- Award category: Fine Design
- Speciality: Design/build remodeling
- 52 years in business
- 2004 volume: $1.8 million
-
Staff: 4 office, 7 field
Credit:
Before his remodeling career, Jeb Breithaupt was making a living as an artist with a specialty in prints produced from copper plate etchings. It wasn't until 1983, when his father became ill, that Breithaupt put his architecture and MBA degrees to use by taking over the family construction firm. The company was building large custom homes, but Breithaupt shifted the focus to remodeling. He targeted large additions and whole-house jobs and felt the design/build process was the better option for these projects.
The former artist now uses his visual and creative thinking to transform houses. He uses AutoCAD to create drawings but prefers the 3-D capabilities of Chief Architect to present the project to homeowners. He uses a large screen and projector to lead clients through the design.
Breithaupt hired a full-time salesperson to free up his time to concentrate on design. Though he still produces copper plate etchings, he says his artistic side is now channeled into remodeling.