Business View Magazine - Mar 2024

experience,” he explains, ensuring that clients have a comprehensive understanding of the costs involved before any concrete steps are taken towards construction. This helps to make informed decisions and stay within budget. The firm’s openness extends to allowing clients direct access to financial transactions. “There’s total transparency,” he asserts, highlighting the option for clients to handle payments directly, further reinforcing the transparent relationship. David sheds light on Lone Creek’s collaborative approach towards the design process. Despite not offering in-house design services, the firm actively engages with architects and clients from the early design stages. This helps to address potential challenges and integrate solutions, avoiding future complications.“We are heavily active when it comes to the design,” David notes, illustrating their role in facilitating discussions that might influence structural decisions, such as eliminating columns during the design phase to enhance the living space. EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY IN CUSTOM HOME BUILDING Recognizing the importance of technology, Lone Creek Custom Homes has incorporated advanced technological solutions that enhance both the construction process and the living experience within the home. Ryan articulates a two-pronged approach to technology, distinguishing between in-home features and marketing tools. Interior 3D imaging technology during construction serves a dual purpose: it provides a detailed record of the home’s internal structures for future reference. It offers an innovative marketing perspective through photography. “We took 3D images of the inside of the homes... for the sake of reference later, if need be,” he explains, highlighting the foresight in capturing the intricacies of the home’s construction. This affords the homeowner information of the home’s construction to refer to if they ever wanted to amend its interior. The ability to see interior construction photography shows what’s behind walls, inside ceilings and underneath floors. David then highlights Lone Creek’s collaboration with designers and trade partners who share their core values and commitment to innovation. This collaborative approach extends to the internal finishes and the meticulous attention to detail. He also introduces another dimension of technology through project management software, which offers clients a transparent window into the progress of their home. “We implement a software program that allows the clients to always have a portal to log into,” he states, underlining the importance of keeping clients engaged and informed throughout the construction process. BRIDGING THE SKILLS GAP IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY In the face of a pronounced shortage of skilled tradespeople, the construction industry is grappling with significant challenges. This scarcity has prompted companies to take innovative steps toward workforce development, seeking to fill the void with a new generation of talent. David reveals that Lone Creek’s involvement in workforce development began somewhat serendipitously, rooted in the company’s opening construction sites for educational tours. This initiative led to greater involvement with local high schools, colleges and trade organizations, promoting the reintegration of hands-on trades training into the curriculum. “A lot of high schools are starting to re-adopt hands-on trades training,” he notes, highlighting the emerging opportunities for young people to enter the construction industry without the burden of college debt. This approach introduces them to viable career paths and underscores the potential for personal growth and entrepreneurship within the trades. His message to the youth is clear: the construction industry offers opportunities for those willing to learn and invest in their skills. Ryan adds by discussing Lone Creek’s hiring philosophy, emphasizing character and a willingness to learn over experience. “Do you care? Are you attentive to detail?” he asks, pointing out the critical traits they look for in tradespeople. This mindset reflects a broader vision for the industry, where attention to detail, curiosity, and a commitment to 36 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 03