Full Podcast Transcript

Question

Accepted Answer

Jesse Sampley (00:01.264)

Okay, Randy, welcome to the Meridian Pursuit Builders podcast show. Super excited to have you on.

Randy Sebastian (00:03.886)

Thank you, Jesse.

Jesse Sampley (00:08.872)

Randy, why don't you tell us a a little bit about the company and and who you guys are, what what type of homes you build. Well, I I like to tell everybody there's a Renaissance homes in every major market. And we are that here in Portland, Oregon. we founded I I'm sixty two, but when I was twenty, I thought I wanted to be a home builder and I had

Randy Sebastian (00:15.522)

Well, I I like to tell everybody there's a Renaissance homes in every major market. And we are that here in Portland, Oregon. we founded I I'm sixty-two, but when I was twenty, I thought I wanted to be a home builder and I had zero experience other than I was a labor on a foundation crew and I saw these guys pulling in, and again I'm dating myself, but in these mini blazers wearing cowboy boots, you know.

Jesse Sampley (00:35.239)

Zero experience other than I was a labor on a foundation create.

And I saw these guys pulling in, and again I'm dating myself, but in these mini blazers, wearing cowboy boots, you know, thinking they're this shit. I'm like, I wanna be this shit. These guys look like they can I'm the smartest there, they can do what I can. And so I I had a little side business at the time, believe it or not, it was wine shaved ice in Portland, Oregon of all things. And but I sold it and I and I got my dog my dog is a very yeah, she needs to go somewhere else. So we have

Randy Sebastian (00:45.848)

thinking they're the shit. I'm like, I wanna be this shit. These guys look like they and I'm as smart as they are. If they can do it, I can. And so I I had a little side business at the time, believe it or not. It wine shaved ice in Portland, Oregon of all things. And but I sold it and I and I got my dog my dog is a very yeah she needs to go somewhere else. So we have landscapers here and our dog freaks out. So anyway, so anyway I

Jesse Sampley (01:09.274)

landscapers here and our dog freaks out. So anyway, so anyway, I sold my business at twenty, my first business, and I got enough money to buy a lot free and clear in Portland. And so I then built a home

Randy Sebastian (01:14.674)

sold my business at twenty, my first business, and I got enough money to buy a lot free and clear in Portland. And so I then built a home, built, sold, and closed it for $34,000, lot, house, the whole thing, and made 10%. I'm like, this is what I want to do. And at the time, the two hot TV or mo movies were Indiana Jones

Jesse Sampley (01:27.954)

Built sold and closed it for thirty four thousand dollars, lot, house, the whole thing, and made ten percent. I'm like, this is what I wanna do. And at the time, the two hot T V or mo movies were Indiana Jones and Wall Street, where I thought, Well this home building thing is kinda cool here at twenty, you know. Like I

Randy Sebastian (01:44.095)

And Wall Street. I thought, well, this home building thing's kind of cool. Here at 20, you know, like I it's kind of like Indiana Jones because it's adventurous, you're outside, but then it's Wall Street, it's money. And and I found out in all my and I prior to that I dropped out of college, right? And to do this. And all my friends were, you know, when I was 20, 21 years old doing this, all my friends were still college, not sure what they were gonna do. And I'm like, I know exactly what I'm gonna do.

Jesse Sampley (01:50.351)

It's kind of like Indiana Jones, because adventurous you're outside, but then it's Wall Street, it's money. And and I found out in all my and I prior to that I dropped out of college, right? And to do this. And all my friends were, you know, when I was 20, 21 years old doing this, all my friends were still in college, not sure what they were gonna do. And I'm like, I know exactly what I'm gonna do forever. This is outside, this is fun, and just dug in. And my first year in business was nineteen eighty-five, my first full year. I built

Randy Sebastian (02:11.402)

Forever. This is outside this fun. And just dug in. And my first year in business was 1985, my first full year. I built, sold, and closed 26 homes all on my own. No secretary. Yeah. No secretary, no no assistants, no laborers, just me and these rag trap group of subs that I picked up, you know, along the way. And but again, to be fair, no one was building out here because obviously.

Jesse Sampley (02:20.216)

Built, sold, and closed. 26 homes, all on my own. my goodness. No secretary. Yeah. No secretary, no no assistants, no laborers, just me and these rag trap group of subs that I picked up along the way. And but again, to be fair, no one was building out here, because obviously interest rates are high and all that. And I thought if I can build a home and undercut

Randy Sebastian (02:41.194)

Interest rates are high and all that. And I thought if I can build a home and undercut really the resale market, and I did. And it was great. So yeah, had a good time. And then from there, built spot lots everywhere. And then I started doing my own sub my own developments in 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, I was doing spot lots. And then I did my first development, you know, subdivision in 89. And from there we just rocked it. And we got to where we're

Jesse Sampley (02:46.648)

really the resale market. And I did. And it was great. So yeah, had a good time. And then from there, built spot lots everywhere. And then I started doing my own sub my own developments.

In eighty-four, eighty-five, eighty-six, eighty-seven, eighty-eight, I was doing spot lots. And then I did my first development, you know, subdivision in eighty-nine. And from there we just rocked it. And we got to where we're closing in the the mid 2000s, about 200 million a year. we're the state's largest volume home builder in terms of dollars, building about 300 homes a year. and then 2007. And everything scrambled, as we all know.

Randy Sebastian (03:09.902)

Closing in the the mid-2000s, about 200 million a year. we're the state's largest volume home builder in terms of dollars, building about 300 homes a year. and then 2007 hit. And everything scrambled, as we all know.

Jesse Sampley (03:28.025)

How much were you sitting on as during that time? And did that make a difference? Great question. What I did was, and this is part of my success, but it was also the downfall. I had all these developments going. I had 17 developments going from a place in called Bend, Oregon, up north of Seattle. So I was from Seattle to Bend, headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon. And we had 17 subdivisions, a couple thousand lots.

Randy Sebastian (03:32.739)

Great question. What I did was, and this is part of my success, but it was also the downfall. I had all these developments going. I had 17 developments going from a place in called Bend, Oregon, up north of Seattle. So I was from Seattle to Bend, headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon. And we had 17 subdivisions, a couple thousand lots, you know, 17 sales managers. We I mean, you know, over a hundred employees. This is a big deal.

Jesse Sampley (03:57.387)

17 sales managers. We I mean, you know, over a hundred employees. This is a big deal. And how I did it is I you know, a lot of people had houses to sell, but at the time the market was so hot they didn't want to sell their home before they knew where they were gonna go, you know, 'cause they they didn't want to be, you know, out of a house, you know.

Randy Sebastian (04:02.538)

And how I did it is I you know, a lot of people had houses to sell, but at the time the market was so hot they didn't want to sell their home before they knew where they were gonna go. You know, 'cause they they didn't want to be, you know, out of a house, you know, you know, the old

you know, cake, cakewalk thing, magical chairs, musical chairs thing. And so what happened was we would say, okay, give us ten thousand dollars down, fully refundable if you don't, if you don't, if you don't sell your house. If you don't sell your house, here's your money. But we want 25% of all options and extras. So they might put $100,000 in options at our design studio. We you know we we're big on design studio. We'll get to that later. So design studio, so we would do that.

Jesse Sampley (04:17.88)

you know, cake cakewalk thing, magical chairs, musical chairs thing. And so what happened was we would say, Okay, give us ten thousand dollars down, fully refundable if you don't if you don't if you don't sell your house. If you don't sell your house, here's your money.

But we want 25% of all options and extras. So they might put $100,000 in options at our design studio. We, you know, we we're big on design studio. We'll get to that later. So design studio, so we would do that. And so somebody might be into a house, $25,000, when they we put a hundred options in it, made sure the options were safe in case we got it back, right? And

Randy Sebastian (04:45.544)

And so somebody might be into a house 25 grand when they we put a hundred options in it and made sure the options were safe in case we got it back, right? And and that's how that's the magic, you know. And we had a good process, and we were building, you know, pr flaw flawless homes at you know, doing a couple hundred homes a year. We're starting, selling, and closing a home every business day. And these are detailed homes. And then the crash happened, and what happened was

Jesse Sampley (04:56.757)

And that's how that was the magic, you know, and we had a good process and we were building, you know, pr flaw flawless homes at you know, doing a couple hundred homes a year. We're starting, selling, and closing a home every business day. And these are detailed homes. And then the crash happened, and what happened was people couldn't sell their homes. So in two quarters, I got back eighty-six homes. Eighty-six sold homes I got back. Wow and I hadn't

Randy Sebastian (05:14.338)

People couldn't sell their homes. So in two quarters, I got back 86 homes. 86 sold homes, I got back. And I had millions of dollars in option money on land out there. Cause you have to control land here. We have a very strict, probably the most strict land supply in the nation in Oregon. It's crazy. So all that shit happened, and and then bear sterns happened, right? And the banks that were lending to me stopped.

Jesse Sampley (05:24.33)

You know, millions of dollars in option money on land out there because you have to control land here. We have a very strict, probably the most strict land supply in the nation in Oregon. It's crazy. So all that shit happened, and and then fair sterns happened, right? And the banks that were lending to me stopped. I had all this inventory out, I had all these homes under construction, all these subdivisions. And the bank said, sorry.

Randy Sebastian (05:45.103)

I had all this inventory out. I had all these homes under construction, all these subdivisions. And the bank said, sorry, we can't lend you. And before that, we were working on a pre-packaged chapter 11 also because we knew we were going down. And I had a really good attorney. And so we started working on our pre-packaged chapter 11. We went to all our lenders. We went first to our lenders. But when we smelt something was going bad, 2007, 8.

Jesse Sampley (05:53.941)

We can't land you.

And before that, we were working on a pre-packaged chapter 11 also because we knew we were going down. And I had a really good attorney. And so we started working on our pre-packaged chapter 11. We went to all our lenders. We went first to our lenders. But when we smelt something was going bad, 2007, 8, I think it was eight when we released we really got going on this thing. And so we went, we flew our, you know, our King Air F-90, you know, to all the different regional banks.

Randy Sebastian (06:14.914)

I think it was eight when we really we really got going on this thing. And so we went, we flew our, you know, our King Air F ninety, you know, to all the different regional banks and said, Hey, we're giving you heads up. Something's going, it's not good. So we're gonna protect you. You the money you give us, the money is money we're gonna spend. We're not gonna commingle any of your money with any other projects. But you gotta support us. We're gonna get through this together. That's the right way to do it. And this and then

Jesse Sampley (06:25.677)

And said, hey, we're giving you heads up. Something's going, it's not good. So we're gonna protect you. You the money you give us, the money is money we're gonna spend. We're not gonna commingle any of your money with any other project. But you gotta support us. We're gonna get through this together. That's the right way to do it. And this and then and then then my attorney and they go, okay, sounds good. My attorney goes, okay, but if you can't lend to us, then we're gonna deed Lou

Randy Sebastian (06:43.968)

And then then my attorney, and they go, Okay, sounds good. My attorney goes, Okay, but if you can't lend to us, then we're gonna deed Lou. and Randy has no personal guarantees. And this was before Burton's bearing. Of course we're gonna land. Of course, okay, yeah, we'll do it, you know. So, anyway, got on that get that old sign. We had no idea, they had no idea, and then bear assurance comes, and then banks were cut off. They couldn't do it. So then it worked out to where

Jesse Sampley (06:55.676)

And Randy has no personal guarantees. And this was before Burton's bearing service. Of course we're gonna land. Of course, okay, yeah, we'll do it, you know. So anyway, got that get that all sign. We had no idea, they had no idea. And then bear assurance comes and then banks were cut off. They couldn't do it. So then it worked out to where, you know, we worked with the banks that would work with us and the banks that wouldn't, we gave them their stuff back, but I didn't have any personal guarantees, which was good because personal guarantees you know,

Randy Sebastian (07:13.548)

You know, we worked with the banks that would work with us and the banks that wouldn't, we give them their stuff back, but I didn't have any personal guarantees, which is good because personal guarantees you know, will crush you. I had personal guarantees with subcontractors because the banks stopped me from they stopped my draws too. So I had to work that out through a chapter that would bankrupt and pay everybody back after over five years after the bank you know, it was a tough time. You know, I'd

Jesse Sampley (07:24.906)

Will crush you. I had personal guarantees from subcontractors because the banks stopped me from they stopped my draws too. So I had to work that out through a chapter that would bankrupt and pay everybody back after over five years. After you know, it was a tough time. You know, I had my buddies, you know, other builders putting bullets in their head, jumping off, jumping in the rivers, hanging themselves, all that kind of shit just for money. And I thought, you know, I'm not doing that. I thought the worst the worst thing that could happen is

Randy Sebastian (07:40.843)

My buddies, you know, other builders putting bullets in their head, jumping off, jumping in the rivers, hanging themselves, all that kind of shit just for money. And I thought, you know, I'm not doing that. I thought the worst the worst thing that could happen is you're gonna love this. I'm a tarpon fisherman. Where do you where do you catch tarpon? Come to mind. Where where?

