This is our third year in business, and we're ahead of last year at this
point by a long shot-not because of the economy but because we're known
in the community. We build modular homes. ... We built 19 homes last year
and we're looking to build 20 to 25 this year. If the interest rates stay
and the economy starts to turn, it should be a go. Our business is almost
helped by the slow economy because when people are looking for new housing
they want quality but don't want to spend a fortune. Ours are like any
other residential home, but cheaper because they're built efficiently
in a factory.
Doug Quenzer, Co-owner
Hearth of the North, LLC—Siren, Wisconsin
I think we're planning on a year similar to 2000 and
2001, and that's largely fueled by interest rates. They've propelled
the housing market forward. If the unemployment rate increases,
that affects consumer confidence. There are factors making [the
market] not as good as it could be, but it's better than average-good,
but not excellent. There's a limited supply of land positions in
the Twin Cities. We've got a good share of land. It comes down to
interest rates, consumer confidence and job growth.
Todd Stutz, President
Rottlund Homes of Minnesota—Roseville, Minnesota
Right now the Upper Peninsula is ahead of what we
budgeted them to do. As far as sales, [the company] is off to a
good year. I could safely say they are going to have a good half
of the year. They build primarily ag and suburban buildings and
some residential. It looks like a slightly better year than last.
Michelle Reinke, Advertising Coordinator
Cleary Building Corp.—Escanaba, Michigan
Business looks very good for 2002, better than last
summer and better than average. We build custom homes and buildings.
I already have bookings for this year and I haven't had that before,
this early, in my 16 years of business. It seems like this area
is recession proof. There's a downturn in skiers but it's secure
in home building. I feel very secure in the next five years. There's
a lot to do. Thumbs up.
J.C. Knaub, Owner
Andesite Construction—Big Sky, Montana
It's up and down with the economy, but there are several
projects coming up this year for the city. It looks better than
last year. We're going to be bidding on double the project volume
as last year. It's a good amount [of work]. We can't handle much
more. The way the interest rates are down, it'll help with the commercial
buildings. Lots of people are buying and remodeling because the
price is right. We handle commercial construction, remodeling and
some homes.
Don Nordling, Owner
Nordling Construction Co.—Aberdeen, South Dakota
This year is looking very favorable. I tend to believe
it's due to low interest rates and the election year. People wait
to see what the new president is going to come forth with, and they
sit back and wait for the dust to settle. It's followed that trend
since we've been in business [16 years]. Our outlook is for higher
sales and it's nothing but positive from now into next year. It's
not a surprise. We're going to be back on our average from last
year, or above.
Sandy Wiedenmeyer, Accounting Manager and Treasurer
Capital City Construction Inc.—Bismarck, North Dakota
