“ We had builder clients I would decorate for. I would make selections for the interiors as well as exteriors. I felt honored that they trusted me with such an important task at a very young age of 23. This continued for about 10 years until I felt I wanted a career of my own.”
“Things were about to change in my life. I set out to start a new career in the man’s world of home construction. I went to see a banker only to be turned down for a loan. I was almost defeated before I started. After encouragement from my husband to try other banks I found one who would take a chance on me and they approved me for a loan. It was really going to happen! I was extremely apprehensive but I knew what to do and how I wanted it to happen. I was in control of the whole process and it was empowering. I made changes to floor plans and interiors from the perspective of a busy mother with children. I placed furniture in the home in my mind and considered the natural flow before I poured the first yard of concrete.
“Soon I had families asking me to build their custom home. I would meet with them and suggest changes to their floor plans and kitchen designs. They loved what I did and I loved doing it. Things were going very well. I was so busy that I needed my husband to come to work with me. I had worked for him in the flooring store for 10 years. I followed his vision and leadership and felt it was time for him to follow mine. He sold his business and joined me.”
“Fortunately I have been able to build full time since 1999. It has its ups and downs and is just as stressful as I thought it would be, but I absolutely LOVE my career and would not do anything else. I acquired a wealth of knowledge as a child riding with my dad while he talked on his two way radio and checked on jobs. He treated me like an adult and would discuss business with me. My mom would pick out all of the interiors of the homes and would ask my opinion. I was getting an education in business and design but didn’t realize it. It has served me well in the building business. I am able to create house plans that make sense. I make sure the furniture will fit comfortably and the flow of the home makes use of every space. I build homes not houses. People ask me how I “know” so much about flow and design and if there is any way I can teach them what I know. I explain to them that it is part of who I am, not necessarily something I can convey. Experience is a great teacher. Growing up in it is even better. Its like a part of you that’s inherited. You don’t realize you have it until you start exercising it.”
“One of the main goals of Crosby Homes is to seek and hire quality contractors that care about their work. When there is a quality issue with some work done by one of our subcontractors my first question to them is always “would you want it that way in your home”? That usually gives them the right perspective. I treat my contractors with respect and value their opinions. I try to create a respectful work environment on the job sites. I explain to them that the customer is the one we all really work for.”
“Crosby Homes is a team of people creating something beautiful and functional for families just like our own. We specialize in custom homes but build in all price ranges. Greg and I have built 6 personal homes for our family. In doing so, I have been able to experiment with products and ideas used in those and incorporate them into speculative homes. From my background in design, I have a vast product knowledge that is helpful when building a specific type of custom home for the discriminating client. These homes are more difficult. Nothing is ‘standard’ and everything has to be monitored. My subs are accustomed to doing things out of the ‘norm’ in order for us to create a masterpiece. The kitchen and bath in one of our homes was featured in a decorating publication named ‘Kitchen and Bath Design Ideas’ Book III. The photos of that kitchen are also displayed on the website for Décora Cabinetry at www.decoracabinets.com ”.
“I believe there is a difference between a true custom home builder and a speculative tract builder. Many can build houses but few can create truly custom homes. If a builder does not have a working knowledge of the preparation required to install a professional kitchen or custom shower it can be a harrowing experience for the client. If not planned properly it can become very costly to implement unusual features. It takes a lot of planning to be able to facilitate many of the custom features we employ. Up front, we interview the buyer and find out what their wants, needs and expectations are. We specify those desires and plan so there are no mistakes and the end result is exactly what they had in mind.”
“I see Crosby Homes as a business that builds relationships along the way with homeowners. Their satisfaction is very personal to me. I probably worry way too much about every aspect of my job. I truly want them to be satisfied with the finished product. I am not a confrontational person and most of my homeowners have fun during the process. For me integrity is priority. I listen to all my homeowners and strive to accomplish our goals to the end. I intend to be building years from now when many will have come and gone. It is the career I have chosen and I plan to stay the course.”
“It has been an interesting year in the building industry. I believe we are just in a cycle and it will turn around soon. Now is the absolute best time to build a home, in my opinion. Materials are affordable and interest rates are holding at a reasonable level. Building has slowed down and subs can focus fewer projects. If a custom home is what you are looking for think about Crosby Homes for your project. We are thinking of your future and want to be part of your dream home.”
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