Kansas City Homes & Style is proud to feature the industry leaders in real estate, home building and remodeling A S P E C I A L K C H & S I S S U E
Kansas City Homes & Style isproud to feature the industry leaders
in real estate, home building and remodeling
A S P E C I A L K C H & S I S S U E
September 10, 2015 � 10-11:30 a.m.InterContinental Hotel Kansas City Rooftop
Guest SpeakersTed C Jones PhDChief Economist/Senior Vice President
Marty AlbertsonSenior Group Vice President
Concerned the economy and CFPB are going toaffect your real estate transactions? We can help!
D R A W I N G S & G I V E A W A Y S
According to data from the Kansas City Regional Association ofRealtors and Heartland MLS, the Kansas City region has seen a morethan 10 percent increase in existing home sales year to date. Theaverage sales price for existing homes has jumped 6.2 percent versus
June 2014 to $199,806. In addition to higher salesprices, sellers have also seen decreases in days onmarket with a current average of 60 days.
Buyers, on the other hand, have had to adjust tothe pace of the current market which has broughtwith it an increase in competition. The inventoryof existing homes on the market in the Kansas Cityarea is down, having fewer than 10,000 homesavailable.
While the lack of inventory presents a realchallenge, finding the perfect home and communityis possible. KCRAR recommends that buyersreceive loan pre-approval prior to beginning theirhome search, as it allows them to act more quicklyupon finding the right property. This proves to beespecially important when multiple buyers areinterested in the same home, which has becomeincreasingly common with the limited market supply.
Whatever the market conditions, KCRAR workstirelessly to support area Realtors as they helpresidents make some of the most importantdecisions of their lives. Buying or selling a homeis momentous and deserves more than expertise.It deserves dedication backed by the profoundinfluence of many others.
The Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors (KCRAR) formedin 2001, when the Metropolitan Kansas City Board of Realtors mergedwith the Johnson County Board of Realtors. While that makes theassociation young in many respects, it is also affiliated with theNational Association of Realtors, whose historyand heritage have become synonymous withhelping people achieve the American dream ofhomeownership. KCRAR is proud to be a part ofthat amazing history, and proud to play a part inhelping people achieve such a deeply meaningfuland impactful goal.
There is just something about homeownershipthat strikes a chord within us. Perhaps it is becauseit anchors us to the past and to a continuum of peoplethat have loved the same space, the same land, aswe do. Perhaps it is because homeownership allowsus to put down roots and become part of a lastinglegacy that lives on long beyond our own lives.
Whatever the reason homeownership is so deeplymeaningful to so many, there is no place betterto own a home than in the Kansas City area. TheKansas City area has historically enjoyed a strongand steady housing market, considerably less subjectto the dramatic changes seen in other parts of thecountry, and one that always remains competitive.
Currently home sales are reaching record highsin many parts of the country. Data from theNational Association of Realtors (NAR) indicatedthat June 2015 marked the highest sales rate inmore than eight years. This early summer surge indemand combined with a shortage of homes on the market has causedsales prices to nudge upward as we move into fall.
Such a competitive market demands that Realtors have access tothe most up-to-the-minute listing information as well as the supportof technological services and ongoing education, as well as extensivemarketing resources and networks. These are some of the many reasonsagents choose to join KCRAR, to best support the buyer and sellers.
S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
A Proud Heritage ofHelping Others Achieve
the Dream ofHomeownership
KCRAR
Find a Realtor in theKC Area at
KCRealtorLink.com
Scan Our QR Code toWatch Our Video on
the 2015 Kansas CityReal Estate Trends
REAL ESTATE AGENTS
WELCOME!BUILDERS
REMODELERS
KCH&S STARS 2015 | 3
Kansas City Homes & Style is proud to be a supporter of the ALSAssociation / Keith Worthington Chapter. A portion of the proceedsfrom each STARS participant is benefitting this worthy chapter.
Join our team or become a virtual walker as we support ALSat the Walk to Defeat ALS on Saturday, September 19th atArrowhead Stadium. To sign up, just go to web.als.org andjoin the Kansas City Homes & Styles Stars team as we walkto help bring hope to people living with ALS.
Kansas City Homes & Styleis excited to present STARS,
a special annual issue showcasingoutstanding real estate agents and teams,
home builders and remodelers.
Turn the pages and meet thepeople who can make your dream home
a reality, read their stories and learn more about these talented individuals.
Whole House RemodelerTotal Home RemodelingInterior Renovations RemodelerAult Design-ConstructionKitchen & Bath RemodelerHeartland Kitchen & Bath
Distinctive Craftsmanship & Exceptional Service BuilderJames Engle Custom Homes LLCCustom Home BuilderRoeser HomesPassive House BuilderPrairie Design BuildMaintenance Provided BuilderTom French ConstructionLuxury Contemporary Home Builder Suma Design & ConstructionMillion Dollar Home BuilderRiffe Homes & DevelopmentPremier Dream Home BuilderB.L. Rieke Custom Homes
Top Real Estate AgentLindsay SchulzeTop Real Estate TeamThe Johns Family TeamTop Real Estate BrokerMike PhillipsRookie Real Estate AgentSara SnookRural Real Estate AgentPatty FarrMillion Dollar Listing AgentsThe Goldstein TeamRising Real Estate TeamTraditions Home GroupNew Home Community AgentDiana Bryan-Smith
4681012141618
24262830323436
424446
Introducing
Stories by Ann Butenas | Photography by Matt Kocourek
If Lindsay Schulze was still in high school, there is no doubt that she would not only
be sitting at the cool kids’ table, but she would also be class president. This driven
real estate agent has rock star written all over her. Friendly and approachable don’t
even scratch the surface when it comes to describing her engaging and upbeat
attitude. It’s no wonder she is the top producer on the #1 Koehler Bortnick Team
(Reece & Nichols) because the fuel on which she runs is unwavering passion for
what she does. To refer to her as a go-getter is an understatement, to say the
very least.
Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Lindsay made her way to the metro area
by way of the University of Kansas, from which she earned a degree in Journalism
and Strategic Communications in 2004. Shortly thereafter, she took a job within the
advertising arena but soon realized it did not fill her soul.
Upon the advice of a family friend, she looked into a career in real estate and
realized its endless potential, not only in terms of income but also in terms of
flexibility. Excited about being her own boss, Lindsay quickly shifted gears and
found her footing within the Koehler Bortnick team. She hit the ground running
and within her first year was recognized as Rookie of the Year.
“I definitely pushed myself hard at the beginning, working seven days a week
and upward of 80 hours a week,” she noted.
Now that she is more established in her career, Lindsay still maintains that strong
drive to be the best she can be, not only in her business endeavors, but also for
her clients, and she now has the unwavering support of a loving family by her side
to continually inspire, encourage and motivate her.
“I am beyond blessed to have a wonderful husband, my two children and even
my two dogs! I could not do what I do without their encouragement,” she smiled.
While being available on practically a round-the-clock basis for her clients might
seem daunting, this Five Star professional wouldn’t have it any other way, which
is an integral part of her incredible success. Lindsay’s communication with her
clients does not end at the closing table. Her entire business is 95% referral based,
an extraordinary accomplishment in and of itself.
“I continually stay in front of my clients,” she noted. “I make sure I am constantly
in their zone. I send out mailers and letters and I always ask for referrals.”
Lindsay is known for her communication prowess, her aggressive negotiation
skills and her thorough knowledge of the market. This award-winning realtor was
featured this year as the cover agent for with a six-page
article and was also recognized as “20 in Their
Twenties” for 2010. Additionally, touted her as “Best in Client
4 | KCH&S STARS 2015
Lindsay Schulze | Reece Nichols
TOP REAL ESTATE AGENT
5000 W. 135th StreetLeawood, Kansas
913.485.7211LindsaysHomes.com
Satisfaction for 2007-2015.” She is
also a certified member of RELO,
America’s #1 relocation network
worldwide.
“I don’t want anyone to have a
terrible experience with me,” she
asserted. “I promise to always do a
good job and really do treat my clients
like family. I understand that buying a
home is one of the largest investments
they will ever make, and I take it quite seriously, but I also make sure
it is a lot of fun in the process. I want to make sure it is the best
investment they can make.”
Lindsay has experience with buyers and sellers on both sides of the
state line and has been a force with which to be reckoned over the past
11 years. In 2014, she sold 86 homes for a total of $27 million in sales,
and because she gains notable velocity in terms of productivity each
year, 2015 will undoubtedly prove to be a yet another banner year. Give
her a goal and she will not only meet it, but also exceed it.
Her relentless and enthusiastic commitment to her work pays off in
spades for her clients, as they know that Lindsay will always have their
best interests in mind.
“I do my homework. I am particular and detail–oriented and will always be
upfront with the pros and cons of any potential transaction, but I also tell my clients
that it is 100% their choice,” she said. “And I don’t care if it takes them three
months or six months to decide. My clients are not part of a ‘to do’ list or a
checklist. I want them to feel comfortable with me and confident in the fact that
I will exceed their expectations when it comes to my services.”
And even though she might not fully turn herself off from her job, she really
wouldn’t want it any other way.
“I wouldn’t trade what I do for the world,” she smiled. “I love every inch of
anything that has to do with this business. I love living and working here in Kansas
City. Everyone is so friendly and inviting; the housing prices are realistic, making
options affordable for most anyone; and I truly believe that Kansas City is a hidden
little gem. We have a great city here.”
KCH&S STARS 2015 | 5
STARS 2015For more information on Lindsay Schulze,visit her online at LindsaysHomes.com
S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
You can’t help but be sold when you meet the incredible
individuals with the johns family team at Keller Williams in
Overland Park, Kansas. Greeting people with open arms is
their philosophy, and even if you are not blood-related, you
instantly feel right at home. They treat their clients and run
their business as if you were part of the family. This is truly
their business philosophy.
“Our team members and our clients are part of the
family,” expressed Vickie Feitl, Director of Operations and
who is a licensed broker in Kansas and Missouri. “Judy
Johns and her family, Dave, Steve and Coach, brought
Keller Williams to the Midwest in 1999. They have served
well over 4000 families’ real estate needs over the years.
The family is still going strong and excited for the future,
and one of their highlights is serving multigenerations.”
With nearly four decades of real estate experience to her name, Judy Johns is the
consummate team player. With such an impressive resume, she could position herself at
levels far above others, but that would be completely contrary to her style.
“The familiar expression we all know so well is to treat others as you would want to be
treated,” Judy noted. “However, our focus is on treating people as they want to be treated.”
Joining team founder Judy and self-described “ring master” Vickie are Judy’s husband
Ken and their sons, Steve, Team Leader, Listing Partner, and Luxury Home Specialist
and Dave, Listing/Buying Partner and New Home Specialist. Also a part of this dynamic
group are Chris Ojeda, Listing/Buyer Specialist; Eric Hill, Listing Coordinator; and Jadean
Farenden, Buyer Specialist.
