Greenboro by Crystal Creek Building on a Legend C
By Lisa Johnston
rystal Creek Homes’ tagline – a reflection of you – eloquently sums up the vision behind this award-winning homebuilder. The commitment to quality and comfort has led to 10 years of success in building distinct homes that seamlessly mirror the personalities and lifestyles of their clients. The next decade promises to be just as exciting and productive as the established Calgary homebuilder expands its reach into Edmonton with the acquisition of Greenboro Homes. Crystal Creek’s story began just over 10 years ago, when an injury sidelined Justin Bobier. Without an income or the ability to work for three months, he decided to change his focus and his future. He had experience as a renovator and cabinet installer and was considering his options when a simple request changed the course of his career – his sister wanted him to build her a home. Bobier and his wife, Michelle, incorporated Crystal Creek Homes in 2004 and began construction on their first house later that year. “My goal from the beginning has always been to build the best possible home for our clients to reflect both their individ-
uality and their lifestyle,” says Bobier. “I felt we could be successful in offering this type of service to the community.” His intuition was correct. One house led to another, and today Bobier sits as president of Crystal Creek Homes, a company that is actively building homes in both Calgary and Edmonton. In 2013, Crystal Creek acquired Greenboro Homes, one of the most renowned homebuilders in Edmonton. During their prime, Greenboro was building close to 500 homes per year, but due to the recession and market conditions, the company was forced into creditor protection in 2012. The next year, Crystal Creek Homes acquired the company and started rebuilding, literally and figuratively. Although Crystal Creek Homes already had ties to Edmonton – Bobier grew up in Edmonton and built his first house in the city before incorporating the company – the transition has taken a great deal of time and dedication. Due to Greenboro’s financial troubles, hundreds of homes had been left incomplete in the Edmonton area with millions of dollars outstanding to
Crystal Creek Homes | 10th Anniversary
Justin and Michelle Bobier
creditors. Within a year of Crystal Creek taking ownership of the company, all the tradespeople were paid and 80 per cent of the homes on hold have now been completed – a huge accomplishment in a short period of time. The dynamic energy of Crystal Creek has revived a once-thriving company, and homebuilding continues at a brisk pace. “Greenboro had a great reputation as an award-winning builder and produced a quality product,” explains Bobier. “With the help of Sterling Bridge Mortgage Corp., we were able to satisfy all the deficiencies and unpaid vendors. We will continue to build on the Greenboro name but under the Crystal Creek Homes brand.” It wasn’t just the homeowners and trades watching Crystal Creek’s every move as they ventured into the Edmonton market, even the media got involved. As Greenboro’s challenges mounted, troubleshooter Julie Matthews from Global News interviewed several disgruntled homeowners. After Crystal Creek Homes stepped in, Bobier invited her to revisit the story and report on the progress. The followup story confirmed that the hard work and dedication of the Crystal Creek team had paid off and was evident by the now completed homes and elated customers. Likewise, the team has received several accolades on the Greenboro by Crystal Creek Homes Facebook page. One satisfied customer posted in August, “I would like to say a big thanks to you and your staff for having completed all the out-
standing work. Everything looks perfect and yes we wish you lots of success.” As is common in any acquisition, changes were part of the takeover. “Moving forward, there was a need for some restructuring. We wanted to ensure we had the best team who supported our policy that customers always come first,” explains Bobier. It is the same mandate that has led to 10 years of success for the homebuilder and will continue to be a top focus as construction continues in the Edmonton area. Contributing to the company culture, in addition to a number of key staff members, is one of the original executive members of Greenboro Homes. Starting as construction manager in 1992, he retired as president in 2007 and was recently encouraged by Bobier to return to his desk. He has become part of the Crystal Creek team in Edmonton, sharing his expertise as the company continues in growth mode. “We entered the Edmonton market just under a year ago,” says Bobier. “As we approach our first anniversary, I am pleased to report it has been a challenging year, but also a very successful one. We have staff members and the community to thank for everything we have achieved.” It’s not surprising that Crystal Creek has enjoyed rapid success in Edmonton. Ever since establishing the company in Calgary in 2004, Crystal Creek Homes has received accolades and
Crystal Creek Homes | 10th Anniversary | Page 2
Practicality awards from both the homebuilding industry and the customers they serve. Crystal Creek’s first show home won Best Estate Home in Alberta in 2007, a huge recognition from industry peers early in the company’s existence. “That was a defining moment for our company. Customer feedback in terms of its
design was amazing, and that home is still being replicated in communities across Alberta due to its uniqueness and appeal,” says Bobier. That award was the first of many. Crystal Creek is honoured to be a repeat winner of annual awards from the Canadian Home
Congratulations to Crystal Creek Homes on their 10th Anniversary! Wishing you continued success.
