Stebnitz Builders owner Chris Stebnitz knew he wasn’t cut out for the construction end of the building business when, in the early 1990s, he was working on a roofing project on a sweltering summer day.
A call came with a job offer and Stebnitz was barely off the roof before he decided to accept the job and put his journalism degree to work. But he was drawn back into the family business when the opportunity came up to focus on marketing the company and building its already-solid brand.
"There’s a history we can go back to," Stebnitz said about working in the 43-year-old company. "There are thousands of customers we have worked with over all these years."
Today, Stebnitz, 44, is the sole owner, while his uncle, Dan, serves as production manager and estimator. Stan Stebnitz, Stebnitz’s grandfather, started the company, and at one time, his three sons all worked in the business.
After being located in Delavan for years, the company moved to Elkhorn about a year ago. Despite the location change, Stebnitz Builders’ six carpenters still do much of the same work the company always has done -- mainly "small projects" like remodeling, window replacements and additions, Stebnitz said.
Customers like the high professional standards and five-year warranty that comes with every job, he said.
"(Customers) want a place where they can be secure," Stebnitz said.
And while Stebnitz offers the security of a company that’s been around for more than 40 years, the builder is conscious of the need to evolve.
Technology offers "new ways to feature projects" and makes it easier than ever to share information between builder and customer, Stebnitz said. Online and social media marketing allow the company to position itself to stand out from others in business.
And that position seems to be a favorable one. Stebnitz said the 10-person company is "swamped" with projects.
"We all have the same goal," to make sure the business thrives for years to come, Stebnitz said. "To me it’s something that’s really special, that as a team we are creating that legacy."