Fritz-built Home is 2009 Best in Mississippi Winner - Home Builders ...

A
Mediterranean
Jewel
Fritz-built Home is 2009 Best in
Mississippi Winner

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2010 HBAM Senior Officers
Craig Flanagan, president
Eddie Duran, state representative
Frank Pucylowski, vice president
Chris Massey, secretary/treasurer
Joe Robertson, associates vice president
Marty Milstead, executive vice president
HBAM Regional Vice Presidents
Kenneth Estes, Region 1
Lance Conn, Region II
David Smith, Region III
Gene Buckles, Region IV
Randy Bosarge, Region V
Managing Editor
Marty Milstead
Associate Editor
Coral Edelen
Contributing Editor
Lynne Jeter
Publisher
Kevin Naughton
Graphic Designer
Jason Gabel
Advertising Sales
Marsha Suwienski
(800) 935-1592, ext. 106
marshas@wildblue.net
Jeff Pinwar
(800) 935-1592, ext. 118
jpinwar@printcomm.com
The official magazine of the
Home Builders Association of Mississippi
Features
6
A Mediterranean Jewel
Fritz Development produces another
award-winning gem with the Garringer residence
of Gulf Hills in Ocean Springs.
8
Spring Fever
35th annual Home & Outdoor Living
Expo focused on “Building a Better Mississippi.”
13
Home Builders Head
to Florida Coast
It’s not too late to register for the 2010 annual
state convention at the Hilton Sandestin Beach
Resort in Florida!
Contents
Vol. 26, No. 3
May/June 2010
Builder Profile
14 Lance Conn learned the secrets of
the building trade from his dad, and built his
business on honesty and integrity.
Advertising Sales Manager
Brenda Poe
(800) 935-1592, ext. 115
bpoe@printcomm.com
Published by:
Departments
Calendar of Events .................. 12
Builders Mean Business Contributors .... 12
2929 Davison Road, Flint, MI 48506
(810) 239-5763
www.printcomm.com
Affiliated with the
National Association
of Home Builders
On the cover
The Garringer residence of Gulf Hills in Ocean Springs sparkles as a Best in Mississippi
winner, built by Fritz Development.
Mississippi Builder
May/June 2010 3

BEST in Mississippi WINNER
Stamps Residence
Home builder Tim Prevost of Timber Creek Homes in Raymond received
the 2009 Best in Mississippi Award for Single-Family New Construction Custom
Home Less Than 1,800 Square Feet for the Stamps Residence in Madison.
This 1,700-square-foot custom home features an open, split-plan layout with
an ultra private master suite and a surprisingly spacious and open design,
specifically in the living room, kitchen and breakfast area, home office, and
separate laundry room.
Extras that lend character to this classic country charmer include handscraped,
rustic pine wood laminate floors throughout the living room, dining
room, office area, bedrooms and hallways, with complementing ceramic tile
in the kitchen, laundry and baths. Also environmentally-friendly, this highly
energy-efficient home features “green-minded” elements: water heater, windows,
insulation and energy saving decking.
Wyatt Residence
The Wyatt Residence of Bridgewater in Ridgeland won the 2009 Best in Mississippi Single-Family New Construction Custom Home 2,501 to
4,999 Square Feet for home builder David Smith of David Smith Builder Inc. in Ridgeland. The greatest surprise of this gorgeous 4,000-squarefoot
French County home’s design: It was built within stringent NAHB green building guidelines without compromising style. Old Chicago brick
accented with plaster, cedar lintels and lap siding showcase the exterior. Inside, high ceilings embellished by stately arched case openings set the
tone for the rest of the house, which features heart pine floors throughout, and gives this grand space a comfortable feel.
4 May/June 2010 Mississippi Builder

