WD Contractors & Landscaping _________________________________________________________________________
what we provide , to fit everybody under our umbrella . We don ’ t want to cater to one specific demographic but rather continue our legacy with an assortment of developments .”
Meeting customer needs
These projects include Stonegate Manor , where WD Contractors & Landscaping purchased a subdivision of several empty lots , which it is developing into individual properties to sell . “ There are 19 lots and a small dog park . It is the biggest project that we ’ ve undertaken and we ’ re proud of it , because it ’ s been ours from start to finish ,” Laverne highlights . “ It includes a range of diverse home styles and sizes , some with basements and two with elevators . We can do some customizations with homeowners to fit their specific needs .”
Alongside Stonegate Manor , WD Contractors & Landscaping has been working on Preston Hills , Bakers Ferry , and Highlands of Decatur , however Laverne was keen to direct attention to a different scheme - Whispering Meadows . “ These are larger , ranch style properties , so a bit different for us .” She noted that changing demands from buyers were driving new layouts , as older family members are brought into their homes . “ We have fabulous long-term relationships with our homebuyers , and we are finding that their needs are changing - if you move your parents or grandparents in for example , you need a one level home , with more space and a different layout . We do offer elevators as an option . Furthermore , we ’ re finding that people prefer to be at home these days . They want home comforts , like underfloor heating , and patios off the master bedroom . I am really enjoying this trend as I am a homebody and I would love to get back to big open concepts and multiple generations of the family in the kitchen , eating , cooking , and doing homework at the same time .”
The next generation
These family values are important to WD Contractors & Landscaping , and it likes to maintain its reputation for being a company of integrity . “ Morals are important to us , and we really encourage a family atmosphere . Part of this includes someone we ’ ve been mentoring for almost three years to take over for Willie and I when we retire , which we hope will be in the next two years . We like to call her our surrogate baby . She ’ s about to sit for her general contractor ’ s licensing exam and we hope she will continue our legacy . Her name is Michelle Moore and while she is originally from Philadelphia , and brings that northern flair to her work , she is a southern girl at heart and has been adopted by the South .
“ She has very much the same outlook as us , with deep rooted family values and morals . Under her direction , we are hoping we can continue not just with big projects , but also more affordable plans for first time homebuyers , so we don ’ t just work with clients in a certain tax bracket . We are looking at possible projects for the homeless as well , or those who are struggling financially , maybe working with some municipalities within Atlanta .”
With Laverne at the helm and Michelle rapidly growing in her own right as a general contractor , it ’ s no surprise to learn that the business also champions diversity and is keen to see more women working across the industry . “ I want to see more women out there in the field with us ,” Laverne concludes . “ We ’ ve got so many projects going on , there are opportunities for everyone .” ■
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