Business: Lakewest Custom Homes
Address: 1309 N. Loomis St., Naperville
Phone/website: 630-470-9442, www.lakewestcustomhomes.com
Owner: Dan Jurjovec, 42, of Naperville
Years in business: 11
What does your business do? “We design and build custom homes, typically in downtown Naperville and the surrounding area,” Jurjovec said.
What’s the history? “We’ve been a family-based building company in Naperville since 1993. Lakewest Custom Homes is a subset of what was Lakewest Builders. My father, Tom, started the company. … I’ve been the point person for the business since 2005 when we built our first custom home in downtown Naperville. Lakewest Builders was a participant in a lot of the large subdivisions in south Naperville.”
Did you work for dad as a kid? “I did go to work with my dad often in the summer. That evolved into summer jobs in high school working for the heating and air conditioning contractor, working for the framing contractor. It’s great to work for other folks attached to the business and learning that aspect.”
What’s your business philosophy? “When you work in this type of business, it’s not just your company and your family. It’s all the other subcontractors and suppliers and tradesmen who become part of your extended family. … You’re working to take care of your family, but you feel the responsibility to keep hundreds of people going through the efforts of your business. We’re fortunate to have great people working with us. In a lot of cases, those relationships are decades long.”
Are you the architect? “I’m not. We work with the same group of architects. But when I say ‘design build,’ we are fully involved in that design process with the client. At the initial meeting, we get the best idea of the type of home they’re looking for. … We understand the need for a client to have a comfort level before they invest their time and money into a design process where we can ultimately deliver contract pricing.”
Is it exciting? “It is. Every project is different. While we’re building custom homes, what we’re actually doing is designing and building the perfect homes for our client’s everyday life and their family. How can we design and build the best home for your family? … We want to make sure you’re mindful of not just the immediate future but what is the ultimate goal. Is this a home you plan on living in forever? … With the size of downtown Naperville lots, we may recommend an elevator so they can have full mobility of all floors (when they are older).”
Are you running out of lots in Naperville? “I don’t know if that will ever truly happen. But right now, lot availability is scarce and it’s at a premium.”
You built your home? “Yes. We moved in three years ago. Most of the homes we build are four-bedroom homes. My two youngest sons share one,” said the father of four.
What about prices? “The majority of our projects, with the lots, are between $1.5 million and over $3 million. They buy the lots.”
Why is Naperville good for business? “Naperville is a wonderful community. … You have outstanding schools, the downtown retail and restaurant draw. … It starts with the people.”
How busy are you? “We build about 10 homes a year. … It takes 10 to 12 months to build a home.”
Any hot trends? “We see a lot more modern, cleaner, contemporary design. … The amount of pools going in is remarkable.”
What do you like best? “The opportunity to work closely with my clients to make their dreams a reality.”
Any negatives? “It never ends. I don’t work 9 to 5. You’re literally working all the time. … It’s a blessing and a curse because I can also make my own schedule.”
What’s your advice for someone starting a business? “Don’t quit. … When things aren’t going your way, you have to see your way through because it’s not going to last forever.”
If you know of a business you’d like to see to profiled in Down to Business, contact Steve Metsch at metschmsfl@yahoo.com.
Steve Metsch is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
