Ozarks Profile: Russel A. Caldwell

Our company is a full-service remodeling company. We do projects from small to large. We do a lot of kitchens, a lot of bathrooms and a lot of additions. We particularly do a lot of additions in the area … around the Southwest Missouri State University college campus … some of the old homes that are made out of the old Carthage stone. The company was founded in 1988.

I’m a certified graduate remodeler and a certified master builder (with) the National Association of Home Builders. It’s a lot of coursework in topics such as negotiating skills, pricing, estimating, scheduling, business management … those types of things.

How did you become part of the home building industry?

Prior to becoming a remodeler/builder, I was a professional chef, up until 1998.

I went to school in England to study culinary arts and was a chef. I worked all over Europe and in parts of America. When I moved to Springfield, I decided to make a career change. I’ve always liked to work with my hands, and building fits with that. I have a particular passion for building kitchens. That probably comes from my culinary background.

Why did you choose remodeling instead of building new homes?

There are a lot of remodelers in Springfield, but there are not a lot of professional remodelers. I’d like to define that for you. A professional remodeler is

someone who operates with integrity in their business practices, has workers’ compensation and liability insurance. I kind of have the belief that the remodeling experience can be a pleasure. There seems to be a stigma attached to the remodeling end of the industry that you can get ripped off pretty easy, and to a great extent, that’s true. I saw a need for a company that would provide a high level of professional service, and thought I could develop it and did. We just think … the remodeling experience at whatever level, whether it’s having your kitchen sink changed out or having 1,200 square feet added to your home, can be a pleasurable experience. It doesn’t have to be a nightmare.

Tell us about your involvement with the local HBA.

I’ve served on the HBA board for the last nine years. I have been the vice president, the treasurer and the secretary, and I’m currently the president. I’m the first full-time remodeler ever to be chosen as the president of the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield. I’m also one of two national directors for our area with the National Association of Home Builders. I represent the (local) Home Builders Association at the national level, and I’m on the board of directors of the NAHB.

How do you see your role as the HBA president?

My role is to lead the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield, and (its) primary purpose is to maintain affordable housing. Membership services, affordable housing and education are

passions of mine. HBA’s plans for 2005 include aggressive marketing of our events, powerful image campaigns and new co-op advertising opportunities for our members. As president, I will stick to the strategic plan put into place by past presidents and boards of directors. That strategic plan consists of five major issue areas: membership, education, government affairs, public relations and operations.

Tell us about your family and spare-time interests.

Currently, I’m single. I fish; I’m a passionate fisherman. I love to read, and I love to garden. I do a lot of cooking. Last year, I cooked for then-Attorney Gen. John Ashcroft’s son’s wedding reception, so I still cook some private parties and give some cooking classes.