Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1039904
26 BBB MAGAZINE Who's Who Special Edition tefan Home Builders is a family business celebrating 30 years of making dream homes come true. The Birds Hill-based builder constructed its first house in August 1988, and three decades later, the company is still going — and growing — strong. "Traditionally, we're custom home builders, but we're a little different than most home builders," says owner Randy Douglas. "We have a team of five framers, including Red Seal carpenters. Our head framer James Wiebe has been with me since 1997 and our son Thomas just recently received his Red Seal Carpentry certification. We also have a very talented, full-time finish carpenter from Hungary, Gabor Huszka, all of which enables us to do a lot of other things besides home building. We carry out a lot of additions and renovations, light commercial (office renovations) and also insurance-related construction." For instance, Stefan Home Builders is putting more focus on fire and flood restoration, having recently received the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). "We have all the water-drying equipment, all the dehumidifiers and air movers. If your basement floods, we come in there, we strip it, we dry it and we rebuild it," Randy says. "That's a real big push. Land and servicing costs are huge these days, which means the custom- home market is more limited than in the past. We have the skill set and supply to move into the fire and flood restoration industry. It was a logical move to branch out." Another major reason for the company's continued success is Randy's emphasis on learning. He regularly sends his staff, which includes seasoned project manager Randy Romas, to professional development workshops. "We're always striving to find the better way," he says. "We don't want to stop learning and we want to learn from our mistakes. We don't mind saying that, because we have learned from our mistakes. We strive to learn and improve on every project." One concept that never changes is Randy's belief in "people before profit." "We have trades, longstanding trades and we know what to expect from them," he says. "That is a huge success of our company, having that availability of suppliers and trades by establishing long-term relationships. You achieve that by putting people before profit." In addition to IICRC, Stefan Home Builders is a certified Master Builder through the Manitoba Home Builders' Association, as well as COR certified, meaning the company meets National Health and Safety standards. Another point of pride for Randy is his company's commitment to customers. "A lot of people say we give great service, but to give great service you have to be available. Our availability is very strong. People are able to talk to me from 7 a.m. in the morning to 10 p.m. at night, Monday to Saturday." All these qualities have benefitted Stefan Home Builders as an accredited "better business." "Today's consumer is savvy technology-wise and they recognize that the Better Business Bureau has a high level of accountability," he says. "I think the general consumer really respects what the Better Business Bureau stands for and who they support and accept as accredited businesses." ❙ S STEFAN HOME BUILDERS Building on a Strong Foundation CUSTOM HOMES TO FIRE AND FLOOD RESTORATION, WE DO IT ALL To learn more about Stefan Home Builders, call 204-663-2770 / 204-941-1878 or email office@stefanhomes.ca. The Stefan Home Builders team is ready to tackle any custom building, renovation or restoration project. Photo by Darcy Finley