From sharing tools to providing business advice and assistance with college applications, Karsten says their support has been invaluable.
He also believes local businesses play an important role in rural communities.
“They provide relationships that are closer and more understanding,” he said. “These custom services can only be provided from local businesses instead of big corporations.”
Although Buller Carpentry is still in its infancy, community support has already begun to grow, encouraging Karsten as he works to establish his business.
When asked what being an entrepreneur means to him, his answer reflected both pride and purpose.
“It means being able to provide services of your own to the community you’re in. To me, it means that I can take pride that I am doing what I enjoy and working hard to help others.”
As he prepares to begin college and continue developing his skills, Karsten is focused on building a business that can grow alongside his career aspirations. His journey demonstrates that entrepreneurship does not always begin with a large investment or years of experience—sometimes it begins with a simple project, a willingness to work hard, and the confidence to turn a passion into an opportunity.
Customers interested in learning more about Buller Carpentry can find the business on Facebook at Buller Carpentry or contact Karsten directly at (970) 531-9004 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Know a Young Entrepreneur?
The Kiowa County Independent is currently seeking youth and young adult entrepreneurs to feature in upcoming editions of Indy Kids in Business. Whether they sell livestock, baked goods, handmade crafts, artwork, lawn care services, woodworking projects, or operate another type of business, we want to hear their story.
If you know a young entrepreneur in Kiowa, Cheyenne, Prowers, Bent, Baca, Kit Carson, or surrounding counties, contact the Kiowa County Independent to nominate them for a future feature. Their business may be small, but their ambition is helping shape the future of rural Colorado.
