Michael Schaefer starting building homes when he was 18, a passion that turned from hobby to side-job to the fastest growing business in the Brazos Valley.

Schaefer Custom Homes took home the top spot at the Bryan Rotary Club and Newman 10 Business Performance Awards Wednesday for the fastest-growing company. The home building business, founded in 2005, has four employees and experienced a three-year sales growth of more than 447 percent.

"I still view my job as more of a hobby," Schaefer said, saying the award still hasn't sunk in yet. "I love what I'm doing so it's not really working, and I'm really excited to win an award like this."

Schaefer Custom Homes was one of a dozen small businesses honored by the Bryan Rotary Club for innovation, growth and lifetime achievement.

Schaefer spent more than 20 years teaching accounting and serving as a department head at Blinn College before leaving to dedicate more of his time to his home building. He serves as president of the local Home Builders Association, which he says is his way of giving back to the community now that he is no longer teaching. He likened teaching accounting to building a home.

"You start with basically nothing, no skills, and then you get to the point where students can read financial statements by the end of the semester," he said.

He was thankful to his parents for supporting his aspirations for home building from an early age.

The Bryan Rotary Club honored Startup Aggieland with the Research Valley Partnership's Commercialization Rising Star Award. Startup Aggieland is a small business incubator for enterprising Texas A&M students, and has launched more than 100 student ventures.

Stylecraft Builders, Inc. received the Anco Insurance Award for Lifetime Business Achievement. Stylecraft Builders builds about 500 homes every year in the area after starting in the state's worst recession.

Other Newman 10 Business Performance Award winners were:

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Local businesses honored at Bryan Rotary Club and Newman 10 Business Awards

Providing valuable information to homeowners and prospective homebuyers so they can make informed decisions is a top priority of the Home Builders Association of Northwest Indiana (HBA) and theres no better way to find out whats new than meeting the members themselves.

Thats precisely what youll have the opportunity to do starting next Saturday during the Parade of Homes. From June 21-29, you can tour a great variety of homes throughout Lake and Porter counties during Northwest Indianas premier new construction open house event.

We are proud to present the highest quality builders offering you a wide variety of housing options with many exciting innovations and designs, HBA Executive Officer Vicky Gadd said. Parade visitors will also have an opportunity to win a Toshiba 50-inch 1080p LED HDTV by playing Parade Bingo.

Simply pick up a bingo card at any Parade home and have the card stamped as you visit 8 of the 37 locations. When you receive the final stamp, drop your card in the box for a chance to win. The drawing will be held on June 30th, and the winner will be notified by email.

This years Parade is brought to you by the efforts of a dedicated HBA committee that includes Jeff Brant, Julie Deal, Vicky Gadd, Steve Huff, Dean Jones, Kathy Keene, Ed Kelly, Hal Kemmerer, Palmer Myers, Paul Shinn, Jamie Sulcer, and Todd Olthof, as well as the generous support of platinum sponsor ENG Lending, gold sponsors NIPSCO, Meridian Title and Carter Lumber, and silver sponsor Fidelity National Title.

The HBA serves as an advocate for affordable housing and partners with local and state government to ensure high standards of construction and development are met while incorporating sensitivity to the natural surroundings that reflect our commitment to enhancing our communitys quality of life, according to Gadd.

In addition, consumers can feel confident in dealing with HBA members who must adhere to the association's strict standards of practice and principles of business integrity. When you work with a member of the HBA on any project - from building a new home or remodeling an existing home to updating or replacing fixtures and installing flooring or cabinetry, you can expect professional service and high-quality workmanship.

The 2014 Parade of Homes kicks off Saturday, June 21 and continues through Sunday, June 29. Homes will be open weekdays 4 - 7 p.m. and weekends 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (except where noted). Admission is FREE. Look for the Parade of Homes guide featuring a detailed map plus descriptions of the following 37 homes presented by HBA members in The Times, at your local Strack and Van Til Food Market and online at nwi-paradeofhomes.com:

Lake County

Maintenance Free Homes

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Your First Step to Finding a New Home: The 31st Annual HBA Parade of Homes Starts June 21

Builder and developer Minto Communities is pledging to support Builders Care through each home sale.

Builders Care is the nonprofit arm of the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA). The program provides emergency repairs and construction services to elderly, disabled and poor people who are unable to obtain home repairs through traditional means.

Minto Communities is donating $100 from each home sale through its Bonita Isles community to Builders Care, providing money to assist the organization in helping local homeowners in need of renovations. In addition, Minto Communities said it is donating its services and resources to complete a large residential renovation project for a qualifying homeowner in Lee County in 2014.

