"Profitability and Giving back”

We build Custom Homes, Townhomes, and homes for sale; we enjoy building homes for sale the most because it allows for the most creativity, says Mark Huber, President of Hubers Custom Building Inc. They cultivate relationships with clients, Trades, and neighbors. They build efficient, livable, homes to be proud of. For them, It's about their city, neighbors, and giving back, not just business. Their success has allowed them to provide homes in developing countries, local communities and support those in need.

Mark tells his team, "Never choose easy, and always choose right." He's an example-setter and attempts the impossible. “Together, we can accomplish anything”. He applied this system to his business as well as the charity projects he is involved in. He listens to their needs and tries to come up with solutions.

Mark's business struggled in 2009 like others. Their organization had to refocus and prepare a business plan to survive the downturn. As a Member of the NAHB Builder 20 club program, they investigated best business practices and identified potential opportunities. These programs centered on identifying our buyers, where they would like to live and what type of product they were looking for. Mark claimed they struggled to acquire good properties for development.

Their team created acquisitions and marketing systems and sought the "correct" properties in “the right” neighborhoods. They made sure every property owner within a mile of our targeted area, knew who they were, what they did and they asked for their feedback through the design and construction process. They wanted to earn their trust and be the first person they went to if they were considering selling their properties. They wanted to attract young, tech-savvy purchasers in growing, upcoming neighborhoods. They implemented the Business plan and it was a good one, 2009 was their most profitable year in 30 years of business, and each year after was even more profitable.

As a family business, they emphasized "Anything Is Possible" and established "the Culture of Giving Back." They aspired to impact customers, their community, and the world. Their team began weekly goal-setting sessions to establish efficient and profitable business practices and how to help families in poverty. Their programs provided shelter for the local homeless and globally they helped disadvantaged families in South America, Africa, and India. They provided shelters in their own city for about 30 families, and complete homes in Honduras for over 20 families. In addition to the homes provided for families in Honduras, they sponsored an education for some of their children with hopes of pursuing a college degree. The students he sponsors, he asks, What is your dream for your education? Let me know what you and your family can do and I will help fill in the blanks, together we will come up with a plan to make it possible. They now have students with an engineering degree, a medical student, an accountant, and an electrical engineer and others. The greatest gift you can give is shelter and an education. The shelter will help them survive, an education will help them prosper.

With our "family" team, problem solving incorporates dreams, resources, and how to bridge the gap and solve problems together, adds Mark.

Mark explains that technology is their company's biggest impact. Being in a tech-and info-rich City, makes making informed selections easy. In our location, there is an abundance of information available. The online resources include historical reports, trends, demographics, information on competitors, along with trades and permit histories. Using internet resources, Mark could track, recreate, and analyze his competitors' projects, we could predict their profitability and recreate their development and sales history and do our best to improve on it, without taking any risk. This allowed them to respond quickly to market changes and allows them to concentrate in profitable ventures and avoid low-margin and riskier investments. With internet resources, they could analyze every project's success or failure. Most cities lack these resources. Seattle's "High Technology" location provided endless information resources. They could "build and sell a project" on paper without pounding a nail. This gave them the courage to carry forward without worry. Their business grew at full throttle because they had a clear plan and solid data. Mark tells his team, they have the tools and resources to be successful in any aspect of homebuilding. They can spot opportunities, calculate risk verses reward, and execute very quickly.

Mark is of the opinion that new homebuyers want a builder-client relationship. Tanya is the selection coordinator and Project manager, with an understanding of the current trends, who coordinates and manages selections. She communicates with clients before, during, and after move-in. She makes customers believe they have a lifelong warranty and is a resource for questions or issues. Tanya, believes the personal connection with the customer is one of the most important tools to create a satisfied customer. Hubers Custom Building Inc. provides a personal touch.

According to Mark, success requires balance. Before achieving success, you must know that success is different for every individual. Mark prioritized family, health, and community over financial growth. He values everything equally. He plays hard with his children and grandchildren. He's competitive in business and sports. Nothing is impossible; therefore, he ran his first marathon at 65 and won a National Championship Trophy in other sports. He will drive 4 hours to watch his grandson play football. He and his wife play a game and watch TV after dinner and spend quality time together.

Mark suggests young and skilled business leaders create their project on paper 10 times before doing the real thing. Do your RESEARCH, be prepared, know the market, know your competition, and provide a product your customer wants. "You have the skills, expertise, resources, and knowledge to succeed." Stand by your work and decisions 100% . Integrity and trust are your most vital tools; let your customers know what kind of business you are and that you'll listen to their requests. Always validate your numbers since knowledge is power. He summarizes by saying, "Do everything with passion!"