Discover how Dean Russell Custom Homes has continued to grow and thrive over its 50 years in business
For over 50 years, Dean Russell Custom Homes (DRCH) has been building homes that stand the test of time. As one of the premier custom home builders in the Jacksonville Florida area, the company specializes in crafting unique living spaces that genuinely reflect each customer’s lifestyle, taste and needs. With decades of combined experience, the DRCH team is passionate about quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design, working closely with clients from initial concept to final walk-through. Modern Home Builders had the pleasure of interviewing Glenn Katz, President and Owner, to learn more about the company’s journey and latest projects.
“The business originally started in the early 1970’s just doing framing for other builders. Over the subsequent decades, the business transformed into a company that specializes in new custom home builds, as well as large renovations and additions. Our historic expertise in framing makes us particularly well-suited for handling more complicated additions and renovations, where handling structural issues often play a key role in a project’s success.”
Enhanced communication
This year, DRCH is celebrating its 50th anniversary, a milestone few companies can claim, especially in the custom home business. “What has truly contributed to our longevity is our company’s laser-like focus on our customers’ needs and our commitment to delivering high-quality work at a reasonable price. That is demonstrated by our company’s mission statement: “Quality Work. On Budget. On Time. Every Time.”
As part of this mission, the company has adopted BuilderTrend, an innovative construction management system that enhances communication with clients. Through this platform, DRCH shares schedules, plans, and invoices, while also facilitating communication between clients and subcontractors. Additionally, BuilderTrend enables the company to produce daily and weekly reports with progress photos to clients, which is especially valuable for those clients who are out of town and wish to stay updated on the construction process. If any questions arise, or decisions need to be made by clients, they are clearly outlined in the reports. Additionally, weekly on-site meetings foster transparency, ensuring that every detail meets client satisfaction.
In addition to utilizing advanced software, DRCH embraces lean manufacturing methods pioneered by Toyota Motor Corporation designed to increase visual clarity, spot mistakes, and prevent errors. “We excel at translating plans and details into visual formats, which we post in each relevant room. This ensures that our subcontractors have immediate access to the information they need while working. Since DRCH has worked with many of its subcontractors for decades, they know that they can reach out to the company with any questions they may have, no matter how insignificant it may seem. I always emphasize to our subcontractors that it is much more efficient to clarify any uncertainties upfront rather than to correct mistakes later. It is always faster and more cost-effective to get the job done right the first time, especially with the high-end builds we construct, where materials are expensive to replace,” Glenn adds.
Culture of craftsmanship
Rather than specializing in a single style, Glenn describes the company as ‘style agnostic,’ adapting to its clients’ preferences while staying true to modern construction methods. Glenn is keen to discuss an ongoing project that truly allows the company’s unparalleled know-how to shine. “A few years ago, we completed a stunning contemporary home for a family in town. While many of our builds are located in Jacksonville’s beach communities, we occasionally take on interesting projects like this one, which we developed in collaboration with a prominent local architect we frequently partner with. Currently, we are working on an oceanfront build with the same architect. The oceanfront project has been interesting yet challenging to work on, particularly due to the steep job site. Building along the ocean is inherently difficult, due to the soil conditions that require pilings and the extremely rigorous zoning rules. This particular project required almost 50 pilings, with an average depth of 45 feet.”
As Dean Russell Custom Homes celebrates 50 years of excellence, the company is not simply reflecting on its legacy – it is actively building for the next 50 years. With Glenn’s daughter Casey recently joining the team as a Project Manager, the next generation is already immersed in the company’s culture of craftsmanship, accountability, and client-first service. Her involvement marks a meaningful continuation of the family-driven values that have defined DRCH since its early framing days. By combining decades of experience with fresh perspective and forward-thinking leadership, Dean Russell Custom Homes is ensuring that its commitment to “Quality Work. On Budget. On Time. Every Time.” will endure for generations to come.