We believe in helping our community and we believe in the mission of Builders Care. We are looking forward to helping out through our industry, said William Bullock, vice president of Minto Communities-Florida, in a statement.

Minto Communities support speaks volumes to the commitment they have to our community, said Wendi Carroll, president of Lee BIA Builders Care. We are fortunate to have them to help local homeowners in Lee County.

Donations can be made online at http://www.LeeBuildersCare.org.

More information is available by calling 239-938-0056.

Estero golf club adding retreat cottages

Old Corkscrew Golf Club held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new golf cottages on Monday.

There will be 25 golf cottages, each containing common areas, indoor and outdoor kitchens, and four private master suites. The cottages essentially will provide individual owners a second home without the duties of home ownership.

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It's Your Business: Developer Minto supporting Lee Builders Care

Custom Home Builders | Remodelers
Stoneridge Builders is a luxury custom home builder and remodeler in Northern Illinois, Chicago land and Southern Wisconsin including Lake Geneva.

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Custom Home Builders | Remodelers - Video

Cicirello Homes, Luxury Home Builder and Custom Home Builder in Perth WA
Find out why Cicirello Homes is the preferred family builder in Perth for luxury and custom built homes. http://www.cicirellohomes.com.au | (08) 6267 5136 SPEAKING YOUR LANGUAGE...BUILDING YOUR...

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Cicirello Homes, Luxury Home Builder and Custom Home Builder in Perth WA - Video

Custom Home Builders Northern Va
Schulz homes has been a premier home builder in Northern Virginia building beautiful homes in Loudoun County, Fauquier County and all of Northern Virginia fo...

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Custom Home Builders Northern Va - Video

St. Louis, MO (PRWEB) June 05, 2014

Blue Brick Renovation + Construction, a St. Louis custom homes building expert based in St. Louis, appoints online marketing agency Leap Clixx to expand the companys online visibility. The company implements green products and building methods into each project, working to create custom homes in St. Louis that are sustainable and environmentally friendly.

We are excited to bring our premier custom and green home construction services to the public, said a spokesperson from Blue Brick Renovation + Construction. We could not think of a better way to improve our SEO marketing presence than through the expert services of Leap Clixx. We believe Leap Clixx will help expand our companys reach throughout the online media sphere, drawing a broader audience to explore our unique services. We want to let the public know that we are the leading building experts of green homes in St. Louis.

The Blue Brick team uses green building practices in order to protect the homeowners health, reduce costs of home ownership, and decrease the carbon footprint of home construction. As an Energy Star Builder & Partner and a member of the United States Green Building Council Gateway Chapter, the company is also certified by the National Association of Home Builders as Green Professionals. Additionally, Blue Brick played an integral role in the certifications of multiple LEED for Homes projects in homes across St. Louis.

Blue Brick works with materials such as structural insulated panels (SIPs), modular construction, pre-fabricated concrete walls, and penalized stick framing in their construction of custom green homes. The company also offers energy efficiency solutions through their LED retrofit program, which is also applicable to commercial spaces.

For our company, green construction is the responsible way to build, whether it is in the form of historic renovation, custom home building, commercial construction or private remodeling, said a Blue Brick spokesperson. We always make it our goal to prioritize and contribute to the well-being of our home buyers, our neighborhoods and our planet.

To learn more about Blue Brick Renovation + Construction, LLC: visit http://www.bluebrickconstruction.com/.

Blue Brick is St. Louis leading custom and green construction company, specializing in the use of sustainable and even recycled materials to build and renovate properties. Blue Brick brings the St. Louis home buyer the experience of an affordable, energy-efficient home, along with remodeling and additions services. They are an Energy Star Builder & Partner and a member of the United States Green Building Council Gateway Chapter. They are also certified by the National Association of Home Builders as Green Professionals, and they played an integral role in the certifications of multiple LEED for Homes projects in homes across St. Louis. Blue Bricks services include custom green home building, remodeling and additions, historic renovations and energy solutions for both residential and commercial spaces.

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St. Louis Custom and Green Home Renovation Expert Blue Brick Renovation + Construction Engages Leap Clixx to Amplify ...

Street of Dreams showcases new luxury homes

The Pennsylvania Street of Dreams opens to the public Saturday, June 14 through Sunday, June 29, 2014 within the Estates at Autumn Oaks in Lower Paxton Township. This showcase of seven custom, luxury homes was created by a select group of Central Pennsylvanias home builders who were invited to display their skill, talent and craftsmanship. The homes, which showcase the best in architecture, interior design and dcor, innovation and landscaping are open for touring and available for sale.