Jesse Sampley (07:54.877)

You're gonna this. I'm a tarpon fisherman. Where do you where do you catch tarpon? Come to mind. Where where? tarpon. I mean I would think South Florida. Yeah, the Keys. Yeah. And I thought, okay, worst thing I'm gonna do. And I thought also we have to get a divorce at that time. You know, the all the things going down, you gotta get a divorce. So I'm getting a divorce too. So I'm like, if everything goes down, Jesse, I am moving to Key West.

Randy Sebastian (08:06.146)

Yeah, the keys. And I thought, okay, worst thing I'm gonna do. And I was also you have to get a divorce at that time. You know, the all the things going down, you gotta get a divorce. So I'm getting a divorce too. So I'm like, if everything goes down, Jesse, I am moving to Key West. I am gonna be a bouncer, because I'm a bodybuilder also. I'm gonna be a bouncer at my favorite strip club Teasers in Key West. And I'm gonna work on boats. And I'm gonna have a good time. I'm gonna have a great time.

Jesse Sampley (08:23.194)

I am gonna be a bouncer, because I'm a bodybuilder also. I'm gonna be a bouncer at my favorite strip club teasers in Key West. And I'm gonna work on boats. And I'm gonna have a good time. I'm gonna have a great time. So that's the worst case. That kept me from putting a bullet in my head. And then, I mean, I'm fast forward skipping through all this. So I get through all this, give back the subdivisions that I didn't want, kept a few I did.

Randy Sebastian (08:36.29)

So that's the worst case. That kept me from putting a bullet in my head. And then, I mean, I'm fast forward and skipping through all this. So I get through all this, give back the subdivisions that I didn't want, kept a few I did, had to lay off over 80 people, kept a hardcore group of 20. and those people hung in there with me and worked for no pay for a little while. And then I get through the bankruptcy and I have.

Jesse Sampley (08:49.162)

had to lay off over 80 people, kept a hardcore group of 20. and those people hung in there with me and worked for no pay for a little while. And then I get through the bankruptcy and I have only the good sites, only the good people, only the good stuff, and I have a plan to pay everybody back. And then

Randy Sebastian (09:02.654)

Only the good sites, only the good people, only the good stuff, and have a plan to pay everybody back. And then and everybody gives it's what's crazy, everybody, Obama's the worst president ever. Well, I didn't vote for him. I voted for Romney. I voted for the first time because I thought McCain was too old, obviously. And then then I voted for Mc McCa Romney the next time. Anyway, Obama and a lot of a lot of people know this, but this is a big strength that the that the

Jesse Sampley (09:10.245)

And everybody gives it's what's crazy, everybody, Obama's the worst president ever. Well, I didn't vote for him. I voted for Romney. I voted for the first time because I thought McCain was too old, obviously. And then and then I voted for McCa Romney the next time. Anyway, Obama

And a lot of people know this, but this is a big strength that the that the national builders have. All the people we compete with as local builders, you know, regional builders, you got to compete against national builders. And they have so many advantages of Wall Street. Wall Street's kind of rigged for their benefit in many ways. One is you have a bad year, you can write down stuff as a

Randy Sebastian (09:31.361)

National builders have all the people we compete with as local builders, you know, regional builders, you got to compete against national builders. And they have so many advantages. Wall Street. Wall Street's kind of rigged for their benefit in many ways. One is you have a bad year, you can write down stuff as a private or as a public. The difference is private, we get something called tax credits. So we got to make more money for that benefit to be benefited.

Jesse Sampley (09:53.308)

private or as a public, the difference is private, we get something called tax credits. So we got to make more money for that benefit to be benefit. What to be benefited. Well, publics can write it off and guess what? They get cash back from the from the prior tax year that they spent, right? Obama, which I don't know any other president has ever done this or maybe would in the future said, okay, we're gonna give

Randy Sebastian (10:01.292)

What to be benefited? Well, publics can write it off, and guess what? They get cash back from the from the prior tax year that they spent, right? Obama, which I don't know any other president has ever done this, or maybe would in the future, said, okay, we're gonna give regional and local, basically private builders, the same grace that we give Wall Street builders. So what you're gonna be able to do is get.

Jesse Sampley (10:21.331)

regional and local basically private builders the same grace that we give Wall Street builders. So what you're gonna be able to do is get half of all the taxes you went you paid, the income tax you paid state and because we have a state tax here, state and local state and local income tax you can go back five years so 2009, eight, seven

Randy Sebastian (10:30.594)

Half of all the taxes you went, you paid, the income tax you paid state and because we have a state tax here, state and local, state and local income tax, you can go back five years. So 2009, eight, seven, six, five. Well, it was eight, eight, seven, six, five, four. Those five years, right? You can get half the

Jesse Sampley (10:51.725)

six, five well it was eight, eight, seven, six, five, four. Those five years, right? You can get half the money that you gave the government

Randy Sebastian (11:00.544)

money that you gave the government half of that back in cash, not credits. That's super cool. Especially when you're out of bankruptcy, you have no debt really, you're lean, mean, and you get this gift. And in my case, and it's all, you know, I'm not saying anything, it's not secret or whatever, it's all public. It was $16 million. So imagine coming out of bankruptcy with a plan to pay people back, to get going, lean and mean, and you get $16 million back.

Jesse Sampley (11:03.416)

Half of that back in cash, not credits. Wow. That's super cool. Especially when you're out of bankruptcy, you have no debt really, you're lean, mean, and you get this gift. And in my case, and it's all, you know, I'm not saying anything, it's not it's secret or whatever, it's all public. It was sixteen million dollars. So imagine coming out of bankruptcy with a plan to pay people back to get going, lean and mean, and you get sixteen million dollars back.

Randy Sebastian (11:31.725)

Well, I kept that in the company and it took a couple and then we started in fill in Portland, place called Portland, Oregon, because I didn't want to do any more subdivisions because you know, land land is what takes everybody down. It's not the houses. Houses you can sell a good house and you know, you may not lose, make much money, but you're not gonna lose millions on a house. But subdivisions you can. And so I thought, okay, this is two thousand ten. I'm out of bankruptcy, I'm not doing these subdivisions unless they're

Jesse Sampley (11:32.334)

Well, I kept that in the company and it took a couple and then we started in Phill in Portland, place called Portland, Oregon, 'cause I didn't want to do any more subdivisions 'cause, you know, land land is what takes everybody down. It's not the houses. Houses you can sell a good house and you know, you may not lose make much money, but you're not gonna lose millions on a house. But subdivisions you can.

And so I thought, okay, this is 2010. I'm out of bankruptcy. I'm not doing these subdivisions unless they're a good takedown and a good, you know, something safe, or the numbers are insane to do them. But just building lots, building subdivisions to get lots, to build, you know, and you might even be into the lots upside down. You got to build your way out. You know, we all have done that.

Randy Sebastian (11:57.773)

A good takedown and a good, you know, something safe or the numbers are insane to do But just building lots, building subdivisions to get lots, to build, you know, and you might even be into the lots upside down, you gotta build your way out. You know, we all have done that. And I'm not above doing that, I've done that too. And so what we ended up doing was just going into Portland, and at the time Portland, Oregon was magic. Everybody loved it here. It was very liberal. People all the you know, everybody

Jesse Sampley (12:13.663)

And I'm not above doing that. I've done that too. And so what we ended up doing was just going into Portland. And at the time Portland, Oregon was magic. Everybody loved it here. It was very liberal. People all the you know, everybody everybody that's a baby boomer has one of their kids or one of the kids' friends moved to Portland, Oregon. It's just it's a place where, you know, young adults went came to retire, and they did.

Randy Sebastian (12:27.254)

Everybody that's a baby boomer has one of their kids or one of the kids' friends moved to Portland, Oregon. It's just it's a place where, you know, young adults went came to retire. And they did. And so it was just magic. The restaurants and the bars, and we were tearing down old houses in the city, right to where people walked to the bars and you know, it was in tw in Portland's twenty nine different little micro neighborhoods. And so everyone had different

Jesse Sampley (12:39.813)

And so it was just magic. The restaurants and the bars, and we were tearing down old houses in the city, right to where people walk to the bars. And you know, it was in tw in Portland has 29 different little micro neighborhoods. And so everyone had different vibes. It's it's a cool spot. so that was great. So we were just you're really kicking ass building about a hundred infill homes a year, got good at building on

Randy Sebastian (12:55.34)

vibes and it's it's a cool spot. so that was great. So we were just you're really kicking ass building about a hundred infill homes a year. Got good at building on fifty by a hundred lots, tight lots, you know, building on busy streets, all the things to you, all the neighbors, stuff like that. It was great. And so we were doing that for a long time, you know, well a long time, 10, to about 19. Then, and things are great.

Jesse Sampley (13:05.324)

fifty by hundred lots, tight lots, you know, building on busy streets, all the things to you, all the neighbors, stuff like that. It was great. And so we were doing that for a long time, you know, well a long time, ten, to about nineteen. Then, and things are great.

Randy Sebastian (13:22.466)

But we were rustling ruffling feathers because we were tearing down old houses and established neighborhoods and a lot of liberal people. They're like, I don't like that. You know, you these houses might look cute on the outside, but the inside they're just pig styes. But we were ripping down and, you know, you know, doing basically tearing down one or two a week. And so they all stopped us. They meaning all the preservationists and all the, you know, liberal people, stopped us from doing this and and changed it.

Jesse Sampley (13:23.061)

But we were rustling ruffling feathers because we were tearing down old houses and established neighborhoods and a lot of liberal people they're like, I don't like that. You know, you these houses might look cute on the outside, but the inside they're just pig's eyes. But we were ripping them down and you know, you know, doing basically tearing down one or two a week. And so they all stopped us. They meaning all the preservationists and all the, you know, liberal people stopped us from doing this.

and and changed it to the resident infill code. Basically you could you could you could not build a two-car garage, you can only build a one. You could not build a you could not be could not build a tw a three thousand foot home you can only be twenty three hundred feet. So they figured a way to stop infill building by limiting the size. That's limiting the amount you could sell it for that's limiting the amount you could pay for the lot. So you know we had all these people, hey you paid you know the neighbor 400,000 for the lot

Randy Sebastian (13:50.637)

to the residentally infill code. Basically, you could, you couldn't, you could not build a two-car garage. You can only build a one. You could not build a you could not be cannot build a tw a 3,000 foot home, you can only be 2,300 feet. So they figured a way to stop infill building by limiting the size, thus limiting the amount you could sell it for, thus limiting the amount you could pay for the lot. So you know we had all these people, hey, you paid, you know, the neighbor 400,000 for the lot.

Well, I want 400. We're like, it's worth 300 because we can't build what we used to be able to build. Well, who voted for that? You didn't. No man did. The city of Portland just did it. So about that time, it kind of was a blessing because I had about 26 homes, excuse me, about 26 homes going in Portland at the time. And

Jesse Sampley (14:18.766)

Well, I want four hundred. We're like, it's worth three hundred because we can't build what we used to be able to build. Well, who voted for that? You didn't. No one did. The city of Portland just did it. So about that time, it kind of was a blessing because I had about twenty-six homes. Excuse me, about twenty-six homes going in Portland at the time. And real quick, the homes that you're building, these twenty six, these are all spec homes or are these already Spec homes. Okay. Yeah, spec homes. Yeah, yeah. Some some will pre sell. Very few customs, you know.

