Builders who have weathered cycles in the housing industry develop skills and confidence to handle the market’s ups and downs. It also probably helps to have several years of success before the storm hits so you have some reserves, connections and experience to help you through.
For Nick Sandifer, president of Sandifer Custom Homes, his career in the building industry began just as the storm clouds were gathering on the horizon.
Sandifer, who studied real estate at Florida State University, began working for Centex Homes in 2003. His primary interest was land development and in order to pursue that track, he needed experience in the construction end of the business. So that’s the direction he headed — construction boot camp in Atlanta and then the job site.
“I learned about job-site management, scheduling and safety on the job,” Sandifer said. “It was excellent experience and preparation for what I really wanted to do on the development side of the business.”
After about two years with Centex, Sandifer went to work for Benchmark Custom Luxury Homes where he gained more valuable experience. Then, the economy began to force layoffs and cutbacks for many companies in the area and across the country.
“With the state of the economy, it may not have been the best time to go out on my own, but in 2006, that’s what I did,” he said. “And, even though I was the new kid on the block so to speak, I won a silver award in the 2007 Parade of Homes, and a gold in the 2009 Parade. It was a good sign to me that I could make this work.”
Today, Sandifer Custom Homes handles custom remodeling projects and builds custom homes on customers’ lots in communities such as Ponte Vedra Beach, Sawgrass, Julington Creek and San Marco.
Sandifer believes NEFBA has played a major role in his success. As a Pinnacle Award Builder, he is a strong advocate of members doing business with other members.
“People I do business with have a tie-in to NEFBA and what it stands for,” he said. “For me, it’s a smart business decision. It’s like making a decision to have insurance or not have insurance. I feel more comfortable dealing with a NEFBA member than taking a chance with a non-member.”
In addition, Sandifer said there is a higher standard of professionalism among NEFBA members.
“I also want to be part of an association that supports and encourages new businesses,” he said. “I appreciate the people who mentored me, such as Greg Matovina and Richard Dostie, both past presidents, and Rita Williams, an FHBA Hall of Famer. When you have people of this caliber supporting you when you’re starting out, it’s a huge benefit to have them in your corner with encouragement and sound advice.”
Sandifer said he consulted with Dostie even before he started his own business.
“The Dosties were our neighbors, and I went to school with Richard’s sons,” he said. “I was aware early on of Richard’s contribution to the industry and the association, and I’m glad to be part of that same association.”
Sandifer admittedly has been fortunate in finding help and support among his neighbors. His designer, Tanya Miller, was a neighbor who has a background in architecture.
“Tanya and I discovered a common interest in home design and custom home building,” Sandifer said. “She helped me develop some floor plans and worked on bathroom and kitchen layouts with me. Her role has expanded and she now works closely with homeowners with their selections of fixtures, finishes and all the details, as well as preparing proposals.”
Sandifer is a Jacksonville native and played football at The Bolles School. In addition to being an avid Florida State fan, Sandifer enjoys both water and snow skiing, hunting and fishing with his father and brothers and spending as much time as possible with his children, Paige (4) and Cole (2 1/2).
“Our Pinnacle builders strengthen the association, and Nick Sandifer is a great example of the commitment required to achieve Pinnacle status,” said Executive Director Corey Deal. “We appreciate Nick’s determination to put into practice our belief that doing business with other members is good for business, good for the association and ultimately for the industry.”