(780) 488-7750
Crystal Creek Homes | 10th Anniversary | Page 3
Lifestyle Builders’ Association (CHBA) as judged by industry peers. Additionally, some of the finest compliments have come from customers who, two years in succession, have chosen Crystal Creek Homes as their preferred builder. Crystal Creek has earned the
Builder of Choice award, together with the New Home Buyers’ Choice award presented by the Professional Home Builders Institute of Alberta with support from the Alberta New Home Warranty Program.
congratulates
Crystal Creek Homes
1-800-887-0257
on 10 years in the industry!
Congratulations to Crystal Creek Homes on your 10th Anniversary!
Wishing you many more years of success. info@bmwexteriors.com | www.bmwexteriors.com 403.201.9730
Crystal Creek Homes | 10th Anniversary | Page 4
This year, Bobier is a finalist in EY’s Entrepreneur Of The Year awards, a fitting recognition for a man who refused to let anything – from an injury to taking on a failing company – hold him back. Entrepreneurs are risk takers and adventurers, qualities that aptly describe the man who decided to build his sister a house, and ultimately established an amazing company. These days the company is not just building homes, it’s building communities. Bobier plans to once again reach the previous peak of building 500 homes a year – and as they are currently active in four communities, that dream is rapidly approaching a reality. In Edmonton, Greenboro by Crystal Creek is building in Allard in Heritage Valley, Walker Lakes Station, Laurel and Maple Crest. Located in south Edmonton, the rapidly expanding Allard in Heritage Valley is a family-friendly community that features an outdoor skating rink, mature trees, landscaping and a new playground. Also located on the south side of Edmonton is Walker Lakes Station. Heralded as a commuter’s dream, being situated just off Anthony Henday Drive and near a future transit station, the community boasts lakes, parks and trails for active residents. Laurel, another south community, also promotes a healthy lifestyle with onsite amenities such as a lake, walking trails, playgrounds and parks.
Development is also taking place in Maple Crest, a community in the city’s wetlands that is redefining natural urban living. River views, a ravine and acres of green space appeal to those who want to experience natural beauty without leaving the city limits. Building options throughout the expanding community consist of executive homes, move-up homes, laned homes and duplexes. Crystal Creek Homes has committed to working with Walton Development and Management, a multinational real estate investment and development firm concentrating on the research, acquisition, management and development of strategically located land in major North American growth corridors. Walton carefully selects the outstanding builders with whom they align. Crystal Creek Homes values this relationship and looks forward to working with Walton in upcoming Edmonton communities. Crystal Creek Homes in Edmonton is more than a homebuilder. It is a place where employees are motivated to build the best possible homes and communities where clients want to live – reflecting both their personalities and their lifestyles. With a plan of revitalization and growth firmly on track, a history of outstanding awards and Bobier’s unshakable attitude, Crystal Creek Homes is well on the way to becoming a household name in Edmonton. To learn more, visit crystalcreekhomes.ca.
Congratulations Crystal Creek Homes on your 10th Anniversary! Proud to be your trade partner.
6010 12th Street SE, Calgary, AB 16232 116th Ave, Edmonton, AB
MINTFLOORCOVERINGS.COM
Crystal Creek Homes | 10th Anniversary | Page 5
780.986.1964 Delivering your complete residential concrete needs
780.915.7396 Congratulations to
Crystal Creek Homes
on their 10th Anniversary!
Congratulations
Crystal Creek Homes! We wish you continued success.
“a step above� Congratulations, Crystal Creek Homes!
Wishing you many more years of growth and success.
Congratulations, Crystal Creek Homes! Wishing you continued success.
780.446.6716
eastairs1@yahoo.ca
Edmonton | Calgary | Fort McMurray
www.gemcabinets.com
www.empiredrywall.ca
Edmonton, AB | 780.454.8652 gem cabinets: final identity
Construction grade stairs | Interior and Exterior | Garage stair installation
suggested color scheme
Congratulations, Crystal Creek Homes on your 10th Anniversary!
family owned since 1977
Congratulations to Crystal Creek Homes on 10 years in the industry! Crystal Creek Homes | 10th Anniversary | Page 6