BEST in Mississippi WINNER
Mediterranean
A
6 May/June 2010 Mississippi Builder

Jewel
Fritz Development
Produces (Another)
Award-Winning Gem
At first glance, it’s striking to realize this Best in Mississippi award-winning
custom home is less than 2,500 square feet.
By seamlessly blending the undulating marshland environment with
creative design and unique top-notch craftsmanship, home builders Michael
and Kimberly Fritz of Fritz Development in Ocean Springs have
produced a 2,477-square-foot luxury Mediterranean-style jewel packed
with larger-than-actual-size style and amenities. As a result, the Garringer
residence of Gulf Hills in Ocean Springs garnered the 2009 category prize
for Custom Home 1,800 to 2,500 square feet.
The Fritzes were challenged with meeting strict building code requirements
while maintaining the aesthetics and incorporating owner-desired
amenities. The home’s location required a 10-foot elevation above ground
level. Built on structural concrete pilings, the lower level was completely
constructed via poured concrete
forms to withstand devastating
storm surges. Above
the commercial-quality foundation,
the home was built
with traditional wood framing,
while the entire structure
was finished with conventional
stucco. The expansive lower
level was designed to serve
as parking and storage space,
with an exterior lift providing
effortless access to the living
space above.
To create a grand entrance,
the staircase leading to the formal
entry was developed with
Tennessee flagging treads and
coordinating stucco risers—
and custom iron railings. A secondary
entry in the back of the
home, with access to the pier
and boathouse, also features a
custom iron railed stairway.
Rich colors of chocolate, tan, black and cream—accented with ruby and
gold—add visual texture to the casual yet elegant open floor plan, while metallic
tile in the master bath and exterior custom iron inlay accent the décor.
Architectural specialties include a faux-finished dome ceiling in the
breakfast room, tray ceilings in the master bedroom and great room, archways
leading to the heart of the home, and rounded drywall corners.
Espresso Euro-style cabinets, black galaxy granite countertops and stainless
steel appliances and hardware give the kitchen a sleek, modern European
feel. Designed to take advantage of the magnificent views of the water,
palm trees, sprawling oaks and magnolia blooms, the great room, octagonshaped
dining area and master bedroom feature full height windows and
sliding glass doors overlooking a spacious covered outdoor living area.
Fritz Development is a residential developer and custom home builder
on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Fritz family has been recognized
for its award-winning work, including Best in Mississippi Grand Award
and Best in Mississippi Subdivision Development of the Year Award for
Toscana in Ocean Springs. For more information on Fritz Homes, visit
www.fritzhomes.com.
Mississippi Builder
May/June 2010 7

8 May/June 2010 Mississippi Builder

Spring Fever
Record Attendance Caps 35th
Annual Home & Outdoor Living Expo
More than 5,500 people enjoyed the Home Builders Association
of Mississippi’s 35th Annual Home & Outdoor Living Extravaganza
March 12-14 at the Mississippi Trade Mart in Jackson.
“We were extremely pleased with the show,” said HBAM
executive director Marty Milstead. “Adding the outdoor living
feature attracted a lot of interest. The show was open to
the public on Friday this year for the first time, making it a
successful 3-day event. (Admission on Friday was 2-for-1.)
And very importantly, the exhibitors were pleased with the
positive feedback about our show.”
See Spring Fever on page 11
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Mississippi Builder
May/June 2010 9

Reach your target market.
Advertise your business
in the next Mississippi Builder.
Call Jeff Pinwar
(800) 935-1592, ext 118
2010
HBAM SENIOR LEADERSHIP
Craig Flanagan,
President
Local association:
Greater Hattiesburg HBA
the environment
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Because of a concern for the environment and
potential energy-savings benefits, more and more
homeowners are demanding products that are “green”.
Norandex Building Materials Distribution offers builders
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exterior of a home. Insulated vinyl siding that increases a
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Frank Pucylowski,
Vice President
Local association:
HBA of Jackson
Chris Massey,
Secretary/Treasurer
Local association:
North Mississippi HBA
Joe Robertson,
Associates Vice President
Local association:
HBA of Jackson
Marty Milstead,
Executive Vice President
regional vice presidents
Kenneth Estes, Region 1
Local association:
HB & RA of Northeast MS
Lance Conn, Region II
Local association:
Golden Triangle HBA
David Smith, Region 1II
Local association:
HBA of Jackson
Everett “Gene” Buckles, Region IV
Local association:
Southwest Mississippi HBA
Randy Bosarge, Region V
Local association:
Southeast Mississippi HBA
10 May/June 2010 Mississippi Builder

