Peek into the mind of a real life general contractor. Everything we do here at Green Branch Construction, Inc. is built on trust. That’s why our mission is to be a trusted residential and commercial builder in the Carolinas by cultivating long-term relationships and producing consistent excellence in workmanship, integrity, communication and project management.
I, Paul, recently had the pleasure of interviewing Travis Newton, general contractor of Green Branch Construction. My hope is that you’ll gain valuable insight as we look into the mind of an honest general contractor. Enjoy real talk in this blog read: Q & A with a General Contractor.
Paul: Travis, what is trust?
Travis: Trust is what is needed to have healthy relationships. It’s the ability to have confidence in the person that they will meet your expectations. Though, expectations can steer you wrong. That’s why contracts are needed. Contracts safeguard against one person having one set of expectations while the other has other expectations and so on. There also needs to be confidence that both parties will abide by the contract.
Trust is a two way street
Paul: Trust has two components: competence and character. How does Green Branch exemplify both competence and character?
We strive to do the right thing – because it’s the right thing. Period. – Travis Newton
Travis: Regarding competence, we have completed numerous projects successfully – keeping our word. We know what we’re doing. We’ve been around. We have almost 40 years experience between Jose and I … and so we can show that through videos here on our site, our Youtube channel & Facebook page – where you can see jobs we’ve done. You can also talk to people we’ve done work for.
Travis: Regarding character, we treat our customers like we want to be treated. If there’s something we agreed to do and it hasn’t been done – we make it right. We get it right. We get it to where it needs to be. We are not perfect, but we don’t leave our mistakes. We fix them. We have a successful track record.
The homeowner doesn’t want to pay for services and not get them. Just like the general contractor doesn’t want to do something he doesn’t feel like he’s being paid for.
Paul: Have you experienced a client who is afraid?
Travis: Yes. (He laughs.)
Paul: Why do people fear?
Travis: Because … there are general contractors who cheat … who don’t love their neighbor as themselves. Problems arise quickly if homeowners make assumptions that you’re cheating them. You, then, expend much energy reassuring them everything’s going to be fine.
FEAR: The enemy of trust.
Paul: What are some ways we can earn trust with the homeowner?
Travis: When we make contracts, we’ve got to be clear verbally and go over items, saying ‘this line means this and this line means this” – setting clear parameters and outlining those expectations. When homeowners’ and our expectations meet – that’s when we solidify the contract.
Paul: So, contracts help protect the relationship.
Travis: Yes … but even still sometimes clients expect items outside the original scope of the contract. In other instances, unfortunately, there are builders who don’t deliver what they promised in the contract. In cases like these, it’s a shame. We always fulfill our contracts. If we agree to something, we will make it happen – even if it costs us money. On the other side of that coin, when we fulfill our contract we want our payment … on time. (He laughs.)
Green Branch Construction, Inc. is building trust – one person, one project at a time. Let us know how we can build yours. Thank you for stopping by.
Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed this candid interview with a general contractor. – write up by Paul Gentilini.