Added Steve, “We understand that everyone has his or her own story and that one’s
perception is one’s reality, and that is that person’s individual story. We get that and we
want to listen to that story. The more we know the better we serve our clients’ needs at
a higher level.”
While accolades and awards run rampant in their office, they do not take center stage.
In fact, the johns family team remains hard-pressed to verbally convey past career praises,
and that’s fine with them. It’s not about the awards, it’s about the rewards they get from
serving their clients successfully.
“We absolutely love it when our clients are happy and excited, whether they are buying
or selling a home,” smiled Judy. “Our business is all about the people, not about the money.”
The johns family team are true team players and pride themselves on making the
buying and selling processes seamless and effortless. Their use of current real estate
technology is at the core of their business. One of the most popular tools they offer their
clients is the johns family team real estate app. This app is cutting edge and can be used
by their clients on the go, wherever they may be, to find in depth information on listings
6 | KCH&S STARS 2015
the johns family team | Keller Williams Partners
TOP REAL ESTATE TEAM
11005 Metcalf Ave.Overland Park, Kansas
913.906.5454thejohnsfamilyteam.com
in the area through GPS technology. You, too, can download this app today at
www.jftapp.com or text KWKCHOMES to 87778.
“We anticipate our clients needs and provide tools for them before they even realize
what their needs may be,” noted Steve. “We understand that if communication is open
and often, they will feel confident throughout the process. It is our job to mitigate
potential stress, guide our clients through the process and keep them informed and
educated from start to finish.”
“In an effort to de-emotionalize the selling process, we talk to sellers about a house,”
explained Judy. “And we talk to buyers about a home, because we understand what
an emotional experience it is to purchase their next home.”
Of course, every successful business understands that keeping a keen eye on the
bottom line is an integral part of the health of the business, but that truly remains
secondary to what this family oriented team takes to heart every single day.
“Sure, we have to run our business by the numbers, but at the end of the day, it is
all about transforming lives of buyers and sellers, as well as the lives of our team
members. If we maintain our focus on that ideal, then everything else takes care of
itself,” said Steve.
Despite their obvious prowess for the heart of real estate, the johns family team will
be the first to admit they are not perfect. “If we are aware of something that needs
correction, we immediately take of it,” stated Judy. “We are here to correct, not pro-
tect” is our motto.
Added Steve, “We realize that there is always room for improvement, and we are
constantly learning through continuing education classes, seminars, conferences and
master mind groups. We want to make sure we continually deliver the best service we
possibly can to our clients and not only exceed their expectations, but also our own in
the process. When we grow as a team, we are in a better position to serve our clients
at a higher level.”
Above all, engaging in a real estate transaction with the johns team translates to
experiencing exceptional caring customer service, open and honest communication, a
positive experience delivered with purpose, commitment and determination, and most
important, a successful closing process.
Once you become a part of this dedicated family team, you will undoubtedly also
become a “raving fan.”
“It’s our pleasure and our honor to have delivered or that we will deliver in the future,
the best real estate experience to all past, present and future clients,” smiled Judy.
KCH&S STARS 2015 | 7
STARS 2015For more information on the johns family team, visit themon Facebook at “kw – the johns family team”, online at
www.thejohnsfamilyteam.com or call today 913.906.5454.
Download their mobile real estate app at www.jftapp.comor text KWKCHOMES to 87778 S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
Mike Phillips is the kind of real estate professional whose passions and ambitions
always seem to be on full throttle. He presents as enthusiastic, high-energy and
committed to getting the best results for his clients. Having been ranked not once
but twice by The Wall Street Journal and Real Trends as the #1 Realtor in the US
at one time strongly supports the notion that he is one-in-a-million, but the
tenacity he has for the world of real estate strongly suggests he might just be
once-in-a-lifetime. Either way, Mike has cornered the market when it comes to
setting himself apart from the pack as the top broker in the industry.
The very least you should know about Mike: He owns two offices and oversees
100 agents; he was originally licensed in 1999 and started his Century 21 All-Pro
franchise three years later as owner/broker; he was born in Georgia but moved
around appreciably, and spent the better part of his formative years in Newport
Beach, California; and he bears no shame reflex in admitting he never wants to be
the smartest guy in the room.
“If I am the smartest guy in the room, then I am in the wrong room,” he noted.
“I always want to learn more.”
Still, Mike presents an esoteric fountain of knowledge when it comes to all things
real estate and his mere presence commands attention and respect. He renders
a no-nonsense approach to his business and is comfortable when it comes to
speaking his mind and enjoying the results: Home ownership is for everyone.
Mike was certainly born with a competitive spirit, but he prefers to shine the
light on those with whom he works. He understands that this business is one of
pure give and take. He gives credit where it is due and will take the blame when it
is necessary.
Not only does he continually feed his appetite for knowledge academically as an
instructor for the HUD/REO continuing education class at KCRAR, where he has
not only taught thousands of students but has also learned a great deal in return
from them, he also turns to veteran Realtor, Marshall Stapleton, who brokers Mike’s
Blue Springs, Missouri office, as a true genius from whom so much can be learned.
“Marshall is a legend,” Mike emphasized. “He is a Realtor Emeritus. He is
amazing, incredibly smart, energetic and an esteemed gentleman, as well. I could
not do what I do without him.”
It’d be a challenge to find someone who can simultaneously out perform and out
market Mike. For example, in 2008, he realized 1,148 real estate transactions and
had a total sales volume of $68.2 million. With sellers, he is all ears and will intently
listen to their needs, and buyers know that Mike will work tirelessly on their behalf
in order to fulfill their desires in home ownership. Backed by an extremely talented
8 | KCH&S STARS 2015
Mike Phillips | Century 21 All-Pro
TOP REAL ESTATE BROKER
1209 NW North Ridge, Ste. ABlue Springs, Missouri
816.229.29008620 NW Prairie ViewKansas City, Missouri
816.505.3338C21ofKC.com
team of agents, Mike remains dedicated to his
penchant for learning and spreads the wealth in
that regard.
“We achieve our fantastic productivity per person
ratio by training and teaching our staff hands-on
using the most advanced technology in the real
estate world,” he emphasized. “Our top 10 agents
have sold more houses this year than any other
local offices.”
One of Mike’s greatest passions rests in work
force, blue collar, affordable housing. No one else
has sold more HUD homes than he has. He
aggressively lists and markets them and takes full
advantage of all technologies to keep his listings
viable and active. Partnering with that interest is his
passion for diversity, and his office embraces all
cultures and enjoys team members of different ethnicities and lifestyles.
Mike is also well versed in the art of streamlining his operations. In addition to
his agents, he has a staff of four who are wholly committed to take on any and all
projects and are treated as business partners, not simply employees.
“We build careers here,” emphasized Mike. “My team is with me for the long term.”
Mike fancies himself somewhat of a matchmaker, too, when it comes to
effectively partnering buyers with Realtors. As he sees it, it is his job to make the
phone ring for his agents. He does this by “marketing the heck out of the listings”
on over 600 different websites.
“I like to match our buyer inquiries up to synchronize with our Realtors,
considering expertise in certain areas, the personality compatibility and social
communication style,” he said. “This way, everybody is very happy with who they
are working with.”
He has successfully learned to navigate his business with seemingly flawless
execution, but it truly takes an “all hands on deck” mindset to achieve that success.
“We are a competitive yet cohesive group of professionals with a ‘rising tide lifts
all ships’ mindset,” he noted. “Our office culture is important to our successes and
our agents well being and happiness. All of this reflects in the quality of our work
and in the end, the most important part, the satisfaction of our clients.”
KCH&S STARS 2015 | 9
STARS 2015For more information on Mike Phillips,visit him online at c21ofkc.com
S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
Don’t let the rookie title mislead you. Even though she has been a real estate agent
for a year, Sara Snook has the mindset and work ethic of a seasoned professional,
buoyed by the determination of one who truly wants to make a positive impact in
the industry. When she decided to make the transition from her former career in
financial services to real estate, it was as if she was destined to make her mark in
this arena.
“Being in real estate is something I have always wanted to do,” this Platte
County native and resident reflected. “I graduated from college with a degree in
Housing and Interiors and worked in interior design after college. Helping people
with their houses has always been an interest of mine, only now I do it in other ways.”
But before Sara made that leap to follow the true passions of her heart,
she spent 20 years working in financial services, but realizes the lessons and
experiences from that endeavor can still be readily applied to her work today.
“I worked for an investment company for 20 years,” she said. “But now I have
come back to my passion and help people with the biggest investment they will
ever make –– buying a home.”
Working as an agent for broker Stephen Smith of RE/MAX Revolution in
Gladstone, Missouri, Sara is licensed in both Kansas and Missouri and literally hit
the ground running when she began her business.
“I have been able to do a variety of transactions, including farms, residential and
small commercial,” she noted. She also has business partners in the auction and
large commercial arena which allows her to be ready to help no matter what the
property or situation.
Needless to say, Sara has built a strong repertoire of great business partners.
To what does she attribute such accelerated velocity with respect to her success?
“For me, it is all about client care,” she said. “I am very organized and stay on
top of things and I also love the variety of the work. My clients are my top priority.”
Sara still employs that designer eye; only this time it is less on paint color and
furniture placement and more specifically on structural issues, such as cracks in
the walls or foundation problems.
“As a representative of my clients, I look for imperfections in prospective houses.
It is my job to do everything in my clients’ best interests,” she explained. “It’s one
thing to not be satisfied with the paint color, as that is easy to change, but when
it comes to the bigger issues such as foundation and structural problems, that’s a
different story.”
Just as Sara provided investment advice to her clients when she worked in the
financial services industry, she still defers to the skills of providing wise counsel
and guidance to her clients.
10 | KCH&S STARS 2015
Sara Snook | RE/MAX Revolution
ROOKIE REAL ESTATE AGENT
2850 Kendallwood ParkwayKansas City, Missouri
816.225.4052SaraSnookHomes.com
“If I feel a particular home is a bad
investment, I will let my clients know,”
Sara said. “I want to ensure they make
a wise choice. I always do my due
diligence to make sure my clients are
fully informed.”
Sara is grateful and humbled by the
amazing support provided to her by
her Broker, and everyone in the office.
“I am surrounded by outstanding
professionals in my office,” emphasized Sara. “We are not in competition
with one another. Instead, we help each other out. I love the people I work
with, including my clients and business partners.”
While Sara focuses on being a true educator for her clients, she does
so by virtue of attentiveness to her own development.
“I continually set goals for myself which I review regularly to help stay
on track,” she emphasized. Sara has two degrees, including a Master’s
degree in Management and training in negotiation, as well as project
management.
All of that training has come full circle to allow Sara to be a trusted
advisor to her clients.
“My entire background has brought me to this point, and I can draw upon
the tools and information I have acquired over the years for each and every
transaction,” said Sara.
