BUILDING CUSTOM CUSTOM

You might say that the foundation of Kevin Kozo’s profession springs from his childhood.

Indeed, the owner of Shillington-based Turnberry Construction Group has been involved in the business of home construction and renovation since his youth.

“My dad had apartments in the Lehigh Valley, and I would help him out,” says Kozo. “He was also involved in banking and sort of flipping houses. My brother and I learned a lot.”

In the late 1990s, Kozo took a job in new construction with Berks Homes. His early training and hands-on experience – notice taken by owner/CEO LaVern Horning – resulted in him being rapidly promoted to site supervisor.

“It was a great run; I learned a lot, and I owe him a lot,” says Kozo.

Horning’s mentoring was a factor in Kozo moving his family from a small starter home in West Lawn to a newly built residence in Flying Hills.

“LaVerne said: ‘Go and build your house,’” recalls Kozo. “I went out to the site, got a phone call from a banker with Blue Ball who told me to come in with my tax returns and pay stubs, and I got the go-ahead. My ‘client’ was my wife.”

The family, including then-wife Jen and children Kelly, now 21 and a Penn State student, and Nick, now 17 and a Governor Mifflin senior, long enjoyed the home.

Kozo would soon begin in a new building venture, but when he and his partner’s differing philosophies surfaced, he knew it was time to declare his entrepreneurial independence.

That was back in November of 2005.

WHAT’S IN A NAME

As he pondered a name for his fledgling business, he knew the importance of finding a solid moniker as well as one not already claimed in Pennsylvania or on a URL.

Kozo found himself stumped until a friend more or less threw a hat in the naming ring.

That buddy had just returned from a trip to Scotland where he’d played the Turnberry golf resort on the Firth of Clyde in Ayrshire in southwest Scotland. The course, built in the late 1800s, has had quite the history, including serving as a military base in the two world wars and hosting the 1977 Open Championship where the iconic winning golfer Jack Nicklaus was bested by Tom Watson. For the past eightplus years, it has been owned by the organization headed by the 45th U.S. president.

Kozo’s friend tossed him a hat bearing the golf course’s name and logo. The course’s history immediately appealed to Kozo and Turnberry Custom Homes, doing business as Turnberry Construction Group, was officially formed.

Since then, Kozo and his colleagues have constructed more than 60 custom-designed homes, mostly in Berks County as well as in surrounding Schuylkill, Chester, Montgomery and Lancaster counties.

Growing his commercial work, Kozo purchased the 426, 428 and 430 Penn Avenue parcels in 2011. He first took on renovation of 426 where the Farmhouse Kitchen is now located within the first-floor retail space and the two apartments on the upper levels. He followed that with 430, where Turnberry was located until the first floor

BY TURNBERRY CONSTRUCTION GROUP

BY DONNA REED | PHOTOS COURTESY TURNBERRY CONSTRUCTION GROUP

was renovated for the Penn Avenue Salon. Then came the big project – new construction at 428. What was once a driveway is now a stunning contemporary three-story building with a first-floor restaurant and two spectacular apartments, one with a rooftop garden/deck.

Michael Kautter of Wyomissing-based Kautter & Kelley architects, designed the building that simultaneously stands out yet complements the familiar borough streetscape.

“I came to Michael with ideas, and he came up with this,” says Kozo, sweeping his arms as he sat in Noodl, which he describes as “the first fast casual ramen restaurant in the heart of West Reading.”

The 21st century signature vibe of the building design centers on natural elements – wood is very prevalent – and the natural light created by large windows and open spaces.

Using His Noodl

Kozo’s planned construction time was constricted by the intervention of COVID-19 in early 2020. A verbal agreement for a restaurant to lease the new space fell through. Kozo’s bank wanted guarantee of a signed retail lease before financing the project. So Kozo, with his entrepreneurial sense of adventure, decided he would operate a restaurant there.

“BellCo (Federal Credit Union) agreed to loan the money for the restaurant, which meant the first floor was leased and the building was up and running,” he says.

The two new apartments, one and two bedrooms, were quickly leased to local professionals. He says they loved the walkability of Penn Avenue and three dining establishments within 100 yards of their front doors.

Kozo decided on the ramen theme due to its youthful appeal. Some selections are gluten-free, with specialties like sesame noodles, some soup-based noodle creations and spring salads. The emphasis is on vegetarian choices, but there are some available proteins like chicken, pork and fish to add.

Convenience in ordering is key. Patrons enter their selections on a kiosk, swipe a card for payment, grab a placard with the table number, and the meal will be delivered by a server.