Randy Sebastian (14:41.166)

Yeah, spec on. Yeah, yeah. Some some will pre-sale. Very few customs, you know, just because you're the speed that you're going, you know, very few. Some people, and it's hard, all these lots are all got off market. No one even knows. I mean, I have a really thick network of people that find lots for us and still do, and we'll get to that part too. And so, yeah, so then what happens is

Jesse Sampley (14:48.019)

Just because you're the speed that you're going, you know. Very few. Some people, and it's hard all these lots are all got off market. No one even knows. I mean, I have a really thick network of people that find lots for us and still do, and we'll get to that part too. And so, yeah, so then what happens is

Randy Sebastian (15:10.358)

You know, so we're building and and and they and they've changed the code. It's called the a residential pro infill project basically to take out Renaissance homes and other buildings. We weren't the only one. There were other guys doing it doing the same thing. Not as much, but they were doing it. And then Lloyd. Lloyd gets killed. you know, I gotta forget his name now. I sh shouldn't, but yeah, f but it

Jesse Sampley (15:10.95)

You know, so we're building and and and they and they've changed the code. It's called the a residential pro infill project basically to take out Renaissance homes and other buildings. We weren't the only one. There other guys doing it doing the same thing. Not as much, but they were doing it. And then Lloyd. Lloyd gets killed. you know, I gotta forget his name now. I sh shouldn't, but yeah, f what is it the Frank

Frank Lloyd? Lloyd. Yeah. Frank Lloyd right? Sorry. Yeah. No, no. The you're gonna have to edit this out. Who's who's the guy that got strangled and pr Lloyd, all the riots. George F George Floyd. I'm sorry, okay. So we're yeah yeah we'll cut that up. Yeah, yeah, we'll we're jumping back. So now and to give us context too, so go ahead and start it again with you know you've got these twenty six homes

Randy Sebastian (15:39.491)

Lloyd. Yeah. Sorry. Yeah. No, no, the the you're gonna have to edit this out. Who's who's the guy that got strangled and f Lloyd, all the riots. Okay. I'm sorry, okay, so b okay. So cut that off. Cut that off.

Randy Sebastian (16:07.694)

Okay.

Jesse Sampley (16:08.168)

That you're sitting on. And then this the year that we're at is like around 2020, right? Like we're jumping into has COVID already hap COVID has already happened. COVID has started exactly. So okay, so I'll go back. So so we start building all these, you know, we're doing all this in Phil, we're doing great, and then the city changes the code, right? To reiterate, the ch changes the code. We can't build what what we were doing. And it we're kind of worked out as a blessing in disguise because

Randy Sebastian (16:13.26)

Yeah. Twenty twenty twenty two.

COVID has started exactly so okay so I'll go back. So so we start building all these, you know, we're doing all this infill, we're doing great. And then the city changes the code, right? To reiterate, the ch changes the code. We can't build what what we were doing. And it were kind of worked out as a blessing in disguise because we stopped building or we stopped buying lots in Portland because we couldn't build it. Although we were stuck, we had still 26 homes.

Jesse Sampley (16:36.797)

We stopped building or stopped buying lots in Portland because we couldn't build it. Although we were stuck, we had still twenty-six homes lots that we still had to build. But we thought that'd be an advantage because, hey, we've got something that you can't replicate two car garage, three thousand foot, four bedroom bonus family homes. When the new the new inventory is gonna be one car garage, twenty three hundred foot home. So we thought we'd have an advantage. Well, that's that's great, you know, until until George Floyd

Randy Sebastian (16:43.862)

Lots that we still had to build, but we thought that'd be an advantage because hey, we've got something that you can't replicate. Two-car garage, three thousand foot, four-bedroom bonus family homes. When the new the new inventory is going to be one car garage, 2300-foot homes. So we thought we'd have an advantage. Well, that's that's great, you know, until until George Floyd, well, first COVID started, started slowing things down, but we were still able to build in Oregon. We were still able to build.

Jesse Sampley (17:07.398)

Well, first COVID started. Started slowing things down, but we were still able to build in Oregon. We were still able to build, but it was slowing the market down. People were like, I'm not sure about my job. And then George Floyd, right, gets gets strangled. And anyway, and then the big big part in Portland, super liberal here, all those kids I mentioned that, you know, came here, they all get all riled up and they start rioting. And they start and then people from other parts of the country, I mean it's documented.

Randy Sebastian (17:13.272)

But it was slowing the market down. People were like, I'm not sure about my job. And then George Floyd, right, gets gets strangled. And anyway, and then the big, big part in Portland, super liberal here, all those kids I mentioned that, you know, came here, they all get all riled up and they start rioting. And they start and then people from other parts of the country, I mean it's documented, came here to just basically fuck the city up. And we had a hundred days of rioting.

Jesse Sampley (17:36.613)

came here to just basically fuck the city up. And we had a hundred days of rioting. And I mean, I was having condo projects downtown with, you know, 10,000 people riding right in front. It just, it destroyed Portland. It destroyed it. And and Portland really wasn't able to fight back like it should have. And the le leaders were bad and it was just bad. And so then Portland just went

Randy Sebastian (17:42.367)

In I mean, I was having condo projects downtown with, you know, ten thousand people riding right in front. It just it destroyed Portland. It destroyed it. And and Portland really wasn't able to fight back like it should have. And the le leaders were bad and it was just bad. And so then Portland just went down the tubes quickly. Restaurants closed, all the things. So all the things that were great were certainly not there.

Jesse Sampley (18:02.575)

Down the tubes quickly, restaurants closed, all the things. So all the things that were great were certainly not there. Well, we always also, since we're we're very creative, we were also building high end, high high end spec homes in Lake Costa Wigo and and the out outs just outside of Portland, close in outside of Portland. So we're always doing that. As at the same time we're doing Portland.

Randy Sebastian (18:08.386)

Well, we always also, since we're we're very creative, we were also building high-end, high high-end spec homes in Lake Oswego and and the out outs just outside of Portland, close in outside of Portland. So we're always doing that, as it's the same time we're doing Portland. Well, obviously Portland shut down, so we just amped up our focus on building high-end spec homes in Lake Oswego. And also, since we have such a good

Jesse Sampley (18:28.74)

Well, obviously Portland shut down, so we just amped up our focus on building high-end spec homes in Lake Huswego. And also, since we have such a good process and such a good team of professionals, we really started getting into the custom home. We were always doing it, but really started focusing more on it. So we have a process, and I'm kind of jumping ahead now to where we're at now. so Portland's over.

Randy Sebastian (18:37.774)

process and such a good team of professionals, we really started getting into the custom home. We were always doing it, but really started focusing more on it. So we have a process, and I'm kind of jumping ahead now to where we're at now. so Portland's over, Lake Oswego, we're building high-end spec homes. And two s two summers ago we sold a 10 point five million dollar spec home.

Jesse Sampley (18:58.551)

Lake Oswego, we're building high end spec homes. And two s two summers ago, we sold a ten point five million dollar spec home on Lake Oswego, which is the most expensive spec home in the state of Oregon in the history of Oregon. So we we have that. We have that. And we had two people that wanted it at the same time, right? And and so and we we we we we routinely build three, four, five million dollar spec homes here.

Randy Sebastian (19:08.074)

On Lake Oswego, which is the most expensive spec home in the state of Oregon in the history of Oregon. So we we have that. We have that. And we had two people who wanted it the same time, right? And and so and we we we we routinely build three, four, five million dollar spec homes here. but the real core of our business is what we do that's very unique. And I'd and I'd r anybody, any other builder,

Jesse Sampley (19:27.411)

but the real core of our business is what we do. It's very unique. And I and I'd anybody, any other builder thinking about this, it takes a lot of infrastructure to do it. But with all our years of having a design studio, right, and understanding how we were able to build a couple hundred homes a year flawlessly through a design studio process, we also we built at our we have our own office building camp campus. We built our own.

Randy Sebastian (19:35.193)

Thinking about this, it takes a lot of infrastructure to do it. But with all our years of having a design studio, right, and understanding how we were able to build a couple of hundred homes a year flawlessly through a design studio process, we also we built at our we have our own office building camp campus. We built our own during COVID, we built a super high end, high high-end design studio where people that are wanting to spend millions of dollars on a home can go.

Jesse Sampley (19:55.788)

during covet we built a super high end high high end design studio where people that are wanting to spend millions of dollars on a home can go. And we're able to buy all the all the you know Sub-Zero Wolf, monogram, GE, obviously Kohler, Toto, all the all the stuff. And and even, you know, out here in Oregon it rains sideways a lot. And like a lot of

Randy Sebastian (20:03.846)

And we're able to buy all the all the you know Sub-Zero Wolf, monogram, GE, obviously, Kohler, Toto, all the all the stuff. And and even, you know, out here in Oregon it rains sideways a lot and like a lot of places. And there's one window that performs better than all the other ones, in my opinion, is MillGuard. And we will put Milgard in ten million dollar plus homes because of the warranty and because people care about.

Jesse Sampley (20:21.549)

places and there's one window that performs better than all the other ones. In my opinion, it's Milguard. And we will put Milgarde in $10 million plus homes because of the warranty and because people care about does it work? Does it not leak? You know, what happens if there's a warranty? Do I have to go to some strip center and and talk to you know a kid just out of college and be frustrated or you call Milgar and they come out, fix it, no no questions asked. Even if you know a kid puts a

Randy Sebastian (20:33.666)

Does it work? Does it not leak? You know, what happens if there's a warranty? Do I have to go to some strip center and and talk to, you know, a kid just out of college and be frustrated? Or you call MillGuard and they come out, fix it, no, no questions asked. Even if you know, a kid puts a baseball through your window, fixed, you know, all all the things. So anyway, so we have all these great partnerships with all these great suppliers and brands.

Jesse Sampley (20:50.955)

baseball through your window, fix, you know, all all the things. So anyway, so we have all these great partnerships with all these great suppliers and brands. And so we thought, you know what, we're gonna do a something very unique that it's not done here and I and I don't know if it's done elsewhere. We have our own director of design. She is one of the top 17 in the nation, according to Sub Zero Wolf. And she's amazing.

Randy Sebastian (21:01.814)

And so we thought, you know what, we're gonna do a something very unique that it's not done here, and I and I don't know if it's done elsewhere. We have our own director of design. She is one of the top 17 in the nation, according to Sub Zero Wolf, and she's amazing. Then she's got other designers under her. one other one is ASID, and the other two are are you know formally trained, and then

Jesse Sampley (21:20.862)

Then she's got other designers under her. one other one is ASID, and the other two are are you know formally trained. And then and then under her is an AIA architect from University of Oregon. He's very experienced. And so what we do is client has a custom site that they want us, they they they they know of us, they see our maybe our open spec homes, or they know of us, or they're referred to us by prior clients.

Randy Sebastian (21:29.056)

And then under her is an AIA architect from University of Oregon. He's very experienced. And so what we do is a client has a custom site that they want us, they, they, they, they know of us. They see our maybe our open spec homes, or they know of us, or they're referred to us by prior clients. And so what happens is our team, our landman, our architect, and one of our sales managers goes to somebody's home.

Jesse Sampley (21:49.252)

And so what happens is our team, our landman, our architect, and one of our sales managers goes to somebody's home or somebody's site and they say, Hey, we want, you know, this kind of home built. Well, the cool thing on our website, we have a lot of examples of what a 4,000 square foot two-story home is gonna sell. It's all transparent, it's all priced online. So people say, as long as your house is like this.

Randy Sebastian (21:58.403)

Or somebody's site and they say, hey, we want, you know, this kind of home built. Well, the cool thing on our website, we have a lot of examples of what a 4,000 square foot two-story home is gonna sell. It's all transparent, it's all priced online. So people can say, as long as your house is like this, it's gonna be in this range, you know, or it's a 6,000-foot one-level home. We're doing some of those. Well, as long as your home is

Jesse Sampley (22:18.419)

It's gonna be in this range, you know, or it's a six thousand foot one level home. We're doing some of those. Well, as long as your home is one level, six thousand, it's gonna be in this range. I mean, you know, you can move things around, but at least people know about where they're gonna be. And then if they say, hey, sounds great, we want to go the next step, they give us twelve thousand dollars, and for that we hire a a surveyor to go out, survey the site, we dig dig deep, we have our own permitting staff.

Randy Sebastian (22:25.47)

One level, six thousand, it's gonna be in this range. I mean, you know, you can move things around, but at least people know about where they're gonna be. And then if they say, hey, sounds great, we want to go the next step, they give us $12,000. And for that, we hire a a surveyor to go out, survey the site, we dig dig deep. We have our own permitting staff. They go and make sure that we can build what the client wants, and we also get a top topographical survey. Perfect. And then also.

Jesse Sampley (22:47.358)

They go and make sure that we can build what the client wants. And we also get a top topographical survey. Perfect. And then also we do a design for them based on what they want. And our architect is very good at listening and he nails it pretty much 80% of the first draft. And what do you think? They go, geez, that looks great. And all that is accled to the build, right? So they're not having to go out and hire an outside architect, outside designer.

