71 minute read
BUILDERS SHOWCASE
Builder Profiles Written By Paul Thompson
Whether building a custom home or choosing a pre-designed new construction house, selecting the right builder is a critical step in the process. It’s important to find a builder who has a reputation for using quality materials, for communicating well with clients and for delivering on time and as promised. Fortunately, the Pensacola area is home to dozens of homebuilders who meet or exceed those expectations. We’ve partnered with The Homebuilders Association of West Florida to bring you exclusive profiles on some of Northwest Florida’s top home builders. These builders offer a variety of options—from large custom homes and cottages to patio homes and townhouses. With so many local builders to choose from, we are sure you’ll find the perfect one for your new home in our inaugural Builders Showcase.
ACORN FINE HOMES
When it comes to “checking all the boxes” for your dream home, Les White of Acorn Fine Homes has a unique combination of skills that makes him one of the area’s leading custom home builders.
A designer and builder for the past 34 years, Les developed his eye for detail while in the U.S. Army where he served as a helicopter pilot and flew hundreds of successful missions. Before each flight, he had to thoroughly review a pre-flight and takeoff checklist containing 152 items in order to keep everyone safe. Today, he brings that same level of meticulous preparation and attention to detail to the homes he builds. Now his check list is 610 items in order to build a highquality home up to his standards. His specialty is waterfront homes built to the highest levels of design, construction, and durability standards. Every Acorn home offers maximum storm resistance, universal accessibility for aging in place, energy efficiency, and low maintenance burden. Acorn homes are built with Earth Wise Home features using an air-tight, foam encapsulated thermal envelope along with advanced heating, cooling, ventilation, and climate control systems, products, and technologies. The result is a home that is comfortable, clean, and affordable to operate. Acorn’s construction standards include Storm Tuff™ features for framing, windows, roofing, and built-in safe rooms that protect you, your loved ones, and pets from tornadoes, hurricanes, and intruders. Each Acorn home is wired for an optional portable, or wholehouse generator, or solar system. Acorn homes are engineered and built to survive hurricane force winds without losing their roof, windows, or other types of structural failure. Les considers custom home building an art as much as a science. Creative thought is applied to every aspect of the home from the effective use of space to the maximization of waterfront vistas. Les and his team draw on the natural attributes of your home site, including trees, site lines, and borrowed views to unlock your property’s hidden potential. “We believe very strongly in the quality and craftsmanship of the homes we build,” says Les. “We have a checklist that covers every detail. We are constantly improving our processes and procedures and adopting best practices in order to build better homes.” As challenging as the building process can be, Acorn makes it easy and exciting. Through the use of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) 3D modeling, Les and his team are able to show clients what their homes will look like even before they’re built. “Being a designer makes me a better builder and being a builder makes me a better designer,” says Les. “We design not just for the aesthetic appeal but for every aspect that makes a home comfortable, livable, safe, and durable. We build a lot of our clients’ last homes.” Les, his team, and trade partners have been widely honored for their design and construction excellence placing first in the 2017, 18, 19, and 20 in the Parade of Homes® sponsored by the Home Builders Association of West Florida. They remain vigilantly committed to
constantly improving what they do and staying on the leading edge of enhancing building science and technology. The entire construction team cares about their customers and takes great pride in their work. “We run into many unique challenges in the custom home building process,” says Les, who studied construction technology at the University of West Florida after his military service. “The challenge of building fine “We believe custom homes is doing things very strongly in we’ve never done before and the quality and getting them right the first time” craftsmanship Acorn Fine Home builds in of the homes Escambia and Santa Rosa we build.” counties, including the cities of Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Holley-by-the-Sea, Pensacola and Navarre Beaches. The value proposition is clear: Express your wants, needs and dreams to Les and his team… then look forward to your best life in an Acorn Fine Home. For more information about Acorn Fine Homes, visit their web site at www. acornfinehomes.com, call 850748-3066, or email Les White at les@acornfinehomes.com.
Wayne Adams was bigger than life. A man of amazing grit, guts and determination. A true force of nature. When he started Adams Homes in 1991, the die was cast: his company would become one of the most prolific home builders in the nation, starting in Florida and ultimately extending operations to Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and most recently the Lonestar Region in Texas.
When his iconic father died of cancer, Bryan Adams boldly brought a new generation of leadership to the company, staying true to its original guiding principle of going beyond simply building homes to creating win-win results for its clients, team members, and trade partners. Indeed, “The Adams Story” now includes more than 50,000 homes built by 34 divisions around the South and Southeast and thousands of happy homeowners.
Adams Homes has long been a key player in the Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Currently, the company builds in three Pensacola communities – Cardinal Cove, Embers Ridge, and Nautical Landing – where its three- and four-bedroom homes range in size from 1,250 square feet up to 2,751 square feet.
In Milton, Adams offers homes with three, four, or five bedrooms from 1,605 square feet up to 3,044 square feet at Hamilton Crossing and Hampton Cove, as well as four- and five-bedroom homes at SA Jones ranging from 1,920 square feet to 3,010 square feet. Adams is also building in Holly-by-theSea in Navarre and Riverwalk in Freeport (Walton County).
Adams makes a promise to each and every homebuyer: “Value, Simplified,” which encompasses a step-by-step approach to helping people make what is most likely to be the single biggest investment of their lives, and provide them the quality home of their dreams.
“We know that buying a home can be stressful,” says Bryan. “But our team works very hard to make the process orderly, predictable, and even enjoyable.” Each client begins the journey by finding the community that best suits their needs. Then they select from a number of floor-plan options, based on family size and lifestyle. A visit to the preferred model comes next to see how their home will actually look, followed by decisions related to the home’s exterior and interior, as well as its amenities and features.
“We believe that a homebuilder should offer customers a straightforward purchase process that is easy to understand and a home that fits their needs from the beginning,” says Bryan. “While some homebuilders reduce the features included in their homes to sell the customer highpriced upgrades, we believe that value and satisfaction are delivered to the homebuyer by offering a home that includes the features that most homebuyers want. As my father always said: ‘Regardless of price, size, or location, all buyers want their builder to deliver value.’”
In addition to knowing that Adams makes construction integrity and workmanship a top priority, clients have the peace of mind that comes with the fact that every Adams home is backed by a thirdparty 10-year warranty that covers workmanship for one year, systems such as air
conditioning and heating units for two years, and structural items for 10 years.
Adams Homes has a unique outlook towards homebuilding. While many companies have endless manuals and standard procedures by which to operate, Adams limits the “red tape” and empowers its managers and Team Members to serve the home buyers’ needs at a local level.
“Although all companies need some level of structure and procedure,” says Bryan. “We believe that every situation is not the same and that we have surrounded ourselves with great people who will treat the customer as we would expect to be treated.”
For more information about Adams Homes, visit their website at www.adamshome. com, or call 850-469-0977. Kyle Nicholas 850-934-0470 knicholas@adamshomes.com
ADAMS HOMES
aDOOR PROPERTIES
One might say that Construction, Real Estate, and an entrepreneurial spirit are in Austin Tenpenny’s DNA. Throughout Austin’s life he has been surrounded by a family of hard working entrepreneurs. On one side of his family his grandfather was a home builder, and his grandmother a real estate agent. On the other side, his grandfather was a mechanic who owned and operated a small business for over 40 years. So naturally, Austin discovered early in life that it was destiny to follow a family tradition.
What the young now-President of aDoor Properties could not have envisioned is just how exciting and rewarding his career evolution would grow to be. Today, aDoor is one of the most prolific home builders and developers in Northwest Florida, on target to build over 100 homes, and develop close to 500 lots this year.
“Our success is really all about our people and our processes,” says Austin, a Tennessee native who earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Construction Management with a focus in residential home building and land development from Middle Tennessee State in Murfreesboro, TN. “We have created a fun, growthoriented culture that allows our people to thrive.”
