Stuart Garlington has been in the home building business since the 1970s. He began working for such notables as Rylan, Pulte and Curtis, performing a number of foreman, supervisory and executive builder positions as he learned his craft.
In 2002, he began Towne Craft Builders and Remodelers. In that capacity, Garlington’s new company built custom homes for Curtis eventually ending up in St. Mary’s County.
Towne Craft, no longer affiliated with Curtis, has had to make adjustments in the way they market their services and products as the economy began to deteriorate.
“We began to first notice the downturn in mid-2006 and the situation has been getting worse,” Garlington said.
He reported that Towne Craft had no new home starts in 2007 when they normally do six to seven per year.
Garlington indicated that to date in 2008, he has already had two new home starts. “We hope that is a sign that the economy has begun to turn,” he said in a recent interview.
Prior to this year, in order to cope and to remain solvent, Garlington concentrated on home remodeling services. The company provides everything from custom windows and decks to room extensions and room remodeling services.
The builder admits Towne Craft is a small operation, operating from his own Towne Craft home in California.
“We have one employee in sales and then use the highest quality subcontracting crews. I only use subcontractors that I can trust,” said Garlington. “Most of them have been working with me and Towne Craft since the beginning.”
He also indicated that they offer a full 10-year structural warranty on every new home they build. “Those are some of the things that set us apart from other builders.”
Garlington commented that he hopes the new home starts this year are just the beginning of a return to normalcy for his niche market, but admits it may be because he has been marketing extensively across the region. He understands that in order to achieve his goals for the company, that he must maintain his presence in the marketplace and that advertising in the right media, spending his marketing dollars where they have the best impact is the best way to ensure his long-term success and ultimate profitability.
Those interested in learning more about Towne Craft and discussing remodeling or new home options should contact them at 301-737-5400, visit www.townecraftbuilders.com, or click on Towne Craft’s display ad here on The Bay Net.