Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Paul.
Jeff, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I received a basketball scholarship to Trinity University in 1971 and Trinity offered a Degree in Homebuilding from their School of Engineering. I always enjoyed art classes and building things as a child so it was a good fit. After graduation in 1975, I worked for a Houston custom builder named Marvin Henry, who was a stickler for detail and perfection. I started out building town homes in April Sound on Lake Conroe for Mr. Henry and then was sent to the Memorial area to build patio homes on Buffalo Bayou. After two years I made the move to a semi-custom builder, Pace and Co.; John and Temple Pace. Many of my Trinity classmates were working for Pace.
I worked my way up from construction superintendent to Estimator and then Production Manager overseeing all the construction managers. Pace was sold to a Canadian building company and the Houston operation ceased in 1981. I struck out on my own looking for a place to build with little money in my pocket. I joint venture with an FM 1960 area developer, David Cryan, and began building in his communities; Ponderosa Forest, Terra Nova West, and Spring Creek Oaks. In 1987, I was invited to be part of the select group of custom builders in The Woodlands.
Here, I was reunited with Tim Welbes, who was my last boss at Pace and Co. and was now in charge of Residential Sales. My company has had a great 30-year building career in The Woodlands creating high-end estate homes. With The Woodlands nearing build out in 2015, the company has reached out to neighboring communities such as Woodforest, Bentwater, Stillwater, and Lago Woods locally, Cane Island in Katy and also returned to the Memorial area where it all started back in the 1970’s.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The two toughest parts were the beginning and then the maintaining. Starting out with little money other than savings, no bank would touch me for construction loans on my own and finding a good home building locations where homes would for sure sell were big stumbling blocks. The joint venture program was a good entrance into the industry as I knew how to build a good house, and the developer provided financing and land, which were the two ingredients I needed.
Of course, having to pay a portion of my profits to my partner was not something I wanted to do long-term and with my invitation to The Woodlands, I was able to become more independent. Maintaining a successful business has been a challenge. Our company has worked hard to create a reputation as being honest and fair in our dealings with Buyers and Contractors. We will never be the cheapest builder on the front end as I believe in giving the potential buyer a great home with a realistic cost.
For the most expensive purchase, a person will invest their money. I feel it is important for that buyer to know where they are headed at the end of the project. Too many competitors rely on buying the customer with low square foot prices and high expectations. Unlike cars, where an assembly line makes the same product in a controlled environment, homes are built with human hands and unforeseen weather conditions. This is why it is tough to sell homes on a square foot price; no two builders have the same contractor’s hands nor the same level of detail, communication and supervision. The constant explanation of educating the buyer on pricing is an ongoing issue.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We build true custom homes. We will do anything the customer asks for and is willing to pay for. Our niche is in the +4000 SF and +$800,000 range and find the 6000 SF and bigger homes to our liking. We build in only the highest rated communities around Houston with good amenities and good school districts. We work with realtors on new homes and they know our reputation is good to advertise and include our name on their resale listings. We have used the same major contractors for over 3 decades and the same interior cabinet and trim crew since 1977.
This produces balance in the construction scheduling and level of expected quality and cuts down on warranty issues. I take pride in the final product and will work with any homeowner on any issues that arise even after 10 years in the home. We are also starting to remodel our older homes in The Woodlands if requested by the current owner. Bringing back the same subcontractor who originally built the home is a huge benefit on these remodels and helps produce a great updated Jeff Paul Custom Home.
What were you like growing up?
Drawing and building was a passion during my childhood. I took art classes in school and also private lessons during my elementary school days growing up in Iowa. I had all sort of building toys back then; Erector Sets, Kenner Girder Sets, wooden building blocks, Lincoln Logs and a real big HO model railroad train set up in my basement. Once in high school in Richardson, Texas, the athletic memories took over. High School and College basketball taught me the life lessons of teamwork, time management and responsibility to myself and to others. These have all contributed to the skills it takes to run a successful business for over 36 years.
Pricing:
- Custom homes from the $1 million; 4000 SF- 15,000 SF
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jeffpaulhomes.com
- Phone: 281-367-0316
- Email: jeff@paulx.com
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