With the worst of the supply chain issues caused from the pandemic in the rear-view mirror, it is full speed ahead for aDoor, which is currently building out a 92-home subdivision at Redfish Harbor near Perdido, and 40 plus infill homes in City limits of Pensacola. They are also about to break ground on 60 townhomes in Navy Point. aDoor homes are smartly designed with a custom home feel. They range in size from 1,850 to 2,500 square feet, and sell for between $400,000 and $550,000.
Looking ahead, Austin says the company’s future includes converting some of the for-sale spec homes to rental properties. “With the upturn in mortgage interest rates, we have seen a slowdown in sales as it is becoming harder for people to buy a new home while fighting interest rates,” says Austin. “The demand for housing is still there. Inventory is still low, and people still need a place to live.” Our goal is to provide a rental product that still has the aDoor style, quality and all of the perks and amenities that come with living in a home, versus renting an apartment.”
While their housing products might change with market conditions, one thing at aDoor will not: their commitment to community service. “When we talk about communitybuilding, we mean more than just bricks and mortar,” says Austin. “We are passionate about being involved in the communities where we build. We invest human resources and money into a number of local charities and organizations that positively impact our clients and the communities we all live in.”
Additionally, Austin and aDoor give back through the support of hiring students from the School of Construction Management at the University of West Florida. “I remember being a new construction management graduate,” says Austin. “The construction industry is not an easy industry to jump into without field experience. A local multi-family general contractor in Middle Tennessee gave me that opportunity and took a chance on a young inexperienced graduate. From that point on, it’s always been my goal to pay it forward and create job opportunities for construction management grads.”
Austin is very passionate about the home building industry and is currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Home Builders Association of West Florida.
For more information on aDoor Properties, visit the company’s web site at www.adoorproperties.com, call 850-637-1880, or email info@adoorproperties.com.
AVANT HOME BUILDERS
Blake Avant did not travel the traditional path to home building success. But as they say in golf, it’s not how you drive, but how you arrive. Clearly, Blake and his company, Avant Home Builders, have arrived at a place among the leading custom and semi-custom home builders in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
While most builders tend to follow a family member or mentor into the business, get on-the-job training, or undertake formal education in construction management, Blake’s introduction to home building was in an airplane 10,000 feet above the ground.
“I was in the Air Force for 10 years and a commercial pilot for another 10 years so it seemed natural for me to get into aerial photography,” says Blake. “From the air, I had a unique perspective to see homes in various stages of construction. It fascinated me to the point that I wanted to make home building my third career.”
Blake’s unique aerial experience was not the only non-traditional way he fell in love with home building. From the air, he went to the ground, seizing an opportunity to use a grinder, front-end loader, and dump truck to collect construction debris that was in turn recycled into building materials and soil nutrients. For example, the gypsum in drywall makes soil more fertile, and leftover bricks can be crushed into tiny pieces that help form a solid foundation for driveways. This endeavor provided further insight into the construction processes that helped trigger Blake’s desire to advance from trash man to contractor.
“As builders became more sensitive to environmental issues and sustainability, building ‘green’ meant making productive use of job site waste,” said Blake. “After I set up my grinding operation, I immediately signed a contract with several large-volume home builders to convert wood, drywall and bricks to useful building materials. I recouped my equipment costs and turned a profit.”
As Blake wound down his career with the airlines, he shifted his focus to speculative home building, but with a twist. “I believed there was a market for people willing to buy well-designed homes in great locations with highly customized features,” said Blake. “So that became our niche.”
And that niche proved rewarding. Blake’s semicustom spec homes ranged from $700,000 to $1.2 million in price. They all had three-car garages, highly livable floor plans, and modern upgrades in the kitchens and baths. About one month before completion of each home, Blake worked with a local Realtor® to market them through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and every home listed sold within 30 days.
Most recently, Blake has switched to a more traditional custom home building model, working with clients who already have a homesite (or rely on him to find them one) and want a fully customized home, typically priced between $1.2 million to $1.7 million.
“Honestly, I’m as busy as I want to be,” says Blake. “I been involved in real estate for over 17 years now and have been fortunate to work with a lot of nice people and a lot of repeat clients. I’m very proud of that.” Blake’s clients get the best of his wide-ranging expertise. He makes it a priority to find the very finest lots available, many on waterfronts or golf courses, or in gated communities. He offers them his keen insights into home design and energy-efficiency, and helps where needed with the mortgage lending process.
Growing up in Dothan, Alabama, Blake credits his father for early entrepreneurial inspiration. “Dad had a business where he worked with local pharmacies to deliver prescription drugs to people’s homes,” says Blake. “To do it as cost-effectively as he could, he bought Volkswagen Bugs. Ultimately, Dad decided to get a more steady job at the Post Office but I learned a lot from him about working hard and helping people.”
Blake Avant knows all about helping people today, especially those who turn to him to fulfill their home buying dreams.
For more information about Avant Home Builders, email Blake Avant at blakeavant@gmail.com.
BOB PRICE, JR. BUILDER, INC.
Growing up in the Pensacola area, Bob Price, Jr. always honored his father and mother, Bob and Faye, and respected the success they achieved as a husband-wife home building team. But just like his parents, Bob was fiercely independent and after just a few years working in the family business, he launched his own home building company.
The rest, as they say, is history, as Bob Price, Jr. Builder is one of the premier custom home builders in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, building homes, on owners’ lots, from $500,000 to $3 million. Bob has been widely recognized for his commitment to construction excellence and his industry leadership, having won numerous Parade of Homes® honors over the years, and being selected by his peers to build the Home Builders Association of West Florida’s Dream Home in 1993 and serve as President of the HBA in 2006.
Reflecting on the creation of his company in 1987, Bob Jr. is quick to praise his father and mother and the lessons they taught him and his brother. “They had an extreme work ethic,” recalls Bob, “but the thing we remember most is how generous they were and how they truly cared about everyone they came in contact with. So hard work and treating people right became two of the foundations on which our business was built.” After graduating from Tate High School, Bob went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Engineering from the University of Southern Mississippi. He launched his own company by building three homes on speculation.
Bob established the sound business practices, the high quality standards, and the culture of customer service. When his parents retired in 2010, Bob hired his brother Allen who took the lead in project management, including scheduling, subcontractor relationships, job-site coordination, and client relations. They are both well-grounded in all aspects of the home building process, from foundations to framing to roofing as well as plumbing and electrical.
“Allen and I made a good team,” says Bob, “but we wouldn’t be where we are with a talented and loyal group of subcontractors and building suppliers, many of whom have been with us for many years. Our reputation relies on every home we build so whether it’s me, or Allen, a sub, or supplier, we set the bar high when it comes to superior quality and workmanship that surpass expectations.”
Bob has clearly built a brand for his commitment to quality and integrity. Building each home as if it were his own, he focuses on every detail of the process while ensuring his clients’ wants, needs and desires are incorporated into their home. “While we do work with clients who want to make personal modifications to existing plans or those who already have a set of plans they want to build, most of our work is done on a design/ build basis,” says Bob. “We take personal pride in knowing that every home is built with great care and quality. This is what we love and it’s evident in the relationships created and the trust we build with our clients.” As you might imagine, Bob’s services are in high demand. He is building mostly in Santa Rosa county specializing in waterfront homes. Bob also has clients in Baldwin County, Alabama. Each custom home is meticulously planned and takes between eight and 18 months to build. Many of his buyers make a cash investment in their home but Bob works with three major mortgage lenders to help those clients who need financing.
“It’s really hard to believe we have been building homes for 37 years,” says Bob. “But we love what we do,” says Bob. “Every home we build is unique and every client is like welcoming a new friend. We enjoy meeting challenges, solving problems, and making our clients happy.”