And if you inquired of Sara about her sales figures in the past year, the answer
does not come quickly. It’s not because she doesn’t keep track. It’s because her
focus is on a higher level.
“Nowhere in my business plan does it say ‘to sell the most real estate in Kansas
City,’” she commented. “My goal is to be the most professional and deliver a high
degree of client care.”
Highly involved within the community, Sara is a member of the National
Association of REALTORS®, the Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS®;
the Women’s Council of REALTORS®; and the Multiple Listing Service. She is
also very involved in Kickin’ for Kids which benefits the Children’s Miracle Network.
KCH&S STARS 2015 | 11
STARS 2015For more information on Sara Snook,visit her online at sarasnookhomes.com
S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
For Patty Farr, an independent RE/MAX agent and Broker/Owner of the House of
Dreams in Smithville and her newest location in Platte City, Missouri, her bottom line
is not measured in dollars and cents, but in acts of service rendered selflessly from
the heart. Being a real estate agent is simply a side benefit of who she truly is.
Patty grew up in the Platte County area so she knows this land like the back of
her hand. Born of homegrown sensibilities and a natural desire to be of service to
others, her undeniable heart of compassion can be seen in all she does. She loves
this area. It’s where she raised her two sons and it’s where she leaves footprints
of service all over the land. She eagerly maintains a steady finger on the pulse of
all the activity that makes her hometown exciting.
She is also the kind of real estate agent who is not afraid to throw on some
jeans and boots and trudge through a muddy field if that is what it takes to get the
job done and the property sold.
“I dress for the walk,” she noted. “I have walked many acres of land with clients.”
An award-winning and highly respected real estate agent specializing in the
Platte County and Clay County areas, Patty has extensive experience within the
rural and farmland in these areas, as well as the towns in these counties including
Platte City, Smithville and in all small towns throughout the area north of Kansas
City. Sure, she can assist buyers and sellers in a wide range of price brackets,
markets and neighborhoods, but her heart leans heavily towards the rural aspects
of real estate. In fact, out of the 189 closings she secured in 2014, roughly 75%
of them were located on rural routes.
“It’s all I know,” she confessed. “It’s where I grew up. I am really just a small
town, country person who appreciates friendly and honest people.”
As the recipient of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Award for Rural Development
multiple times through the years, Patty has secured her spot when standing on
the mantel of experienced rural real estate agents, and even though buying and
selling any type of property requires the proverbial stack of paper work, Patty
appreciates a mindset where a handshake can unofficially seal the deal.
“I get to work with some of the friendliest people in this market,” she smiled. “Not
only are they great people, but many of them become good friends.”
Not only is Patty a go-to realtor within the rural market, she is an educator, as
well. After all, she wants to make sure her clients get the best deal possible. She
understands that listing and marketing land for sale can be challenging, especially
when the market gets a bit persnickety. It’s one thing to just tidy up the property.
It’s another thing to get it ready for sale. Patty’s job is to ensure a property is ready
to list and it’s also her job to ensure that buyers get the best price possible on
that property.
12 | KCH&S STARS 2015
Patty Farr | RE/MAX House of Dreams
RURAL REAL ESTATE AGENT
1103 S. 169 Highway NSmithville, Missouri
816.873.03002000 Kentucky Ave.Platte City, Missouri
816.858.9009PattyFarr.com
House of Dreams
And understanding rural properties
is not just about knowing when to
lace up your work boots. It takes a
comprehensive understanding of the
lingo and environment.
“With a rural property such as
farmland, I have to know what is
tillable; what is treed and wooded and
what the farmer is currently making on
that property,” Patty explained.
Rural real estate can sometimes seem like a daunting matter to a lot of folks, but
Patty stands by her clients every (sometimes muddy!) step of the way. In fact, it’s
a good thing that Patty often has a bit of mud on her boots, as that is something
in which her clients can put their trust.
“They don’t care about my outside image and appearance,” she smiled. “These
are farmers. They just want to know I am doing everything in their best interests,
and if that means trudging across the field with them, then that is what I will
happily do.”
Patty remains consistently on top of her game and brings her all to the table so
the client can have the necessary tools, knowledge and information to confidently
engage in a successful transaction. As an experienced agent in rural properties,
Patty tirelessly tends to the details and can articulate about soil types, water rights
and zoning rights, all without losing anything in translation. She will also confidently
guide clients through a plethora of complicated issues, including property taxes,
easements and encumbrances, proximity to neighbors, overall infrastructure, and
perhaps even a good old story or two about the land and its previous owners.
When assisting clients in buying or selling rural property, it is imperative to select
an agent who can make the transaction seamless and, yes, even fun. Patty has a
long history of rural sales and is outstanding in her field, literally and figuratively.
Despite its laid back appeal and ambiance, rural real estate is a complex
business and should be handled by someone who truly understands the subject
matter. Patty has that understanding and is indispensible to her clients when it
comes to eradicating any surprises at closing time. Patty does her homework for
her clients, giving them the power of knowledge and peace of mind.
KCH&S STARS 2015 | 13
STARS 2015For more information on Patty Farr,visit her online at pattyfarr.com
S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
When Suzy Goldstein gave up her English and Public Speaking teaching career in 1974 to
pursue a career allowing her to expand upon her innate talents, passions and skills, she had
no idea at the time that a new door would open up that would allow her to continually open
doors –– front doors, that is –– to people all over the KC metro area.
With over 33 years of real estate experience, Suzy stands at the helm of The Goldstein
Team, a name that is synonymous with setting the gold standard in the real estate market,
particularly with respect to high-end, luxury, million-dollar homes.
Suzy essentially hit the ground running when she acquired her real estate license in
1983 and shows no signs of losing any acceleration now, delivering the best in service,
knowledge and expertise to her clients.
Suzy’s natural tenacity and unwavering enthusiasm led her to become an award-winning
Realtor from Day-1. A licensed Realtor in both Kansas and Missouri, she initially worked with
Kroh Brothers, which later become the J.D. Reece Company. In her first year, she was
heralded as Rookie of the Year, and as she continually gained momentum, she escalated
to Associate Broker and then a founding member of the Hallbrook Realty Team, which
positioned her to reign within the luxury real estate sector.
Suzy was hand-selected by Jerry Reece as one of four on-site agents when development
on the prestigious Hallbrook subdivision commenced in October of 1987.
“I was fortunately selected by Jerry Reece for the Hall family marketing, and that
connection put me in sync with the upper-bracket market,” recalled Suzy, who mainly
works with sellers now, but has three Buyer Agents on her team, as well as an expert
leasing agent.
“I have a special body of knowledge of homes in Hallbrook and am a community expert
for the neighborhood, considered to be the premier upper bracket development in the
city,” said Suzy. “I sold the last Hallbrook lot for nearly $1 million! Now our focus in this
community is on luxury re-sales.”
One of the most prestigious addresses in the metro area, Hallbrook encompasses 720
acres and is home to 485 families. Since its inception, the Hallbrook Team and the Goldstein
Team have been consistently recognized as one of the Top 10 Real Estate Teams in Greater
Kansas City, overseeing the sales of some of the most distinctive luxury homes and villas
in Leawood.
When people hire the Goldstein Team, they not only have access to leading industry
experts, but also are within arm’s reach of some of the best service providers in the
metro area.
“When you work with us, you also get our people, and we work with some of the most
awesome people,” said Suzy. “We are delighted to share our carefully honed resources ––
‘SUZY’S LIST’ –– with our clients. We expect the best to prepare our sellers for the market
and help our buyers tune-up after move-in, and our service providers are poised to deliver.”
As with any great success story, key players are an essential component, and The
Goldstein Team is no exception. Working alongside Suzy are son, Team Leader and
14 | KCH&S STARS 2015
The Goldstein Team | Suzy & Erich Goldstein
MILLION DOLLAR LISTING AGENTS
11150 Overbrook Road #150Leawood, Kansas
913.345.8877TheGoldsteinTeam.com
Associate Broker, Erich Goldstein; Lora Jones, Margaret Stewart and Cara Cowsert, Listing
Associates and Buyer-Agents; Leslie Courtney, Leasing and Property Management Specialist;
and Debbie Van Noy, Transaction Manager. Because of the tireless work efforts of this group,
the Goldstein Team has been awarded the Five Star Best in Client Satisfaction award by KC
Magazine for 11 years running and all are consistently recognized as Top Agents in Greater
Kansas City by the K.C. Business Journal.
Erich joined forces with Suzy in 2005 and brings to the table a strong background in
Graphic Design, which lends itself to the team’s innovative, aggressive and results-driven
marketing, online listings, and web presence. He enjoys working with Millennials, and he
assists many first-time homebuyers, often the children of Suzy’s long-time clients.
“I am 100% hands-on and promise the highest level of care from the day we list to the day
I accompany you to the closing table,” stated Erich.
“While I represent many of the metro’s million dollar listings and now work with many
‘empty-nesters,’ we have a robust branch of our business that caters to the young market
looking for family-oriented neighborhoods,” said Suzy.
Working in the million-dollar-plus is not for the faint of heart, however, and Suzy appreciates
that it is a special niche.
“I am considered one of the go-to agents for the million dollar listings,” she commented.
“It’s a small sorority/fraternity which requires a special body of knowledge, my forte!”
And Suzy has the resume by which to prove her point, boasting more luxury-home sales
in her career than any other Realtor or team in the area.
No matter the range of home value, The Goldstein Team treats every single home as if it,
too, is a million dollar residence.
“We include professional photography, create a targeted interactive website, beautiful
brochures, exceptional media presence-and reach out to identified Buyer Agents with
active clients,” explained Suzy. “We bring the exact same marketing attention, skills and
materials to all of our listings, over and under the $MM benchmark.”
The Goldstein Team continually attracts and secures exceptional listings because of the
high level of undivided attention to the client.
“There is no lack of communication with us,” Suzy noted. “We understand that buying or
selling residential real estate is an emotional experience, not just an intellectual exercise. After
all, it is the place where kids were raised and family gathers. It’s home.”
When working with clients in the million-dollar market, The Goldstein Team appreciates
that their clients have specific expectations and often demand a higher level of attention.
“These are very successful people and expect us to be professional home-marketing
experts. Million-dollar clients are not newbies. They know exactly what they expect and hire
us to get the job done,” explained Suzy. “I am the luckiest agent in the best profession. I
have the opportunity to work with the nicest people, many of whom become close friends.”
KCH&S STARS 2015 | 15
STARS 2015For more information on The Goldstein Team,visit them online at thegoldsteinteam.comor call Suzy’s iPhone at 816.589.8309
S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
SOLD FAST
It’s been said that the brightest stars are those who shine for the benefit of others. That
sentiment can be readily applied to the real estate professionals at Tradition Home Group
with RE/MAX Innovations, for whom delivering superior results for their clients is always at
top of mind.