Randy Sebastian (22:55.426)

We do a design for them based on what they want. And our architect is very good at listening. And he nails it pretty much 80% of the first draft. And what do you think? They go, geez, that looks great. And all that is accled to the build, right? So they're not having to go out and hire an outside architect, outside designer, manage that, manage people's schedules. And so, and as a builder, I live in this community. I want people

Jesse Sampley (23:15.602)

Manage that, manage people's schedules. Do g you know, it's an uphill battle, we all know that. And so and as a builder, I live in this community. I want people pissed at me, right? I want

Randy Sebastian (23:24.076)

pissed at me, right? I want people happy and I don't want any frustrations, right? So we do it that way. We design and then we build what we designed. We give people, since it's our design, we give people a fixed price, a pre-priced fixed custom home. And it's not like, you know, we don't know what we're doing. We we are the most celebrated, most awarded home builder in in in our area. I in fact

Jesse Sampley (23:32.722)

And then we build what we design. We give people, since it's our design, we give people a fixed price, a pre-priced, fixed custom home. And it's not like you know, we don't know what we're doing. We we are the most celebrated, most awarded home builder in in in our area. I in fact jumped around, but I've got a twelve point five million dollar spec home I'm building right now on Lake Oswego. So wow, you know, everybody else taps out.

Randy Sebastian (23:51.427)

jumping around, but I've got a $12.5 million spec home I'm building right now on Lake Oswego. So, you know, everybody else taps out. All the other builders tap out about four million. We're at, you know, $10, $12 million spec home. So we have the definitely the the the street cred to pull this off. So clients are comfortable with us. And and then and then and then again back to the custom process. Once we have the plan designed then they say, okay, well I want to tweak, tweak, tweak. And we do that.

Jesse Sampley (23:59.804)

All the other builders tap at about four million. We're at you know ten, twelve million dollars back home. So we have the definitely the the the street cred to pull this off. So clients are comfortable with us and and then and then and then again back to the customer process. Once we have the plan design, then they say, Okay, well, I want to tweak, tweak, tweak, and we do that. And once it's good, then we give them a price, and once they say,

Randy Sebastian (24:21.526)

And once it's good, then we give them a price. And once they say, yeah, let's do it, they sign a contract, another $30,000. They sign the contract. I think it's 30, could be more, could be less. I should know this. but it's another contract they sign. And then we go into full permit mode. We go into full, we just get going on everything. We're working with her with their lender. If they have a lender, if they're paying cash, we we have an accounting department works with them directly. And then they go to our design studio.

Jesse Sampley (24:26.181)

Yeah, let's do it. They sign a contract, another thirty thousand dollars. They sign the contract. I think it's thirty, could be more, could be less. You should know this. but it's another contract they sign. And then we go into full permit mode. We go into full, we just get going on on everything. We're working with their with their lender. If they have a lender, if they're paying cash, we we have an accounting department that works for them directly. And then they go to our design studio and they go and they choose all their every other options or

Randy Sebastian (24:50.764)

And they go and they choose all their every other options or appliances, tile, carpet, hardwood, certainly, rock, you know, apply all the, you know, lights, you know, all the things. So they get all that and that's their options. And we have a a really nice base that comes with the base price. It's it's fine. Some people just go with base, but most people, you know, you're built you're buying a brand new car, you kinda wanna go and get the get the get what you want. It's the same analogy. So

Jesse Sampley (24:55.399)

appliances, tile, carpet, hardwood certainly, rock, you know, apply all the you know, lights, you know, all the things. So they get all that and that's their options. And we have a a really nice base that comes with the base price. It's it's fine. Some people just go with base, but most people, you know, you're built you're buying a brand new car, you kinda want to go and get the get the get what you want. It's the same analogy. So we do that. So then

Randy Sebastian (25:20.696)

We do that. So then while they're going through the design studio process, their permits are being worked on, getting the permits. And in Oregon, it's a long permit process, three to six months, you know, so it takes a while while they're picking all their options. Also, they are we are working with their lender, if there is a lender, to get to get to get their their financing lined up. By the time we we start

Jesse Sampley (25:23.972)

While they're going through the design studio process, their permits are being worked on, getting the permits, and in Oregon it's a long permit process, three to six months, you know, so it takes a while while they're picking all their options. Also, they are we are working with their lender, if there is a lender, to get to get to get their their financing lined up. By the time we we start construction, they have an allowance.

Randy Sebastian (25:49.871)

Construction, they have an allowance. There's a few allowances, mostly fixed, allowance for the permits. We're not sure what they are going to be. They have an allowance, a good allowance for their road, their power, their well, their septic if there's that. and the foundation's allowance and lumber, because lumber goes up and down. Other than that, fixed price from the green plate up, all their options, their roofing, their windows, all the tile, all their selections.

Jesse Sampley (25:53.455)

There's a few allowances, mostly fixed. Allowance for the permits, we're not sure what they are gonna be. They have an allowance, a good allowance for their road, their power, their their well, their septic if there's that. and the foundation's allowance and lumber, because lumber goes up and down. Other than that, fixed price from the green plate up, all their options, their roofing, their windows, all the tile, all their selections, everything's fixed price. So they don't have to worry about, geez, you know, sorry, Mr. Jones.

Randy Sebastian (26:17.014)

Everything's a fixed price. So they don't have to worry about, geez, you know, sorry, Mr. Jones. Drywall just went up 10%. We have to add it to you. People hate that. They hate it. They don't like being surprised. We just price it and we and we're competitive and we hold our substance suppliers to our prices. You know, we bit them out. And if there is an increase, it's unavoidable. We eat it. We don't, we don't, we don't pass out on the clients because we pride ourselves in knowing what we're doing.

Jesse Sampley (26:22.734)

Drywall just went up 10%. We have to add it to you. People hate that. They hate it. They don't like being surprised. We just price it and we and we're competitive and we hold our substance suppliers to our prices. You know, we bit them out. And if there is an increase, it's unavoidable. We eat it. We don't, we don't, we don't pass that on to the clients because we pride ourselves in knowing what we're doing. And in doing that, you know, we've got a lot of customs.

Randy Sebastian (26:46.188)

And in doing that, you know, we've got a lot of customs going. You know, I don't really say publicing how many, because then people, my God, you're building too many homes to be focused on mine. But we have we have four really good superintendents, got four really good designers, but we are dominating, you know, the the the custom market here. and and so that's what I would encourage if somebody really wants to build the perfect custom home.

Jesse Sampley (26:51.788)

you know, I don't really say public hanging how many because then people, my God, you're building too many homes to be focused on mine. But we have we have four really good superintendents, four really good designers, but we are dominating the, you know, the the c the custom market here. and and so that's what I would encourage if somebody really wants to build the perfect custom home machine, because you don't have to finance it, right? You know, it's the clients that are

Randy Sebastian (27:14.272)

machine because you don't have to finance it, right? You know, it's the clients that are that are that are financing the the the the builds, right? So get yourself a a really good ASID designer. Get yourself a really good AI architect. Team them up. They work for you. You have to spend the money on them and then and then get a team behind them. And that's the magic. And then also build I'm

Jesse Sampley (27:18.68)

that are that are financing the the the the builds, right? So get yourself a a really good ASID designer. Get yourself a really good AI architect. Team them up. They work for you. You have to spend the money on them. And then and then get a team behind them. And that's the magic. And then also build I'm I'm given the formula. Nobody will do it because it's hard work. I mean maybe somebody will. And then

Randy Sebastian (27:41.187)

I'm given the formula. Nobody will do it because it's hard work. I mean, maybe somebody will. And then, and then you build these high end spec homes, and we only build spec homes that will benefit our custom build business. For example, we we will only build our spec homes start around two and a half million because we're building lesser value ones. And we well, that doesn't, you know, how can this builder that's building a $900,000 spec, which out here is a 3,000 square foot?

Jesse Sampley (27:47.447)

And then you build these high-end spec homes, and we only build spec homes that will benefit our custom business. For example, we we will only build our spec homes start around two and a half million because we're building lesser value ones. And we're well, that doesn't, you know. How can this builder that's building a $900,000 spec, which out here is a 3,000 square foot two-car garage house, how could a how can he build my five thousand foot custom or whatever? So

Randy Sebastian (28:10.328)

two-car garage house. How could I how can he build my 5,000 foot custom or whatever? So, and then when we are have and we always have two, three, four high-end specs finished and open every every Saturday and Sunday, they're open. So our clients can come by and see exactly what they get and and this kitchen's this way and this and so it's it's they can take our components and they can see them, feel them and and get the

Jesse Sampley (28:17.43)

And then when we are have and we always have two, three, four high end specs finished and open ever every Saturday and Sunday they're open. So our clients can come by and see exactly what they get and and this kitchen's this way and this and so it's it's they can take our components and they can see them, feel them and and get the you know, understand the space that they take. you know, because our kitchens are larger than normal for the square footage because people love that or

Randy Sebastian (28:38.646)

you know, understand the space that they take. you know, because our kitchens are larger than normal for the square footage because people love that. Or master suites are certainly our master closets, you know, primaries the word, but the those are are much bigger. We put our garages deep. We just the space is really the difference. And so many people don't understand that. And I must say, you know, our direct design, female women know design and feel

Jesse Sampley (28:47.018)

master suites are certainly our master closet, you know, primary is the word, but th those are are much bigger. We put our garages deep. We just the space is really the difference. And so many people don't understand that. And I must say, you know, our direct design, female women know design and feel better. I I've been at this forty years, right? I'm sixty two, starting when I was twenty, so I've been in that a long time. I have a really good sense of spatial

Randy Sebastian (29:08.066)

better. I I've been at this forty years, right? I'm sixty two, started when I was twenty. So I've been in that a long time. I have a really good sense of spatial feeling as well and human scale and all that and design. And and then obviously we couple that with construction knowledge. And out here too, you've got slope to deal with and how you set a garage up, you know, in terms of the driveway so it's as as as l livable as possible. So we just, you know, and and most of my

Jesse Sampley (29:17.035)

feeling as well and human scale and all that and design and and then obviously we couple that with construction knowledge and out here too you've got slope to deal with and how you set a garage up you know in terms of the driveway so it's as as as livable as possible. So we just you know and and most of my most of my subs have been with me for decades. Employees have been with for decades, we're just this little team. We build, we start

Randy Sebastian (29:37.869)

Most of my subs have been with me for decades. Employees have been with we're decades. We're just this little team. We build, we start we start about forty homes a year. not a lot, but it's and I have twenty seven employees. So you know, it's it's every every home gets a lot of attention, a lot of scrubbing. I've one I've I have one customer service and guy and we, you know, over service people, but just one can take care of it because these homes are

Jesse Sampley (29:45.492)

We start about 40 homes a year. not a lot, but it's and I have 27 employees. So you know, it's it's every every home gets a lot of attention, a lot of scrubbing. I've one I I have one customer service and guy and we, you know, over-service people, but just one can take care of it because these homes are pretty flawless. We hold our specs or our subcontractors and suppliers to a very high standard.

Randy Sebastian (30:08.142)

pretty flawless. We hold our specs or our subcontractors and suppliers to a very high standard and on s on service. And so try just trying to make it not frustrating through the whole process for the client and then afterwards. So and because of that, you know, we are the top builder for referrals in our market. So yeah, it's it's good. So you go from very, very, very rags to riches.

Jesse Sampley (30:15.459)

And on s on service and so try just trying to make it not frustrating through the whole process for the client and then afterwards. So and because of that, you know, we are the top builder for referrals in our market. So yeah, it's it's good. So you go from very, very, very rags to riches to rags because I again I was moving I was gonna be a tarpon fisherman. I'm I still I go to Almorada a lot and so I'm going and I there for

Randy Sebastian (30:36.002)

to Rags 'cause I again I was moving to I was gonna be a tarpon fisherman. I'm I still I go to Almorada a lot and so I'm going and I go there for the for the migration. I got my guy down there, Riley he's the best. And so anyway, so I that's my thing. and but I was gonna move there until Obama did what he did and I'm we're all happy he did and we're here building building because of it 'cause I wouldn't have made it through that chapter eleven without that that infusion of sixteen million. So it's quite a story.

Jesse Sampley (30:45.138)

the migration, I got my guy down there, Riley's the best. And so anyway, so I that's my thing. and but I was gonna move there until Obama did what he did and I'm we're all happy he did and we're here building building because of it 'cause I wouldn't have made it through that chapter eleven without that that infusion of sixteen million. So you it's quite a story. It's an incredible story. I mean my goodness. Yeah. Yeah. So

Randy Sebastian (31:06.306)

But if you

Yeah, yeah. So that's it.