For more information on Bob Price, Jr. Builder, email Bob Price, Jr. at bob@bobpricejrbuilder.com.
EDCORP CUSTOM HOMEBUILDERS
If you want a home builder who will treat you like family, Edcorp Custom Homebuilders is your obvious choice. The Edgar name has been synonymous with construction excellence in the Pensacola area since the 1950s and today, family members Jody, Kim and Chad Edgar are not only maintaining the company’s rich tradition, but taking it to the next level.
“Home building is in our DNA,” says Jody, Edcorp’s President who launched the company in 2005 along with his father Charlie and brother Brandon, who tragically passed away in 2016. “My father Charlie and Chad’s father Henry were both successful, hands-on builders. They’ve been involved with every aspect of this business, from land development through vertical construction, and everything else in between. They were great teachers and role models, and both still work with our company. Kim married into our family and shares the same passion we have to help people achieve the American Dream of owning their own home.”
Ed-corp will build about 50 homes this year in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as well as in Baldwin County in Alabama. Prices range from $300,000 up to $600,000. Edcorp Custom Homebuilders focuses on “build on your lot” construction with a large selection of home designs to help our clients find the one that best meets their needs and lifestyles. The process is quite seamless thanks to Edcorp’s inhouse design capabilities.
Having Jody manage all home designs and estimating in-house has proven a strong asset to the company and their clients. “It allows us to give our clients a high level of flexibility and customization,” says Chad. “When plans change, we don’t have to involve a third-party, which can really slow down the process. We make those changes quickly and efficiently ourselves, saving our clients time and money.”
Kim serves as Vice President and oversees Edcorp’s finances as well as sales and marketing. She began working at Edcorp when the company was first started and has been instrumental in helping grow the company and drive its success. “This is a family business in every sense of the word,” says Kim. “We’re proud of what we do and happy to bring joy to our home buyers.”
Having worked with many of the area’s leading home builders such as Mitchell Homes, Holiday Builders, and Truland Homes, Chad has found his happy place at Edcorp, and Jody and Kim could not be happier. “I worked for years to get him to come on board with us,” said Jody. “Chad has already made a huge impact on improving our systems management. In the months and years ahead, his true value to our company will become even more evident.”
Chad also has the distinct honor of serving this year as President of the Home Builders Association of West Florida. “Obviously, it’s special when your peers respect you enough to put you in a position of leadership,” says Chad. “It’s fun to work with a fantastic group of people at the HBA who are committed to improving our industry, fueling our economy with jobs, and enhancing the communities where we live and work.”
Every home builder faces their share of challenges, including supply chain issues, volatility in the prices of key building materials, and a scarcity of skilled labor. But for the Edgars, this ain’t their first rodeo. They each bring knowledge and experience to the home building process and they have developed a strong group of suppliers and subcontractors, all of which translates into peace of mind for their buyers.
The Edgar’s are beautifully blended as a family and home building professionals. Clearly, they are of one mind in believing that while their company is rich in history, it is poised to fulfill the promise of an even brighter future.
For more information on Edcorp Custom Homebuilder, visit the company’s web site at www. ed-cop.com, call 850-857-9266, or email edcorphomes@att.net.
ENCORE HOMES BY PARSCO
What’s in a name? For Encore Homes by ParsCo, their name speaks volumes about their founder/ owner, Amir Fooladi, and their mission. PARS stands for “Professionals Achieving Results Successfully.” For Amir and his talented team, it’s much more than just a catchy phrase… it’s a commitment to excellence that permeates every aspect of his multifaceted construction business.
While Encore Homes is the residential arm of the company, ParsCo is also involved in the construction of commercial and government buildings, and the restoration of historical properties. As a Certified General Contractor in Florida and several other states, ParsCo brings a high level of experience and expertise to everything from its cottage homes in the Pensacola Garden District to a fabulous custom home with a subterranean hanger for an amphibious airplane to a multi-million-dollar testing facility at Eglin Air Force Base.
There were early signs that Amir would become a successful builder. As a child, his toy of choice was Legos. “It’s the only toy my parents would buy me so I spent countless hours building various structures,” says Amir. “I loved it. There is no doubt Legos fueled my interest in construction and gave me a passion for creativity.”
Amir took his ambition to the next level by studying Civil Engineering at the University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) and graduating with a B.S. degree in Construction Engineering from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Early on he honed his skills working for a custom home builder in El Paso, and then later working for one of the largest General Contractors in the world building everything from retail facilities for Wal-Mart to luxury high-rise condominiums here along the Gulf Coast. By the time Amir launched his own business, he knew who he was as a builder and what he wanted to do.
“I based my business on three foundational principles,” says Amir. “One, we would always give our clients the undivided attention and loyalty they deserved. Two, we would always be responsive when our clients had questions or concerns. Three, we promise there will be no surprises. In other words, good communication was key to our philosophy of customer relations.” Amir is quite aware that he works in a business with lots of challenges and almost a crisis a day. He doesn’t ignore the labor shortage, supply chain kinks, or market volatility but he refuses to let them derail his projects. “We don’t accept excuses on why something didn’t get done,” says Amir. “Our clients hire us because we are experienced problem-solvers, and we never want to let them down.”
Even while running a large and demanding business, Amir finds time to help his industry. He currently serves as First Vice President of the Home Builders Association of West Florida, which positions him to be President of the influential service and trade organization in 2023. He relishes the challenge. “As an association, we’re always working to enhance the professionalism in our industry,” says Amir. “I believe that’s so important and I also love to see the synergy in play when people work toward a common goal. I hope I can make a difference when it’s my time to be President of the HBA.”
Like many builders, Amir gives back to his community, but his approach to philanthropy is somewhat unique. He is an adjunct professor in Construction Management at the University of West Florida and uses that platform to offer encouragement, career advice, and even internships with his company. “This is my way of investing in people,” said Amir. “And I’ve found it to be quite rewarding.”
From Legos to homes to structures to people, do you see the pattern? Amir Fooladi is always building, always making things better. It’s not just what he does... it’s who he is.
For more information about Encore Homes, visit their web site at pars-co.net, call 850-6967656, or email info@pars-co.net.
It’s one thing to have “satisfied customers” but it’s even more impressive to create “Raving Fans” – those people who are quick to tell their friends and neighbors about their buying experience. Through the quality of its construction and its unwavering commitment to its clients, Flynn Built has built a reputation as one of West Florida and South Alabama’s leading semi-custom home builders.
Flynn Built builds in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as well as Baldwin County in neighboring Alabama. The company’s professionally staffed Design Center is great resource for its clients and their selection of exterior designs, floor plans, paints, finishes, and cabinets that serve to personalize each and every Flynn Built home.
“Our mission is to build superior homes, personalized to every client, that create lasting value in our communities,” says Blaine Flynn, the company’s founder and owner. “We promise to uphold a standard of quality over quantity, with a vision to always exceed the expectations of our clients, trade partners, and employees. We understand that we are building more than just houses, but homes, the foundation of people’s lives.”
In addition to home building excellence, Blaine has set a high standard of industry leadership, having served two terms as President of the Home Builders Association of West Florida in 2020-2021, during the challenging times of the COVID pandemic. During his time as HBA President, Blaine created an industry-wide Governmental Action Committee that combined forces with the Pensacola and Navarre Area Boards of Realtors and the Northwest Florida Chapter of NAIOP (whose members specialize in commercial real estate development) to support policies that helped the local economies and the building and development industries in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Even with his industry leadership responsibilities, Blaine stays sharply focused on his thriving building business, which has grown to over 175 homes sales annually. He credits that success to strict adherence to what he calls the three P’s – people, product, and process.
