Startup Corner: Ray Horner, Home-for-More

Minimally viable product …
An innovative wood-framed construction method called open-stud construction to provide higher quality, lower cost and quicker-built homes. The profits generated are used to create rent-to-own homes for hardworking families in need.

Problem solving …
There are two that have really guided the company to what it is today. One, how can we increase the quality and lower the cost of residential construction? The other problem that drives us is situational homelessness and how we can give hardworking families a chance to pull themselves out of poverty. It really developed from a realization of the need and lack of existing resources for families that make too much for government benefits, yet struggle to keep a roof over their heads.

Seed money …
We are coming into this with very little startup capital. We have ideas, plans, passion, purpose and free labor.

Greatest need …
The means, money and materials to build a prototype we can appraise and market.

Hurdles …
One of the toughest to overcome so far has been securing the initial investor. A question we often get is, “Why are we trying to reinvent the wheel?” We’re not really, but we’re trying to make it better, faster and cheaper.

Best advice …
The best advice we’ve received is to get out there and tell our story to anyone willing to listen. We’ve worked incredibly hard to increase awareness and build the relationships needed to create the strongest network possible.

Food for thought …
“Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot, but make the iron hot by striking it.” —William B. Sprague

This quote is one that comes to mind when considering the devotion and process required to bring a company like Home-for-More to life. It’s really taken a constant exertion of excitement and effort to keep the idea fresh and moving forward. We love what we do, the opportunities to learn and grow, and the potential for changing lives we see in this project.