Steve Johnson is a custom home builder whose office is located in Orange Park.
WHEN DID HE OPEN HIS COMPANY?
He and his wife Linda opened the company in 1989. “She’s half the business and my right arm.”
SPECIALIZE IN?
“We are primarily referral-based custom home builders. We mirror people’s personalities and take their emotions out of their heart and put it into a three dimensional product and give it back to them.”
WHAT DO THEY BUILD?
About 18 homes a year with the average size about 4,000 to 4,500 square feet, but they have built as small as 2,000 square feet. Prices range from $225,000 to $2 million with an average prices of $440,000.
DESIGN HOMES?
“As we mirror people’s personalities, we try to create the lifestyle that they are looking for. We will take ideas from them and see what they want and then start drafting it for them. We do not have in-house drafting, but we will take it to a company that we know will meet their expectations. We do a design-build process, but we bring it outside designers depending on the design.”
OTHER VENTURES?
The company has expanded to include a remodeling company, a real estate company, Hibernia Realty, and a commercial building and build-out division. His step-son, Craig Moyle, is in charge of the remodeling company and Todd Hite, a close friend of the family, is training to be a project manager. Shirley Hedges is the marketing director for Hibernia Realty and is handling the commercial sales for the commercial division. Pam Erickson at the company will also be handling sales of these new services.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO REAL ESTATE?
He got into residential real estate in 1972. In 1976, he did sales and marketing for a builder, Butch Toney, and learned the ropes of building industry. He and his wife Linda opened their own building company in 1989.
WHAT COMMUNITIES DO YOU BUILD IN?
He is the primary builder in Anastasia Dunes and also builds in Sea Colony, Whitelock Farms, Little Andrews Island, Fleming Island Plantation and soon Paradise Moorings.
WHO DO YOU COMPETE WITH?
“Nobody. People come to me because they want something specific that I can offer them.” He doesn’t generally bid against other builders for jobs.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A BUILDER?
“Successfully accomplishing a dream for a family. When someone comes in here and tries to explain what they want to do and what they want to create, we have enough confidence that we can deliver what they are looking for. When it is done and they walk in it, the expression on their face says it all. We know we did something good for someone. We try to create a total living environment so the children can feel a part of the process. We try to make it so the children want to stay at home and have their friends over. We try to encourage family living environments.”
LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A BUILDER?
“It has its moments of stress.”
BIRTHPLACE
Grand Rapids, Mich.
FAMILY
He has been married to Linda for 14 years. Together they have three grown children.
RESIDES
The historical section of Fleming Island.
FAVORITES
His favorite book is the Bible. When relaxing at home, he enjoys tuning into “CSI.” His favorite restaurants are The Tree Steak House and bb’s. He also enjoys traveling to the Caribbean.
—by Michele Newbern Gillis