by Michael Bonts
Special to Realty/Builder Connection
Roger Day first got interested in the remodeling and construction business at the young age of 20.
He bought an old four-family apartment house in his home state of Wisconsin. After some work, Day was able to re-sell the home and turn a profit. His interest had peaked.
One year later, Day had bought two more houses to work on. He had found his niche. In order to pursue his career, Day decided that he needed a real estate license, which he acquired in 1976.
Day decided to try out the business; and he got a job with a local builder. In 1979, after only a year at his job, Day wanted more then the builder could offer, so he went into business on his own.
Nine years later, Day was operating a successful business. His company had a quarter of the market share in the area. Unfortunately, due to a slowly moving economy, that only meant that they had built 12 homes.
In 1988, Day decided to leave Wisconsin.
“I looked at the industry and the opportunities and what we were doing. I knew we had to move in order to grow and expand in the business,” said Day.
Day looked at many different areas, including Texas. However, because of the oil crisis facing that state’s economy, construction was also slow. The Jacksonville area was very appealing to Day because of the more diverse economy.
“I wanted to pick an area that was less dependent on one single industry; I already knew someone in the Orange Park area and Jacksonville seemed to have sustained growth at the time,” he said.
Today, as president of growing Rosewood Homes and the incoming chairman of the Northeast Florida Builders Association Clay Builders Council, Day keeps unquestionably busy. Day has been in the business for more then two decades; but you would never know it by his apparent enthusiasm.
“We are very fortunate to have an experienced builder like Roger to lead the Clay Builders Council. It’s a fast growing and diverse county that offers many opportunities and challenges for our industry,” said NEFBA President Denise Wallace.
Currently, Day’s business is booming.
Rosewood Homes is headquartered in Orange Park and boasts a floor plan selection portfolio of over 30 home-styles.
Rosewood Homes is unique in that they will not only build you a custom home on your own personal home site but also are building in Eagle Harbor, Queen’s Harbour and are preparing for a grand opening in their newest location, Paradise Moorings on Fleming Island.
Rosewood Homes will be introducing six new floor plans for Paradise Moorings and is expecting to showcase them in the 2003 NEFBA Parade of Homes. The plans will be lifestyle oriented, having the flexibility necessary to fit the needs of homebuyers today! Sales in Paradise Moorings are expected to be brisk and will range from the $280,000’s to million-dollar lakefront homes.
“Paradise Moorings will offer the warmth of a coastal community with the feel of low country.” Day said, “We are very excited to be a part of this new exclusive community.”
Rosewood Homes has experienced steady growth over the past 7-8 years and Day feels Rosewood Homes is poised for a banner year in 2003.
In retrospect, he says that the growth of his company is the biggest accomplishment of his career. Although they started out small, building only a few homes a year, they have made outstanding progress.
Now, Day and his company build about a home every week, double what they did last year.
Day acknowledges that learning from others is key in this business and feels that placing membership in a strong trade association is important,
“It allows builders to network and learn from each other; we also work together for common causes.” Day explained. “The Northeast Florida Builders Association and the Clay Builders Council help to better the whole industry.”
Day has been in the industry for a while; and sees how it has changed. “It is much more customer satisfaction and quality oriented,” Day explains, “We work much closer with the customer now and try to accommodate their needs.”
Day explains that, as people get older and find themselves with more discretionary income, they become choosier.
“They want someone to help them,” Day explained, “without the costs getting too expensive.”
Viola Wilson has worked with Day for almost six years and has seen Day’s work firsthand.
“I am very proud of his work,” Wilson explained. “His quote is ‘We build excellence’ and he tries to live up to that in every way.” Wilson attributes the company’s success to Day’s quality work and “hands-on” attitude.
Overall, Day has a good feeling about the business.
“I think that the industry is good. For the most part, builders care about their customers and their communities. [Builders] try to help and give back to make the community a better place to be and a better place to live,” he said.