James Crawford i Managing Partner
James Crawford brings over a decade of hands-on experience in construction, project management, and operations leadership. As Managing Partner at Steel Roots, he oversees day-to-day execution, vendor coordination, and on-site management, drawing from a diverse background that spans residential remodeling, modular manufacturing, and commercial property oversight.
Prior to Steel Roots, James served as VP of Production at Containing Luxury, where he led safety, procurement, and factory workflow in a startup manufacturing environment. His earlier roles include project management and superintendent leadership with general contracting firms, as well as operating his construction consultancy, CAC Renovations LLC, since 2015. James holds a General Contractors License Course certification from Gold Coast School of Construction and is known for his ability to manage complex timelines, uphold safety standards, and build strong relationships across teams and trades.
Karen Matthews i Managing Partner
Karen Matthews is a strategic leader with a background in business consulting, housing development, and operational design. As Managing Partner of Steel Roots, she leads vision, strategic partnerships, and advisory services—leveraging her expertise in modular housing systems, development planning, and cross-sector collaboration.
Karen is also the founder of KAM Business Solutions, where she supports clients across construction, manufacturing, real estate, institutional investors, and professional services with executive-level consulting. Her strength lies in connecting people, systems, and opportunities to bring bold housing ideas to life.