Jesse Sampley (31:11.474)

Who who has the rights to your story? Because I'm sure we're gonna see this on Netflix at some point. I don't know, man. Nobody has the right to it, but I I'm open for it, you know. So Okay, well you and I can talk after this then. That'd be great. That'd be great. Yeah, it's it's cool. Cool story. It sounds like you have such a a refined process, you know, that it you know, maybe it it doesn't work for everybody, but you know, how how did you how did you get to the point to where it just started feeling like, man, this is really the

Randy Sebastian (31:16.104)

I don't know, man. Nobody has a right to it, but I I'm open for it, you know, so yeah.

Yeah, that'd be great. That'd be great. Yeah, it's it's cool. It's a cool story.

Jesse Sampley (31:40.048)

Such a well oiled machine that we have here. You know, w did that but did did it come slowly or did you know early on that man this is how I really want to do it this way? W good question. Slowly. And we're always changing, you know. I mean, again, startup being the cheapest guy in Portland 'cause I'm twenty and I knew I had to do this and started getting better and then and then got into developments. We did

Randy Sebastian (31:50.979)

Good question. Slowly. And we're always changing, you know. I mean, again, startup being the cheapest guy in Portland 'cause I'm twenty and I knew I could do this and started getting better and then and then got into developments. We did lots and lots of huge developments and our little signature then was we'd have a really nice clubhouse, pool, all the stuff, and it was really a nice I even drive by now and I I was just I'd drive pass homes, go right to the pool and just watch everybody enjoying, you know, birthday parties and

Jesse Sampley (32:04.495)

lots and lots of huge developments. And our little signature then was we'd have a really nice clubhouse, pool, all the stuff. And it was really a nice I've been drive by them now and I I always just I'd drive past homes, go right to the pool and just have watch everybody enjoying, you know, birthday parties and you know graduation parties at the pool. So that to me I love we love building pools out here too. for our with our on our custom homes. And so it's just there's always been, even when we're doing

Randy Sebastian (32:20.024)

you know, graduation parties at the pool. So that to me I love. We love building pools out here too. for our with our w on our custom homes. And so it's just there's always been, even when we were doing 300 homes a year from Seattle to Ben, that felt well oiled. You know, just whatever, you know, it's always it's always been, hey, this is our passion. This is what we do. This is what we're good at. Right. I mean, I've got a daughter who just graduated from a university where you get a master's degree in communication. And

Jesse Sampley (32:32.422)

300 homes a year from Seattle to Ben, that felt well oiled. You know, just whatever, you know, it's always, it's always been, hey, this is our passion, this is what we do, this is what we're good at, right? I mean, I've got a daughter who just graduated from a university where you get a master's degree in communication. And she's like, you know, like most college grads, like, what am I gonna I go, well, doesn't quite know what to do. I go, well, the a lot of people have read the book, Good to Great, right? So you have three rings, right? Three rings. And you have one ring on

Randy Sebastian (32:49.026)

She's like, you know, like most college grads, like, what am I gonna I go, well, doesn't quite know what to do. I go, well, the a lot of people have read the book, Good to Great, right? So you have three rings, right? Three rings. And you have one ring on what you're passionate about. You have to do that. You got another ring, what you're the best in your world at. And your world could be your city, but the best at. And the other thing, what you can make money doing, good money. And we all like things like I love exercise. I'd love to be a trainer.

Jesse Sampley (33:01.861)

What you're passionate about. You have to do that. You got another ring, what you're the best in your world at. And your world could be your city, but the best at. And the other thing, what you can make money doing, good money. And we all like things like I love exercise. I'd love to be a trainer. I'm great at it. I'm passionate, but I can't make the kind of money I want to make. Yeah. Fishing guys, same thing. Or all those things. So and I could probably do a good job selling insurance. But and I could probably make money, but I'd hate it.

Randy Sebastian (33:18.668)

I'm great at it. I'm passionate about I can't make the kind of money I want to make. Fishing got the same thing. Or all those things. So, and I could probably do a good job selling insurance. But and I could probably make money, but I'd hate it. You know, I mean, so there's things like that. So anyway, so you're you're just you you want to do what you love. And I attract and with my employees too, I say create the job you want. We're gonna give you a lot of freedom.

Jesse Sampley (33:31.579)

You know, I mean so there's things like that. So anyway, so you're you're just you you want to do what you love and I attract and with my employees too, I say create the job you want. We're gonna give you a lot of freedom. Enough rope to hang yourself if you do it wrong, but enough rope to you got a lot of freedom. So so anyway, it's it's the to answer your question's always been it's always been a struggle to be better.

Randy Sebastian (33:45.155)

Enough rope to hang yourself if you do it wrong, but enough rope to you got a lot of freedom. So so anyway, it's it's the to answer your question's always been it's always been a struggle to be better. and you know, a lot of people, you know, you build there'll be startup builders or out out of the market builder. We're gonna be like Renaissance. We're gonna be like Renaissance. and I and that never scares me. they're gonna be like Renaissance. I'm like, they can't.

Jesse Sampley (34:00.378)

And you know, a lot of people, you know, build they'll be startup builders or b out out of the market builders. We're gonna be like Renaissance. We're gonna be like Renaissance. and I and that never scares me. they're gonna be like Renaissance. I'm like, they can't. You know why? We're Renaissance and it is hard every day to be us. And we're us. You know, yeah, you can't, you know, you can be yourself, do the best thing you can. So you know, and again, starting at twenty.

Randy Sebastian (34:14.84)

You know why? We're Renaissance and it is hard every day to be us. And we're us. You know, you can't, you know, you could be yourself and do the best thing you can. So you know, and again, starting at twenty, never having another job, loving it, as you can tell. I go to my own open houses. When I'm in town, I go Saturday and Sunday. We open er our open houses are open from noon to four. I show up there, you know, one to three thirty.

Jesse Sampley (34:29.963)

never having another job, loving it, as you can tell. I go to my own open houses when I'm in town. I go Saturday and Sunday. We open ever our open houses are open from noon to four. I show up there, you know, one to three thirty, hang out, talk to people, you know, this what w what are you looking for? And I and I also it's good market research because you can feel like, hey, we just created this really new she shed or really cool

Randy Sebastian (34:43.574)

Hang out, talk to people, you know, is what what what are you looking for? And and also it's good market research because you can feel like, hey, we just created this really new she shed or really cool juice bar or really good bar or whatever and and just see what people think about it. You know, it's it's it's ongoing market research. So yeah, I mean it's always it's it feels good.

Jesse Sampley (34:58.237)

juice bar or really good bar or whatever, and and just see what people think about it. You know, it's it's it's ongoing market research. So yeah, I mean it's always it's it feels good to have sales. We all know that. It feels good to be on top of your surfboard. but we all have struggles. We all have specs. Like back in 2009, I think I had 86 homes come back.

Randy Sebastian (35:11.758)

To have sales, we all know that. It feels good to be on top of your surfboard. but we all have struggles. We all have specs. Like back in 2009, I think I had 86 homes come back with no hope. I mean, what do you do? You just gotta keep grinding. Don't put a bullet in your head. Don't hang yourself in your cabinet shop or any of that shit that happens. You know, don't do that stuff. Just know that the the the the sun will shine again. And if you're people need housing.

Jesse Sampley (35:25.076)

No hope. I mean, what do you do? You just gotta keep grinding. Don't put a bullet in your head. Don't hang yourself in your cabinet shop or any of that shit that happens. You know, don't do that stuff. Just know that the the the the sun will shine again and if you're people needed housing, they do. And if you're good at it, the world will make room for you. You know, you said early on that sh you know, you're proud of the homes that you built even in your twenties. You know, how intentional was it to know that

Randy Sebastian (35:40.482)

They do. And if you're good at it, the world will make room for you.

Jesse Sampley (35:53.675)

You know, just because you can do something and make money at it, the reputation side of what you do, you know, will outlive you as a person. So definitely when you're building a company, you know, you and this seems real obvious, but like you want to be proud of the product that you're actually building. How intentional was were you at that early on? Early, a good question. Early on, I just want to make money. Early on, I just wanted to build something that

Randy Sebastian (36:14.24)

Early, a good question. Early on, I just want to make money. Early on, I just wanted to build something that that was affordable, cheap. But at the same time, along with that came with you're using less than great subcontractors, you're using less than great materials. And people were mad, you know. I mean, we're talking, I'm a 20-year-old kid, and I'm getting arguments with 35-year-old men over something, and and a lot of times they were right. And I'm like, I don't like this. So

Jesse Sampley (36:22.731)

Those affordable, cheap. At the same time, along with that came with you're using less than great subcontractors, you're using less than great materials. And people are mad, you know. I mean, we're talking, I'm a 20-year-old kid, and I'm getting arguments with 35-year-old men over something. And and a lot of times they were right. And I'm like, I don't like this. So I made a decision. I just remembered like, okay, here's the pyramid, right? Here's the pyramid. Clients up top. Clients at the very top.

Randy Sebastian (36:43.276)

I made a decision. I just remembered like, okay, here's the pyramid, right? Here's the pyramid. Clients up top. Clients at the very top. We all work for the client. My subs are working for me and I work for the client. It's not inverse. A lot of times the subs run the they the subs run the ship and the poor clients up there are getting beat up. So I I I I've physically made it's like my life is going to be better when I put my clients first, no matter what.

Jesse Sampley (36:52.532)

We all work for the client. My subs are working for me and I work for the client. It's not inverse. A lot of times the subs run the the the subs run the ship and the poor clients up there are getting beat up. So I I I I've physically made it's like my life is gonna be better when I put my clients first, no matter what. What's best for the home, what's best for the home, even what's but best for the client. Build the home, what's best for the home.

Randy Sebastian (37:12.504)

What's best for the home, what's best for the home, even what's above best for the client. Build the home, what's best for the home, and you know, build it as if you're building it for your mom or your sister, your dad, or your yourself, or your wife. But build that home, do the right thing, and it's a really easy way to think. And the money will take care of itself. Hey, we don't make money. I mean, we don't make money on every spec home. We don't. We do in the customs because we we price it out and it's but the specs, you're guessing sometimes. And but

Jesse Sampley (37:19.919)

And you know, build it as if you're building it for your mom or your sister or your dad or your yourself or your wife. But build that home, do the right thing, and it's a really easy way to think. And the money will take care of itself. Hey, we don't make money. I mean, we don't make money on every spec home. We don't. We do in the customs because we we price it out and it's but the specs, you you're guessing sometimes. And but you know, it doesn't matter. So you lose money on home, you make money on, you treat that client the same exact way.

Randy Sebastian (37:42.563)

You know, it doesn't matter. So you lose money on home, you make money on you treat that client the same exact way. It doesn't, you know, fact it the fact that you didn't make any money in the house, don't be mad at the client for it. Be mad at, you know, you know, the market or be mad at hey, you didn't know that neighbor would not move that that R V off the site when you build or you know, whatever. There's all sorts of in fact in infill there's all sorts of factors that come up. But you just gotta take care of your client and it's a much better way to live. I mean

Jesse Sampley (37:48.967)

It doesn't, you know, fact that the fact that you didn't make any money in the house, don't be mad at the client for it. Be mad at, you know, you know, the market or be mad at, hey, you didn't know that neighbor would not move that that RV off the site when you build, or you know, whatever. There's all sorts of in fact in infill, there's all sorts of factors that come up. But you just gotta take care of your client and it's a much better way to live. I mean, fa the government takes half your money anyway, you know. That's really why don't

Randy Sebastian (38:12.012)

Fa the government takes half your money anyway, you know? So why not have why not do a great job, be proud of what you do, be have your employees be proud of what where they work and have your clients be proud and, you know, maybe give a little bit more than you should, you know, on quality, on service, on things. It'll all come back to you. If you if this is what you're gonna do for the rest of your life. I mean, I know people, I'm gonna do it for a couple of years and get out, I hate it. Well

Jesse Sampley (38:16.872)

How why not do a great job? Be proud of what you do, be have your employees be proud of what where they work, and have your clients be proud and you know, maybe give a little bit more than you should, you know, on quality, on service, on things. It'll all come back to you. If you if this is what you're gonna do for the rest of your life, I mean, I know people, I'm gonna do it for a couple years and get out, I hate it. Well, it shows, you know. I mean, people go.

