Q: Describe your best vendor and why they are the best.
A: The Building Center is probably our best vendor. The lumber, trim, and dry-in packages are a majority of the expense of any custom home, and they provide the quality, service and price we can depend on.
Q: When was the last time you changed vendors & why?
A: It is a rare occasion that we would purchase lumber from another company. However, occasionally, we will turn-key a dry-in package with our framer. At that point, our vendor may change because we don’t have control over what company they use, but we still require the same level of quality in our lumber. This same philosophy permeates all of our vendor relationships. Unless they violate our trust, drop their service below a reasonable expectation, or raise their prices beyond a reasonable expectation, we stick with them.
Q: When & why would you accept an appointment from a new supplier/ vendor?
A: I’d say if another vendor could replace two of the three primary attributes of any of our current vendors (quality, service and price), we’d be willing to sit down with them. However, as previously stated, it is not easy to replace one of our vendors.
Q: What is the number one problem that keeps you up at night?
A: It used to be where the next job would come from. Now, it’s what new systems can we implement to best manage an increasing workload? I wouldn’t call this a problem, but it does keep my mind engaged. I enjoy developing systems and improving our business structure to continue to better serve our clients and partners.
Q: What do you see as your biggest opportunity?
A: Managed growth. As long as we don’t see another financial meltdown in the construction sector, I think our industry is positioned to capture a huge demand for new homes with fresh new designs and building technologies. We have 27 years of developing and delivering an excellent product at a fair price. This long-standing record coupled with a deep commitment to our local market has propelled us to a position of accelerated growth.
Q: What do you wish LBM suppliers understood about your business?
A: My pet peeve is not receiving accurate take-offs and reliable quotes. We build complicated homes, so it takes a bit of work to provide this. Yet, we find ourselves having to do our own take-offs and estimates because the supplier frequently misses the mark. We expect a certain level of competency when we commit hundreds of thousands of dollars to a partner. It’s frustrating (and costly) when this service is not as accurate or thorough as it should be. Also, timely pickups and credits are just as important as timely deliveries.
Q: What building products (if any) do you buy installed?
A: Masonry, roofing, sheetrock, stairs, framing, trim and windows/doors.
Q: Building Green is a growing trend. How does it affect you?
A: I graduated from the first NAHB Advanced Green Building class in the nation, and have used Green Building practices for years. My next hope is that we can start seeing all building products convert to price-competitive engineered products—particularly studs. These products are straighter, stronger, more uniform, and more dimensionally stable.