Co-owners Shannon Stumpenhaus and Nickole Pittala understand that superior service
is not just what they put into their mission but also what their clients get out of it. They have
learned to successfully leverage their 25 years of combined service to not only meet and
exceed customer expectations, but they do it so well that people want to work with them
again and can’t wait to tell others about their positive experience. As a result, the majority of
their business is obtained through enthusiastic word-of-mouth, and when people choose to
partner with this award-winning real estate agency, they will discover that buying or selling a
home quite possibly embraces a new tradition in the real estate arena: agents who always
go the extra mile for their clients.
When Shannon and Nickole teamed up in early 2013, they created a real estate team
that continually exceeds the expectations of their clients. They consistently provide results
that stem from their knowledge of transactions, school districts, neighborhood information
and related services, such as mortgages, insurance and inspection information. If you have
a question about buying or selling a home within the Greater Kansas City area, Tradition
Home Group not only has the answer but also is the answer!
Shannon and Nickole actually worked together for another firm before establishing
Tradition Home Group, a decision that speaks to the enviable teamwork and compatibility this
partnership embraces.
“We have a great relationship,” noted Shannon. “We have a lot of respect for each other,
both in our similarities and in our differences.”
And it is in those differences that their true strength as a team arises, and as these two
enthusiastically point out each other’s strengths, it becomes clearly obvious that each is the
other’s biggest fan.
“Nickole is incredibly talented in marketing strategies and implementing new ideas,”
emphasized Shannon.
Nickole wastes no time in giving similar praise to her business partner, noting the exacting
standards to which Shannon holds herself accountable.
“She is the one who is very precise, and when she is presenting numbers, they are exact.
There is no gray area with her,” said Nickole. “And she always gives more than 100% of her
time, energy and efforts to each and every transaction.”
Helping to bring Tradition Home Group to the heights of success is a team of 10 driven
and experienced agents and five support staff members, all of whom work cohesively with
Shannon and Nickole by bringing a strong layer of talent and commitment to the organization,
which they all regard as family.
“Our staff is very important to us and we could not deliver these results or this experience
without them. They are very critical to what we do,” said Shannon. “They help us behind the
scenes so we can focus on selling and negotiating.”
Marketing/Listing Coordinator Annie Jennings appreciates the support she has received
from Shannon and Nickole since she began working with them.
16 | KCH&S STARS 2015
Tradition Home Group | RE/MAX Innovations
RISING REAL ESTATE TEAM
816.777.3252LiveLoveKCHomes.com
“Joining this team has been one of the best decisions I
have ever made,” she said. “Nickole and Shannon are very
forward thinking when it comes to marketing their business
and have great ideas that I am able to take and use my
creativity and expand upon. We truly are a family here and I
am so happy to be a part of it.”
Being a part of this family also means being held to a high
standard, which is the rule for this team, not the exception.
“We make sure that all of us are available at all times,”
stressed Nickole. “There is always a way for our clients to
reach someone in the office day and night. We are very particular about providing the utmost
in customer service.”
For Shannon, being a real estate agent is not just a job, but also a lifestyle. She loves
making the process of buying or selling a home happy and stress-free for her clients.
“I want this to be a good and positive experience for them,” she smiled. “Not only do I
make sure it is effortless for them, but also exciting.”
Nickole is just as passionate about hitting the ground running each day and added, “I like
to be the realtor to whom people can turn for clear and effective communication.”
“Reputation is everything,” emphasized Nickole. “You don’t get to choose how people
think of you.”
Shannon agreed. “We have a very strong work ethic. We expect that of ourselves and we
also demand it of our agents. The business can be taught, but work ethic cannot. A person
either has it or not.”
And what clients think of Tradition Home Group is evidenced in the bottom line, as
numbers don’t lie. So far in 2015, they are on pace to double their sales volume from 2014.
Getting to this level of success does not come without preparation, strategy and critical
thinking. The experts at Tradition Home Group rely on fail-safe methods of highly efficient
organization, proven systems and stellar presentation, and they want to minimize any
potential issues to the best of their abilities so their clients can truly enjoy the process and
receive optimum results.
This fast rising team knows exactly where they want to go and how they want to get there.
They keep pace with current marketing strategies and technologies and take full advantage
of multiple online resources to make the houses they list look the very best. They help their
clients navigate the entire process of buying and selling a home, and as a result, ensure a
smooth and efficient process.
When buying or selling a home with Tradition Home Group, it’s more of an enjoyable
experience than simply a transaction, and that is a wonderful tradition to have. The driving
force behind Tradition Home Group can best be summed up in three words: Passion.
Enthusiasm. Commitment…from start to finish. Helping clients successfully buy and sell their
homes is an instinct for this team.
KCH&S STARS 2015 | 17
STARS 2015For more information on the Tradition Home Group,visit them online at livelovekchomes.com
or call 816.777.3252 S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
Experienced realtor Diana Bryan-Smith wants you to love where you live. If she
achieves that feeling for her clients, she knows she has done her job.
It’s easy to see why Diana excels in her profession. Her friendly, approachable
and no-nonsense style is what makes folks gravitate to her. This Basehor, Kansas,
native with roots in Wyandotte and Leavenworth counties has always had a love of
farms and properties, so diving into the real estate industry was a perfect fit for her.
Even though she has an educational background in commercial art and graphic
design, it has been her unwavering love of the land and passion for helping clients
buy and sell homes that has kept her heart in this business.
Diana acquired her real estate license in 1997 and focused her efforts initially on
land sales. Within two years, she had found a niche perfectly studied for her: new
home sales. By 2007, she opened her own realty company – Speedway Realty, LLC –
and positioned herself as an owner/broker, providing services to both buyers
and sellers in all price ranges, both residential and commercial (and was highly
instrumental in brokering the Schlitterbahn project in Wyandotte County). However,
she has continually kept her finger on the pulse of new home communities.
“Piper Estates was the first development I worked on,” recalled Diana. This large
lot subdivision gave Diana the experience she needed to hone her skills and
cultivate her expertise, laying the groundwork for multiple new home communities
to come in which she was an integral force.
“It’s fun to create someone’s dream home and watch it take shape from the
ground up,” smiled Diana.
However, in order to get to that first spade, there are numerous steps that must
be taken before that dream home becomes a reality. While it may seem to an
outsider that a new home community seems to go up almost overnight, it truly is
an involved and often time-consuming process.
“It can take up to two years before you even turn a blade of dirt (in these new
home communities),” noted Diana. “You have to study the demographics and
make sure the product is a good fit for the area. There are so many variables to
consider and implement before we can even begin to build. We have to focus on
the logistics first.”
A good example of this process can be seen in communities designed for
senior living.
“In order to develop a senior living community, we have to make sure that
certain conveniences are within close proximity, such as a post office, hospital and
a grocery store,” explained Diana.
With a natural proclivity for seeing the big picture before that first piece of dirt is
interrupted, Diana enjoys working with builders to create exciting new home plans
and then send those off to the architects to become a reality.
18 | KCH&S STARS 2015
Diana Bryan-Smith | Speedway Realty
NEW HOME COMMUNITY AGENT
13793 Valleyview WayBonner Springs, Kansas
913.915.6500SpeedwayRealtyKC.com
One of Diana’s current projects is the Lei Valley Community in Bonner
Springs, Kansas. With Phase IV approaching kick-off, Diana is excited to
see this project come to fruition. This welcoming neighborhood boasts
plenty of walking trails, rolling hills, fishing ponds, a clubhouse and a pool.
It is the perfect place to build that first home or enjoy that empty nest. Of
course, one of the main attractions is the five-year tax rebate plan, which
allows homeowners to build up equity at a much quicker rate if they roll
it back into the home.
“That is definitely one of the perks to living here,” emphasized Diana.
“For two years, homeowners will get a 75% tax rebate and for three
years, it goes to 50%. Residents will get a portion of their taxes back for
five straight years.”
Working alongside two builders within the community, Diana anticipates
that there will be close to 300 homes when it is completed.
With her experience in developing new home communities, Diana
likens herself to being an undertaker of sorts for new homes. She has
become the go-to realtor to assume any leftover lots within a subdivision
and take over what the builders didn’t finish.
“We are like the cleanup crew,” Diana smiled. “We negotiate with the
banks to purchase the remaining lots so that we can finish the subdivisions.”
While Diana certainly enjoys exercising her new home community
prowess, that encompasses roughly half of her business, she still enjoys
the re-sale aspect in buying and selling.
Diana leverages her personal strengths as a means to grow and market her
business and makes sure to always have her clients’’ best interests at heart.
She is extremely persistent, excels at follow-through, and employs the latest in
marketing technologies.
“I also make sure I am available 24/7,” she said.
Diana has no shame reflex in admitting that she does eat, breathe and sleep real
estate, but she understands that is the nature of the business.
“To do this right, you have to remain focused,” she said. “And over the years I
have learned that it’s not about chasing the dollar; it is about chasing the deal.”
Positioning her team as “The Fastest Team in Town,” Diana is confident she can
produce amazing results for her clients.
“It’s a great market now,” smiled Diana. “New homes are selling quicker and we
have a lot of anticipated projects in our pipeline.”
KCH&S STARS 2015 | 19
STARS 2015For more information on Diana Bryan-Smith,visit her online at speedwayrealtykc.com
S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
Located near The Legends... New homes priced in themid $200’s are going up in The Estates of Connor Creek!
KCH&S STARS 2015 | 21
Kansas City’s PremierDesigner’s Resource Since 1956
Sebring & Company is Wholesale Only!Please contact your designer with your specific design needs.
SEBRING & COMPANY9261 Cody Street � Overland Park, KS 66214
913-888-8141www.sebringco.com
CLEANINGSERVICE LLC
Andrea’sAndrea’s
Let us cleanfor you
because you havebetter things
to do!
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIALLicensed/Insured
Call For a FREE Estimate!816-517-0448
NO SELLER’S CLOSING FEE!
Congratulationsto all the Stars!
thank you to all of our customers for making usthe #1 title company in kansas city!
Experience Our Commitment to Exceptional Customer Service
913.338.3232 WWW.CTITLE.COM
NOW WITH 9 LOCATIONS SERVING THE KC METRO!Lee’s Summit | N. Kansas City | Olathe | Overland Park | Parkville | Plaza | Prairie Village | South Overland Park | Tonganoxie
From single cabinets to room remodelsto entire home installations,
our expert artisans help turn the house you livein to the home you’ve always dreamed of.
KITCHENS | BATH | OFFICE | CLOSETS | WORKSHOP | ENTERTAINMENT
10201 E. 65th Street | Raytown, MO 64133
816.737.2300www.ShamrockCabinet.com
KC’S PREMIER CUSTOM KITCHEN CABINET DESIGN COMPANY
“Building Homes, Building Relationships” are four words that come to mind when considering
a builder to build your new home. James Engle Custom Homes has built the company both
inside and out on these principles. James Engle Custom Homes employs these principles in
every aspect of the home building process, leading the company to the top of its industry.
They continually strive to find new and innovative ways to improve their products, processes
and the customers’ experiences.