“It all starts with people who buy into our vision for the company,” says Blaine. “They have to be dedicated, driven, and willing to learn. Then we must create a quality product that makes us the obvious choice for today’s value-conscious home buyers. And finally, we have to work smart, with efficient operating systems in place. It’s an ongoing, evolving process where we are learning and trying to get better every day.”
Looking back on his life, Blaine believes his character was first shaped by parents who modeled hard work and responsibility. He was influenced early in his career by working with one of the area’s longtime leading builders: Florida Housing Hall of Fame member Edwin Henry of Henry Company Homes. “I learned a lot from Edwin,” says Blaine. “First of all, I embraced the commitment to always build quality homes. But even more than that, he taught me the importance of having good management systems and procedures in place.”
Now it’s Blaine who reaching out with a helping hand to his industry peers. “You know, we might be competitors in one sense, but as builders, we all want to see healthy communities, vibrant local economies, and a strong job market,” says Blaine. “We know that one of the biggest problems is providing affordable housing which is why we fight so hard as an industry to reduce unnecessary regulations and fees. We all have a vision where everyone can have a home and contribute to the joy that brings to people.”
Everyone that moves into a new Flynn Built home gets two things: the company’s Stamp of Approval for quality and workmanship, and a new American flag to acknowledge the freedoms we enjoy in America. From his heart, Blaine Flynn believes “a home is more than bricks and mortar: it’s truly the American Dream.”
For more information about Flynn Built, visit the builder’s web site at www.flynnbuilt. com, call 850-477-6118, or email Blaine Flynn at blaine@flynnbuilt.com.
FLYNN BUILT
HEATH KELLY CONSTRUCTION
When life closes one door for a good person such as Heath Kelly, you can be sure a new door opens and an even brighter future lies ahead. That’s certainly the case for the energetic owner of Heath Kelly Construction, who is poised to break into the ranks of the top custom home builders in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Heath did what every young boy dreams of. He was a high school and college baseball star at Tate and Auburn, respectively, played in the 1997 College World Series, and was drafted by the Florida Marlins, launching a seven-year career in professional baseball.
“I enjoyed my baseball experience and developed some lifelong friendships and sweet memories through it,” says Heath, “but God called me to follow a different path and gave me the opportunity to do something else that I really love.”
Heath didn’t have to look very far to find a sterling role model. His father Glenn was a subcontractor in all facets of the construction industry for more than 45 years and Heath was at his side on the construction sites as a young boy.
“Dad is amazing in that he could build anything and his work ethic was off the charts,” says Heath. “Learning from him gave me the best education in construction that I could ever have.” In addition to his father-mentor, college helped Heath grow into the businessman he is today. “At Auburn, I majored in marketing but had lots of courses in business and finance. By the time I graduated, I felt I had the foundation to be successful in business.”
After his baseball career, Heath gained valuable experience handling production for a large-volume home builder and as a project manager for the Pensacola-based custom home building firm and commercial contractor Williams Brown, Inc. Confident in his experience and knowledge, Heath became licensed as a state-certified general contractor and struck out on his own with Heath Kelly Construction in 2012.
With a high level of customer service and an intense focus on the hundreds of details that go into a construction project, Heath built the company volume up to over $4 million annually with a mix of custom homes and commercial structures. He employs one project manager and relies on longstanding relationships with subcontractors and suppliers to assure construction quality.
Heath finds joy in both the residential and commercial sides of the business. “We like thinking outside-the-box with our custom home clients and giving them the experience of creating a truly one-of-akind home that fits their wants and needs,” says Heath. “The commercial sector comes with a different set of challenges but it’s still about meeting our client’s needs and helping them achieve their goals.”
Whether it’s cheering fans, proud parents, or satisfied customers, Heath has a passion for making people happy. After the Tampa Bay Rays released him in 2003, he returned home to play for the Pensacola Pelicans during his last year of professional baseball so his parents could see him perform.
When he started at shortstop on that 1997 Auburn team that featured the likes of David Ross
(a former major leaguer and now the manager of the Chicago Cubs) and Tim
Hudson (who had a stellar 17-year career pitching for the Oakland A’s and Atlanta Braves), his father was unable to go out to watch Heath and Auburn play in the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. “I always felt bad about that,” says Heath. “So when Auburn made it to Omaha this year, I told Dad to jump in the truck and let’s go. We did and had a great time.”
You could say that while baseball influenced Heath Kelly, it didn’t define him. Today, he takes great joy in being a son, husband, and father (especially coaching his 9-year-old son’s Little League team). And when it comes to his business, he’s working hard, with ingenuity and integrity, to take Heath Kelly Construction to the next level of professional performance.
For more on Heath Kelly Construction, visit their web site at www.heathkellyconstruction. com, call 850-232-7195, or email heath@heathkellyconstruction. com.
HENRY COMPANY HOMES
When Edwin and Susan Henry bravely launched a small home building business in their personal home in Pace in 1983, they gave birth to a dream. From a modest beginning building just a few homes a year, their vision and vigilance carried them to the pinnacle of success as Henry Company Homes became and remains today the preeminent singlefamily home builder in Northwest Florida.
Even though Edwin was recently elected to the Florida Housing Hall of Fame for his career achievements in the home building industry, he and Susan refuse to rest on their laurels. They are just as excited about their current communities, homes, and home buyers as they were when they started more than almost four decades ago.
“We have seen many changes in the building business over the years,” says Edwin, “from new building codes to design trends to the use of the Internet for home shopping. But the fact is home building has always been and we believe always will be about relationships. It’s about earning the trust of our clients and putting our reputation on the line with each and every home we build. That has always been the key to our success.”
Edwin and Susan’s body of work is long and impressive. Their company has developed over 90 communities in Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa counties, and built more than 12,000 homes. Winners of 54 Parade of Homes® Awards, they were the area’s first builders to adopt sophisticated sales, marketing and customer service practices.
Today, they build primarily in Heather Place in Gulf Breeze and the Woodlands in Pace. Heather Place features six models from the 1,318-square-foot Lancaster to the 2,397-square-foot Sexton – all in a popular cottagestyle adorned with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and covered patios. Woodlands reflects the Henry’s long-standing commitment to affordable housing, with prices starting around $280,000.
In addition to his legacy as one of the area’s most prolific home builders, Edwin shined as an industry leader, serving as President of the HBA of West Florida in 1993 where he focused on working with local governments to streamline regulations that would drive up the cost of housing.
Most recently, he played a leading role in the HBA’s successful challenge to the $5,000-per-house impact fees proposed in Santa Rosa County, which saved homebuyers an estimated $17 million. That came on the heels of Edwin’s leadership on a rewrite of Santa Rosa County’s land development code, where he believes industry input on ways to reduce costs helped save builders and developers approximately $27,000 per home built.
Edwin served as President of the Florida Home Builders Association in 1999, where he was influential in the development and adoption of a statewide building code that protected people and property yet was generally free of excessive regulations that would have made it more difficult for builders to provide affordable housing. He also led a fight for workers compensation reform and legislation that reduced workers’ comp premiums by about 20 percent.
The Henrys – who are proud to have their son Stephen working at Henry Company Homes – give back to their community in a number of ways. They spearheaded numerous Habitat for Humanity projects – including a Blitz-Build home for a Tallahassee family that was built (after the foundation was pre-poured) on a single day by over 100 volunteers.
Their charitable support has benefitted youth baseball and soccer in Pace, Toys for Tots, United Way, Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, and the American Cancer Society.
For Edwin and Susan Henry, Henry Company Homes is more than just a building company. For them and their hundreds of happy homeowners, it’s living proof that dreams can come true.
For more information on Henry Company Homes, visit the builder’s web site at www. henrycompanyhomes.com, call 850-994-0984, or email Edwin Henry at Edwin.henry@ henrycompanyhomes.com.
