Schwenke Design |amp| Build focuses on communication

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Tim Schwenke refers to his business, Schwenke Design & Build Inc., as a multiple management company rather than a custom home builder. As president of the company, he manages the work of subcontractors and eight employees, making sure that costs are controlled and the final goal is achieved. |ret||ret||tab|

But open communication is the key to success, Schwenke said.|ret||ret||tab|

"The most important part of my job is facilitating communication between the client, the subcontractors and the suppliers. We're all working to achieve the final goal for the client a unique, beautifully built home to call their own," he said.|ret||ret||tab|

Schwenke Design & Build, located in Nixa, has been in business since 1990. The company employs a secretary, two superintendents, five carpenters and uses subcontractors for all other design and building services. From 1983 to 1990, Schwenke headed up Schwenke Construction, a framing contractor working for such builders as Ron Middleton and Sara Ray.|ret||ret||tab|

As a design-build company, Schwenke focuses on making the home-building process easier and more economical for the client. |ret||ret||tab|

"I think it's more efficient for the client to have us involved from the beginning. We're managing our time and the client's time better. I think the clients are more informed about costs, which results in a higher comfort level with the whole process," he said.|ret||ret||tab|

Most of the company's custom homes are in the $250,000 to $400,000 price range and encompass about 4,000 square feet of finished space, according to Schwenke. Schwenke Design & Build has built homes in such subdivisions as Emerald Park, Millwood and Rivercut Golf Community. In 1999, the company completed a $1 million home in Emerald Park.|ret||ret||tab|

Although the firm usually does custom homes, it has built five spec homes in the Rivercut Golf Community just south of Springfield. A model home at Rivercut will be included in the HBA Parade of Homes. In addition, the company has built two custom homes at Rivercut, which ranged from $250,000 to $450,000, including the lot.|ret||ret||tab|

Schwenke is one of four builders selected by Rivercut Development to build its homes. The other three builders are Scott Rookstool of Integrity Homes, Rusty MacLachlan of J. Russell MacLachlan Custom Homes and Michael D. Smith of Michael Dee Smith Homes. |ret||ret||tab|

Schwenke said his custom clients pay more attention to amenities than total square footage these days. |ret||ret||tab|

"People are getting more conservative in terms of size. People are more into little gadgets in homes, such as wiring for computers and sound systems all the bells and whistles," he said.|ret||ret||tab|

Many of Schwenke's clients favor amenities such as a large kitchen with upscale appliances, media rooms, home offices, security and sound systems, hardwood floors, quality lighting features and a maintenance-free exterior.|ret||ret||tab|

Future plans for the company are to continue a slow growth pattern. |ret||ret||tab|

"I don't want to lose the personal touch with employees or our clients," Schwenke said. "I want to be available at all times and do whatever it takes." |ret||ret||tab|

To retain good employees, Schwenke said, he pays good wages, tries to provide a good working environment and emphasizes that family needs come first. |ret||ret||tab|

"We really don't have turnover," he said.|ret||ret||tab|

Keeping life in balance is the greatest challenge facing the 40-year-old company president. |ret||ret||tab|

"The most difficult part of owning my own company is balancing time for my family and the other areas of life outside the business," Schwenke said. |ret||ret||tab|

Ensuring an open and trusting relationship with both clients and employees is important to Schwenke. |ret||ret||tab|

"I think that's the way to build a business on truth. It's all pretty simple," he said. |ret||ret||tab|

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