#398 - ERIN STETZER, Founder And Director Of Erin Stetzer Homes
SUMMARY
This week David and Marina of FAME Architecture & Design are joined by Erin Stetzer, Founder and Director of Erin Stetzer Homes to discuss her background; transition from athlete to construction; starting her own business; what she learned through her business; convincing clients to hire contractors without previous experience; Erin’s business operations; social media presence; and more. Enjoy!
ABOUT ERIN
Erin Stetzer, Graduate Master Builder, has built a foundation of extraordinarily strong relationships with her team members, clients, trades and vendors.
As principal of the company, you will see her on the job sites daily meeting with clients, interacting with trades and working with the entire team to create a finished product that is nothing less than spectacular.
Over two decades of home building experience has given Erin the opportunity to grow and be involved with simply the best projects in Houston. Her no-nonsense, systematic approach clearly defines the success of each and every project.
In addition to building in Houston, Erin also consults with homeowners and other industry professionals all throughout the world. Whether connecting with clients through a one-time consultation, or working with clients on a longer-term basis, as a Homeowner Representative, Erin continually bridges the gap between her client’s vision and reality.
While meeting the demands of a Division 1 basketball scholarship, Erin attended Fairfield University and acquired a BS in Finance. She quickly learned the value of effort, efficiencies and setting high standards for herself and her surroundings.
TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) Erin Introduction.
(08:28) Transition from athlete to construction.
“I liked the idea of showing up every day and learning something new, which is construction…I love the idea of immediate feedback, whether it is good or bad. So, there's always a constant getting better at the job… The other part too, I love is the people doing the work. I so admire the time that they've put into their craft. Half the time they don't think they can do something because people like to stay in their box...So it's fun to see a little bit of stretching every day.” (10:11)
(13:35) Contractors working outside of the local region.
(16:46) Transition from working in a company to running her own business.
“I was surprised when somebody said they were going to do something and they repeatedly didn't do it or made something up or lied. That was so foreign to me…We had a level of respect for each other. Then they would show up because I said, “Don't lie to me, just tell me the truth. I can handle the truth. If you're not going to be here, just tell me.” How do you get any work done if people don't tell you the truth? You can't. You can't do anything.” (21:29)
(23:10) Erin starting up her own business.
“[I would go] to architect's offices and say, “You don't know who I am. I want nothing [from you]. I just want to give you something for feedback.” We're all human [and eventually they think,] “That person keeps showing up and they actually are doing the work. We should throw them a bone.”…And that's what happens. Then we get a chance to work together. And now we have this relationship where they're happy because we're actually creating results that they want.” (30:33)
(36:06) Turning point project.
(39:34) Convincing a client to hire a builder without specific project experience.
“I would spend 40 or 50 hours, and I still do, on bidding on a project that we weren't even going to get, but it put me in touch with the right trades. How can we be the best and provide the best? My numbers would come in $1 million over these other builders and it was very hard…[but] I'm sticking to that model because this is what that that house deserves and that's what they're asking for. What I learned was I have to keep showing up with a price that is aligned with the expectations.” (40:52)
(44:02) How David & Marina set up projects for clients.
(49:02) Addressing a client's budget.
(58:51) Erin's business operations.
(01:08:58) Owner's representative.
“Setting a project up well from the beginning with the right people solves 95% of these issues…We've talked about alignment and keeping all of us together as we're moving forward. [My family and my work are similar in that] we’re aligned. We're integrated. We're moving forward. And it's as simple as weekly communication or getting the project set up well.” (01:10:52)
(01:13:22) Social media presence.