Under the leadership of area director David Armacost, Holiday Builders continues to bolster its brand as a fan favorite among purchasers of new homes in Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Walton counties.
Holiday Builders is unique in so many ways. Next year, the Melbourne, FL-based company will commemorate its 40-year anniversary – a major milestone for any enterprise in any industry, let alone the oftenvolatile construction industry. In addition, in 1999, Holiday made history as the first employeeowned home-building company in the nation. And from Day 1, Holiday has built its success on a high level of customer service, including a 2-year limited home warranty, and a 10-year structural warranty on every home it builds.
“We feel like we offer home buyers the best of both worlds,” says Armacost. “On one hand, we draw on the many ways a larger-volume builder can add value through size and scale. At the same time, I and my team are local people skilled in home building but also fully invested in the communities we serve.”
Holiday has a strong presence in the Pensacola area and has branched out with new communities and homes in Milton in Santa Rosa County and Freeport in Walton County. Homes in Milton can be found in the developments of Airway Oaks, Cadence Place, and Sanborn Hill, which features one-acre homesites. In Freeport, River Walk is already sold out with buyers embracing the popular models and strong price-point value.
Continually on the cutting edge of market trends, Holiday introduced a new concept in 2019 known as HB Value. The program was established by the team at Holiday Builders to solve a common issue home buyers face in the real estate marketplace. Owning a new home is often out of reach for many of today’s homebuyers so HB Value Homes became the solution for affordable, quality new homes for savvy, budget-conscious buyers who refuse to sacrifice quality.
“While most of our homes offer various forms of customization, we realized that in order to build more affordable homes, we needed to streamline the process and the product,” said Armacost. “So we worked with our suppliers and subcontractors to do as much customization as we could while trimming our costs. HB Value has been very successful and we’re so proud that we could produce homes that fit into most family budgets.”
With respect to the biggest investment most people will ever make, Holiday has again taken a unique approach, presenting its prices in term of the estimated monthly payment before property taxes and insurance are added. “Home buyers like to cut to the bottom line,” says Armacost. “We take the current mortgage interest rate and try to give them our best estimate of their monthly housing expenditure. It’s right on our web site for each model. Our buyers have said it really helps them in their budgeting and decision-making.”
Holiday Builder’s clients also appreciate that each home is built to the highest standards of design and environmental efficiency. With numerous communities and lots to choose from in scenic locations throughout Florida and Coastal Alabama, Holiday Builders creates homes of uncompromising quality and lasting value.
In addition, the company assigns a personal team of seasoned building professionals to guide buyers through the new home building process. From deciding on a homesite and floor plan, to adding individual style through many available options and upgrades, to navigating the financial process and providing customer care through move-in day, Holiday Builders is there for its buyers every step of the way.
“We like to say that Holiday Builders is the home builder with a heart – and not just the little one you see in the logo,” says Armacost. “We are a family business and we treat our customers like family. It’s why we pour our hearts into every relationship and every home we build. We are not just building a “house” but a “home” – a special place at the center of people’s lives.”
For more information on Holiday Builders, visit the company’s web site at, call 850259-1029, or email darmacost@ holidaybuilders.com.
HOLIDAY BUILDERS
LISTER BUILDERS LLC
As one of the premier custom home builders in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties since 1984, Alton Lister is experiencing something truly unique. He is now building homes for the children of some of his first clients. It speaks volumes about the trust he has earned and the legacy of excellence he has created.
“I’m very humbled to have so many repeat customers,” says Alton, owner of Lister Builders LLC and the 2019 President of the Home Builders Association of West Florida. “I can’t think of anything more satisfying than knowing that what we do is impacting multiple generations.”
Indeed, word-of-mouth advertising has made Alton as busy as he wants to be as a smallvolume builder constructing eight to 12 homes a year ranging in price from $340,000 to $1 million. “I always gravitated to the custom building sector of the industry,” he says. “It comes with a lot of customer interaction and plenty of challenges, but at the end of the day, you really feel you’re making a difference in people’s lives.”
Alton says he puts as much time and effort into a 1,700 square foot home as he does a minimansion. “Whatever size the customer can afford, we make the most of it,” he says. “We take our owner’s ideas, photos, and past experiences to design and build their own custom home.” Lister Builders is also involved in light commercial construction and has built several office buildings, commercial stores, church buildings, restaurants, and warehouses. The company has a full-service remodeling arm as well and the experience to work with all type of construction from traditional wood framing to insulated concrete form (ICF) wall construction to metal buildings.
“Our slogan is ‘When Details Matter’ which means we put our very best into every home we build,” says Alton. “Each home is designed and built one-onone with the homeowner. We have the capability to draw our own plans, so there are no limitations to what we can build. This means that each house is a unique design with customized specifications, from the molding to the appliances. Our goal is to provide our clients with the keys to discover their dream home.
It should come as no surprise that Alton was selected by his peers to build the HBA of West Florida’s 2018 Dream Home, proceeds from which help the association engage in a wide range of community and charitable activities.
He is personally and professionally invested in the future of the home building industry with a passion for seeing young people trained for rewarding careers, and he’s proud that the HBA sponsors the HBA Construction Academy at Pine Forest High School to develop skilled carpenters and builders for the local industry.
At age 62, Alton is blessed with insight and perspective, drawing on his leadership and involvement in the HBA of West Florida and the Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA), where he served recently as Area 1 Builder Vice President and now contributes as a member of the Governmental Affairs, Finance, and Construction Costs & Codes committee.
“When you look at the socalled big picture, we know our beautiful area of Northwest Florida and Florida overall will continue to grow and along with that growth comes the responsibility to provide good transportation, infrastructure, jobs, and housing,” says Alton. “Our HBA and FHBA are focused on all those issues. But then there is each individual builder with a responsibility to be the best they can be and serve their customers with professionalism and integrity. Our HBA and FHBA promote those concepts as well through education and networking.”
There is no question that Alton Lister embodies the very best qualities of a professional home builder. His legacy of excellence and success is built one client at a time and grows stronger with each home he builds.
For more information on Lister Homes, visit the company’s web site at www.listerbuilders. com, call 850-393-9450, or email Alton Lister at lbldr@aol.com.
NAPIER, INC.
The Napier name has been synonymous with construction excellence and corporate integrity in Northwest Florida since the 1960s when patriarch Joseph Napier founded the business, built great communities and beautiful homes, and served with distinction as President of both the Home Builders Association of West Florida and the Florida Home Builders Association.
Today, Philip Napier has not only upheld the family tradition, he’s enhanced with a level of professionalism and performance that puts him at the top of class of the area’s elite residential and commercial builders.
“I have been blessed,” says Philip, “that so many people put their confidence in me and my team. The really great thing about this business is that you meet so many interesting people and so many of the business relationships turn into lifetime friendships.”
Through a combination of existing and new customers, Philip is super-busy with work. Currently, the company has five waterfront custom homes underway ranging from $1 million to $4 million and eight projects in the pipeline. In 2010, his company did the interior build-out of the original Grand Marlin Restaurant on Pensacola Beach and is an investor in the restaurant as well as in the second Grand Marlin Restaurant that is located in Panama City.
While business is good, Philip has seen enough ups and downs in the industry to be cautious. “It’s been somewhat of a Perfect Storm between COVID, labor and material shortages, and now the probable uptick in mortgage interest rates,” says Philip. “But we have so much going for us here in Northwest Florida that keeps our economy on solid footing, I think we’ll be fine.”
While Napier, Inc. builds in many locations around Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, Philip has seen his custom home buyers gravitate west to Innerarity Point near Perdido Key and Navarre Beach. He’s also seen them move in another direction: toward technology.
“The Internet has become a powerful tool for home buyers,” says Philip. “Many people shop for their builder online and read reviews. They spend hours looking at elevations and floor plans and even more on specific products. The bottom line is we’re typically dealing with a well-informed buyer who has some specific ideas about what they want in their custom home.