The restaurant already has the mascot for which it’s named. Noodl was created by his goddaughter Madison Hand, an art major at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, at Kozo’s request. She rendered all the artwork, which depicts a happy Noodl enjoying her domain.

That domain is one of minimalism.

“Right now, contemporary design is my favorite,” says Kozo. “I like clean lines and not a lot of clutter.”

White prevails, with the exposed duct work and pipes painted that color, enhancing the pervasive natural light. The large hanging lights, which add a touch of blue and a suggestion of the orient, were found and ordered online from Rejuvenation Lighting.

“They look almost like upside-down ramen bowls, don’t you think?” Kozo says, smiling.

In temperate weather, the big windows slide aside to create a true open-air dining experience, linking the exterior patio to the full eatery.

“The idea is to have this restaurant be attractive to a much younger demo than me,” says Kozo who, at 53, isn’t exactly over-the-hill.

Creating Unique Homes

Age may have been a consideration in the creation of his restaurant, but when it comes to the custom home business, Kozo said there is no age factor. In fact, clients in the market for homes designed for their tastes and needs span generations, he says.

There is one commonality, though: Kozo working one-on-one with clients from first contact to completion of the home is essential.

When first contacted, Kozo and his team pose a lot of questions, something they do gratis. Among them: the client’s vision of the project including the amount of work that would entail, design preference and, very critically, the client’s budget.

“My first question is: ‘What is your budget, and what is your wish list?” he says. “Truth be told, the wish lists are usually bigger than the budgets.

If the budget runs short of the client’s hopes, he’ll suggest feasible compromises well before any real work is initiated.

Turnberry price points pretty much average between $750,000 to more than $1.5 million. Understanding the amount of money involved, Kozo is determined that construction of his clients’ homes is completed on or before contractual deadline and, if possible, at or under budget. Both those factors have been challenged in the past couple of years due to the pandemic and the subsequent supply chain and inflation issues.

Customer service is even more critical in light of these matters, he says.

“What I find is that most people are looking for service,” Kozo says. “When you’re spending this kind of money, clients have the right to expect a high level of personal service.”

He provides his personal cell number to each client.

While each custom home and renovation project is unique, Kozo does note some recent trending.

For instance, the median age of his clients ranges from 40 to 70.

“They are usually very secure in their employment and their financial situations,” he says.

Clean, contemporary designs are the most requested, often made a bit more traditional with crown molding accents throughout.

Another centers on creating a home that accommodates — or can be made to accommodate — the needs of more than one generation. What may, at some point, be intended as in-law quarters can start out as an additional master suite, living/great room or expansive unfinished basement area.

In the wake of the pandemic, the prevalence of remote work has increased the need for even more efficient home offices.

Enjoying The View

On a recent project, one he calls “The P House,” his and her home offices were part of a custom home design in Alsace Township.

“One has a door and is pretty much sectioned off from the noise of the family,” he says. “The other has a more open feel.”

The more defined office space is set up to also serve as a bedroom if needed with room for a Murphy bed, an attached bathroom and a closet.

“It could eventually become an in-law suite,” he says.

For both offices, Kozo, his team and the clients were determined the offices took advantage of the natural surroundings.

“We tried to focus on the views,” he says. “For instance, you want to be able to lift your head and look up at the bird feeder. It helps you to relax and enjoy your space.”

Another bonus: a break from the computer screen helps lessen eyestrain and can improve productivity.

Kozo praises the local municipal officials with whom he deals with on everything from permits to zoning to building and trades inspectors.

“We’re very fortunate in that if an inspector walks the project and if something is found, they can send a photo and we’ll get right on it and send a photo, back showing it’s fixed,” he says. “They know my reputation, and it’s important for me and my guys that we’ve established that trust.”

Kozo’s reputation has also made him a teacher of sorts.

He has created a five-part “master class” series for Keller Williams in which he’ll take novice real estate agents through the construction process, from site/lot selection to the finished product.

“The point is, a lot of the younger or new agents don’t always understand new construction and can actually fear it,” he says, “and many fear there are builders who aren’t trustworthy. My goal is to eliminate the stigma. I’m happy to be a mentor for agents and clients — even if they don’t go with me in the end.”

ADVICE for those considering BUILDING A NEW HOME:

- Make sure you are comfortable talking with your builder and be direct in your approach. Communication and availability are essential – you should expect to meet at least weekly with the builder during construction, walk the site and expect any and all questions to be addressed. Talk with different builders before deciding on one. “Go with your gut,” he says.

- Understand the contract you are entering into. The verbiage should be in plain language. Retaining an attorney to review is always wise.

- Ask to see a builder’s final project –or several of them. Speak with the homeowners and don’t be shy about asking questions.