James Engle Custom Homes understands that building relationships with clients is
something to which every client is entitled. In order to meet their clients’ needs, they have to
understand and anticipate those needs. The James Engle Custom Homes team approaches
each project as if it were their own.
“Our clients always have the cell number of the principals of the company, as well as a
personal Construction Manager. Six scheduled client meetings and access to our ‘state of
the art’ online system that provides them with their own personal web site, keeps them
fully engaged with every step of the building process. The web site also allows them to
communicate with others involved in the home, such as Realtors and vendors, and the clients
can also view available selections, options and sign off on any change orders through this
web site,” explained Ben Tarwater, President of James Engle Custom Homes.
James Engle Custom Homes’ commitment to continually improving all areas of the
company comes from the fact that the company itself evolved out of a need for something
more than what Jim and his wife Cindy Engle were finding available when looking to build a
home for themselves 16 years ago. Ultimately, they took on the construction of their first
home themselves. Why, you might ask?
“’Why not?’ Is what we asked ourselves,” said Jim Engle, Owner and founder of James
Engle Custom Homes. That first home, which they sold because someone wanted to buy it
before it was completed, fueled their desire for something more.
“We learned so much in that first home and we still learn something new, something we
can pass on to our customers, with every home we build. Each new thing we learn only
enhances future customers experiences,” noted Jim.
Defined by keen attention to distinctive craftsmanship, a James Engle custom home
means a portfolio of numerous amenities, including open floor plans, luxurious master
bathrooms with free standing bathtubs and bookcases and gourmet kitchens, many
including separate prep kitchens, vaulted ceilings with highly detailed trim and other
innovative and desired features, typically only seen in homes at a much higher price. Further,
a majority of their plans also include covered outdoor living spaces.
It’s no secret that in addition to superior quality and construction, customer service is also
a top priority for this company, and it is a mission the entire team takes to heart.
“We believe in showing our clients that we are there for them, so every warranty request
is looked at by a James Engle Custom Homes employee. We then explain the next steps in
detail to the customer and warrantable items are completed by a James Engle Custom
Homes employee or an approved vendor of the company,” said Ben.
In addition, it is a policy for every employee to return phone calls and emails within
24 hours.
24 | KCH&S STARS 2015
James Engle Custom Homes
DISTINCTIVE CRAFTSMANSHIP AND
6905 Longview RoadOlathe, Kansas
866.782.2220JamesEngle.com
“I prefer not to call it a ‘policy,’ as our employees take pride in the fact that we respond
quickly, making it second nature. It is done without thinking about it at this point,” stated Kim
Brune, Vice President.
Further, all team members wear the badge of manager when it comes to embracing
their careers.
“We give each employee the authority to make decisions,” said Ben. “Each has the word
‘manager’ in their title. We continually teach, coach and help them to make educated
decisions that are in the best interest of our customers.”
Coming up with non-traditional ways to provide value has always been important to Jim.
“Forgoing the traditional ‘office’ concept was a risk,” said Jim. “There is no office at James
Engle Custom Homes. Each employee works from home or in the field. The money saved
by these measures is passed along to the client in the form of features typically found in
homes that embrace a much higher price point. A residual benefit from this is that we have
attracted great employees, some we would have missed out on if we were in a traditional
office setup. We know our employees see value in this. The lack of an office, combined with
the fact that we give them the authority to make decisions on their own, has led to high
employee satisfaction and extremely low turnover. Turnover is rampant in our industry and
our lack of it speaks volumes and only enhances our customer experience.”
Certainly any builder can build a home, but not every builder can turn an initial vision into
an exciting reality. James Engle Custom Homes is driven to remain on the cutting edge of
innovation, design and technologies. They not only integrate the latest technologies but often
incorporate unique ideas suggested by their clients. The experts at James Engle Custom
Homes are not only trusted advisors, but also interested listeners who will listen first to
understand and then reply, always keeping their clients’ interests in mind.
“When someone asks us if we can do something that perhaps we have never seen
before, we do our best to accommodate that request,” stated Ben. That type of request
often results in something that adds value to future plans.
In this day and age of the proverbial green movement in the home building industry, James
Engle Custom Homes keeps a close eye on those related practices and products.
“Building with an awareness of reducing impact, improving air quality and reducing cost
is something we take very seriously,” Ben stressed. “Customers want to know that they have
not only chosen to build a beautiful home that meets their needs in the sense of design, but
that it has been created with a thoughtfulness that the products used match the location the
home is built in.”
Additionally, as part of their desire to not only build exceptional homes but also a sense
of community in the process, James Engle Custom Homes remains actively involved in a
host of community service efforts.
“As a company, we feel very fortunate for the opportunity to give back to our community,
we focus our charitable efforts on those that are close to our employees and our customers
and we feel it is our responsibility to continue to be a part of the lives of our customers.”
Ben stated.
KCH&S STARS 2015 | 25
STARS 2015
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE BUILDER
For more information on James Engle Custom Homes,visit them online at jamesengle.com S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
It’s impossible not to like Austin Roeser, owner of Roeser Homes, the award-
winning builder in Kansas City for that exceptional custom-built home. His cool
and confident demeanor is welcoming and inviting. He definitely knows his craft
but also presents as one who is always willing to learn more. He brings to the table
an eye for detail while simultaneously embracing his creative style for an end
product that is nothing short of inspiring. In fact, every home built by Roeser
Homes deserves an enthusiastic “Welcome” mat right outside the front door. Once
you cross the threshold into one of his designs, it’s easy to feel right at home and
even easier to imagine yourself living in one of them.
Roeser stands among a highly reputable crowd of builders in the metro area.
This Wichita native and Kansas State University graduate was fortunate to cut his
building teeth honing his skills under the guidance of fellow builder Jim Engle over
a decade ago, and it was through that experience he ultimately discovered his
innate talents for the trade.
In 2005, Roeser literally took pen to paper and drew out his first design. It
wasn’t long before several more innovative designs followed and when he reached
the pinnacle of his career with 12 spec homes the following year, he knew he had
to organize his forces in order to create a custom home business that would give
him the opportunity to serve a growing demand for his work.
A self-described driven and hard-working individual, Roeser demands much of
himself but also appreciates the team efforts within his organization that continually
allow him to be one of the most highly-respected custom home builders in the
city. He is uniquely understanding and a willing listener, but he also has a creative
voice that should not go unheard. To that end, he has surrounded himself with a
dedicated team of experts in the industry that allow him to focus on his strengths
while at the same time giving him the opportunity to position Roeser Homes as the
go-to custom home builder.
Vital to his team are project managers John Judge and Mike Martin; assistant
project manager Jesus Gordillo; Vice-president Thad Snider; office manager Trish
Logsdon; and interior designer, Kimber Owens. Each member of the team adds
his or her own unique layer of talent, expertise, and passion to the endeavor, and
the unwavering commitment all of them display does not go unnoticed by Roeser.
“We have a phenomenal group of people working together to build an amazing
product. We wouldn’t be this good if not for our fun quirky staff,” said Roeser.
And when it comes to the “wow” factor in the custom home market, “amazing”
may be an understated word by which to describe a Roeser-built home.
“I believe that what sets us apart can be found in the details,” noted Roeser.
“We not only provide our own input, but we allow the client to customize the home
26 | KCH&S STARS 2015
Austin Roeser | Roeser Homes
CUSTOM HOME BUILDER
913.220.7477RoeserHomes.com
ROESER HOMESR
without assessing a change fee. We are highly flexible when it comes to modifying
things and actually enjoy taking a new approach to an existing floor plan. It is not
uncommon for us to modify our floor plans to meet the wants, needs and lifestyle
of the client.”
In fact, Roeser prefers it that way. He is not a builder who defers to stock floor
plans and actually encourages his customers to boldly put their ideas out in the open.
“We love to see something approached differently and enjoy seeing our buyer’s
style incorporated into our existing ideas,” smiled Roeser. “It’s fun for us to begin
the process with one idea and to end with so much of the buyer’s style incorporated
into the final product. It’s a great feeling to see their style ultimately come through
the initial design, and with each customer, it’s so different. Our buyers help feed
the creative change with their ideas and styles they want in their own personal
home. It’s not uncommon for us to change the design of a floor plan based on the
feedback of our buyers.”
Roeser and his team are not afraid, either, to take a few risks, color outside the
lines and run with ideas that otherwise might seem a bit on the edge, but that’s
what makes this business exciting for him.
“Sure, we still cater to the current home styles that include open floor plans,
outdoor living spaces, and beautiful kitchens, but it is the details within those
spaces that make each home unique,” stated Roeser.
Even though Roeser Homes is not a million dollar home builder, that doesn’t
mean their customers won’t feel like millionaires living within these spaces.
“While we do build homes in the $700,000-$800,000 range, our typical price
point falls between $450,000-$550,000, which still allows us room to incorporate
the customizing elements,” explained Roeser.
Roeser is unafraid to roll up his sleeves and wipe the sweat off his brow when
tackling each individual design. After all, he is not building a house; he is building
a home.
“It is our ultimate goal to build a home expressly for the customer,” he noted.
“And, again, that shines through in the details, which are significantly different in
each home and from other homes in the area.”
A Roeser-built home truly cannot be expressed in mere words. When Austin
Roeser builds a home, he is not just constructing walls, flooring and a roof. He is
creating an experience.
“There is a certain way a house should feel when you walk into it,” he explained.
“It’s not just a box with trim. It must convey the warmth and style you want and
demand in your own home.”
KCH&S STARS 2015 | 27
STARS 2015For more information on Roeser Homes,visit them online at roeserhomes.com S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
Imagine what it would be like to reside in a comfortable, modern home with
no pesky drafts, no temperature variations between rooms, and…drum roll,
please…very minimal heating and cooling bills, if any.
Welcome to the Passive House standard. Developed in Germany in the
early 1990s, the Passive House (also known as Passivhaus), is an extremely
energy-efficient building that boasts a comfortable interior climate that can
be maintained with minimal active heating and cooling systems. Compared
to traditional construction, Passive House design and construction is
subject to a host of rigorous criteria, balanced by a keen eye for detail
and extensive levels of communication. This type of building standard can
only be met and delivered when an exceptional team of experts is at the
helm, providing the highest-level possible of interior comfort and energy
performance. It is a synergistic approach brought to fruition by a team of
designers, architects, engineers, building scientists, craftspeople and
material suppliers that remain at the top in their respective fields.
“This type of building has been in the U.S. since the early 2000s and is
growing exponentially,” noted David Schleicher, President of Prairie Design
Build and a third generation carpenter and builder. David has taken his years of experience
in framing and construction of high-end custom homes and has partnered it with specialized
training from the US Passive House Institute. He is a Licensed General Contractor and
Certified Passive House Consultant. He joins forces with David Hawkins, Building Scientist
and also a Certified Passive House Consultant, who brings valuable expertise with high-
performance design and construction methods.