So is that a good thing? “Depends,” says Philip. “In a way, it makes our job as builders easier because people have done their homework on things like flooring, finishes, and fixtures. “But every now and then, the customer wants a product or feature that is extremely expensive, hard to get, and may not even be code-compliant in Florida. This is where it’s important to be honest and transparent, and build that trust with your client that you’re looking out for their best interests.”
That trust — proven time and again over 40 years and hundreds of successful residential and commercial assignments — sets Philip Napier apart. He came by it naturally. “Dad defines true success as treating people the way you want to be treated,” says Philip of his 96-year-old father who now lives in a small town in Mississippi. “I never forget that advice. Do the right thing, every time, and everything else will take care of itself.”
For more information on Napier, Inc., visit the company’s web site at www.napierinc. com, call 850-232-8963, or email philip@napier.inc.com.
OLD SOUTH CONSTRUCTION
Klein Miller loves what he does and it shows. For over two decades now, the Baton Rouge native has followed his dream to bring authentic southern-style homes to the Florida Panhandle. His passion for creating multi-million-dollar residences of distinction has in fact distinguished him as one of the premier builders in his industry.
“It truly has been an exciting journey,” says Klein, whose love of God, family, and home building is followed very closely by his unwavering devotion to LSU football. “I left a great job with the largest cement company in the world to follow my heart.”
At first, it was tough sledding. “When my wife Marcy and I left Baton Rouge in1987 and arrived in Pensacola, all we had was a beat-up Volvo, a Golden Retriever, and $4,000 in our pockets,” said Klein. “But we believed in our ability to make people happy through the homes we could build for them. Now we look back on our decision with no regrets and a great feeling of satisfaction.”
For Klein, home building has always been an art rather than a science. He was inspired by the late architect A. Hays Town, and his southern masterpieces. Every home Old South builds is creatively designed, constructed with the highest levels of workmanship, and reliant on the use of traditional southern products such as antique brick, and old pine and cypress for beams.
That formula, and Old South’s flawless execution of it, produced a brand that has attracted over 180 clients since the company started in 1990. “You know, people say you shouldn’t build homes for your friends because things might go wrong and it might end the friendship,” says Klein. “I reject that thinking. In fact, we not only build for friends, but people who become our friends when we start building their home.”
Even with his endearing personality, Klein‘s success as a custom builder is no solo act. Marcy, an accomplished CPA (and LSU graduate) who left a long time financial career to join Klein at Old South, expertly oversees the company’s finances. Son Stephen, who graduated from LSU in 2011 with a degree in construction management, is Klein’s partner and is becoming the face of the business. He brings new ideas and energy as he runs Old South’s daily operations and home building processes. The business is truly a family affair where we all enjoy working together in different aspects of the business. Klein looks forward to leaving the legacy of Old South to the next generation.
“We are definitely a team,” says Klein. But seriously, we love what we do and we pour heart and soul into every home we build. Quality is the biggest component . We’ve earned a strong reputation in the area, especially for our volume of waterfront homes. And we are blessed to have work booked well into the first quarter of 2025.”
Old South’s files are overflowing with testimonials, such as this one from Paul and Susan Quinlan. “We were impressed that every sub-contractor that worked with Old South was not only extremely professional, but also the best in the business. Klein and Stephen were very dedicated to our project and made us feel like we were the only and most important client they had. They always made time to meet and the doors of communication were constantly open. They built our dream home to raise our family and enjoy a lifetime of memories.”
And then, of course, there is the matter of LSU football. Klein’s beloved Tigers are rebuilding this year with new coach Brian Kelly, who left Notre Dame for Baton Rouge. “I have great hope for Coach Kelly and the Tigers in the years to come.”
If Kelly is anywhere near as good at his job as Klein, Marcy and Stephen are at theirs, another national championship can’t be far away.
For more information on Old South Construction, visit the company’s web site, call 850-982-8918, or email oldsouthklein@me.com.
OWENS CUSTOM HOMES
From his home base of Jay, Florida, Shon Owens of Owens Custom Homes & Construction. Inc. has spent the last 20 years developing a sterling reputation as a home builder – one satisfied customer at a time.
A low volume of homes under construction at any given time ensures the company’s ability to provide white glove treatment to its clients. Owens Custom Homes has also maintained long-term relationships with the majority of its subcontractor base, allowing the builder to produce at a higher level of quality.
While he deserves a lion’s share of the credit for starting his business and setting the standards for its success, Shon is quick to credit his grandparents for their influence on him. Louise and Fadiel Pittman opened Pittman Building Supply in the 1950s, and the family business is still in operation today. Shon has owned and operated Pittman Building Supply in Jay since 2009.
A graduate of Jay High School, Shon was just 25 years old when he built his first house while working as an estimator at Pittman Building Supply at the Pace location. Not too long after, he launched his own company and vowed from Day 1 to hire the best people available. “You are only as good as the people who work with you,” says Shon. He takes great pride in the fact that his lifelong friend, Cary Upton, serves as the company’s Lead Superintendent and Field Manager of Junior Superintendents – Travis Gunn and Will Seib – who are already highly invested in the company’s way of doing business and its future.
Shon knows all too well that inthe-field construction activities rely heavily on a strong in-house operation which is why he places a high premium on the work of his Office/Business Manager Jeanne Brown, Customer Support Specialist Angel Nowling, Estimators Carlton Henderson and Jerrold WareEhlers, and Lender Liaison/AP Professional Denise Nolen.
“You know, when COVID hit in 2019, a lot of companies started cutting back on employees and reevaluating how to do business in the new climate,” says Shon. “We knew it was going to take more people to keep up with the changes in the way we ordered and accessed materials. So, we hired some additional highly qualified people to join our team and stayed ahead of the game.”
You should know that Shon Owens the builder is the same Shon Owens who serves as the Mayor of Jay. “I am a community-driven person,” says Shon. “So, whether I’m building homes or working with my fellow City Council members to secure funding for infrastructure or even a new recreational park for the citizens of Jay, I feel my mission is helping people.”
Speaking of the new park for the Town of Jay, those references are not hypothetical. Since Shon took over as Mayor five years ago, Jay has been awarded more than $4 million in community enhancement grants. The most recent one funded demolition of the outdated city park and construction of a new updated park consisting of ballfields, a stadium for youth sports games, and an amphitheater for community entertainment events, just to name a few.
“While the park will be a source of fun and entertainment for our citizens, I also love that all the work is being done by local people, which sustains and creates jobs, and fuels our economy,” says Shon.
By the same token, Shon the builder and Shon the elected official each know the value of staying ahead of the infrastructure needs of a growing community, particularly in the school system, which is welcoming 100 new students this year – a whopping 20 percent increase. “Growth has its challenges but then again, it’s a matter of staying proactive and anticipating the needs.”
Shon is also concerned about affordable housing, especially with the dramatic increase in mortgage interest rates spurred by the Federal Reserve’s inflation-fighting initiatives. “I appreciate all those people who have the means to build a new home,” says Shon, “however, I’d love to see that dream available to everyone in our community.”
For more information about Owens Custom Homes & Construction Inc., visit the company’s web site at owenshomeconstruction. com, call 850-554-0701, or email Jeanne.brown@ owenshomeconstruction.com.
R-SQUARED CONSTRUCTION
Doug Russell has a world of respect for the veteran builders in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties who have built fine homes in nice communities for many years. But as the relatively “new kid on the block,” he believes his R-Squared Construction brings a breath of fresh air to the clients who select him to build the home of their dreams.
“From the very first day we opened for business 20 years ago, I wanted R-Squared to break from the old way of doing things in custom home building,” says Doug. “A lot of builders build to a standard dictated by the building code. We reject that approach and take quality and workmanship to the next level. It’s what I believe sets us apart.”
