WWW.ALAIRHOMES.COM/HUNTCOUNTRY ALAIR HOMES HUNT COUNTRY AN INTENTIONAL APPROACH TO CUSTOM HOME BUILDING AND REMODELING
ALAIR HOMES HUNT COUNTRY AN INTENTIONA TO CUSTOM HO AND REMODELI AT A GLANCE ALAIR HOMES HUNT COUNTRY WHAT: H igh-end custom home builder and large-scale renovation specialist WHERE: Northern Virginia WEBSITE: www.alairhomes.com/huntcountry HOW TRANSPARENCY, RELATIONSHIPS, AND BUSINESS ACUMEN INSPIRE AND SUPPORT LUXURY CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS IN VIRGINIA. Photo Credit: Jennifer Howell Photography, Architect Credit: Cawood Architecture, Builder Credit: Alair Homes Hunt Country 1 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
AL APPROACH OME BUILDING ING Matthew Bowe, owner of Alair Homes Hunt Country, has established a clear position in the luxury construction market. His firm specializes in “custom home builds and large-scale home remodeling and additions,” focusing exclusively on substantial projects rather than singleroom renovations. “We are definitely on the higher end in the sense that we 2 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
first start with a pretty high level of basic building specifications,” Bowe explains.“If you’re looking for a starter home builder grade, we might not be a good fit.” His clients typically seek meticulously designed homes with premium craftsmanship complemented by high-quality finishes. What truly differentiates Alair Homes Hunt Country is their exhaustive pre-construction process. “Every detail of the house is planned out, selections are made, everything is priced,” Bowe says. The company will not begin construction with a series of allowances or unresolved design elements. As Bowe colorfully puts it, “You wouldn’t finish design on a space shuttle while you were leaving orbit.” “Full disclosure and transparency are our main core values,” Bowe states. During pre-construction, clients gain access to every vendor quote through the company’s platform. Project managers review these details with homeowners, jointly selecting vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors based on cost, quality, and other essential factors. “With us, we sit on the same side of the table as the client, building and designing that project before we ever put a shovel in the ground,” Bowe notes. This philosophy extends to value engineering – maximizing what clients get for their investment. The collaborative approach requires significant involvement and commitment from homeowners, something Bowe not only accepts but actively encourages. This client-centered methodology represents a deliberate shift away from conventional builderclient dynamics. While many construction firms maintain a degree of separation between homeowners and the building process, Alair Homes Hunt Country invites clients into every aspect of development. This approach resonates particularly well with discerning homeowners who prioritize involvement and oversight. BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AS A FOUNDATION OF SUCCESS Bowe’s relationship-building permeates every aspect of his business philosophy. Despite experience in commercial construction, he deliberately chose Photo Credit: Christy Kosnic Photography Architect Credit: Cawood Architecture Builder Credit: Alair Homes Hunt Country 3 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03 ALAIR HOMES HUNT COUNTRY
residential building for its more personal connections. “I am in the residential world because of the relationships, because it’s not transactional,” Bowe says. “I’ve done commercial work as well, and I brought a lot of disciplines from the commercial world into our operation here because the small builder custom world is generally really lacking as far as systems and processes.” The emotional satisfaction of creating homes drives his passion for the field.“We build environments for families to thrive in and all the important things happen at home,” he explains. “I feel like building a home is a really special place to build. I seek those relationships because I like creating those spaces.” This relationship-focused approach extends equally to subcontractors and vendors. “I want them to succeed, I want them to be successful. I want them to want to work with us,” Bowe emphasizes. His team provides detailed work scopes, reviews requirements thoroughly with trades, and avoids surprises or miscommunications. Communication remains central to these professional partnerships.“We focus very heavily on our schedules and keeping everybody updated so they’re not getting last minute calls from us,” Bowe notes. “They know from us weeks in advance when they’re expected on the job.” This consideration for trades builds loyalty while ensuring quality work. As Bowe recognizes, “Our success is very much tied to the success of our subcontractors on our projects.” INNOVATIVE PAYMENT SYSTEMS FOR TRADES Alair Homes Hunt Country has implemented a forward-thinking payment system that reinforces a relationship-centric approach while boosting operational efficiency. Bowe has eliminated traditional invoicing hurdles that often strain builder-subcontractor relationships. “We have an automatic payment processing system for our trades and vendors,” Bowe explains. When establishing agreements for projects, his team creates predetermined draw schedules linked to specific milestones within each scope of work. This 4 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