Randy Sebastian (38:41.254)

it shows, you know. I mean, people go, I'm sixty two and I've been doing this forever. I'm like the guy in Portland. I am am. And people are going, When are you gonna retire? I go, retire from what? I love it. I have a great time. I get to be relevant. My wife and I, we we build an R V park in Idaho. so we go over there every once in a while. We build a lodge, do that. We like RVing. I love, you know, again, tarpon fishing. I love elk hunting. I do what I want to do.

Jesse Sampley (38:44.721)

I'm 62 and I've been doing this forever. I'm like the guy in Portland. I am. And people are going, When are you going to retire? I go, retire from what? I love it. I have a great time. I get to be relevant. My wife and I, we we build an RV park in Idaho. so we go over there every once in a while. We build a lodge, do that. We like RVing. I love, you know, again, carpon fishing. I love elk hunting. I do what I want to do.

Randy Sebastian (39:11.298)

But I still gotta do I still get to do what I wanna do, which is build houses. So guys guys like me, I mean we just we keep going 'til we die. We don't we don't retire unless we're forced.

Jesse Sampley (39:11.869)

But I still gotta do I still get to do what I wanted was to build houses. So guys guys like me, I mean we just we keep going until we die. We don't we don't retire. No, and nor should you. I mean, like you said, if if you love doing it, then you know, retire from what I love doing, that doesn't even make any sense. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. When you retire, you know, in in around that twenty nineteen, twenty twenty, what what things did you change on a process side or or a business side?

Randy Sebastian (39:27.791)

Mm. Mm mm. Must be a retired job saying hey.

Jesse Sampley (39:40.102)

you know, after seeing that hey there is some instability, you know, on on some of the things that we're currently doing in Portland. You know, you said in two thousand eight, you know, you really moved away from the subdivision side. Was there some definite things that you changed around that 2020 mark? yeah, one thing I really did is I really focused more and put much more emphasis on our customs. We always did them. And there's something out here called the Street of Dreams. And it's a it's a ego based

Randy Sebastian (39:56.075)

yeah, one thing I really did is I really focused more and put much more emphasis on our customs. We always did And there's something out here called the Street of Dreams. And it's a it's a ego based home show, right? And I won my first one. And when you win ho if you win out here, it's kind of like winning the Super Bowl. If you win the Street of Dreams, you're the shit, right? And I won it when I was twenty nine. I've first youngest ever.

Jesse Sampley (40:09.957)

Home show, right? And I won my first one. And when you win ho if you win out here, it's kinda like winning the Super Bowl. If you win the Street of Dreams, you're the shit, right? And I won it when I was twenty-nine. I'm first youngest ever. And I've won it more times than any other builder. And everybody knows it. You know, you're the champion of this thing. I'm like the Michael Jordan out here, and no one can mathematically nobody could catch me. Nobody can. And so

Randy Sebastian (40:25.772)

And I've won it more times than any other builder. And everybody knows that, you know, you're the champion of this thing. I'm like the Michael Jordan out here. And no one can mathematically nobody can catch me. Nobody can. And so, so for that, you know, I I I really I don't use much corporate speak at all. I don't like it, but I leaned into my my my custom home identity and really focused on that more. and that's really what's

Jesse Sampley (40:39.885)

So for that, you know, I I I really I didn't use much corporate speak at all. I don't like it, but I leaned into my my my custom home identity and really focused on that more. and that's really what's you know, the market's tough everywhere. It's tough out here. We're kinda but because of the value we give our clients on a custom home, and I'll say this right now, I won't mention names. We build custom homes for other builders too, you know.

Randy Sebastian (40:55.874)

You know, the market's tough everywhere. It's tough out here. We're kinda but because of the value we give our clients on a custom home. And I'll say this right now, I won't mention names. We build custom homes for other builders too. You know, other guys they're they're so busy doing all the things like, you know what? I'm just gonna have you build my house because of our process and a thing. And and they don't have to get in fights with their wife. She can go pick everything and they could do it's an easy button, even for other builders. So that's a big

Jesse Sampley (41:09.838)

Other guys they're they're so busy doing all the things like, you know what? I'm just gonna have you build my house because a hard process for a thing and and they don't have to get in fights with their wife, she can go pick everything and they could do it's an easy button, even for other builders. So that's a big you know, that's a big you know, feather in our hat that, you know, other builders and I'm honored, trust us to build their own house, you know, because we're able to do. You know, it's it's a unique situation and and we build for

Randy Sebastian (41:24.684)

You know, that's a big you know, feather in our hat that, you know, other builders and I'm honored trust us to build their own house, you know, because of what we're able to do. You know, it's it's a unique situation and and we build for, you know, top, top, top CFOs for, you know, companies you would know, you know, shoes you wear, the cars you drive, you know, top, top people.

Jesse Sampley (41:38.723)

you know, top, top, top CFOs for, you know, companies you would know, you know, shoes you wear, the cars you drive, you I mean, top, top people, finance people that understand money and understand value, we're building for them right now, custom homes. So, yeah, so that's really what we did in nineteen. Like, hey, and you know what right now with the way rates are

Randy Sebastian (41:50.487)

finance people that understand money and understand value, we're building for them right now custom homes. So yeah, so that's really what we did in nineteen. Like, hey, and you know what right now with the way rates are and the war and all the other things, as we all know what's going on as a world and as a nation, we're giving people definite answers for their custom home that they can't get anywhere else and they need it, you know. So we're doing that.

Jesse Sampley (42:04.175)

And the war and all the other things, as we all know it's going on as a world and as a nation. We're giving people definite answers for their custom home that they can't get anywhere else and they need it, you know. So we're doing that. When you when you decided to do fixed costs, had you always done fixed cost on a custom side or had you ever done a different model like cost plus? On our developments, you know, when somebody went to our development

Randy Sebastian (42:26.7)

You on our developments, you know, when somebody went to our development, it was all fixed price. Cause hey, you had eight plans, three elevations each plan, there's a price in your design studio. I mean, it's no magic. Other people do that. We did that very well. But our custom homes outside, it was cost plus 'cause we don't know what they're gonna bend. They're gonna run out here's your allowance to the tile store and the people who go to the tile store to pick stuff and they get but they couldn't get prices because you gotta, you know, the

Jesse Sampley (42:32.525)

It was all fixed price. Cause you hey, you had eight plans, three elevations each plan. There's a price and you go to design studio. I mean, it's no magic. Other people do that. We did that very well. But our custom homes outside, it was cost plus 'cause we don't know what they're gonna bend. They're gonna run out. Here's your allowance to the tile store and the the people go to the tile store to pick stuff and they get but they couldn't get prices because you gotta you know, the tile stores people are like, we gotta protect the tile guy and the builder.

Randy Sebastian (42:55.756)

Tile stores, people like, we gotta protect the tile guy and the builder, you know, we we gotta protect the, you know, the the professionalism of this or the services or, you know, trade, protect the trade, I guess. And then they'd go to the lighting store and never get prices. They go to the t plumbing, you know, all this shut. And they it was just we'd just be pissed and they'd meet here and they okay, well, your little tour that you spent three Saturdays doing, guess what? You're over budget on every single thing. Like

Jesse Sampley (43:00.62)

You know, we we gotta protect the you know, the the professionalism of this or the services or you know, trade, protect the trade, I guess. And then they'd go to the lighting store and never get prices, they'd go to the top plumbing, you know, all this shut. It was just we'd just be pissed and they'd meet here and they okay, well, your little tour that you spent three Saturdays doing, guess what? You're over budget on every single thing. Like, what they didn't tell us. No, they don't. People are pissed.

Randy Sebastian (43:24.706)

What? They didn't tell us. No, they don't. People are pissed. It's this it's the way and and then also cost plus. Then it was always bad news because everything costs more. And my poor superintendents have to with pissed off clients and people. So I so I really avoided it. Like most like a lot of builders, we avoid custom homes cost plus unless you have super thick skin and you don't you don't you don't care. You know, you want that money. You don't care what a client thinks, you know. And not a lot of guys like that. I'm not that way.

Jesse Sampley (43:29.269)

It's the s it's the way and and then also cost plus. Then it was always bad news because everything costs more and my poor superintendents have to with pissed off clients. So I so I really avoided it. Like most like a lot of builders, we avoid custom homes cost plus unless you have super thick skin and you don't you know you don't care. You know, you want that money, you don't care what a client thinks, you know. And not a lot of guys like that. I'm not that way. So I kind of avoided it and then I thought, you know what?

Randy Sebastian (43:54.361)

So I kind of avoided it. And then I thought, you know what? If we start doing pure customs, but we have to have the professionals, we have to have the the the facility to do it. Let's do it that way. And I'll tell you what, it's magic. But you have to have your own we have our own sales center that we own in our office complex in Lake Costa Wego. We have our own design studio that we built our way. we have negotiated.

Jesse Sampley (43:57.931)

If we start doing pure customs, but we have to have the professionals, we have to have the the the facility to do it, let's do it that way. And I'll tell you what, it's magic. But you have to have your own we have our own sales center that we own in our office complex in Lake Costa Wigo. We have our own design studio that we built our way. we have negotiated very good contracts with our with our suppliers. Again.

Randy Sebastian (44:21.494)

Very good contracts with our with our suppliers. Again, you know, it's funny people, what kind of windows you use? Pella and or you know Marvin? No, Milgard. What? Well, five years from now, you got a problem with the window. You call Milgard, they come out, no questions asked, they fix it. Okay, five years from now you call Marvin or Anderson. I got Anderson in my own house, I can tell you that. I I have Milgard too here too, but my

Jesse Sampley (44:25.801)

You know, it's funny people, what kind of windows you use? Pella and or you know, Marvin? No, Milgard. What? Well, five years from now, you got a problem with the window. You call Milgarde, they come out and no questions asked, they fix it. Yeah. Okay, five years from now you call Marvin or Anderson. I got Anderson in my own house, I can tell you that. I mean I have Milgar too here too, but my I live at I built my house when I was twenty six and it's beautiful property, fifteen acres close in.

Randy Sebastian (44:49.644)

I live in I built my house when I was 26 and it's beautiful property, 15 acres close in. You know, people go, What where do you live? Like, I live on the best piece of property I can find. And I built a house when I was 26, and I still hear we've remodeled a bunch and added to it, and all the things. So it's got it's got Cragco windows, it's got Anderson windows, it's got Millgarden windows, you know, just all that stuff. So but as far as our clients go, we want them to have the experience and you know, we want

Jesse Sampley (44:55.25)

know people go, what where do you live? Like I live on the best piece of property I can find and I built a house when I was twenty six and it's still here. We've remodeled it and added to it and all these things. So it's got it's got Craigco windows, it's got Anderson windows, it's got Millgard windows, you know, just all that stuff. So but as far as our clients go, we want them to have the experience and you know we want we want product that is warranted in a

Randy Sebastian (45:19.618)

We want product that is warranted in in Millgard's case for life. So they never have an issue. We also do something out here, no other builder does this called rain screen. You can go on our website and see it, but it's where we have our our sheathing and then tie back taped, all that. And then we have one by three slats all the way around the house at about 16 inches, about 10 inches on center. And then we horizontally put the hardy plank.

Jesse Sampley (45:22.876)

Milgart's case for life. So they never have an issue. We also do something out here, no other builder does this called rain screen. You can go on our website and see it, but it's where we have our our sheathing and then tie back taped, all that. And then we have one by three slats all the way around the house that are about 16 inches, about 10 inches on center. And then we horizontally put the hardy plank if it's hardy plank, and then we die we run a diagonal if if it's tongue and groove cedar.

