Remodeling & Home Improvement Experts sponsor spotlight Written by Elizabeth McCabe
Michael Flory, born and raised in West Lansing, found his passion in remodeling and made it his profession. A graduate of Waverly High School, Michael married his wife and met his father-inlaw, who happened to be a builder. Michael and his father-in-law worked on remodels together and Michael found satisfaction in the remodeling industry. When he was 20, Michael connected with his friend Aaron to start their first remodeling company. They worked on dorm rooms at Michigan State one month of the year. The other 11 months they took on remodeling projects of all sorts – decks, outdoor sunrooms, and interior remodeling. “It was the beginning of my entrepreneurial career,” says Michael. “I loved the business and loved to create things.” When his business dried up and the economy bottomed out in 2008, Michael consulted with other business owners, eager to build something that would not just last for today but would last forever.
Micheal and Chris, Co-Owners of Custom Built Accepting Remodeler of the Year Award from the Home Builders Association
“I wanted to create a company in the remodeling world with not just me doing everything,” explains Michael. “I wanted to build a company where people could develop and plug into their natural gifts.” He did just that with his business, Custom Built Design and Remodeling, which focuses on kitchen and bath remodels, outdoor space remodels, decks, finished basements, and additions. Home holds a special place in Michael’s heart. He says, “We’re remodeling spaces that could potentially affect generations.” He and his brother Chris founded the company. Michael does sales and marketing, while Chris runs the crew, and trains and builds the team. Michael explains, “Chris puts together the projects I sell. He makes the process happen.” Together they employ a dedicated staff who excel in their jobs. Michael creates a team and family atmosphere with his staff on and off their job sites.
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The process is simple. Homeowners approach Custom Built Design & Remodeling with an idea in mind, such as remodeling their kitchen or basement. Michael says, “From the initial phone call, we walk them through the building and design process.”
Custom Built Design & Remodeling has a showroom in Okemos on 2037 West Grand River Ave. After meeting the client at their home for their initial consultation, Michael meets with them in his showroom. This gives them an opportunity to see products that they have on display and see pictures of other completed renovations. The showroom also serves as a central point of contact from start to finish. Michael aims to control the unknowns up front. He explains, “There are two big complaints with remodeling -- projects go over budget on money and time.” Fortunately, Michael aims to make these concerns a thing of the past. “Through our design and product development process, we give someone a fixed price,” he says. “So the homeowner and production team both know what is going to happen.” There are no surprises here. Michael creates a seamless install process with his attention to detail. Michael ensures his clients’ expectations are met for their remodeling projects. Prior to jobs being finalized, a pre-completion checklist takes place. Michael looks at his team’s work and reviews the project. He follows up with clients after the work is complete as well as each year, addressing concerns and questions long after the project is completed. Michael says, “If there are issues, you can get in contact with us.” By staying in contact with homeowners, Michael and his team are always perfecting their process, striving to March 2020 • The Lakes
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be the best in the business. As Michael says, “There is nothing simple about remodeling. We want to make sure things are right.” Michael stays involved in the remodeling industry. He is proud to be the vice president of the Greater Lansing Homebuilders Association. He served for five years on the local board and has also served on the state board for three years. Now he serves as president of the state association. Volunteering his time gives Michael an opportunity to give back and be engaged in the industry. We are honored to feature Custom Built Design & Remodeling in our Sponsor Spotlight this month. For more information, just check out their website at callcustombuilt.com or scan the QR Code in the article. Make sure you tell Michael and Chris you saw them in the magazine! Custom Built Design & Remodeling 2037 West Grand River Ave, Suite C Okemos, MI 48864 callcustombuilt.com 517-881-9871 To become a sponsor please email evan.winters@n2pub.com to set up an appointment to learn more.
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