spring fever
(continued from page 9)
The one-stop shopping event focusing on “Building a
Better Mississippi” showcased the newest and niftiest
indoor and outdoor home products from 148 vendors
with 236 booths. Experts in the areas of painting, building
and remodeling, gardening, and energy efficiency
provided a variety of free demonstrations; seminars
were held daily.
“In this year’s show, we got the most leads than
we’ve ever received,” said Hans Horne, sales manager
for Jefcoat Fence Company.
First-year participant Mark Dungan, owner of Dun-
Rite Seamless Gutters, said soon after the show that his
company had received five jobs—so far.
“We do several other shows and this was the best one
that we’ve done in a long time,” Dungan said.
Simple Stone Solutions won Best of Show, and Players
Audio Video was recognized as the booth with the Best
Visual Design. First-time exhibitor Wood-Craft Millworks
received the Best Rookie Award, while Southern Screens
garnered the Best Technical Design for the most innovative
product presentation.
‘We were very pleased with the 2010 Home & Outdoor
Living Extravaganza,” said HBAM sales and marketing
director Kristy Johnson, “and we plan for the 2011 show
to be even bigger and better!”
2010 Booth Awards
Best of Show
Simple Stone Solutions
Best
Technical Design
Southern Screens
Best Rookie Booth
Wood-Craft Millworks
Best Visual Design
Players Audio
Mississippi Builder
May/June 2010 11

2010 HBAM
Calendar of Events
May
25 National Membership Day
Builders
Mean Business
Contributors
These HBAM members have contributed
to the Builders Mean Business campaign.
June
3-6 HBAM State Convention – Hilton Sandestin
Beach Resort, Destin, FL
August
30 Deadline: Best in Mississippi Applications
September
22–26 NAHB Fall Board of Directors Meeting –
New York
27 Deadline: Associate & Builder Member of the
Year Nominations
November
17 HBAM Executive Committee Meeting – HBAM
State Office, Jackson, MS
President’s Dinner & Best in Mississippi Awards
18 HBAM Fall Board Meeting – Jackson, MS
For more information, contact the Home Builders Association of
Mississippi at (601) 969-3446 or (800) 898-HBAM or visit the
HBAM website at www.hbam.com.
$250
Elliott Davis
Clay Easterling
Bob Patterson
HBA of Meridian
Donnie Massey
David Smith
$365
Marsha Barber
$500
Atmos Energy
Vonnie Ladner
$1000
Bailey Lumber,
Woody Bailey
Randy Berg
Randy Bosarge
Gary Brashers
Lynne Brush
Gene Buckles
Lloyd Burton
Clarence Chapman
Eddie Duran
Kenneth Estes
Craig Flanagan
HBA of Jackson
Chris Massey
Bill McBryde
Marty Milstead
Lee Mitchell
Jeremy Pierpont
Uriel Pineda
Monroe Pointer
Charles Porter
Frank Pucylowski
Bobby Rayburn
Steve Reeves
Terry Reeves
Billy Roberts
Joe Robertson
Jeff Salmons
Charlie Sanders
Scott Shoemaker
Kevin Taylor
Dick Thompson
John Travis
George Walker
Patrick Ward
Greg Smith
Thank you Build
Pac contributors!
For more information about Build PAC and the
value of participating in Builders Mean Business,
contact the Home Builders Association of Mississippi
at (601) 969-3446 or (800) 898-HBAM or visit the
HBAM website at www.hbam.com.
12 May/June 2010 Mississippi Builder

Home Builders Head to Florida Coast
Late Registration Accepted for Annual HBAM Convention in Sandestin
A sunny retreat with fellow home builders is just around the corner.
It’s not too late to register for the 2010 annual state convention, taking place again at the alluring Hilton Sandestin
Beach Resort in Florida, home of world-class spa facilities, six restaurants, four championship golf courses, 15 tennis
courts, two outdoor pools, an indoor heated pool, game room and an incomparable fitness center.
Even though the room reservation cut-off date was officially May 3, the hotel resort is still accepting late
registrations for the June 3-5 event.
Don’t miss this perfect vacation opportunity, and the chance to enjoy networking agenda favorites: Welcome
Party, Lloyd “Bulldog” Burton Volleyball Tournament, Kids Night Out, Hall of Fame Ceremony and annual
Golf Tournament.
“We’ll throw in a few surprises as well,” previewed HBAM executive director Marty Milstead. “We have a lot
to cover business-wise, yet we’ll also have fun.”
HBAM was able to retain for members Hilton’s special $289 rate for a standard room for two days before and
after the convention. To book these dates, contact the hotel directly at (800) 367-1271 or visit www.sandestinbeachhilton.com and use group
code HBM. For more information on the convention, visit www.hbam.com or call the state office at (601) 969-1285 or (800) 898-4226.
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Mississippi Builder
May/June 2010 13

