As one of World Golf Village‘s featured builders and a company that continues to innovate in home design, we were eager to learn more about local home builder Providence Homes.  Despite a challenging real estate market, Providence continues to keep moving forward.  In 2009, Providence ranked second in production of detached single-family homes in the Jacksonville area. Providence Homes are featured in the family-friendly enclave Grovewood in World Golf Village’s King and Bear. Last week we talked with Providence Homes’ Director of Marketing Mike Fox. 

Providence is one of those unique companies that, despite growth and experience, has been able to retain its entrepreneurial spirit. Says Fox, “Bill Cellar (Providence’s CEO) started Providence 17 years ago with little capital but great drive.  He has always encouraged innovative thinking and searching for new opportunities. It has become part of the Providence culture.”  In fact, Providence will launch eight new Energy Star certified home designs this year.  The company is also considering a zero-energy home and guaranteeing energy bills.  Energy efficient design is just one of the trends Providence is seeing in new home design.  “Curb appeal, value engineering, open floor plans, flexibility and customization continue to gain in popularity among new homebuyers,” explains Fox.

Another example of its innovative thinking and one of the ways Providence keeps costs down for homebuyers is by constantly improving its construction practices. Says Fox, “We recently hired an outside consultant and we’re meeting with all our vendors in a process called a ‘Lean Blitz’. The basic premise is simple:  eliminate waste whether it is material waste, time or other inefficiencies. The end goal is to deliver a better home for our customers, a better experience for our trades, and keep costs down.”

“The combination of our product, pricing, location and team equate to a tremendous value for our customers,” explains Fox. At the end of the day, Bill Cellar’s original commitment to building each home as if he were building it for his own family has set Providence apart.  Says Fox, “It may sound clichéd, but we truly believe in doing ‘the right thing.’ We treat our customers, trade partners and Realtors the way we would like to be treated.  We approach every day that way, and if you strive for that goal, you will earn a reputation for quality that will be recognized and honored.”  Fox wrapped up by explaining, “I believe that commitment is a large part of why, in the worst housing downturn we have ever seen, Providence has grown market share and is now the number two single-family builder in northeast Florida. Providence Homes’ focus will continue to be on our customers and our homeowners. We have a phenomenal team here at Providence Homes and we will continue to look for new challenges.”