Brothers build Bayer Homes
Farmers survive with hard work, a passion for the land and the ability to work with their hands. They quickly learn how to fix and build things in order to keep the farm up and running. Brothers Rick and Bob Bayer were raised on a farm where their father,
Rick went to college and earned a degree in construction administration from the University of Wisconsin. Both brothers learned by hands-on experience in the residential construction trade. In 1986, Bob and Rick combined their passions, skills and expertise in the building industry and formed Bayer Homes, Inc.
For the past 30 years, the Bayer brothers have created a design, build and remodeling business based on a very simple principle: to treat people fairly and with respect. “We treat people as we wish to be treated,” Rick Bayer said.
Rick is the company’s designer. He is also the administrative manager of building projects. Bob is the project manager, overseeing the day-to-day construction of every project. For Bayer Homes, it’s all about each job done the right way, on schedule and with the quality that their customers have come to expect.
Bayer Homes builds about three custom homes a year with an additional 10 design-build remodeling projects. Each design/build project gets their individual attention. Rick Bayer took time to talk about his time in the industry.
What do you enjoy about building and remodeling?
I enjoy connecting with clients and talking to them about their wish lists. Whether we are doing a new construction, an addition or a bath, kitchen or lower level remodel, I enjoy the experience with them as the plans become a reality.
How do you differentiate your business from others?
We are a small company, but very hands-on. We are very much a one-stop shop. We have 30 years of experience in design, setting costs or budgets for jobs and doing specs. We use local vendors for product selections and an interior designer to help clients with material selections.
What advice would you give someone looking to build or remodel?
Each customer is looking for different things. Look for a designbuild firm that matches up with the project you’re doing. You need to interview companies. Interviewing too few is just as bad as too many.
Communication can make or break the experience. You want to make a good connection and have good communication with the people you hire. It’s not about the lowest bid; it’s about the quality of work and the overall experience.
How has being a member of the MBA helped your business?
We’ve been members for 30 years. We are small company, so the marketing opportunities it gives us through events like the Parade of Homes is very valuable to us. In recent years, the MBA has had a Parade of Remodeled Homes that has given quality exposure in the market to remodelers.
I’m a former chair of the Parade of Homes and we have been honored by a number of Parade of Homes awards throughout the years.
How do you see your business changing over the next 10 years?
How we see our business changing is also one of our biggest business challenges. How to market Bayer Homes in the age of technology? We will need to use more social media and internet-based marketing tools. Keeping up with all of it is very time consuming.
How has technology changed your business?
When I began designing, everything was hand drawn. Computer-assisted design (CAD) has become very sophisticated. It gives our customers great visuals, allowing them to virtually walk through their projects. It has been a great help in giving our customers a feel as to how their projects will come together.
Our business has been enhanced greatly by being able to digitally send plans, contracts, change orders and photos. Communication is quicker, more efficient and convenient for us, our tradespeople and, most importantly, our customers. Also, with email, there is documentation for everything.
What advice would you give someone looking for a career in the building industry?
This is a rewarding career. It is very satisfying to see what you have accomplished and to see a transformation from your work you do on a daily basis. There are jobs. We need qualified people in the trades – carpenters, plumbers, electricians, those who have a passion for it and are willing to work hard.
What is your proudest professional achievement?
As a designer, I won a Parade of Homes People’s Choice Award. To be recognized for what we work to achieve is very gratifying.
Who is your personal hero?
Personally, I admire veterans and those in the military who serve to protect our freedoms. My dad served in World War II. These are very special people.
What is your dream project?
I don’t know if I have a dream project. I enjoy every project. I like the challenge of making every one a success.