Randy Sebastian (45:46.523)

if it's hardy plank and then we die we run a diagonal if if it's tongue and groove cedar and and it's screened at the top screened at the bottom so if any wind driven rain gets in it hits that air that air that air pocket because we're out super framed and so we have a screen on the top screen on the bottom so there's air. Zero I've had I started this in 2003 zero window door leaks zero dry rot we have our house no

Jesse Sampley (45:52.09)

And and it's screened at the top, screened at the bottom. So if any wind dri driven rain gets in, it hits that air that air that air pocket because we're out super framed. And so we have a screen on the top, screen on the bottom. So there's air. Zero. I've had I started this in 2003, zero window door leaks, zero a dry rod. We have our house no it's about five thousand bucks a house more, but it's insurance and

Randy Sebastian (46:15.736)

It's about five thousand bucks a house more, but it's insurance and and then on resale, clients don't have to deal with dry rot, which is very prevalent here, like everywhere. It doesn't and dry rot's not included by is it's maintenance issue. It's not included, it's not covered by insurance. So, you know, you just do things like that looking down the road. I mean, we have houses we built twenty-three years ago that don't leak, that on resale we don't have, you know, somebody pissed at us, the Renaissance home's all rotten. It's not because it doesn't leak. And then

Jesse Sampley (46:20.187)

And then on resale, clients don't have to deal with dry rot, which is very prevalent here, like everywhere. Doesn't and dry rot's not included by is it's maintenance issue. It's not included, it's not covered by insurance. So, you know, you just do things like that looking down the road. I mean, we have houses we built 23 years ago that don't leak, that on resale we don't have, you know, somebody pissed at us, the Renaissance home's all rotten. It's not because it doesn't leak. And then when all the attorneys were chasing

Randy Sebastian (46:44.726)

When all the attorneys were chasing you know, the in the water infusion, remember all that all the HOAs were going after? We were doing large condo projects too in Portland and Seattle and in Bend and we're undefeated. We're undefeated. Our houses they would tear things apart and I'd tell them, Don't tear it apart. The contractor's not gonna get it right, you know, when they put it back and you're not gonna find any any leaks. We never

Jesse Sampley (46:48.582)

you know, the the water infusion, remember all the all the HUAs we're going after? We were doing large condo projects too in Portland and Seattle and in Bend and we're undefeated. We're undefeated. Our houses they would tear things apart and I'd tell them don't tear it apart. The the contractor's not gonna get it right, you know, when they put it back and you're not gonna find any any leaks. What do you think customers You know, you said earlier on that, you know, you guys had built a lot of street credit. It's obviously because of the things that you

you know, d decided to do a along your journey. But you know, what do you think today w what do people say about you guys? Do they know these specifics? Like it's easy for you to, you know, list all of these specifics, but from someone who has just, you know, they've had the experience, they've gone to the design center, they've heard, you know, they they maybe know a little bit of history. But you know, what do you think they're they're telling other people? In most of our cases, our custom clients

Randy Sebastian (47:26.508)

Randy Sebastian (47:41.823)

In most of our cases, our custom clients, over half, have had custom homes built before. I mean, there are, you know, these are, you know, successful people that have gone through it. And inversely every case they say, we didn't want to build another custom home. But with you guys, it's fun, it's easy, we we're we're informed, it's a pleasure. We have a good time. We just finished a house on Lake Custom Week, and the client's like, we loved it so much.

Jesse Sampley (47:47.151)

i over half have had custom homes built before. I mean, there are you know, these are, you know, successful people that have gone through it. And inversely, every case is like, we didn't want to build another custom home. But with you guys, it's fun, it's easy, we we're we're informed. It's a pleasure. We have a good time. We just finished a house on Lake Custom and client's like, we loved it so much, but we love our temporary neighborhood we live in.

Randy Sebastian (48:10.476)

But we love our temporary neighborhood we live in. So we want to sell that one and we just love the process. We want to build another one for you guys. So I mean, isn't that funny? They love creating. So they can create with us and it's not risky for them. So yeah, in in in every case, and there are a lot of times where it's confusing building a custom home and it's frustrating. And a lot of people would give up along the along the path, right? And journey, I guess some people say, but they'd they would give up.

Jesse Sampley (48:13.978)

So we want to sell that one and we just love the process. We want to build another one for you guys. So I mean, isn't that funny? They love creating. So they can create with us and and it's not risky for them. So yeah, in in in every case and there are a lot of times where it's confusing building a custom home and it's frustrating. And a lot of people would give up along the along the path, right? And journey, I guess some people say, but they'd they would give up. With us, we're building a lot of custom homes.

Randy Sebastian (48:38.648)

With us, we're building a lot of custom homes, probably half of them are for people that would have given up at for the first one, like, this is too challenging. If I wa if I was with Billy Builder and, you know, his designer, 'cause out here you don't have to have architects. You can have regular house designers and architects. It's it's fairly rare that you have an architect here. architects who are designing other things in housing. But we have our own architect that that that's what he does is designer homes on staff. And so

Jesse Sampley (48:42.352)

Probably half of are for people that would have given up. It for the first one, like, this is too challenging. If I wa if I was with Billy Builder and, you know, his designer. 'Cause out here you don't have to have architects. You can have regular house designers and architects. It's it's fairly rare that you have an architect here. architects are designing other things than housing. But we have our own architect that that that's what he does is design our homes on staff. And so so for most people they have to coordinate

Randy Sebastian (49:07.754)

So for most people, they have to coordinate a design an architect or designer, and then a home and then interior designer. And and then they have to, you know, they're running the ship and then they gotta coordinate everybody. And then once they do that, and then you get that, and then we're gonna go to bid to builders. And then the builder's gonna be, well, this is w way too expensive. geez, then they go back and they give up on the custom architect guy and they just buy a stock.

Jesse Sampley (49:11.374)

a design an architect or designer, and then a home and then interior designer and and then they have to, you know, they're running the ship and then they gotta coordinate everybody and then once they do that, and then you get that and then we're gonna go to bed to builders. And then the builders gonna be well this is w way too expensive. jeez. Then they go back and they give up on the custom architect guy and they just buy a stock mascot plan or something like that that

Randy Sebastian (49:36.535)

mascord plan or something like that that isn't what they want, but hey, they own the property, they want to get going. And they just they just do that. And we've had many people come to us, like a lot of our clients come to us frustrated because the the other builder overpromised and undelivered. And they go, okay, what can we do? And then we we we we pick up the pieces and we take, we don't

Jesse Sampley (49:40.448)

Isn't what they want, but hey, they own the property, they want to get going, and they just they just do that. And we've had many people come to us, like a lot of our clients come to us frustrated because the other builder overpromise and undelivered and they go, Okay, what can we do? And then we we we we pick up the pieces and we take we don't we don't plagiarize anybody's plan. We in fact sued somebody in federal court that plagiarized her plan recently and and we won, we just settled.

Randy Sebastian (50:01.571)

We don't plagiarize anybody's plan. We in fact sued somebody in federal court that plagiarized our plan recently and j and we won. We just settled in federal court. So so we don't plagiarize it all. We just take ideas, what they want, and then we come up with our own plan. And it could be based on what they wanted originally with the other builder, but we we make improv our own improvements and it's all what they want, so it's their own custom plan. And the other thing is since we have our own creative.

Jesse Sampley (50:09.9)

Well in federal court. So so we don't plagiarize it all. We just take ideas, what they want, and then we come up with our own plan. And it could be based on what they wanted originally with the other builder, but we we make improv our own improvements and it's all what they want, so it's their own custom plan. And the other thing is since we have our own creative architect, we have our own creative interior design, we can then somebody go, I love that house you built, and we want the same thing, but we want

Randy Sebastian (50:29.536)

architect. We have our own creative interior design. We can then somebody say, I love that house you built. And we want the same thing, but we want the primary closets bigger, whatever. We want to add an office. We can do that. Guess what? It costs them zero because we don't have to go out and pay an outside architect for that plan again. It's ours, you know, and so it's just a very, very straightforward, simple way. And we're not protecting

Jesse Sampley (50:38.242)

primary closets bigger, whatever we want to add an office. We can do that. Guess what? It costs them zero because we don't have to go out and pay an outside architect for that plan again. It's ours, you know, and so it's just a very, very straightforward simple way. And we're not protecting designers or architects or interior designers. We're not looking out for outside contractors, you know, or outside consultants.

Randy Sebastian (50:59.436)

designers or architects or interior designers, we're not looking out for outside contractors, you know, or outside consultants. It's all in in house. And as you know, when you're working in house every day with somebody, the reps, you know, you're like a, you know, a quarterback. The more reps you can take, the more times you you can pass, can take a rep from that center and pass to that tight end or wide receiver, the same people every every game, that's how you're successful.

Jesse Sampley (51:07.818)

It's all in in-house. And as you know, when you're working in house every day with somebody, the reps, you know, you're like a you know, a quarterback. The more reps you can take, the more times you you can pass, can take a rep from that center and pass to that tight end or wide receiver. The same people every every game, that's how you're successful. But think about if, well, I got a different center on this house and a different receiver on that house, and different subs here, a different line.

Randy Sebastian (51:29.304)

But think about if, well, I got a different center on this house and a different receiver on that house and different subs here, a different line. How successful are you gonna be? You're not. You got it.

Jesse Sampley (51:38.141)

successful are you gonna be exactly see I I run into this all the time because you know as running a marketing agency a lot of people that will outsource all all all of the work. So all of the work you know is just like a a constant churning of you know the different web designer or a different video or a different editor. So like on a consistency side it's really hard to just like one customer having the exact same experience because it's like it's just totally random

Randy Sebastian (52:05.954)

Got it.

Jesse Sampley (52:06.401)

every single time. So someone may have a good experience, but the next four have a terrible experience. And that's something I was super deliberate on. I came from the the video production and editing high brand films and and kind of from the branding side of things. And it was just like you have to have good people that maybe you pay them a little bit more, but like at the end of the day, you have to have a good team because you don't have a business without the people that work inside of it.

Randy Sebastian (52:10.593)

Exactly.

Jesse Sampley (52:34.239)

And if you have just a constant inconsistent process, then like, well, I don't know what that referral is gonna be like, you know, if everybody has a very different experience all the time. It I mean, it seems like real common sense, but you know, people just I I don't know, it's they don't look at they don't look at the end product first and then work the problem backwards. Well, just you and I and a lot of good business people or people that care. We don't really like chaos.

Randy Sebastian (52:50.862)

Well

Randy Sebastian (52:55.544)

Well, Jesse, you and I and a lot of good business people or people that care, we don't really like chaos. You don't like for yourself, you don't like for your employees, you don't like for your clients. I don't like it either. I I do not do well in chaos. I don't. No one does. And but in custom home building and in and in your business too, I've seen it too, where, you know, a lot of things are parceled out. in custom home building, people they hire out all these things and it's as good as

Jesse Sampley (53:03.348)

You don't like for yourself, you don't like for your employees, you don't like for your clients. I don't like it either. I I do not do well in chaos. I don't. No one does. And but in custom home building and in and in your business too, I've seen it too, where, you know, a lot of things are parceled out. in custom home building, people they hire out all these things and it's as good as that team was at that time. you know, and how professional are they? Is your interior designer professionally trained?

Randy Sebastian (53:25.1)

that team was at that time, you know, and how professional are they? Is your interior designer professionally trained? Is your interior designer ASID? is your designer an architect? Is your architect a you know he'd have to be AIA if he's an architect? You know, the professional that matters. I know people it doesn't matter. I can pick colors like anybody. Yeah, you can, but how can

Jesse Sampley (53:33.393)

Is your interior designer A S I D? is your designer an architect? Is your architect AI you know, he'd have to be AIA if he's an architect. You know, the professional, that matters. I know. You know, it doesn't matter. I can pick colors like anybody. Yeah, you can, but what's the what's what happens? And so that's something I strive for people. I want, I'm very competitive. I I've done three

Randy Sebastian (53:54.379)

What's the what's what happens? And so that's something I strive for people. I want, I'm very competitive. I I've done three full Iron Man. I last time I qualified for the championships in Melbourne, Australia, I went there. I've placed five times at the Nationals at MPC National Bodybuilding in Pittsburgh.

Jesse Sampley (54:03.497)

Full Iron Man. amazing. I last time I qualified for the championships in Melbourne, Australia, I went there. I placed five times at the Nationals at MPC National bodybuilding in Pittsburgh, five time super heavyweight open bodybuilder, top five of the nation. So I'm super competitive. And and I'm that way with my home building. I I mean I want to build best homes.

Randy Sebastian (54:21.07)

five time super heavyweight open bodybuilder, top five of the nation. So I'm super competitive. And and I'm that way with my home building. I I mean, I want to build the best homes. And our tagline says Renaissance homes. The best built homes are renaissance homes. I have really good friends that are builders like you. No one gives me shit about that. Like, yep, you do. Yep. We do our thing, you do your thing, you know. And it's just known. And you have to have a little cockiness.