Where It All Comes Together Discover a new way to shop for your project. Ferguson Home has the bath, kitchen and lighting products you need to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re refreshing the look of a single room or building a new home, our experts are here to help every step of the way, from product selection through delivery. Start your project or find your local showroom at fergusonhome.com. ©2025 Ferguson Enterprises, LLC 0125 7338825 HUNT VALLEY | ANNAPOLIS | ROCKVILLE WASHINGTON DC | ALEXANDRIA CHANTILLY | WINCHESTER Nickolas Sargent of DBA Sargent Photography
Ferguson Home offers a world-class shopping experience for trade professionals and homeowners. Our state-of-the-art showrooms feature beautiful displays of innovative products in a welcoming, hands-on environment designed to inspire.A knowledgeable, expert consultant will guide you through the process from start to finish, presenting the latest designs from leading brands, so you can choose the perfect bath, kitchen, and lighting products for your project. Our website offers an unparalleled selection of products complete with design inspiration and a suite of digital tools that are sure to streamline your next project. Our online shop-by-look pages take today’s leading styles and design trends and realize them in carefully curated collections of products, making it easy to bring the look home. Call or chat our experts seven days a week for personalized project support. Ferguson Home is where contractors, designers, and homeowners discover inspiring showrooms, an extended online product selection, and expert support, ensuring every home project is a success. Whether you’re redesigning, remodeling, or building a new home, our experts are committed to making the process as simple and fulfilling as possible. At Ferguson Home, we help clients create spaces they’ll love to live in. Start your next project at fergusonhome.com
streamlined process triggers payments automatically when site supervisors mark milestones complete. This innovative approach delivers substantial business advantages beyond subcontractor satisfaction.“It has a positive impact for my business because I recognize revenue based on project expenditures,”Bowe notes.“We can recognize revenue very early and very accurately on our projects, and it really helps us forecast cash flow.” The system creates a virtuous cycle where subcontractors appreciate predictable payments, while Alair gains improved financial visibility. “We can model our cashflow based on our draw schedules,” Bowe states.“We know when we’re going to be seeing revenue.” By reducing administrative friction and ensuring prompt payments, Alair Homes Hunt Country maintains stronger trade relationships while simultaneously strengthening business forecasting – a dual benefit that enhances project quality while improving financial stability. NOTABLE PROJECTS Alair Homes Hunt Country’s portfolio showcases the company’s versatility and exceptional craftsmanship. One standout project takes center stage in Bowe’s mind – a contemporary lakeside retreat in central Virginia. “We just finished one in an area called Lake Anna down in central Virginia,” Bowe shares. Though outside their typical geographic footprint, the project presented an exciting opportunity.The client sought a builder capable of delivering professional execution in an area where construction timelines often stretch unpredictably. The contemporary design presented unique challenges.“The simple architecture is actually more difficult to execute because it relies so much just on the architecture and not on trim details,” Bowe explains. “When you look at a more contemporary minimalist type design, it may seem simpler, but it’s actually harder to execute well.” Beyond new construction, Bowe takes particular pride in comprehensive renovation projects.“We’ve worked with some homeowners that have invested heavily. They like their location, they don’t want to leave, and they’re in a position to make the house what they want it to be,” he says. These clients prioritize quality-of-life improvements over resale considerations. “We’ve taken some builder grade homes and really taken them up to a custom home level by doing these sort of whole home transformations,” Bowe notes. The joy of these projects comes not just 7 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03 ALAIR HOMES HUNT COUNTRY
from completion, but from subsequent visits where clients have personalized their reimagined spaces – providing tangible evidence of lives enhanced through thoughtful design and expert execution. THE ALAIR FRANCHISE MODEL Bowe’s decision to convert his independent business into an Alair Homes franchise wasn’t made hastily. His methodical approach emerged from the careful consideration that characterizes his professional philosophy. “It took me a while to make the decision to convert my business to an Alair location franchise, and part of it was that I do like to be in control,” Bowe admits.“I probably spent about 18 months doing due diligence before I finally said yes, after establishing that I would have autonomy.” The Alair model differs significantly from typical franchising arrangements. “Alair only pursues builders that are established, profitable and are at the higher end,” Bowe explains.“They’re not a rescue plan for a failing builder.They’re not a franchise you Photo Credit: Jennifer Howell Photography Architect Credit: Cawood Architecture Builder Credit: Alair Homes Hunt Country 8 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