David indicated that a Passive House is not something you necessarily see or observe,
but something you truly experience.
“You can’t just take a picture of it; you have to feel it,” he explained. “With Passive House
building, there are no drafts and no cold and hot spots. The house maintains a very even
temperature. In fact, when you put your hand on a window pane, the pane is very close to
room temperature.”
To achieve the Passive House standard, actual performance requirements must be
perfectly met, which include superior building envelope (which involves an airtight barrier and
high performance windows), superior insulation, balanced ventilation, efficient mechanicals
and passive elements, such as heating from the sun.
While Passive Houses still use electricity for lighting, electronics and appliances, the
primary heating source is the sun, the incidental heat that is created by the appliances, and
also by the people living in the home. Because heat is retained so well from these passive
sources within the home, the additional active heating required is greatly reduced. This means
that mechanical systems can be much smaller and run less often, resulting in drastically
lower energy bills for homeowners. The diminished energy needs of a Passive House make
the addition of alternative energy generation methods (i.e. solar) an attractive option, rather
than relying solely on the electric company.
Additionally, one can breathe easily while living in a Passive House, as the home is
controlled with specialized ventilation, which replaces stale or polluted air with fresh, outdoor
air, while simultaneously keeping the humidity at bay. With a traditional home, air comes
28 | KCH&S STARS 2015
David Schleicher & Team | Prairie Design Build
PASSIVE HOUSE BUILDER
6905 Longview RoadShawnee, Kansas
913.441.0000PrairieDesignBuild.com
through cracks in the envelope and any residual moisture can wreak havoc on the structure,
causing wood rot and mold to develop. In a Passive House, a much healthier environment
is created. Because the home is built airtight, all the air in the home is brought in and filtered
through the specialized mechanical ventilation system. Also, the incorporation of high-
performance windows and top-of-the-line insulation create a quiet and peaceful ambiance
within the home.
Admittedly, the upfront costs of building a Passive House can be greater than constructing
a traditional home, but the savings realized over time will eventually outweigh the initial
investment for a bountiful rate of return.
In addition to new construction, the Passive House standard can be employed into
existing homes, even if you just want to install new windows or replace the siding. Prairie
Design Build is currently retrofitting a home in Lake Quivira.
Built in 1958, this residence will soon enjoy its Passive House characteristics while still
maintaining its original footprint, framing and other original elements. The initial demolition
began in December of 2014, with an anticipated completion date of September 2015.
The walls on this Passive House are 15 inches thick. The new drywall on the interior
walls is attached to 2x2 furring strips, which help to protect the airtight interior air barrier
membrane, which runs continuously through the interior of the home.
“Airtightness is the most important aspect of a passive house,” explained David. “The air
barrier is attached to the interior surface of the home’s original 2x4 framing and the cavities
between are filled with blown-in fiberglass insulation.”
The home’s original 1x12 horizontal sheathing is on the exterior of the original 2x4 framing.
A new weather resistant barrier has been overlaid on the existing sheathing with taped
seams, thus protecting the sheathing from the elements while simultaneously providing a
layer of airtightness. On top of that barrier are two layers of 3” EPS foam sheets, followed by
a second new weather resistance barrier with taped seams. From there, new ¾” horizontal
and ¾” vertical furring strips are secured back to structural framing, and finally new and
original vertical rough cedar siding is attached on the exterior. These walls are specifically
designed to withstand numerous lifetimes with the anticipation that minimal, if any, repairs will
be required. And equally important is that, compared to traditional home construction, this
retrofit Passive House employs three times more insulation in the walls and ceiling than the
minimum that code requires.
The windows of this home are certified windows from Klearwall, which are made in Ireland
using German engineered hardware. They are triple pane, argon filled and rely on multiple
gaskets within the window frame to ensure an airtight seal.
The interior of the house reflects a mid-century modern vibe, with natural wood contrasted
against bright, clean surfaces that are incorporated throughout the home. The white oak
hardwood floors complement the walnut cabinetry.
“Passive House building is going to gain in popularity,” noted David. “Energy is not
getting any cheaper and this is a way of future proofing yourself from the rising cost of
energy. A Passive House increases the performance of the house, maintaining the investment
and adding value over time.”
KCH&S STARS 2015 | 29
STARS 2015For more information on Prairie Design Buildand the Passive House concept,go online at prairiedesignbuild.com S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
When it comes to maintenance-provided homes, it’s tough to beat the
level of experience that Tom French, owner of Tom French Homes, brings
to the industry.
For over three decades, this Kansas City native has used unparalleled
craftsmanship and award-winning designs to create premier custom homes
throughout the metro area. Tom has also been a strong and respected
leader when it comes to developing his numerous communities, town
homes, patio homes, single-family homes, and custom homes within
Johnson County. When it comes to maintenance-provided communities,
the accolades continue to reign supreme.
“When people discuss maintenance-provided homes, the Tom French
name immediately comes to mind,” noted Susan Hoskinson, real estate
agent with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate and marketing agent
for Tom French Homes.
While maintenance-free living has typically appealed to empty-nesters
ready to downsize, it is also an attractive option for young working couples
and singles of any age. They can enjoy a luxury home without the hassle,
inconvenience, and costs required to maintain a typical residence.
“I think it is the level of experience we bring to our clients that sets us
apart,” said Tom. “When building a maintenance-provided community, it is
important to have one builder to allow for the consistency of the project.”
Tom’s history in Kansas City home building has allowed long-term
relationships with trusted subcontractors, ensuring consistent high
quality end results. The Tom French signature of quality can be found in
the details. Extensive trim packages, pleasing color palettes, luxurious
wood flooring, and carefully chosen tile accents are inspiring touches that
savvy homebuyers have come to expect from Tom French Homes.
“Our lower priced homes are finished with the same care as the higher
priced ones,” emphasized Susan. “When you walk into any of these
homes, whether it’s a $300,000 one or an $800,000 one, you can
instantly tell it is a Tom French Home.”
Because Tom French Homes has set the standard for what it means to
live in a casual, yet luxurious environment, it is no wonder that he remains
at the forefront of this industry niche.
When pricing these homes, full transparency is something Tom
demands of himself and his team.
30 | KCH&S STARS 2015
Tom French | Tom French Construction
MAINTENANCE PROVIDED HOME BUILDER
15106 GlenwoodOverland Park, Kansas
913.387.0188TomFrenchHomes.com
“We price these homes as they
are,” he explained. Of course, additional
upgrades are available and Tom French
Homes will work with clients to expand
on ideas.
“Our homes can be semi-customized
for the buyer and we can modify
our designs within certain parameters,”
said Tom.
Tom French Homes also relies on
name brand suppliers and products.
Tom’s wife Gayle keeps her finger
on the pulse of all floor plan designs
and finishes, working closely with the
architects and clients to achieve the
ideal result.
Tom French Homes currently has five
maintenance provided communities in
various phases of development, including
Cross Point Creek in Lenexa; the Villas
of Highlands Ranch and Tuscany Piazza
Townhomes in Leawood; and Gatewood
Villas and Covington Court in Olathe.
The maintenance-provided services within these communities include lawn
mowing, fertilization, weed control, lawn irrigation, snow removal, trash collection,
and maintenance of common areas. Attached townhomes also receive expanded
maintenance such as exterior painting, roof and gutter replacement, and building
insurance (a portion of which is included through the individual community’s home
owners’ association).
What truly drives Tom to continue delivering a superior product is the satisfaction
it brings him at the end of the day.
“One of the biggest things I enjoy about this job is being able to give our customers
great value for their money,” smiled Tom.
KCH&S STARS 2015 | 31
STARS 2015For more information on Tom French Construction,visit them online at tomfrenchhomes.com
or call 913.484.2839. S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
Over the past four decades, the experts at
SUMA Design & Construction have mastered
traditional and Tuscan styling of homes and are
now motivated by a more modern style with
crisp, clean lines.
That gravitation towards a contemporary
look is evidenced in the progressive architecture
Mark employs. His company keeps pace with
the ever-evolving forms of technology and
ushering in those measures by incorporating
into his homes, for example, the technology
that will support Google Fiber and charging
stations for mobile devices and computers,
all designed with the mindset that, even
though technology does tend to make life a
bit impersonal, they can bring families closer
together.
“We have simplified our designs and concentrated on lighting to set the
moods, the electronics to help communicate with our world, and the materials to
help eliminate the clutter and outside noise to give us peace and to let us relax,”
he explained.
At SUMA Design & Construction Company, homes are not just four walls, a
foundation and a ceiling; they are an art form. The SUMA style is simpler and the
detailing is concentrated in specific areas.
“I believe contemporary design focuses on the space indoors and out,” he
noted. “I put great emphasis on the newer and exciting forms of products from
lighting to 12 foot scissor doors to tiles and hardwood all the way to electronics.
We make our spaces cleaner and exciting.”
Customers can also be assured that Mark and his team are hands-on throughout
the entire building process, ensuring that he hears his customers’ voices loud and
clear. It is his goal to make sure that each home is specifically made to reflect each
customer’s tastes and lifestyle.
Even though SUMA Design & Construction Company keeps its focus on all the
changes in the world that impact the home building industry, one thing from which
this company will never waver is its values.
“Our values have not changed,” commented Mark. “We still adhere to quality,
energy efficiency and style, but what has changed is the look. And we build each
home as if we were going to live in them ourselves.”
KCH&S STARS 2015 | 33
STARS 2015For more information on SUMADesign & Construction,visit them online at sumadesigninc.com S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
Jim and Machelle RiffeRiffe Homes & Development
With over half a century of serving customers as a custom home building family
in greater Kansas City, third generation Master Builder Jim Riffe continues the
family’s legacy. With a keen passion for architecture and design, he has carved
out his own legacy as an upper bracket innovator in custom home design and
construction.
For the past 30 years, Jim’s unwavering attention to his craft makes him not
only a one-in-a-million builder, but also a once in a lifetime builder when it comes
to bringing that million-dollar experience to life.
“Jim has always been about the product. He loves building homes, but his laser
focus has always been the design and how great design translates into a superior
experience for the people who live there,” Machelle Riffe, Jim’s wife and marketing
specialist for the company said.
Jim believes that architecture exerts tremendous influence on the quality of life.
He works closely with his buyers to understand them and how they live in their
home. He is committed to the home’s function, but is not afraid to reach outside
the box to create spaces that excite the senses and challenge conventional ideas.
“I believe a home should be more than a collection of drywall boxes for rooms,
fit together to make a house. That approach is easy and cheap, but it can be a
depressing place to live,” he said. “Truly good architecture calls to you. You want to
be there. It provides warmth, security, inspiration, comfort, drama and excitement.”
While Jim has spent a lifetime career shaping his craft, he has also come to
understand that innovative design requires stepping outside his comfort zone.
Like any artistic endeavor, it does not come without risks. The first real test came
in 2003, when he opened Woodland Shores, an upper-bracket luxury lakeside
community in Lee’s Summit.
