Builder seeks to surpass expectations in home projects

By: Noelle Rulseh, Herald Times Reporter

Name of business: Jim Reif Builders, Inc. — Custom Homes & Remodeling
Ownership: Jim and Laurie Reif; Tom Arndt is manager of design and estimating
When business started: May 1994
Location: 150 Semi Drive, Francis Creek
Phone number: 684-6899
Web site: www.jimreif builders.com
Hours and days of operation: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, and Saturday by appointment

Services provided/products sold: "Your dream, our vision, your reality," is the Jim Reif Builders motto.
Reif said the business goes beyond building or remodeling houses by "creating a lifestyle" for customers.

The company's Web site includes testimonials from satisfied clients who not only had their dream home built, but felt the result exceeded their expectations. Service after completion is vital because building trust is as important as building homes, owner Jim Reif said.

He said the success of the company also can be attributed to the knowledge, workmanship and commitment of the staff. Reif has 16 employees including carpenters, office staff and part-time workers.

Jim Reif has 25 years of experience in the business, and said he takes pride offering superior design service, quality craftsmanship and unmatched personal service.

Services include new home construction, design and building services, remodeling, additions and renovations, lower-level living spaces, outdoor living areas and some light commercial work.

The company is affiliated with several professional associations including the Manitowoc County Home Builders Association, Wisconsin Builders Association, National Association of Home Builders and the Chamber of Manitowoc County.

How has business changed since opening? Jim Reif Builders has been building houses since 1994, but has added remodeling, repairs and special needs projects, such as building handicap ramps.

Houses have grown in square footage from an average 2,000 square feet in 1994 up to 3,200 to 4,000 square feet today. Science and technology are instrumental today, including computer software for designing houses, and the business is an Energy Star builder.

Who are the customers & from where? Reif said customers come from Manitowoc County, and other areas of Wisconsin including Door County.

How is marketing done? Reif said his marketing is done through the Web site, radio and newspaper ads, and, soon, billboards. He said people learn about the business through word of mouth from satisfied customers.

He said second- generation customers are frequent, along with customers who have had multiple remodeling projects completed by the company.

Reif is the 2009 president of the Manitowoc County Home Builders Association and Jim Reif homes are featured in the Parade of Homes. Reif was featured in Builder Architect magazine.

What are the keys to future success? Reif said the keys to future success include continuing a high quality of workmanship and customer service including customer satisfaction surveys. Continuous education is needed to keep up with the latest technology and the "green movement."

Factors under control or not under control of ownership? Reif said factors under ownership's control include the careful selection and quality of trade contractors and continuing education.

Factors not under control include the state of the economy and the weather.

What is the role of creativity or imagination in running the business or selling products and services? Jim Reif and his employees always are looking for new ideas for house designs, and construction methods to give customers the best designs for their project, needs, and budget.

The design team meets with every customer, guiding them through each detail of the construction process.

Customers receive a meticulous list of all the steps and materials needed to complete each project.

What is challenging? Reif said it can be a challenge getting out the word that no project is too small. Jim Reif Builders will do all types of remodeling projects in addition to building houses.

What is enjoyable? Reif said, "There is nothing more satisfying than interpreting the client's vision, developing that vision into a fabulous design, and then seeing our team build it beyond their expectations.

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