The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Hoar Construction celebrates 40th anniversary
More than 40 years ago, after serving in Vietnam, Kenny Hoar dug in with his mentor Norm Bender to learn the construction trade.
Now the Geauga Countybased business he later started on his own is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Since its inception Hoar Construction has done projects within Geauga and adjoining communities that include both custom homes and commercial work.
Although Hoar and his wife Kathy, who formerly served as office manager, are now retired, their children continue to keep the business moving forward.
Each offers special expertise.
Son Joel focuses on residential construction, renovations and new homes. Daughter Erin takes on various project manager duties while coordinating interior design. Sons Ryan and Scott concentrate on new and renovated commercial construction with Joel’s wife Lindsay managing the office.
The company is proud of its working relationships with customers as well as with subcontractors.
“We pride ourselves on the repeat business and loyalty we share with our customers that goes both ways,” Erin said. “This has been our model since 1980 to today…. Most of the subcontractors we work with are now second and third generation family businesses that we started with in 1980.”
A particular project completed in Claridon Township a few years ago illustrates the company’s custom approach.
Clients sought to build a house on property that had been in the family for many years, with the intent of keeping and passing along the land and new structure for their future generations.
To preserve a bit of history during construction materials from an old family barn were used. Slate from the roof was repurposed as flooring and old timbers were turned into built-ins for a home office.
“It was an honor to be a part of this process with the family and to help them pass along their family history,” Erin said.
Over the years the Hoar family has viewed changes within the construction business. Recent variations include the use of metal for roofing and siding and lowmaintenance exterior products with long-term warranties.
Additionally the use of natural stone has moved to the forefront along with custom kitchens, baths and outdoor living areas.
Despite the challenge presented by the local coronavirus work has continued.
The company states that “core subcontracting crews are diversified enough to reduce the footprint of people coming to each job. Each guy holds responsibility to the members of the teams and so far we have been able to manage a safe work environment. Over the last 40 years we have been able to adapt to any circumstances that have come our way and weather the storms.”
In the future Hoar Construction looks forward to growing residential work with a select amount of new builds, remodels and renovations. On the commercial side staffers want to specialize more in retail and office plazas along with pre-engineered metal buildings and excavations.
“The fun part about construction is we get to do something different every day,” Erin said. “We enjoy the challenge of working through the details of the project, the excitement of the new relationships with clients, and the passion that our tradesmen take into each project to further hone in their craft.
“It is also exciting to see the design process come to life, starting from ink and paper to end product.”