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Third-generation general contractor Steve Yanke, together with his wife Cindy, founded Westpoint Development( Westpoint) in 1988. One of the larger custom home builders in Nevada, Westpoint is well known throughout the state, where over the course of the last 37 years the company has developed a stellar reputation.
We sat down with Steve, who shed more light on his background and the evolution of the company:“ My father and grandfather were also contractors right here in Las Vegas. I started the business when I was 24 years old after studying architecture in Arizona. Initially, I wanted to be an architect, but the opportunities weren’ t as good as in contracting. Subsequently, I began building tract homes, as I heard many negative stories from my father about custom homes( he was a custom builder as well), from people stealing from him to irate homeowners and lawsuits; I didn’ t want to follow in those footsteps!
“ However, after I finished my fifth small subdivision, I did my first custom home for one of my best friends. It was so gratifying that I stayed with it. Each home is different in its challenges, along with owners’ personalities. I learned it was about how you treat people. If you’ re transparent, honest and personable, you will prevail.
“ Today, the company focuses mainly on custom homes, and we have design / build and build-to-suit programs. We also do a limited number of commercial projects, so, alongside homes, we have completed a range of builds over the years including a 159-bed assisted living facility, ground-up doctors’ offices, gas stations, office buildings, and tenant improvements. We don’ t always bid against other contractors; we have been doing this so long and people know who we are, so they often simply give us
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