Everyone has heard of tiny homes: micro residences that prioritize intentional living over palatial foyers and seldom-used spare bedrooms. But now, three mountain builders are driving a movement that’s even smaller —at least in square footage.
“We transform buses and vans into office spaces, weekend-warrior vehicles, and full-time houses,” says Jeff Jameson. Gathered at their Hot Springs work site, friends-turned-business partners Jason Contreras and Kenny Frohriep agree. Together, the trio makes up Blue Ridge Conversions — a funky little operation that creates unconventional spaces by swapping out consoles for countertops and floor mats for hardwoods.
Established last November, Blue Ridge Conversions has already headed off numerous projects. Earlier this year, for instance, they turned out a Skoolie (lingo for a transformed schoolbus): named “Da Bus,” it’s now a fully loaded getaway coach. The conversion was admittedly simpler than the 2017 Ford Transit that followed. Destined to be the ultimate adventure-mobile for local artist Dawn Lowndes, the van got outfitted with cedar siding, compact storage, and a composting toilet. To avoid artistic debris flying around during transit, all odds and ends had to be “screwed and glued,” says Frohriep. Like most van conversions, it took three to four weeks to complete, though a bus can require several more.
“There’s so much troubleshooting because we’re constrained to a shell we didn’t create,” explains Frohriep. “Each cut is thought about ten times before we actually make it.”
“Yeah, that’s true,” says Contreras. “Nothing is square.”
Though a tech guru by trade, Contreras knows his way around power tools. After quitting his Los Angeles gig in 2016, he started crafting and selling artisanal home goods in Asheville. Frohriep’s story is pretty similar. He and his wife lived in California for a stint, traveled across the country, and eventually settled in Hot Springs. They now use their Instagram account, @our.wild.roots, to inspire others to embrace a nature-based lifestyle (it prompted Jameson’s and Contreras’ move to the area). “In Hollywood, I was managing set design builds and tear downs,” says Frohriep. “And just before I met these guys, I was running my own sign company.”
Raised in Detroit, Jameson might seem like the odd man out. Except his unconventional living arrangements are what initially brought the three together. Seeking financial freedom, he and his family of five converted a used, 40-foot International Flat Nose Pusher (aka The Blue Ridge Mountain Bus) into a full-time residence two or so years ago. Not too much later, Jameson contacted Contreras and Frohriep.
“I had received requests to convert a few more buses,” says Jameson. “We were all transplants and liked working with our hands, so it made sense.”
That serendipity is evident in the building process, too. Right now, they are turning a 32-foot Thomas Built schoolbus into a workshop. Rather than bump elbows inside the less than 200-square-foot space during construction, each guy has their respective task. Jameson might be running electrical, Contreras painting the exterior, and Frohriep working with clients and adding the final finishing touches. Their work is steady and cohesive. Which is good, considering that the business is gaining ground.
“People are sick of paying a mortgage and moving houses every five years for a job,” says Frohriep.
“Exactly,” adds Jameson. “Van and buses are really starting to take off.”
Blue Ridge Conversions is located in Hot Springs, about 45 minutes northwest of Asheville. For more information, call 727-234-5339 or visit blueridgeconversions.com.