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Stephen Black Builders: Customers built for life
Stephen Black has been building custom homes and additions for more than 30 years.
by Tess Wittler teve Black isn’t new to the building trade. He’s been renovating and building homes for 30 years. This avid Penn State sports fan has had his share of ups and downs, but just like a Penn State defensive linesman, he’s aggressively tackled each challenge for a clean, swift takedown. He then gets up, shakes off the grass and mud, and it is on to the next – with a satisfied grin. Black, PBA’s 2007 president, has a wall filled with local, state and, now, national recognition, but he credits many of his accomplishments to the camaraderie found in the builders association. “We are a good group of people dedicated to our profession. We aren’t afraid to share our challenges in business, good and bad, so that we can help each other succeed,” said Black. In 1979, Black started out remodeling and building additions and decks. Fast forward a few years and he completed his first spec home … and business grew from there. Now, as the shift in new home construction goes green, Black candidly admitted that’s something he’s always done. “We were interested where our houses stood on the NAHB Green Building scale, so we had one tested. Without veering from what we’ve always done, the house was certified silver. Now we’ll make adjustments to achieve the gold certification,” he explained. Over the years, Black’s business model shifted from remodeling and additions to new home construction, but a few years ago he decided to return to his beginnings. “People know us as a new home builder, but we’ve been remodeling and building additions for 30 years, so our marketing efforts now emphasize this,” he said. His most effective marketing asset is his customer base. Black said, “If we do a project, we can count on estimating at least one or as many as three projects for their neighbors.”
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Perhaps the reason Black receives accolades from customers is his care. He knows that remodeling is one of the most stressful activities a family can live through – with contractors tramping through their home 10 hours a day for months. To address this, he arranges for families to move into a short-term rental while their house is being remodeled. He also arranges delivery of a POD storage container so homeowners’ belongings are completely protected. “We go to great lengths to make it as easy as possible to get a homeowner through the stress of a remodeling project,” he said. That mindfulness is what makes his customers for life. “One family that I built a home for was relocated out of the area. A year and a half later, they were back in the area, and we built them another home. And I have another remodeling customer who calls me every year with a project.” He concluded: “It is repeat business like that which is most rewarding to me.” s
Business quick facts: Stephen Black Builders Inc. • Years in business: 30 years • C ounties of operation: Lancaster, Lebanon, York and Dauphin • L ocal associations: BIA of Lancaster County, Lebanon County BA, York County BA, HBA of Stephen Black Metro Harrisburg • A ssociation involvement: 2001 BIA of Lancaster President, 2007 PBA President, HBA of Metro Harrisburg Parade of Homes Chair, and NAHB State Builder Representative (to name a few) • A wards won: Multiple Parade of Homes and remodeling awards from the BIA of Lancaster and HBA of Metro Harrisburg; PBA Builder of the Year in 2008; and 2002 BIA Builder Distinguished Service Award • Website: www.stephenblackblr.com May/June 2009 • Keystone Builder
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