Over the years, a builder will construct more than a series of fine homes, they will also build a reputation. The team at Joe Montgomery Builders, Inc. has established a reputation of providing steadfast workmanship and delivering to the customer what was promised, in a timely manner. Bob Montgomery stresses, "We realize that building a home is a big investment to the individual. We keep the project as personal, in terms of what they want in a home, as we possibly can. We want them to be happy with the home, to have a say in it's design, so we maintain a one to one relationship." The company builds 20 to 30 homes per year, with nearly all of their business coming from referrals, a visible acknowledgment of a respected reputation.

In 1978, our father started Joe Montgomery Builders. Shortly after Bob and his brothers Steve and Dave Montgomery joined the team. Currently, Bob (Supervisor), Dave (Job Foreman) and Steve (Superintendent) run the business.

We have noted that previous customers have always been a major source of new business. Bob believes the way to earn a customer's loyalty is to maintain a sincere, accessible relationship with them. "We have a good rapport with our customers. We keep them informed with every step that is going on. They will call and want to know what is going to happen today, or next week. We let them know who will be there and when, and what phase the house will be on a certain date."

In addition, the customer needs to be kept informed of their responsibilities in the building schedule. Bob continues, "It is important to let them know what they need to be doing, such as picking out cabinets, floor coverings or fixtures, so everything is done and nothing is held up!" We meet with the customer at the site on several occasions to make sure that they are satisfied with what is happening. The average time to build a home is 120 days from the time we put the basement in.

Bob has been a member of the Greater Lansing Home Builders Association since the early 1980's. "It's been a big help for us," he acknowledges. "We've been affiliated with the trade shows at the Meridian Mall and the Parade of Homes.