If you’ve spent time in the Blue Valley area lately, chances are you’ve run across a name that’s hard to miss. Inscribed on monuments marking entries to some of the area’s most sought-after communities, posted on SOLD signs, and lingering on the tips of buyers’ tongues, it’s a name that’s come to be synonymous with building both quality communities in southern Johnson County: Rodrock Homes.
Fueled by a boost in first-quarter sales, the launch of four new furnished models in Wyngate, and the recent acquisition of the Summerwood community, Rodrock Homes is giving recession-weary Johnson County home buyers something more: more quality, more selection, more service, and more value than ever before.
Led by Rodrock Homes’ CEO Brian Rodrock, the three principals of the third generation family-owned building and development company recently explained why and how they’re offering home seekers more–even during times when other builders are cutting back.
What can buyers expect to see from Rodrock Homes this spring and summer?
Brian Rodrock, Chief Executive Officer: We just opened four new furnished models in Overland Park’s Wyngate community for buyers to tour. People will be able to see things on that model row they haven’t seen before in the city—all new floor plans, a whole new level of trim detail, and innovative interior design by Twigs’ Interiors. Combined with our showcase homes, shoppers can see more homes, more quickly at Wyngate than anywhere else in the area.
Isn’t it expensive to feature so many model homes?
BR: In a word, yes. But we’ve got the financial strength to do it and we feel like it’s worth it, because buyers appreciate being able to see, feel, and touch the quality of their home before they sign on the dotted line.
How long does it take to build a Rodrock Home?
Jeff Gifford, Chief Operating Officer: Not as long as people might think. Clients choosing from our existing inventory now can build a custom home that’s just the way they want it and still be moved in before school starts in August.
You build homes at lots of different price points. Why?
BR: We do, and we think our clients benefit. Because we buy a wide array of materials and finishes, customers can better choose where they want to spend their money—and where they want to save. We don’t make you spend $8,000 on a garage door if you don’t want to–we can also give you a $2,000 option so you’ll have the extra $6,000 to spend somewhere else.
What do you think home buyers fear most about building a new home?
Jeff Reglin, Chief Marketing Officer: I think they worry they won’t get enough of a voice in the process. In addition to the project managers that all builders have, we recently hired new builder liaisons—they’re industry professionals assigned to each homeowner to answer questions and address concerns every step of the way, even on nights and weekends.
What else are you doing that’s unique to the industry?
BR: I’m probably most excited about the way we customize each of our homes. Our partnership with Twigs’ Interiors gives our upper-end clients the opportunity to build what feels like a million-dollar home for much less. Each homeowner gets a personalized, one-on-one design experience with a local firm that’s won national awards. Twigs is evolving people’s homes so far beyond just Johnson County beige—come see our models.
What amenities are buyers loving?
JG: The trim detail on our homes is phenomenal compared to what it was even a few years ago–custom moldings, wainscoting, cabinetry, and box beam ceilings. The outdoor areas have evolved too—on most of our homes a covered porch comes standard.
Sales with realtors are up 40% so far this year. Before that, how did Rodrock Homes weather the economic storm?
BR: Believe it or not, the storm was important for us. It made us stronger, smarter, and even more determined to serve our homeowners. In any boom there’s always a bust—and the reason we’re surviving now is that we’ve stuck to our family principles of treating people right through both those times.
In addition to building homes, you develop communities too. What’s the significance?
JR: If you build a home in one of our communities like Wyngate, Summerwood, or Bristol Ridge, you can be sure we’re just as invested in protecting the long-term value of your home as you are.
You’ve been developing and building a lot in southern Johnson County recently. Why there?
BR: The Rodrock name has been developing communities in Johnson County for over three decades now. We believe that the quality of life there means it’s the right place to be for many of our buyers.
Do you have a mantra that drives your business?
BR: Yes, and I was just repeating it to myself this morning as I pulled out of my driveway. It’s “make the right decision, every time.” In other words, never take the easy way out.
What’s the best way for folks to learn more about Rodrock Homes?
JR: Come tour our models in Wyngate, Chapel Hill, and Bristol Ridge, or call us for a meet and greet. We’ll walk a potential home site with you or meet you in our office any time.