Chantilly 25391 Pleasant Valley Rd. Chantilly, VA 20152 Phone: (540) 952-9214 Alexandria 5655 General Washington Drive Suite G Alexandria, VA 22312 Phone: (540) 952-9215 Fredericksburg 15 Sage Ln. Fredericksburg, VA 22405 Phone: (540) 952-9218 AN AWARD WiNNiNG GET IN TOUCH www.landmarksurfaces.com • 22 years in the business in DMV Area • Custom design solutions like edges and integrated sinks • Fast turnaround time • The only company providing digital layouts • Widest stone selections • Capable of working in porcelain projects
For over two decades, Landmark Surfaces has been a trusted name in the stone fabrication and installation industry across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Specializing in high-end natural and engineered stone, the company has built a solid reputation for delivering exceptional quality and craftsmanship in a wide range of residential and commercial applications. Landmark Surfaces excels in providing custom solutions for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, bartops, fireplaces, and unique stone furnishings.The company offers a curated selection of premium materials including marble, granite, soapstone, and high-performance quartz, ensuring that every project is as durable as it is beautiful. Whether it’s a luxurious stone countertop for a contemporary kitchen or a statement fireplace surround in a modern home, Landmark Surfaces has the expertise to bring any vision to life. What sets Landmark Surfaces apart is its unwavering commitment to quality. By working with the finest natural stone and engineered quartz, the company ensures that each product meets the highest standards of both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Landmark Surfaces takes pride in offering a variety of stone types, colors, and patterns, giving clients the freedom to choose the perfect material to complement their space. The team at Landmark Surfaces is made up of highly skilled professionals who bring years of experience to each project. From initial consultation and design to precise fabrication and expert installation, the company manages every step of the process with care and attention to detail.This hands-on approach ensures that clients receive not only beautiful, but also durable, long-lasting installations. Landmark Surfaces has earned the trust of builders, architects, interior designers, and homeowners throughout the region due to its reputation for delivering superior results.Their strong relationships with clients and suppliers are a testament to the company’s dedication to service and satisfaction. Landmark Surfaces understands that each project is unique, and they strive to meet the individual needs and desires of each client, tailoring solutions to fit both style and functionality. As Landmark Surfaces continues to grow, it remains focused on providing innovative, highquality stone products while delivering an exceptional customer experience every step of the way. Whether it’s a residential remodel or a commercial design project, Landmark Surfaces is the trusted name for premium stone installations in the region.
can buy if you’re not already a builder.” This selective approach creates a network of accomplished professionals rather than franchisees seeking entry into the industry. The resulting structure preserves individual ownership while providing collaborative benefits. “My office is my office. I take the projects I want, we run them the way we see fit,” Bowe says.“We are not required to buy from any particular vendors or any home office source. Home office tends to operate more like ‘how can we help?’” The arrangement offers Bowe access to an extensive knowledge network spanning over 100 offices. This connection yields both practical expertise and growing brand recognition.“I’ve already experienced people saying, ‘Hey, I was down in Charleston, and I saw your trucks down there,’” Bowe notes, highlighting how the shared identity amplifies visibility while maintaining local operational independence. CREATING PATHS TO OWNERSHIP The organizational culture at Alair provides Bowe with a framework for sustainable growth that simultaneously addresses succession planning. This approach aligns perfectly with his vision for developing talent within the company. “One of the things that attracted me to Alair was the culture of paths to ownership for your key people,” Bowe reveals.This structure creates defined advancement opportunities, typically project managers progressing to general management and eventually partial or complete office ownership. “I really like my new role as a mentor for my people to elevate them to a place of success and prosperity by getting ownership in an office.” Bowe says. The Alair framework supplies critical business infrastructure often lacking when construction professionals strike out independently. “A lot of builders are good at what they do, and they work for somebody and then they go out on their own Photo Credit: Jennifer Howell Photography Architect Credit: Cawood Architecture Builder Credit: Alair Homes Hunt Country 11 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03 ALAIR HOMES HUNT COUNTRY