Indeed, every detail matters when R-Squared builds a custom home. Doug’s vision of what a home can be starts with the streetscape and the land itself as he works with natural amenities and positions the home for maximum yard space, views, and energy-efficiency.
R-Squared installs a Rain Bird® irrigation system on every lot to assure that the landscaping and lawn are properly nourished. On the inside, a floor plan is designed for beauty, functionality, and livability. Many hours are spent with clients selecting the desired flooring, finishes, and feel. Once construction begins, R-Squared demands a high level of craftsmanship not only for its own workers but from every supplier and subcontractor who steps on the job site. And Doug is the consummate hands-on builder, continually monitoring the job and quickly correcting anything that does not meet his lofty standards. The result is a home that is well-planned, well-executed, and ready Day 1 to deliver on the promises R-Squared made it its clients.
You might say Doug came by his commitment to excellence naturally. His father Pete, who owns WPR Concrete, instilled in Doug both a strong work ethic and the importance of doing things right the first time. “Dad showed me that you can’t separate who you are as a person and who you are as a builder,” says Doug. “Every home I build is a reflection of who I am. I am humbled each time someone asks me to build their home and I feel a great professional and personal responsibility to each and every client.”
R-Squared builds mostly in fast-growing in Santa Rosa county, producing 10 to 15 homes annually at a price of between $200 and $210 per square foot (roughly $500,000 for a 2,500 square foot home).
“We work very hard to give our clients the very best home that fits their budget,” says Doug. “At the same time, we want them to enjoy the custom home building experience and realize the home of their dreams.” Many of R-Squared clients have purchased their own lots but others rely on the company to help them find land. With respect to financing, Doug often steers clients to University Lending and their excellent construction-topermanent loan program.
For many home buyers, the custom home building process can be quite overwhelming and even intimidating. “We get it: buying a home can be very stressful and for most people, it’s the largest single investment they’ll ever make,” says Doug. “But we do our best to explain the entire process in as much detail as we can and then answer the questions that arise. We’ve found that the key is clear and consistent communication. Our clients know they can call us anytime, during or after the construction timeframe, and we’ll respond in a timely manner.”
Doug was born and raised in Pace and attended Pace High School before he joined his Dad in the precast concreate business. He’s always been personally invested in his community and many clients are family, friends, or friends of friends.
“Yes, it’s personal to me,” says Doug. “I like to tell people I don’t build houses – I build homes – and that means I’m improving the quality of lives. It doesn’t get any better than that.
For more information on R-Squared Construction, visit the company’s web site at www.rsquaredhomes.com, call Doug Russell at 850-6983401, or email him at doug@ rsquaredhomes.com.
SIGNATURE HOMES
They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. That’s why it’s no surprise that Monte Williams of Signature Homes has followed in his father E.B. Williams’s footsteps to become one of the most respected custom home builders in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
So respected in fact that the Home Builders Association of West Florida has selected Signature Homes to build its 2023 Dream Home in the hot new Cantonment community of Iron Rock. The home will be ready for public viewing in the Spring of next year.
“Yes, it’s quite an honor,” says Monte. “I have seen many fine builders build the American Dream Home over the years and it’s my turn to step up the plate. I look forward to the challenge.”
Not only does the Dream Home take an experienced, exceptional builder like Monte to meet the lofty expectations of the thousands of people who view it annually, but it also requires a high level of logistical precision. “The Dream Home builder coordinates the donations of hundreds of products and services,” says Monte, “so it’s vital to have a strong working relationship with subcontractors and suppliers, and I am fortunate in that regard.” Monte learned some valuable lessons from his father E.B Williams, a great builder, consummate professional, and kind-hearted man who served as President of the HBA of West Florida in 1968.
“He never raised his voice – never had to – but he taught us through words and actions how to work hard, work smart, and treat people the way you would want to be treated,” says Monte. “He surely was a great role model not only for me, but for my brother Dean (owner of Panhandle Homes and a Past President of the HBA) and my lifelong friend Kevin Ward (owner of KW Custom Homes LLC). We all learned so much from Dad and are still applying those principles in our businesses today.”
Monte was still attending Tate High School when he began doing remodeling and renovations and he built his first home, for Sunbelt Construction, at age 18. He honed his custom home building skills with mini-mansions in the prestigious Destin community of Watercolor but left the business for a time to work on a construction project for Lockheed-Martin in Afghanistan.
He returned to the Pensacola area, first with CHB Homes, then started his own company, which he’s operated for over 20 years.
While Monte builds on owner’s lots in various locations in the two-county area, he has targeted
Iron Rock as the ideal community to build homes in the $800,000900,000 price range, and has purchased 22 lots there.
Iron Rock is strategically located 20 minutes from downtown Pensacola and 30 minutes from both NAS Whiting Field and NAS Pensacola. It features a wealth of recreational and lifestyle-rich amenities, including a huge community pool, playground, covered outdoor clubhouse with bathhouse facilities, covered grilling and cooking areas, nature trails, two dog parks, event lawn, volleyball court, community garden, a half basketball court, and pickleball courts.
While Iron Rock will grab lots of Monte’s attention – especially with the Dream Home commitment – he remains committed to building affordable homes in Santa Rosa county, where he produces an average of 50 patio homes a year in the $375,000 price range.
“We like it that we have the flexibility to do semi-custom and custom homes,” says Monte. “With the patio homes, our goal is to provide affordable housing with some customization. Of course, custom homes are much more client-intensive with a lot of choices in terms of design, products, and finishes. We do love the challenge of giving people the home of their dreams.”
No surprise there: custom home building excellence is part of Monte Williams’s DNA. After all, it’s a family tradition.
For more information about Signature Homes, call Monte Williams at 850-572-0083 or email him at monte@ signaturehomesllc.biz.
SUNCHASE CONSTRUCTION
Every home builder, to survive, must keep a sharp eye on the so-called bottom line. But for Kyle McGee and his dedicated team of professionals at Sunchase Construction, home building has a much higher purpose than simply generating corporate profits.
“We care about the people we build for and the communities where we live and earn our livelihoods,” says Kyle, who was born and raised in Gulf Breeze, and graduated from Gulf Breeze High School and Florida State University. “What we do is so much more than just about making money.”
Kyle comes from a long line of entrepreneurs in the construction industry. His grandfather, Roy McGee, was a brick mason and eventually had his own construction business as a subcontractor in the Pensacola area. His father, Derek McGee, worked for his father starting at 12 years old in the summers. He eventually opened up his own construction business in 1991, Sunchase Construction, where he mainly focused on larger commercial jobs. Kyle got his start with his dad in 2016, when he was 22 years old and fresh out of college.
“I was working as a Realtor® right out of college and three lots came for sale across the street from my parents’ house,” said Kyle. “I pitched the idea to my dad to buy the lots and build spec homes on them and he wanted nothing to do with it. After some time, he told me if this was something I was seriously interested in and would take the lead that he would help me get started. During the first build I quickly could see a future in the industry for myself and got my contractor’s license during the second build.”
Sadly, during the last of the three specs, Derek was diagnosed with Stage 4 melanoma and passed away after a six-month fight. “I am so grateful to have spent that last year with my dad learning the ropes from him day in and day out,” says Kyle. “I am motivated each and every day to continue my dad’s legacy. I have been around the construction industry my whole life. My grandpa and dad paved the way for me and taught me the importance of a strong work ethic and treating people right. I wouldn’t be where I am at today without both of their influence on my life.”
Sunchase’s homes are rich in design and quality. Most feature three bedrooms, two baths, open kitchens, spacious living areas, and large back porches. Every home Sunchase builds is a reflection of its Core Vision: ‘To enhance the communities we invest in.’ “We pride ourselves in the level of attention to detail we take in each project,” says Kyle.”
