Modern Home Builders Issue 135 October 2024 | Page 153

______________________________________________________________________________ WillowTree
Custom Homes focused on remodels , as we were not sure about the direction we wanted to take . After a year of ups and downs , we finally gained some traction , and the business took off . Blending both of our very strong construction backgrounds – Jody as a structural engineer and me as a traditional builder – truly proved to be fruitful ,” he elaborates .
While initially unsure about the direction they wanted to take WillowTree , Travis and Jody rapidly developed a competitive edge to stand out in the homebuilding industry . Travis explains how the company differentiates itself . “ From the outset , Jody and I aimed to address a gap in communication that we noticed clients were facing frequently in the industry . To me , our focus on clear and transparent communication is what sets us apart . Indeed , we made this our number one priority when we established the business , alongside offering as many options as possible for our clients through our cando mindset . Moreover , we differentiate ourselves by making the process enjoyable for everyone involved . To achieve this , we leverage technology to enable our clients to always know what is going on throughout their projects . Our team provides constant communication on what is coming next , utilizing flow charts and other formats . It helps create an enjoyable experience for our clients , which is one of our core missions . For us , it all starts with communication and ensuring that our clients are never left in the dark about their project ’ s financials or schedule ,” he says .
Lock and leave
As a way to ensure effective communication , WillowTree utilizes a cutting-edge software named Buildertrend , which Travis tells us all about . “ When we began using Buildertrend approximately nine years ago we were one of the first companies in our market – if not in the industry – to use a solution like this . In the beginning , we used it solely for pictures as we noticed that clients were more satisfied if they saw updates of our team ’ s progress in their home when they were not around . We then started using Buildertrend to provide weekly reports to our clients . Sent via the app ’ s email and notification system , these reports keep clients informed of any
modernhb . com 153