Builder Profile
Lance Conn
Columbus Home Builder
Learned Trade Secrets from Dad
When Lance Conn joined the family business—Conn
Construction in Columbus—his father, Ted, shared his
secret to success in the construction industry: “You have
to be the first one to unlock the door every morning and
the last one to leave.”
Conn sometimes finds it difficult to follow that advice,
he joked, because “I’m not the first one there every
morning. It’s hard to beat an old-timer who gets there
around 5:30 a.m.!”
The Conn boys—Lance and his two brothers—practically grew
up on construction sites. They started out doing odd jobs—fetching
materials, for example—before moving to skilled labor, such
as hanging drywall. “I can remember when I was in high school,
getting out for the summer, and starting construction work the next
day,” recalled Conn, who studied business management at Mississippi
State University. “I liked working out in the field, but graduated
to the office 20 years ago.”
The Conns build custom and spec homes and handle commercial
work, with most residences ranging in size from 3,000 to 7,000
square feet. “In the custom-built home business, you have to be on
your toes,” said Conn. “As my dad would say, ‘every day that a job
goes on, it’s costing you money.’ How true that is!”
More important than the bottom line, Conn learned early on, is
building a business based on honesty and integrity. “Our website
states: ‘My word is my bond!’ That’s stuck with Conn Construction
(established in 1976). My dad has a great reputation in the Golden
Triangle Area and he makes sure that we boys keep it that way.
Reputation alone sets us apart from our competitors. Many realtors
have told me that a ‘Conn-built home’ sells well. We try to build a
product that the customer wants and loves. The best kind of advertisement
is a satisfied customer.”
Beaver Creek, a subdivision in Columbus, is their most recent
development, with spec homes ranging in size from 3,000 to 4,000
square feet. Conn’s wife of 11 years, Allison, a realtor for Coldwell
Banker in Columbus, and an interior design graduate of Florida
State University, handles the interior design for Conn spec homes.
“The spec home business isn’t something we do a lot of,” he said,
“but we decided to try a 12-lot development. The homes have
turned out great.”
Conn took the necessary steps to get the company Green Certified,
which also gives the home builders a competitive edge. “Building
green is something we all need to get involved in,” he said. “I’d
like to build the first Green Certified home in Columbus.”
Even though his family has been in the business for
decades, there’s always a new wrinkle to challenge a
day’s work, specifically concerning customer relations,
subcontractors and cost.
“There are so many decisions to be made in building
a custom home that the customer becomes overwhelmed,”
he explained. “I honestly say that you have
to be in contact with the customer every day for the
project to run smoothly.”
Good subcontractors are indispensible assets—to the builder and
the customer—when custom building, Conn pointed out.
“If you want to have one of those ‘headache custom built home’
jobs,” he said, “just get you a few bad subcontractors and you’ll
understand what I’m talking about.”
Cost is always an issue with custom homes, Conn emphasized.
“The customer wants or (thinks) he can build a custom home
for $50 per square foot, but it ends up costing more like $150 per
square foot,” he explained. “That’s when you have a problem. And
it goes back to customer relations—letting them know what the
house is going to actually cost. We try to be upfront with the customer
and not sugar coat it. We’ve been in the building business
long enough to know what the home should cost.”
Being involved in construction industry associations is “a must,”
said Conn, who’s been an integral player in the local association since
2002—two years as local president; eight years on the board of directors.
On the state level, he’s been involved for seven years, and currently
serves on the executive board and as Regional II vice president.
“Being involved at the state level really is informative and has
helped me in my business,” he said. “I enjoy going to the state board
meetings and talking with other builders around Mississippi.”
Conn is also busy around town coaching little league teams. His
son, Jackson, 7, participates in soccer, T-ball, basketball and coachpitch
team sports. His daughter, Isabella, 4, plays T-ball.
“It’s hard for me not to smile when talking about my kids,” said
Conn. “We’re blessed to have two of the most wonderful kids in the
world. Jackson is all-boy … our little athlete. We travel all over Mississippi
to watch him play sports. He recently won the state swim
meet in his age group … five first-place metals. (Mom attended FSU
on a swim scholarship.) Isabella is our little princess. Not to be outdone
by her big brother, she’s going to be a little athlete, too.”
The Conn family attends First United Methodist Church in Columbus,
where he is a trustee. He also serves on the Zoning Board in
Columbus and on the Columbus Country Club Board of Directors.
14 May/June 2010 Mississippi Builder

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