Kyle also sets a high standard with respect to customer service. “We treat our clients with the utmost respect,” says McGee. “We strive to be consistent in our attitude, communication and projects we produce to ensure complete customer satisfaction” .
Sunchase is generous in its support of two local organizations doing work that is close to Kyle’s heart, including participation in and financial support for the Miracle League of Santa Rosa County; a non-profit organization providing children and adults with disabilities, regardless of their ability, the opportunity to play baseball, and Junior Achievement of Northwest Florida, which teaches young people about finances, careers, and business ownership.
For Kyle, “community” extends well beyond Santa Rosa County. Sunchase is a partner with the local non-profit Live Well Water – Nicaragua that brings clean and accessible water to villages in Nicaragua. By raising funds to buy property and dig wells, the opportunity to improve living conditions has been given to thousands of people.
It’s clear that Kyle McGee has stayed true to his mission and purpose. His business is not only built on trust, work ethic, and excellent communication skills, but more importantly on his passion to help others.
For more information about Sunchase Construction, visit their website at www. sunchaseconstruction. com, call 850-710-0862, or email Kyle at kyle@ sunchaseconstruction.com.
Scan the code, Skip the Hassle
SOUTHERN VENTURES
Southern Ventures was founded in 1976 by Lowell Larson, Jr. as a homebuilding partnership which, over time, evolved into a real estate company engaged in the construction, design, development, investment, management, and sale of real estate assets across the southeastern United States.
Last year, Southern Ventures celebrated its 45th Anniversary – a milestone for any business. For nearly half a century, we are proud to have been a part of the northwest Florida community, employing over 1,000 people throughout our history.
Southern Ventures maintains its homebuilding roots, having recently completed the construction of over 100 new homes in The Preserve in Milton, Florida and is currently developing Wild Heron – a new waterfront and gated community in Navarre, Florida featuring 35 homes designed by resident architect and Director of Design, Mel Miller. Wild Heron will also include two commercial parcels along Navarre Parkway, one of which will be developed as a new office park for Southern Ventures, featuring the latest real estate technology systems.
In addition to homebuilding, Southern Ventures is proud to have developed and operated several multifamily apartment communities in the local area, to include the Cayo Grande Apartments in Fort Walton Beach, Navarre, and Bluewater Bay; Chez Elan Fine Apartments in Fort Walton Beach; and Riverwood Apartments in Crestview.
Southern Ventures’ current development and management operations also include properties in the local hospitality market, such as the Courtyard by Marriott – Pensacola West; the Fairfield by Marriott – Crestview; and the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton in Navarre. Further afield, the Fairfield by Marriott – Myrtle Beach/Conway, South Carolina is currently under active construction and the Embassy Suites – Jacksonville at Glen Kernan Park was recently announced as being under development.
The company also offers both architectural design and real estate brokerage services which facilitate the acquisition, development, and sale of its properties, while also offering those services to the public.
In addition to Founder and CEO Lowell Larson, Jr., Southern Ventures is a family business that also benefits from the collective talents of sons Lowell Larson, III and Kyle Larson, as well as wife, Rhonda Larson. Lowell III serves the company as Production Manager of its homebuilding program, and he is a Florida state certified residential contractor and a Florida state licensed real estate associate. Lowell has earned multiple college degrees having graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2004 with a Bachelor’s Degree in political science; Montgomery College in 2014 with an Associate Degree in construction management; and the University of West Florida in 2015 with a Master’s Degree in contract administration. Lowell currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Home Builders Association of West Florida.
In addition to acting as the Director of Information Technology for Southern Ventures, Kyle is an Asset Manager within the hospitality development program and the Broker of the real estate program. Kyle has earned multiple college degrees having graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts degree while double majoring in political science and philosophy with a minor in history; and Florida State University in 2015 with a Master of Business Administration Degree with a specialization in real estate. Kyle is a current student at Cornell University where he is pursuing a Master of Management in Hospitality Degree with a specialization in hospitality real estate, asset management and hotel development. Kyle is a Florida state licensed real estate broker.
While Rhonda spent several years teaching in the local school system, she continued to support the company in her off-hours by overseeing the interior design of multiple homebuilding projects, models, and sales centers as well as apartment community models and hotel lobbies. Today, Rhonda brings those many years of experience to the company’s benefit by overseeing its interior design program as well as its marketing initiatives. Rhonda earned a Bachelor’s Degree in business education from Florida State University and a Master of Business Administration Degree from the University of West Florida.
For more information, visit the company online at www. venture.realestate or e-mail Lowell Larson III at lowell3@ venture.realestate.
It should come as no surprise to anyone that a thirdgeneration master carpenter would become one of the preeminent custom home builders in Northwest Florida. That’s the story of Thomas Westerheim and Westerheim Properties – a story built on one man’s incredible courage, creativity, and commitment to excellence.
Thomas’s heritage is unique in itself. Of Norwegian decent, the young Thomas would accompany his grandparents and parents on trips from Norway to New York. When they reached an age of maturity, the Westerheim children were given the option to stay in the United States and make a future for themselves. Thomas seized that opportunity and never regretted it. “America was the place where dreams come true,” says Thomas. “Watching my grandfather and father gave me a vision of what I could do in design and building. I was swinging a hammer when I just 3 or 4 years old. I felt I could make a living working with my hands. I believed that in America, if you are honest and work hard, you can be a success.” By any measure, Thomas is one of the most accomplished builders in the area, designing and constructing homes from $300,000 to $700,000, primarily in Pensacola, Navarre, Pace and Milton. Most are built for clients who have already purchased their homesite but, if not, Thomas helps them find a buildable lot. He builds some home on speculation, drawing on his knowledge of consumer preferences in new homes and the most attractive communities. Thomas’s partner in life and business is wife Jennifer, a University of West Florida graduate and a licensed real estate broker at her own firm, Westerheim Realty. They are truly a team in the operation of Westerheim Properties and in the raising of three fun-loving children. It’s one thing to be professionally and financially successful, but Thomas soars above and beyond in one significant way: the respect of his peers. In addition to electing him to serve as their President in 2016, three times over the past seven years, the leaders of the Home Builders Association of West Florida have selected Thomas to design and build the HBA’s popular Dream Home. Some builders might consider it a burden, sort of like “taking one for the team” since the Dream Home builder spends countless hours not just constructing the home but working with over 100 suppliers who use it to showcase their products and services. On the contrary, Thomas willingly embraced the challenge of building the first-ever Dream Home at Nature Trail in 2014, the second one in 2017, and a third in the pandemic year of 2020 when Hurricane Sally impacted the production schedule. “The Dream Home has a special place in my heart,” says the quiet, soft-spoken Thomas. “I love it that I can try out a new designs incorporating all the latest trends in the industry,” says Thomas. “And every subcontractor and supplier who works on the Dream Home
brings their A game, knowing that the home will be viewed by thousands of people.” Of course, the Dream Home brings Thomas well-deserved recognition as a premier custom home builder and enhances his brand. “We are very proud of our reputation for creativity and quality,” says Thomas, “and especially pleased that we are building the second and third homes for the same clients.” No builder is immune from “The Dream Home the challenges created by the has a special place in my heart. I love it that I can try out a new often wildly fluctuating price of building materials, the shortage of skilled labor, and now an uptick in mortgage interest designs incorporating rates, but Thomas remains all the latest trends optimistic about the future in the industry.” of his company. “Certainly, we’ll keep our eye on things and pivot if we have to,” says Thomas. “But right now, things are on a good track, and we feel we can continue to deliver a very strong value to our home buyers.” For more information on Westerheim Properties, visit the company’s web site, call 850-497-2980, or email westerheim2000@gmail.com.
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