Each unique home on the Street of Dreams was designed specifically for the show in a variety of styles that include English Manor, Craftsman and even a Downton Abby-inspired English Country Cottage. The 4,000+ square foot homes feature innovative design ideas and features inside and out including striking entrances, custom moldings and ceilings, gourmet kitchens, owner suites with luxurious amenities, elaborate outdoor living space, generous storage and creative adaptations that promote comfortable family living and easy entertaining. Come for inspiration and ideas or to find an exceptional luxury home value.

Presented by the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg, the show is open weekends 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on weekdays from 1-8 p.m. Adult tickets are $5 and kids 12 and under are FREE when accompanied by an adult. Theres free parking on-site and refreshments are available. Learn more at http://www.pastreetofdreams.com.

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Street of Dreams showcases New Luxury Homes Saturday, June 14 through Sunday, June 29, 2014

Spyglass Ridge

The community center at Spyglass Ridge has meeting rooms, exercise equipment, a kitchen and this inviting outdoor swimming pool, all of which are available for property owners.

This home at 2690 Whisper Court in Spyglass Ridge was built by G.J. Gardner and is available for $299,000. The home has four bedrooms and three baths in 2,380 square feet.

Staff

This home at 2690 Whisper Court in Spyglass Ridge was built by G.J. Gardner and is available for $299,000. The home has four bedrooms and three baths in 2,380 square feet.

There is quite a bit of open space at Spyglass Ridge, with walking trails throughout the subdivision. While some of the open space is landscaped and planted in grass, much of it is xeriscape.

Staff

There is quite a bit of open space at Spyglass Ridge, with walking trails throughout the subdivision. While some of the open space is landscaped and planted in grass, much of it is xeriscape.

Floor plans are open and bright at Spyglass Ridge, with plenty of windows to take in the incredible views. Standard amenities include two-tone paint, hardwood flooring and solid surface countertops in the kitchen.

Staff

Originally posted here:
Development retains the quality of original vision

HGTV AND DIY NETWORK GREENLIGHT 10 NEW SERIES

NEW YORK [For Immediate Release - June 2, 2014] Programming executives at HGTV and DIY Network have greenlit 10 news series. HGTV, which scored its most-watched May ever among P25-54 and W25-54 in Total Day, has ordered: My Flipping Family (w.t.); Island Lifeand Lakefront Bargain Hunt. DIY Network, which saw its largest audience ever for weekend days in May, has ordered: American Rehab: Buffalo (w.t.); American Rehab: Detroit; Pool Kings (w.t.); The Expandables; Barnwood Builders; Mega Decks and Custom Built.

HGTV continues to highlight family-focused home renovation with My Flipping Family w.t. (44 Blue Pictures), a series that follows Miami-based go-getter and single mom Lucila Sola as she launches her own home renovation and design business with her mom and daughter.

HGTV also adds new titles to its dream destination programming with Island Life w.t. (Left/Right Inc.) in which homeowners shed the hustle and bustle to search for the perfect island home; and Lakefront Bargain Hunt (Magilla Entertainment), a series thatshowcases buyers purchasing their fantasy home on the water.

On DIY Network, the family renovation series continue in American Rehab: Buffalo w.t. (Magnetic Productions)as a couple who thrive on historic renovation and modern sustainability renovate homes in Buffalo, N.Y.; while in American Rehab: Detroit (Magnetic Productions) a couple rescues and renovates the family's once beautiful 1920s mansion in Detroit. Pool Kings w.t. (Pie Town Productions) features the Caviness family as they build over-the-top pools for clients in their Oklahoma-based father and son business, while The Expandables (Tricon Films & Television) showcases contractor Rob Evans and his team as they create amazing additions and space-saving renovations for families who've outgrown their homes.

Custom designs and makeovers are also featured on DIY Network in Barnwood Builders (Silent Crow), where West Virginia master craftsmen deconstruct centuries-old barns and cabins to build stunning modern homes; while Mega Decks (Orion Entertainment) follows a Colorado firm that's one of the most innovative deck and landscape companies in the country; and master deck designer Paul Lafrance and his crew of carpenters put their creative twist on cutting edge home makeovers and inventive custom pieces in Custom Built (Architect Films Inc.).

ABOUT HGTV & DIY NETWORK

America's leading home and lifestyle brand, HGTV features a top-rated cable network that is distributed to more than 98 million U.S. households and the HGTV website, HGTV.com, the nation's leading online home-and-garden destination that attracts an average of four million unique visitors per month. DIY Network, currently in more than 58 million homes, covers a broad range of programming, including home improvement and landscaping. The network's award-winning website, DIYNetwork.com, consistently ranks among America's top home and garden Internet destinations for entertaining videos and home improvement advice. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., HGTV and DIY Network are wholly owned by Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (SNI).

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HGTV and DIY Network Greenlight 10 New Series