DULLES ELECTRIC SUPPLY: LIGHTING THE WAY WITH EXPERT SERVICE Setting the mood in every room while providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere in any home, well-designed lighting options remain key in any carefully thought-out home design. Our designers are experts at placing fixtures throughout a home that work seamlessly to achieve your lighting goals. No one is more aware of the power of lighting than Dulles Electric Supply, one of the premier lighting design companies in the country. With a wealth of lighting design experience and a host of services to offer its clientele, Dulles Electric provides the best custom lighting experience with DE Design Group. Bringing 30 years of experience and knowledge to the home design and retail design industry, Dulles Electric proudly expanded its customer platform to include the DE Design Group, to collaborate with builders, architects, designers & homeowners through our custom design services. Dulles Electric boasts a 13,000-square-foot lighting showroom and the largest inventory of highcaliber lighting products in the Washington Metropolitan and surrounding Mid-Atlantic area. Building on expertise, the company is now able to offer an expanded set of services including access to exclusive products, an effortless selection process, and the support of expert in-house designers. Custom projects are given the individualized attention they require in our new studio, located within our showroom and home to our design group. Let us help bring your vision to light! EXPERT LIGHTING DESIGN SERVICES *in-home consultations starting at $250 Book your appointment* today! A DIVISION OF DULLES ELECTRIC SUPPLY 22570 Shaw Road, Sterling, VA (703) 597-0898 • www.DullesElectric.com At DE Design Group, lighting professionals work with you! Lighting plays an integral role in making your home comfortable, functional, and beautiful. Our professionals have years of knowledge and experience in lighting trends, energy usage, color and temperature, as well as sustainability. They will help you choose lighting that fits your space and save you time and money.
Connect with us appletonenergy.com info@appletonenergy.com 540-551-3817 139 Water Street, Front Royal, VA 22630 Appleton Energy is your trusted partner in sustainable power solutions. We specialize in cutting-edge energy technologies that maximize efficiency, reduce costs, and support a cleaner future. Whether you're looking to optimize your home’s energy consumption or implement large-scale commercial solutions, our expert team delivers innovative strategies tailored to your needs. The products that Appleton Energy uses are top of the line. We’ve had our solar system for 5 years and have never been without power. - Tom D., Morgantown, WV Architect Credit: Cawood Architecture Builder Credit: Alair Homes Hunt Country 13 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03 ALAIR HOMES HUNT COUNTRY
and start a business and they have no business experience,” Bowe points out. “They can’t read a balance sheet; they don’t understand the difference between cashflow and profitability.” This approach helps Alair attract talented professionals from larger organizations where advancement opportunities exist, but ownership remains unattainable. “What we can offer is ownership,” Bowe emphasizes. He delegates substantial authority to his team members within established cultural parameters, developing potential future owners while expanding the business footprint. “We are planning on growing through internal advancement of our people and establishing offices in next ring out locations.” EMBRACING RISK AND KNOWING YOUR NUMBERS Bowe’s childhood dream of becoming a builder has materialized into a successful enterprise guided by practical business principles garnered through experience. “Being a builder is all I’ve ever wanted to do since I was as young as I can remember,” Bowe reflects.This lifelong passion grounds his approach, but he credits two key insights for his business success. “The advice that I probably have picked up, one, is Photo Credit: Jennifer Howell Photography Architect Credit: Cawood Architecture Builder Credit: Alair Homes Hunt Country 14 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
know your numbers,” he states.This financial literacy represents the essential foundation of sustainable operations. Equally important is his second principle: “Hire people who are better at doing the things that you’re not good at doing.” Bowe applies this delegation philosophy rigorously throughout his organization. “As a business owner, I try to jettison every task that I am not good at or I don’t like doing to people who are good at it,” he explains.This approach maximizes his effectiveness while leveraging specialized expertise across the company. His broader success philosophy embraces calculated risk-taking. “You have to be willing to fail and you have to be comfortable being uncomfortable,” Bowe asserts. “Growth and success are almost always on the other side of risk and potential pain.” Past failures have proven instructive rather than catastrophic. “I’ve fortunately survived the failures, and they made me smarter and better and stronger At JCC Plumbing, we pride ourselves on delivering top-notch plumbing solutions with reliability, expertise, and unmatched customer service. Serving residential and commercial clients across Loudoun County and surrounding areas, our highly skilled team is dedicated to ensuring your plumbing needs are met efficiently and effectively. via Facebook J.Sproles Incredibly honest and talented company in every aspect. WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY... QUALITY WORK, DELIVERED WITH EXCELLENCE jccplumbing.com 571-237-1357 jccplumbing2020@gmail.com /jCCPlumbingServices Loudoun County, Virginia, USA Photo Credit: Christy Kosnic Photography Architect Credit: Cawood Architecture Builder Credit: Alair Homes Hunt Country 15 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03 ALAIR HOMES HUNT COUNTRY