“I wanted to drive a new stake in the housing market. I wanted to show people
that Woodland Shores would be beyond anything they had seen,” he said.
To accomplish this goal, Jim worked closely with Jim Vandervorste, BVZ
Architects in Colorado. They began fine-tuning a concept they had tossed back
and forth for years. The result was the Timberlake, a Colorado inspired timber,
glass and stone masterpiece. The home was the birth of “The Edgeless House”
and it was like nothing Kansas City had ever seen.
“That home was the pinnacle of my professional energy. It was the gelling of
two guys who had devoted their lives to architectural design. That was a turning
point for me. That’s when it all came together and I committed once and for all to
the idea that the extra effort and long hours hammering out the right design was
worth it,” Jim noted.
34 | KCH&S STARS 2015
MILLION DOLLAR HOME BUILDER
1800 NE Blue Heron DriveLee’s Summit, Missouri
816.537.7000RiffeHomes.com
At the heart of the edgeless house
was a curved wall of commercial glass
surrounded by huge timber beams and
stone. Elements used throughout the home,
parallel the native beauty of the great
outdoors. They pierce through the glass
window wall and draw the eye outside
while blurring the distinction between the
inside and outside environments of the
home. Rooms are replaced by spaces layered on top of spaces defined by
architectural technique rather than walls. More than two dozen key architectural
features are carefully orchestrated in order to achieve the full experience.
“It takes a deep understanding of how these pieces interplay. Each architectural
technique is subtly orchestrated in concert with the design, form and function of the
home. When it all comes together, it’s just your favorite space to be in,” Jim said.
As his career progressed, his commitment to design became the driving force
in not only the homes he builds, but in the new homes communities he creates.
Recently, Jim opened Woodland Trails, an outdoor lifestyle community in the southern
sector of the Lee’s Summit school district, a major growth area for the region.
Here Jim brings his commitment to design to over 500 acres. He incorporates
his edgeless architecture ideology into a stunning pool complex constructed with
giant timbers, stone, and water features that mimic the rolling terrain, craggy bluffs
and native oaks. Miles of paved walking trails meander throughout Woodland Trails.
“I wanted to bring this concept to a bigger pallet. The community design and
layout is intended to draw residents into the great outdoors and expand their own
living space beyond their driveway,” he said.
As a lifetime student of design and the impact it exerts over the quality of
people’s lives, Jim has come full circle. By leveraging everything he has learned in
the Johnson and Jackson County luxury housing markets, he has created an
extraordinary lifestyle experience in a move-up market that appeals not only
growing families, but also empty nesters.
“Jim has spent a career learning that great architecture is like a magnet. It
impacts you on such a personal level. You crave it without fully understanding
why,” Machelle said.
To Jim, that is the ultimate reward. To create a space that beckons you home.
KCH&S STARS 2015 | 35
STARS 2015For more information on Riffe Homes & Development,
visit them online at riffehomes.comTo see more community and home photos,
visit woodlandshores.com and woodland-trails.com S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
Photo by Paul Bonnichsen
If you’ve ever heard the expression, …., then perhaps you
need to fill in the rest of that sentiment with
. Although I cannot speak
for the rest of you, I can say that I would greatly consider that enviable option if the
opportunity was afforded to me.
When you first meet Bruce, if you sense an easy going, down-to-earth, humble,
trustworthy, and highly approachable individual, then please don’t abandon that
initial conclusion. While one look at his breath-taking portfolio of luxury custom
homes he and his team have designed and built over the years should instantly
catch your attention, it is his warm and inviting personality that will keep that
attention. He definitely knows his craft and has hundreds of awards and
accolades to prove that, but what matters most to him is that he and his
outstanding team envision and build homes that ultimately engage, satisfy and
capture the homeowner’s heart.
“I enjoy meeting people and talking with them,” emphasized Bruce. “There is
great satisfaction and joy in taking a vision they have in their mind and bringing it
to completion.”
Bruce and his team bring incredible raw talent to the table and can essentially
take an idea loosely scratched upon a piece of paper and anticipate what the
customer will enjoy when the home finally comes to fruition, all while simultaneously
meeting budgets and expectations every step of the way. It’s not unusual for
customers to sing the praises of this exceptional homebuilder when it comes to not
only taking into consideration what they like, but also what they don’t like.
“I have had customers tell me that they were unexpectedly thrilled with an end
result that not only took into consideration their likes and dislikes, but also how we
knew exactly what they would ultimately prefer in a home,” stated Bruce.
That exceptional anticipation of customer expectations is the bar that B.L. Rieke
has set unbelievably high, and is one that this builder continues to raise.
As Kansas City’s premier custom homebuilder, B.L. Rieke Custom Home
Builders (also known as B.L. Rieke & Associates, Inc.), Bruce founded his business
in 1989 with his wife, Toni. A native Kansan and son of a foundation contractor,
Bruce was already familiar with a strong work ethic and has never been afraid to
roll up his sleeves and wipe the sweat off his brow. He learned all about running
a business from his dad and together with Toni—also a native Kansan who grew
up learning to operate a farm—joined forces to deliver the best in custom home
building. Since then, they have set the standard for premier luxury living in the
metro area and beyond.
36 | KCH&S STARS 2015
Bruce & Toni Rieke | B.L. Rieke Custom Homes
PREMIER DREAM HOME BUILDER
14352 W 96th TerraceLenexa, Kansas
913.599.3393BLRieke.com
This hard-working couple began honing their skills by flipping houses
before transitioning to building spec homes and even their own personal
homes. They have been extremely hands-on in creating a thriving and
successful business from the ground up. In the early 2000s, B.L. Rieke
began to focus its efforts on constructing superior custom homes,
ultimately setting the standard in innovation, functionality and quality.
Because of this dynamic team’s creativity, foresight, and courage to color
outside the lines when implementing new ideas and technologies, they
have positioned themselves as the go-to builder when their customers
demand nothing but the best.
Aside from the quality of work this group delivers, it also adheres to a
strong focus on consistent open and honest communication harmoniously
partnered with top-notch customer service throughout all phases of the
building process.
The customer has the ability to completely customize every element
within the home, so B.L. Rieke relies on a strong force of trusted and
experienced subcontractors and suppliers who work with the homeowners
to select the best products and services to fully customize their home.
“The detail we put into these houses is unbelievable,” noted Bruce. “And to see
the ‘wow’ expression on our customers’ faces, well, there’s nothing quite like it.”
Bruce is quick to acknowledge Toni’s seemingly unparalleled design prowess and
talent when it comes to the homes they construct. He credits her with transforming
these homes into signature statements and styles of the individual homeowners.
“She is really the unsung hero here,” he reflected. “Toni is greatly involved with
each design and floor plan and is amazing at what she comes up with. Additionally,
our daughter Savannah lends incredible talent to all of our media articles, web
postings, and social media profiles.”
B.L. Rieke was founded upon the principles of exceptional design and quality,
and from that the company will never waver. Along with their experienced team of
managers, designers, and superintendents, they strive to ensure that the entire
building process is not only an efficient one, but also an enjoyable one.
A B.L. Rieke home is not just a house, it is a dream-come-true, built not only
with the best in products, design and services, but also completed upon a strong
foundation of character, trust and integrity. Let the statistics speak for themselves:
With 1,156 homes built to date, along with 478 awards, 211 years of combined
experience and 1,708 satisfied customers, B.L. Rieke understands what is means
to say
KCH&S STARS 2015 | 37
STARS 2015For more information on B.L. Rieke Custom Homes,visit them online at blrieke.com S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
40 | KCH&S STARS 2015
3023 MAIN STREET, KANSAS CITY, MO
816.756.3030WWW.ABCUTLERY.COM
WUSTHOFSALE
OCTOBER3RD
:
Consignment Furniture Store
9012 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, KS 66212
913.381.8022www.couchestocurios.com
Your One Stop Shop for Home Decor,Framed Art and Lamps
“High Style without High Prices”“High Style without High Prices”
Don’t Let MosquitoesBUG You This Season!
UNITED MOSQUITO& FLY CONTROL
CALL US TODAY!913.558.3814 � UnitedKC.com
Ask about our fly control systems for horse stables.
Take Back Your Yard!
Let United Mosquito & Fly control design a custom solutionfor your yard. Instead of swatting mosquitoes,
you’ll be enjoying your yard and grounds all summer long.
Harlan C. Parker Ins Agcy IncHarlan Parker, Agent
13095 South Mur-Len RoadOlathe, KS 66062
Bus: [email protected]
Jason S. Parker, Agent13095 South Mur-Len Road
Olathe, KS 66062Bus: 913-764-0555
All it takes is three words to understand why Total Home Remodeling is a standout
in the whole house remodeling arena: Those three words
are not just a motto or a banner to which this company gives lip service. They
represent the trifecta of perfection upon which each project is generated, created
and ultimately delivered.
Thinking outside the box and coloring outside the lines are standard practices
for this company. What might seem impossible on the surface quickly transitions
from a “don’t worry; we can handle this” challenge to an exciting and inspiring
product.
No matter how big or small the project is, they have a wealth of ideas and
solutions that can readily turn any remodeling opportunity into refreshing results.
However, there are a few inarguable truths about any home remodeling project.
It will be messy. It will rattle your schedule for a bit. It may even make you
question your sanity as you wonder why you decided to take on such a challenge
in the first place. Fortunately, it’s the end result that counts, and when you partner
with the skilled experts at Total Home Remodeling, you can remain confident they
will not only make sure the end result is more than you could have expected, but
they also have a strong commitment to ensure the journey getting there is as easy,
enjoyable, and as stress-free as possible. And these folks have something even
more to offer: They make the process fun.
“From the start, we create a schedule and stick to it, setting all expectations
upfront and out in the open,” noted owner Pat Strand. “We work hard to minimize
any disruptions the project will have on our clients and we will listen to their
expectations of us while we complete the work. It’s a team effort for us and
for them.”
This team of talented and experienced individuals at Total Home Remodeling
enjoy a dynamic mix of engaging personalities, each of whom brings something
uniquely different to the table. Pat clearly knows his place within that mix.
“I am a people person,” he emphasized. “I enjoy meeting with and talking with
people. I love to interact with our clients and get to know them.”
It’s no secret that people genuinely like working with this company. After all, they
don’t push high pressure sales tactics on their clients and their down-to-earth,
no-nonsense and upbeat personalities are a strong reflection of this company’s
easy-going demeanor. When you are with them, you can’t help but feel right at
home, and that is also the feeling they work to provide you with the final product.
Once your remodeling project is completed, their wish for you is that your home
is the place to which you come at the end of the day with joy and excitement.
42 | KCH&S STARS 2015
Pat Strand & Team | Total Home Remodeling
WHOLE HOUSE REMODELER
11641 W. 83rd TerraceLenexa, Kansas
913.227.4149TotalHomeKC.com
“Everyone here is great,” noted Vanessa Brouillette,
Designer. “We care about our clients, our products and
each other. Everyone just seems to get along so well and
that makes the process so much easier.”
