Thursday, August 6, 2009

Biden Time, Not "Biding Time"

I just received this story from the Tori Stein, President of the Charleston Trident Home Builders Association and thought it was worth passing along. It's always great to hear of a great local company that isn't "biding time" (just waiting around), but is always ready to step up to the bat like a team player - especially in light of Biden's arrival into Charleston, SC, yesterday afternoon for his week long vacation on Kiawah Island.

"Late Friday evening I (Tori) was called to help prepare a house of a long-term client for the arrival of Vice President Biden which strict confidence requested. I was not given a to-do list or any indications of the needs, wants or desire of the point staff that landed on the house until Monday morning. And while I have many humorous stories about Secret Service and the Kiawah Concierge I must give Jim Clark of ESS (Environmental Solutions & Services) and Frank Smith of eLifespaces the recommendations and kudos they deserve.

Jim and Frank dropped everything to work on an incredible list of items with some requests at the 11th hour that I initially thought was impossible to accomplish. I could only tell them that it was important and imperative the work was completed by 2:00 yesterday. (Frank was the last to leave at 1:59.) Both of them were quick to brain-storm on how to meet the goals with excellent humor and focus without tripping over the army of housekeepers, landscapers, ABI carpenters, and Men-in-black. Neither blinked but agreed to be on call with me for the next 7 days 24/7 without questions.

If you are not using these companies then you are missing the boat on providing your clients the best possible service and product. They will make you look like a Star. My deepest appreciation to these gentlemen and their expertise for making an incredible undertaking flow smoothly and seemingly effortless style.

Sincerely,


Tori Stein, CAPS, CGP

2009 President of Charleston Trident Home Builders Association

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Following the Leaders


Ahmad with his daughter, Analla, Ahmad's Sister, Keema and me

It's a great feeling to be a part of a company that understands the importance of an investment and a promise. Whether that applies to the investment of each client and their custom home or the lives we come in contact with throughout life.Ahmad's daughter Analla, graduate David and me

For 7 years prior to beginning my position at Structures Building Company, I had the privilege of being the Assistant Director/Lead Teacher for the Faith, Hope and Love Mentoring Program in Charlotte, NC. Having the opportunity to have these "kids" a part of my life for the past 11 years has been one of my greatest joys!
Proud Grandmother Byrd who has raised her amazing grand daughter, Karen

What a privilege I've had seeing the milestones these leaders have worked for as they just graduated from high school and prepare themselves for college!

PeeWee, Doran and me

Kare'n and I enjoying Sophie's performance in the play, Guys and Dolls Jr while Kare'n came down to enjoyed a weekend away in Charleston before heading off for college.

Kare'n, Sophie and me after the play!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Hats Off

Rendering for Coastal Living was done by Muir Stewart

Hats off to the incredible team that made the 2009 Coastal Living Idea Cottage possible. This custom home is located along the Jefferson Canal, right in the heart of I'On Village, Mount Pleasant, SC. Building a high-end custom home in 4 1/2 months is a huge feat! I know my Structures team - they're always up for a challenge. I'd be remiss if I didn't say that we couldn't have done it without our loyal team of suppliers and trades that really stepped up to the plate to bring it altogether on such a short build schedule. Thanks to everyone for such a successful project!

Saturday, July 18, 2009

More Signs of a Local Recovery.

Charleston Regional Business Journal reports: Residential real estate sales figures in the Charleston area have increased for the second consecutive month, with total sales up 8% and median sale price up 3%. The Charleston Trident Association of Realtors reports that 732 transactions closed in June, up from 678 in May. The median sale price was $192,626, up from $187,000 in May. The modest increases in median price are an excellent indicator of a recovering market

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Another Great Place to Experience in Our Lowcountry!


If you haven't had a chance to swing by the Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park, it's a must see! It's another perfect place for a simple stroll, family friendly places to explore, including a fenced in play area, fishing off the long pier and not to mention the opportunity to put the state dance into practice for shaggin on the pier. I think the pier is a great combination of the long Folly Pier and Water Front park in historic downtown Charleston - even down to the two sided bench swings! Schedule a time to explore this great addition to our Lowcountry!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Kind Words From Coastal Living

“It has been nothing short of a wonderful experience to work with Structures on our 2009 Idea Cottage. This program is run on an extremely accelerated schedule and the Structures team far exceeded our expectations without compromising any aspect of the quality or design of the cottage. They were always timely, proficient in their work and so great to communicate with, all which made the building process stress-free, something that definitely keeps a smile on my face.”

Nicole Hendrick ~ Idea Home Manager for Coastal Living Magazine

Friday, July 10, 2009

What does New York City, Athens, Greece, Havana, Cuba and Mount Pleasant, South Carolina Have In Common?

Tria Giovan. . . she has an incredible reputation for her amazing photos she's taken all over the U.S. and overseas! Her work has been featured in Metropolitan Home, Mish New York, Traditional Home, Cottage Living, Tiffany & Co, Bon Appetit, Cooking Light and Coastal Living. (just to name a very few, take a look at her website to read of her accomplishments) Her work has also been exhibited in The Museum of Modern Art, The Brooklyn Museum, The Jewish Museum and The New York Public Library. We were privileged to have Tria right here in I'On Village, Mount Pleasant, SC to capture the beautiful shots of our 2009 Coastal Living Idea Cottage. Keep a lookout for the angles Tria was able to capture, inside and out in the 2009 October edition!