and tougher,” he acknowledges. This resilience powers his continued growth.“In order to grow, you have to be willing to fail, because growth is in the places where you’re not already existing.” BRAND BUILDING AND EXPANSION GOALS Alair Homes Hunt Country continues refining its target clientele, focusing on discerning customers who prioritize excellence over price alone. “Our clientele is continually evolving,” Bowe explains. “We are continually targeting a clientele that is more concerned about quality and durability and sustainability, and a very high touch client experience as opposed to the clients where housing is more considered a commodity.” This specialized niche attracts a distinctive demographic.“That tends to be a client that is highly educated, well off, they are frequently business owners or have sold successful businesses, and they’re finally building the dream home after all the Builders and homeowners choose us because we manufacture high-quality Superior Walls products to precise specifications, care about providing excellent product and customer support and offer custom solutions to meet their project’s goals. The engineering has been flawless and the reliability of their scheduling and installation saves a minimum of one week off the critical path of our construction schedules. what our clients say... M. Bowe A FOUNDATION IS FOREVER. weaverprecast.com sales@weaverprecast.com 717-912-5306 824 East Main Street Ephrata, PA 17522 16 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
other priorities in life have been met,” Bowe notes. Team development remains central to expansion goals.“We are slowly building a team of like-minded construction professionals who take very seriously the commitment that we have to our clients,” he says.This talent pipeline supports ambitious growth plans.“We hope that in the next five to seven years we will have two more offices open.” Financial projections support this optimistic outlook. “Within two years, we’d like our revenue to be up 50% from where it is now, and we believe we can do that,” Bowe states. Underpinning these goals is Bowe’s dual focus on construction excellence and business acumen. “We will build homes that are worth remodeling 150 years from now,” he affirms. “I owe it to my clients to be an accomplished, knowledgeable, business owner... I have to be as good at all of that as I am at being a master builder.” Photo Credit: Christy Kosnic Photography Architect Credit: Cawood Architecture Builder Credit: Alair Homes Hunt Country 17 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03 ALAIR HOMES HUNT COUNTRY
PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Ferguson Enterprises www.fergusonhome.com Whether you’re renovating a single room or building a new home, Ferguson Home offers an unmatched selection of bath, kitchen, and lighting products from renowned brands, ensuring you’ll find everything you need for your project. Our state-of-the-art showrooms are supported by our best-in-class online experience. Our experts are standing by to provide you with a personalized experience. n Landmark Surfaces United Granite www.landmarksurfaces.com Landmark Surfaces, with over 22 years of experience, is a leading fabricator and installer of natural and engineered stone in Virginia, Maryland, and DC. Specializing in residential and commercial kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, bartops, fireplaces, and custom projects, Landmark Surfaces is trusted by builders, architects, and homeowners for premium stone products. n Dulles Electric www.dulleselectric.com At DE Design Group lighting professionals work with you! Lighting plays an integral role in making your home comfortable, functional, and beautiful. Our professionals have years of knowledge and experience in lighting trends, energy usage, color and temperature, as well as sustainability. They will help you choose lighting that fits your space and save you time and money. n Appleton Energy Systems www.appletonenergy.com Appleton Energy Systems is a locally owned company established in 2007 as a comprehensive electrical contractor. In 2017 we added to our services and are now also specializing in solar installations, generator installations, and battery systems. We deliver integrated energy solutions tailored to our clients’ specific needs through comprehensive in-house services. By managing all project aspects internally, our experienced team ensures quality and efficiency throughout, providing long-term results. n JCC Plumbing www.jccplumbing.com JCC Plumbing Services LLC is a Veteran owned and operated small business that was established in 2020. We are Class A licensed, insured and bonded business. We offer residential service work, water filtration services, water heater repairs & replacements, new residential custom home plumbing, commercial plumbing on new and existing buildings n Weaver Superior Walls, LLC www.weaverprecast.com Weaver Superior Walls delivers precisionmanufactured, energy-efficient precast concrete foundations that create warm, dry, and comfortable basements for homeowners. Engineered for lasting strength and exceptional performance, our solutions enhance living spaces while saving time during construction. Trust Weaver for innovation, reliability, and superior quality that ensures peace of mind 18 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03
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