The team at Total Home Remodeling is built upon each
member’s ability to fully exercise his or her innovative
prowess. Everyone brings to the table a specific layer of
talent and creative finesse. Exterior sales professional Jake
Matthew and production manager Matt Preston continually
give their best while maintaining open and honest lines of
communication every step of the way. That, coupled with
Vanessa’s keen eye for the best in design elements, form
and function, give testament to this company’s ability to
produce award-winning results.
Working with Total Home Remodeling means igniting
excitement, ideas and building relationships. It also
means harmoniously blending their expertise, talents and
suggestions with the client’s insight and desires. They
appreciate that today’s consumer is technologically savvy
and informed. It’s rarely a matter of not knowing what they
want. It’s simply an issue of figuring out the best means by
which to implement those ideas and desires.
“People know what they want,” explained Pat. “It is our job to simply guide and
educate them based on our areas of expertise and experience.”
For example, Vanessa excels at bringing a client’s budget and space
requirements together to create an end result that not only meets the client’s
expectations, but also typically exceeds them.
“We believe that nothing is impossible, and even when a client is working with
a small budget, we can still make something happen to get what the client wants,”
stressed Vanessa. “Our goal is to make the house joyful and enjoyable when we
have completed the project.”
So go ahead and indulge in the final product. It’s your home, and every one
deserves to indulge on occasion. The best part in this particular story is that you
get to indulge yourself every single day, and Total Home Remodeling would expect
nothing less from you.
KCH&S STARS 2015 | 43
STARS 2015For more information on Total Home Remodeling,visit them online at totalhomekc.com S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
There are those moments in life for which no words are necessary. When you walk
into a home that has the Ault Design – Construction touch to it, the only thought
that comes to mind is inspired. This architectural design and construction services
firm has but one thing in mind –– providing services that respond to each project’s
individual requirements. They do this by not only completely meeting the client’s
expectations, but at the same time incorporating a design that perfectly blends
with the home’s aesthetics and surrounding environment.
An award winning firm, Ault Design – Construction is known for its exceptional
high-end custom remodel jobs. They take the project from concept to completion
in seemingly effortless fashion, with an end result that speaks for itself. To have a
home remodeled by the experts at Ault Design – Construction means embracing
an experience that will be remembered for many years to come.
Owner Scott Ault has had his hands in the construction arena for over a quarter
of a century specializing in cabinetry and home construction. When the opportunity
came to partner with his sister, Debra Giffin, five years ago, Scott transitioned to
the high-end interior renovation remodel arena and has not looked back since.
“It’s all about the quality,” noted Kelly Lewis, General Manager. ”The designs
take shape in Scott’s mind and then he stretches them a bit, thinking a bit further
outside of the box than others.”
Making a client’s vision come to fruition is the goal for Ault Design – Construction.
Scott maintains a very hands-on presence throughout each project and refuses to
entertain the word impossible.
“That word is not in our vocabulary,” emphasized Kelly. “If a client wants
something done, then we find a way to meet that request.”
Giving strong testament to that effect is a current project on which the experts
at Ault Design – Construction have been working. Sitting peacefully on about six
acres of land in Spring Hill in an unincorporated part of Johnson County is an old
farmhouse that, if walls could talk, would most likely have page-turning stories to
tell. Now under a full remodel and renovation, this residence will soon capture new
and exciting stories that will undoubtedly be shared for generations to come.
The original home was built around the turn of the 20th century and gives strong
character to the environment in which it sits. Over the years, the home has enjoyed
several room additions but the current owners wanted to breathe new life into it.
“The owner’s main residence is in San Diego but they wanted a home in a
central location in the US to which all seven of their kids and their families could
come for a visit,” explained Kelly.
44 | KCH&S STARS 2015
Scott Ault | Ault Design –– Construction
INTERIOR RENOVATIONS REMODELER
1212 SE Broadway DriveLee’s Summit, Missouri
816-554-0444AultDesign-Construction.com
This old farmhouse proved to be
the perfect fit. With approximately
1500 square feet on the main level
paired with another 900 square
feet on the second floor, the
owners decided to update
everything while simultaneously
maintaining the home’s original
character and style.
“This was truly a collaboration
between us and the homeowners,”
said Kelly, who indicated that the company took the house back down to its
original studs and reframed it from the ground up, making sure it responded
accurately to current code guidelines.
The entire upstairs area still boasts all of its original design, and the doors,
hardware and floors were simply cleaned up and reused. The original brick
fireplace, with its “very federal looking” façade, provides an ornate and highly
detailed focal point on the main level.
“We were able to take a space separated into a lot of smaller rooms and open
it up into a large expansive space that invites conversation and family gatherings”
noted Kelly.
As the home is nearing completion, it promises to become a true family reunion
haven or private weekend escape for this large family. In effect, this home has
become akin to a personal bed and breakfast, with rich history and charm while
harmoniously partnering with a fresh new appeal.
“We are very thorough in every project we undertake and we maintain a high
level of quality and commitment to our customers,” said Kelly. “Scott is heavily
involved in every project and personally took a high level of interest in this one.”
As a company that refuses to cut corners and does everything by the book,
keeping the customer’s ideas, values and lifestyles at top of mind, Ault Design –
Construction has no problem setting out to defy the seemingly impossible.
After all, with respect to this country residence, they were effectively able to
bring the early 1900s into 2015 without missing a beat, ensuring the past lives
effortlessly with the present, while also creating a wonderful future of family
gatherings for its owners.
KCH&S STARS 2015 | 45
STARS 2015For more information on Ault Design –– Construction,visit them online at aultdesign-construction.com S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
Before Kitchen
The experienced kitchen and bath remodeling experts at Heartland Kitchen & Bath
may have a host of tools in their arsenal from which to work, and those often vary
depending on the job at hand, but the tools they carry with them to every single
project are those of honesty, character and integrity.
“Our whole outlook on the job is to always do the right thing,” emphasized co-
owner Barringer Hansel, who, along with business partner Nick Chrissan, understands
those tools have to be the sharpest in the box. The manner by which they conduct
their business is based on personal values, not personal gain, and the service they
deliver cannot simply be measured in dollars, but in overall client satisfaction.
“We are not a sales organization,” explained Hansel. “It is not our desire to get
rich. We simply want to do a good job and keep our employees working so they
can support their families.”
To that end, there are no high-pressure sales tactics at work with this team.
Hansel and Chrissan do not want to earn clients’ money; they want to earn their
trust and respect, which ultimately they hope will earn their business.
“We don’t think that customers should sign a contract on the first appointment,”
said Hansel. “And when it comes time to write an estimate, we have confidence
in what we do and are upfront from the beginning. We can do projects to fit
any budget.”
Does this go-to kitchen and bath remodeling company sell its clients anything?
Yes, they will sell you your dream, but they are not just salespeople.
“One of our main jobs is to educate our clients, not only with respect to what is
right for their project, but also to what might not work for them,” explained Hansel.
“For example, if we feel that they might not get a return back on their investment
in a remodeling project, we will let them know up front. If we don’t feel right letting
them do something, we are open and transparent about it.”
Although change orders are potentially inevitable throughout the remodeling
process, Hansel and Chrissan strive to mitigate the situation by allowing the client
to facilitate any change order.
“There are no surprises that come up during the process,” said Hansel.
With over 50 years of combined experience in home remodeling, Hansel and
Chrissan have acquired invaluable skillsets in all facets of the industry and they
have combined those talents to create an organization that supports a team of
dedicated and skilled in-house employees.
“We have our own staff and do not hand off the work to sub-contractors,” stated
Hansel. “Of course, we have a strong network of some of the best trade partners
in the industry with whom we have a long and successful working history.”
46 | KCH&S STARS 2015
Barringer Hansel and Nick ChrissanHeartland Kitchen & Bath
KITCHEN & BATH REMODELER
16109 S. Laurelwood St.Olathe, Kansas
913.991.0294HeartlandKitchenAndBath.com
Because Hansel and Chrissan are truly hands-on
with each project, the customer has the assurance
that everything will be handled smoothly and
conducted with an open and honest dialogue on a
regular basis.
“The clients only have to communicate with
Barringer or myself,” commented Nick. “We schedule
everything for them so they can just sit back, relax
and watch things happen. We are working owners
who don’t sit in an office. We are out in the field and
managing each and every project.”
That hands-on approach is an integral part of why
a kitchen or bath remodeling project contracted with
this dynamic team is more fun and exciting than
stressful and challenging.
“After the contract is signed, you can leave the
rest of the work to us and just enjoy the process,”
said Chrissan.
Such a joint effort is the reason a trusting
collaboration between contractor and client works
so well.
“We as the professionals can do our jobs while
we let the clients make the decisions as to what they
want with our guidance and knowledge,” noted Hansel.
Even after the kitchen or bathroom remodeling project is complete, the ongoing
lines of communication do not end after Heartland Kitchen & Bath have completed
your job.
“We value the relationships we create with our customers, and that is something
that continues long after the project is completed,” emphasized Chrissan. “We
enjoy taking them out to a Royals game or out on the golf course. They have
become not only our customers, but also our friends. It’s not unusual for us at all
to get together for a backyard barbecue, either.”
Heartland Kitchen & Bath also offers an excellent referral program and a unique
three-year warranty on all of its work, which is far above most industry standards.
“We stand behind our work and believe in always doing the right thing,” said
Hansel. “And we are always there for our customers if something needs to be fixed
or replaced, no matter the day or hour.”
KCH&S STARS 2015 | 47
STARS 2015For more information on Heartland Kitchen & Bath, visit themonline at heartlandkitchenandbath.com or call 913.991.0294.
You may also visit them on Facebook at Heartland Kitchen and Bath. S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
Photo by Bill Mathews
Kansas City is our
HomeWe care
about theorganizations
that make ita better
place to live.
Photo by Sabrina Staires
Retained Executive Search+ Advisory ServicesExclusively for the Nonprofit Community
Jennifer Furlaand Laura McCrayPrincipal/Search Consultants
600 Broadway, Suite 690Kansas City, Missouri 64105816.474.7040www.hcapsearch.com
Professional Search.Passion for Philanthropy.
311 E. 135th Street, Kansas City, MO816-877-4777 RosehillGardens.com
PHOTOS BY MATT KOCOUREK: WWW.MATTKOCOUREK.COM
Crea�onsCrea�onsBY ROSEHILL GARDENS“AS SEEN IN KANSAS CITY HOMES & STYLE MAGAZINE”
11620 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park KS 66210 913-491-4861 noblehousejewelry.comHOURS: MON-THURS 10-8; FRI 10-7; SAT 10-6; SUN 12-5ALSO FEATURED IN: The Knot, Robb Report, The Ritz-Charlton, Elite traveler and Bazaar.