Dean Beuscher is the manager of Vintage Estate Homes in New Braunfels, Texas. He oversees the sale and building of more than 50 custom homes every year in the area. Dean has more than thirty years of experience in the industry, beginning before he was out of high school.
Dean grew up working with his father in his own building company. After graduating from Eckert College in St Petersburg, Florida with a degree in business management, Dean continued to work with his Dad. Dean opened his own company in 1999 and was successful for many years.
After moving on from his company, Dean joined with Vintage Estate Homes and takes pride in providing buyers dream homes. When he’s not at a site, he’s in the model homes discussing the next project.
Most of Dean’s family still lives in Florida and he visits frequently. With five adult children and four grandchildren, his free time is filled with family trips and fun. He enjoys sports, especially Nascar, and traveling internationally when he can.
How did you get started in this business? What inspired you to start this business?
My father owned a home building company when I was young. I spent many summers framing houses or working with electricians and plumbers. At one point or another, each of my siblings worked with my Dad also. It was just what we did.
I learned from bricklayers and other building professionals how to create homes from the ground up. It was initially just important to learn from all areas of the process, especially when running your own business in that field. By having knowledge in each aspect of the home building process, I think this part truly helps when I’m meeting with new buyers. We’re making their dream home and they want someone they know they can trust.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
There really wasn’t a time I had any doubts. I’m sure it’s because I was introduced to it so young. When I finished college, I originally sold houses for my Dad in his company. Over time, I wanted to do more so I’d opened my own business. Even then, I didn’t have any doubts that this was my industry and what I’m good at. It’s just different when it’s your own company.
What do you love about the industry?
Without a doubt, I love building people’s dream homes. These days, we can design and build custom homes more easily. The buyers get to choose their materials, their layout, every part of it. I get to be a part of helping someone’s vision become a reality. There really isn’t anything else like watching someone go through the process and see it all coming together. I’m able to be a part of that and it’s a great feeling.
What is the biggest challenge?
The cost of building materials has increased significantly over the last several years. The tariffs have gone up, so the overall cost has also. Interest rates have also increased, so it’s more expensive to build homes than it was a few years ago. It has made an impact on the business.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
We work a lot with local realtors. I would say about eighty percent of our sales come to us due to the relationships we have with realtors. They know if they refer a client to us, that client is going to be satisfied. We maintain that reputation and we are highly recommended in the area.
Of course, word of mouth is still very important in this industry. We specialize in high-end custom homes, in the price range of up to a million dollars. A good number of clients contact us because they know someone we have worked with and know we will take care of them.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
The toughest decisions are when you must let someone go. It’s never an easy thing. We recently had to release our sales manager, and that was difficult as he had been with us for a while. Relationships and trust within this business are crucial for an effective running business, so if that is at risk, the necessary steps need to be taken.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
I think, first and foremost, I’m successful because I love what I do. Do you know that saying “if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life”? That is the best description for me. I really enjoy brainstorming with the buyers, coming up with new ideas, and putting it all together.
Several clients we work with are first time buyers, I help them learn the process and walk through all the steps. We also offer a great warranty on all our homes so buyers know should anything happen, they have that peace of mind that it will be taken care of. All of this helps us be successful.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
I’d had my own building business for many years that I’d opened in 1999. That, by far, was the most satisfying for me. It was just a natural progression and the timing was right. It’s unfortunate the housing market changed so dramatically over the last decade or so. A lot of companies couldn’t maintain themselves.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
We are going to continue building beautiful custom homes for our clients. Right now, we build about 50 homes a year. I may slow that down a little over the next few years. I have five children and several grandkids. I look forward to spending more time with them after all the hard work I have given over the years.
What business books have inspired you?
The Art of the Deal by Donald Trump and Tony Schwartz. It’s a bit about Trump’s youth, but also gives business strategies that have been useful. I have also attended Dale Carnegie presentations. Those have taught me to recognize different personalities and how best to deal with each.
What is a recent purchase you have made that’s helped with your business?
In this industry, it’s all about the land deals. We need to be sure we are building in a sought-after location.