About Pioneer Craftsmen

Russell Martello built Pioneer Craftsmen using Montana ideals and heritage. The company’s name stems from its roots. A pioneer is one who leads the way, ventures into unknown territory, and as a result, opens new areas of thought or development. A craftsman is someone who has passion and talent for their trade. Russell’s grandparents and family have been in Montana since the dawn of statehood. As a result, Russell has a rich history rooted in the state’s homesteaders.

Consequently, he shares the same business spirit as his ancestors from the early years of Montana’s timber and sawmill operations. Customers can see Russell’s devotion to his family’s history and morals in the quality of every project. He built his company by following the values his family taught him at an early age. As a result, Russell knows that hard work and honest sweat form the building blocks of character.

Pioneer Craftsmen is made up of builders passionate about their work and dedicated to creating homes of craftsmanship and longevity. Integrity, honor, fortitude, and vision — it takes more than a hammer and a nail to build dreams.

Russell is from Great Falls, Montana. He attended the University of Montana, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing. After moving to Bozeman, Montana, Russell followed his passion for building. He began work with Lohss Construction. As a carpenter, he built homes in the famed Yellowstone Club.

After a couple years, Russell and his family moved to Great Falls. In 2007, he started Pioneer Craftsmen. After a brief stint as a Realtor and also a builder, he focused his efforts on home building. Russell has now been building homes for more than 10 years. Russell now serves as a director for the Home Builders Association of Great Falls. In addition, his peers voted him “Home Builder of the Year” in 2016.

Russell recently started another venture. He, along with two partners, created Pioneer Sand & Gravel on the outskirts of town.

Russell enjoys living in Great Falls and supporting the community. His wife, Tracy, and their kids, Colton and Olivia, live the Montana lifestyle. Hunting, fishing, backcountry adventures, rafting, canoeing, kayaking, UM Griz football, and off-road motorsports are some of the many interests they share. The Martellos like to work hard and play hard and love to spend time with friends and family.