QUALITY COUNTS: Estes has built a brand on its quality awards.
Credit: Joan Consani
“In a booming market, you have to hire new people,” Kevin says. “In this scenario, we can just focus on how the new market works. … It’s definitely a bootstrap operation, but it’s cost effective. As the market returns to normal, we’ll have the ability to create real divisions in those areas. We’ll go get the business first, build some homes, and then go get the overhead. We’re pretty pumped about it.”
The expansion will be a step toward his goal of building 50 houses a year. That is a benchmark that he believes will allow his company to bring design and selections in-house, which would give it more control over the customer experience and yet another point of differentiation from the competition.
One thing is certain. When it happens, there will be a system in place to make sure everything runs the way it’s supposed to, and an on-going effort to make it even better.
Estes Builders
President and CEO: Kevin Estes
CFO and Controller: Jo Anne Estes
Quality Manager: Patricia Troxler
Company Focus: Systems-driven company that builds both production and custom homes, primarily for active adults drawn to the market, which is a retirement destination
Employees: 9
Year Founded: 1990
Web site: www.estesbuilders.com
Notable: Estes Builders has delivered 99 percent of its homes with zero known defects since 2002. The company is the first and only National Housing Quality Award–certified builder in the state of Washington.