Jesse Sampley (54:32.815)

In our tagline says Renaissance homes. The best built homes are Renaissance homes. I've really good friends that are builders like you. No one gives me shit about that. Like, yep, you do. Yep. We do our thing, you do your thing, you know. And it's just known. And you have to have a little cockiness. You have to have a little bit of competitiveness. You have to have definitely you've got to be sure of what you're saying, because no one wants to be liars. We believe we build the best home. And we wouldn't say it if we didn't. And so

Randy Sebastian (54:50.638)

You have to have a little bit of competitiveness. You have to have definitely you've got to be sure of what you're saying because no one wants to be liars. We believe we build the best home. And we wouldn't say it if we didn't. And so, and I and that attracts the best subs. That attracts certainly the best superintendents, the best employees, the best clients. You know, that's it's it's you know, you wanna work the top one percent if you can, and then your life is pretty dang good. But if you're in chaos, like you said, and things are

Jesse Sampley (55:01.678)

And I ha and that attracts the best subs. That attracts certainly the best superintendents, the best employees, the best clients. You know, that's it's it's you know, you want to work in the top one percent if you can, and then your life is pretty dang good. But if you're in chaos, like you said, and things are half assed and not quite right, and the client has to accept anything less than perfect. We have one right now. We're building a a

Randy Sebastian (55:20.15)

half-assed and not quite right and the client has to accept anything less than perfect. We have one right now. We're building a a big house with another house with an inside pool. And in our pool company, they're great. They've done pools for us forever. It was off out of square by eight inches. Not the pool, but within the but within the new pool house. So it was poured.

Jesse Sampley (55:31.046)

big house with another house with an inside pool. And and our pool company, they're great, they've done pools for us forever. It was off out of square by eight inches. Not the pool, but within the but within the new pool house. So it was poured and then we poured the foundation according to all the surveys. And the pool was kinked within it. Well

Randy Sebastian (55:48.995)

And then we poured the foundation according to all the surveys. And the pool was kinked within it. Well, the the client is actually a retired builder we're building for. And it wouldn't matter if they're a retired librarian, didn't matter. Rip that pool out. It was fra it was done, not done. It wasn't it wasn't plastered. It was gun-ided and piped. Get in there with a and they had to go in there and take a tracco and rock hammer that pool out of there and pour a brand new pool.

Jesse Sampley (55:58.096)

The the client is actually a retired builder we're building for. It it wouldn't matter if they're a retired librarian, didn't matter. Rip that pool out. It was fran it was done not done. It wasn't it wasn't plastered. It was gun ided and pliped. Get in there with a and they had to go in there and take a tracco and rock hammer that pool out of there and pour a brand new pool. Client client didn't pay a dime. Yeah. Neither we our our really good pool company did the right thing.

Randy Sebastian (56:19.118)

Client, client didn't pay a dime. Neither we our our really good pool company did the right thing. And that's just how it works. But I do know most builders they wouldn't hold their cl their sub to that, they did that the that level. And they'd make the, well, instead of doing tile on the floor, let's do sand and concrete, because then you won't see the difference. Well, you would once you start putting, you know, carpet in, you know, like

Jesse Sampley (56:27.573)

And that's just how it works. But I do know most builders they wouldn't hold their c their sub to that, they do that the that level, and they'd make the well instead of doing tile on the floor, let's do sand and concrete, because then you won't see the difference. Well, you would once you start putting, you know, carpet in, you know, like rugs, rugs in there, you know, or whatever, or you or you'd know it's off by eight eight inches. You're a builder, you'd know. So take it out. And so

Randy Sebastian (56:46.486)

rugs rugs in there, you know, or whatever, or you or you'd know it's off by eight age inches. You're a builder, you'd know. So take it out. And so those are the that's the extreme mistake. And that's how you deal with it, you know, and just just never ever let the house down. Right? Or because you let the house down, you let the client down, and then down the road, you're having to make an excuse when the house goes on resale and someone goes, geez, you know

Jesse Sampley (56:56.11)

Those are the that's the extreme mistake and that's how you deal with it, you know, and just just never ever let the house down. Right? Yeah. Or because you let the house down, you let the client down, and then down the road, you're having to make an excuse when the house goes on resale and someone goes, Jeez, you know many times. It's a ripple of false tape. You know, the bad the bad side i ha is just as important.

Randy Sebastian (57:16.14)

Many times I get calls from a total.

Jesse Sampley (57:23.232)

if not more powerful than the good side, you know, especially as you're building a reputation. You know, everybody wants the the consistent referral, but you know, it is something that you have to earn. You know, everybody says they want it. But you you have to earn it and this is these are sometimes you like you said, you have the hard lessons. That's how you earn it. I is through those stories. Okay. You know, something I I wanted to touch on, you know, we're we're kinda coming near the end of this, but, you know, I wanted to know how are on a marketing side, you know, how are you how are you

Randy Sebastian (57:33.198)

Top.

Randy Sebastian (57:43.005)

yeah.

Jesse Sampley (57:52.897)

you know broadcasting this out to to the public. You know, someone who does if they're not in in your area, you know, how how are you communicating this with people, you know, either in person, online. I know you've got the design studio, so you know, people in person, they can engage with your story, they can engage with, you know, your brand. They can touch and feel, they can come through your your parade homes, they can, you know, or your your your spec homes, they can come to your spec homes. But you know, virtually

You know, how how are you doing this and the and and you know, why what have you prioritized over the years? We do a lot of content, you know, and and a lot of it's just me or my marketing director or one of our superintendents with a with one of these things, iPhone, just video, hey, this is what we're doing, you know. That kind of stuff. We do have reels that we have

Randy Sebastian (58:31.16)

We do a lot of content, you know, and and a lot of it's just me or my marketing director or one of our superintendents with a with one of these things, iPhone, just video, hey, this is what we're doing, you know. That kind of stuff. We do have reels that we have that we make and we've got a very creative marketing department. We do that. and you know, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, you know, we've got a good website. But again.

Jesse Sampley (58:49.782)

that we make and we've got a very creative marketing department. We do that. and you know, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, you know, we've got a good website. But again, no matter how good you think you are, you've got you can do so much more with with a dig everybody look it's it's a sad thing. Everybody looks at this black screen. That's they live through that. They don't even watch television or all that things. It's just, you know, it's a problem.

Randy Sebastian (59:01.27)

No matter how good you think you are, you've got you can do so much more with with dig everybody look it's it's a sad thing. Everybody looks at this black screen. That's they live through that. They don't even watch television or all that things. It's just, you know, it's a problem. I I've got myself on a on a parental to three hours a day with my s my and my assistant has the code. So I can't you know, it's because if not you're just on it, hey, what's this score? What's this d

Jesse Sampley (59:18.198)

I I've got myself on a on a parental to three hours a day with my s my and my assistant has the code. So I can't you know, because if not you're just on it, hey, what's this score? What's this to So anyway, everybody it's a problem, it's an addiction. So we know that, and so we market to that black screen a lot, but also and I and I'm I am all over my guys, all over my signs. You gotta have signs, you gotta have

Randy Sebastian (59:30.274)

So anyway, everybody, it's a problem. It's an addiction. So we know that. And so we market to that black screen a lot. But also, and I and I'm I am all over my guys, all over my signs. You gotta have signs. You gotta have the right signs. You gotta have a good say sign game. We have a client, this just happened last month. We're building spec homes, two $2.6 million spec home. These people are driving.

Jesse Sampley (59:47.092)

Right signs, you got to have a good sign game. We we have a client, this just happened last month. We're building spec homes, two $2.6 million spec home. These people are driving and they see this home in the woods is in northwest Portland in Washington and out in city. And they they they see it, they go, my god, this beautiful house. Thank God there was a sign there. And and they called the sign and they called my salesman and they bought the house. They weren't even in the market, but the house was there, and there's a sign up, somebody had a

Randy Sebastian (59:56.781)

And they see this home in the woods is in northwest Portland in Washington and out in the city. And they they they see it and they go, my God, that's a beautiful house. Thank God there was a sign there. And and they called the sign and they called my salesman and they bought the house. They weren't even in the market, but the house was there and there's a sign up. Somebody had a enough foresight to put a sign. I know it sounds it sounds crazy, but I mm it's a big thing for me. I mean, I'd lose my shit if there's no signs up to my guys. Like, you know.

Jesse Sampley (01:00:16.809)

Enough foresight to put a sign. I know it sounds it sounds crazy, but I it's a big thing for me. I mean, I'd lose my shit if there's no signs up to my guys. You know, it's easy. The excavator knocks it over and somebody's it's hot out or raining. They're not gonna put sign back. No, the damn sign. Yeah. Signs are still the number one way to sell a house. You gotta have it out there. So signs, certainly word of mouth, certainly, you know, the internet and and as transparent as you can be on the internet. I mean

Randy Sebastian (01:00:26.104)

It's easy. The excavator knocks it over and somebody say it's hot out or rain. They're not going to put sign back. No, put the damn sign. So signs are still the number one way to sell a house. You gotta have it out there. So signs, certainly word of mouth, certainly, you know, the internet, and and as transparent as you can be on the internet. I mean, you know, there's a saying everybody looks good on vacation, right? Everybody looks good on the internet, but how much I mean there are I know companies, and I won't name them, they have great

Jesse Sampley (01:00:46.365)

You know, there's a saying everybody looks good on vacation, right? Everybody looks good on the internet, but how much I mean there are I know companies, and I won't name them, they have great great, you know, online presence. my God, I'm just I mean I mean I'm envious of how good their their their social media is and how on point it is, but their product is shit and and their reputation's shit, you know. So, you know, you you ever looks good on vacation, so you just

Randy Sebastian (01:00:55.774)

great, you know, online presence. my God. I'm just I mean I mean I'm envious of how good their their their social media is and how on point it is, but their product is shit and w and their reputation is shit, you know. So, you know, you you really just go on vacation. So you just you gotta have good good social media and back it up and you know, but again, it's it's changing. It's

Jesse Sampley (01:01:14.984)

You gotta have good good social media and back it up and you know, but again, it's it's changing, it's going so fast. And my my marketing director had had a baby, so she was off you know for maternity leave for it seemed like ten years for me, it's forever. And I and then I was in the middle of it and freaking out, like, what are we doing? What you know, she came back and so happy. So yeah, it's a there's a lot.

Randy Sebastian (01:01:20.728)

going so fast and my my marketing director had had a baby and so she was off, you know, for maternity leave where seemed like ten years for me is forever. And I and then I was in the middle of it and freaking out, like, what are we doing? What you know, she came back and so happy. So yeah, it's a there's a lot. There's a lot on that. As you well know, you're in the business. So

Jesse Sampley (01:01:37.917)

There's a lot on that, as you well know you're in the There is, and it's so you know, this is something that we you know, we're pretty passionate about is you know, we'll start with representing the brand really well. You know, the the clients that we take on, it's you know, we're protecting our own reputation at the end of the day. So, you know, we want to represent, you know, someone that's actually real, does a good job, have a has a good reputation so it doesn't come back and stain us at the end of the day. But you know, it really does start with

Well, let's just first communicate what is already there, which I feel like is a lot of what people lack, is like mean they have a good company. It's just not represented real well. I'd much rather be on that side of things than trying to represent someone and make them look like a hundred bucks when it's just like complete chaos underneath of it. That's not it yeah, that's not good for anyone. Well, I I think good. I'm glad you said it that way, 'cause I do feel like

Randy Sebastian (01:02:10.666)

yeah.

Randy Sebastian (01:02:24.29)

Yeah.

Well, I I think good. I'm glad you said it that way, because I do feel like, and I love my marketing rights, she's the best, best, best. But it as good as we are, we're still better in person. You know, we still are better in person. And you you'd rather do that. Yeah, you want to show good stuff. And we always wanna kinda overpromise and over-deliver, right? We wanna say what we're doing and deliver. You don't wanna, you know, underpromise, under deliver. It it might be good to

Jesse Sampley (01:02:33.829)

And I love my marketing. She's the best, best, best. But it as good as we are, we're still better in person. You know, we still are better in person. And you you'd rather do that. Yeah, you want to show good stuff. And we always wanna kind of overpromise and over-deliver, right? We wanna say what we're doing and deliver. You don't wanna, you know, underpromise, under deliver. It it might be good to, you know, underpromise, overdeliver, but if you can.

Randy Sebastian (01:02:57.314)

you know, under promise, over delivered. But if you can get it out there, this is what we do and we stand we and we in fact do it, that's that's that's really kind of the special sauce is in your words. Is I think it's

Jesse Sampley (01:03:00.316)

get it out there. This is what we do and we stand we and we in fact do it. That's that's that's really kind of the special sauce. Yeah. And that's the storytelling side of it too, is it's like let's tell these series of stories so that you know people can engage with it 'cause we're human beings. We love interacting with people and we love inter and we like being told stories. I feel like so much on a marketing side is is common sense. It goes back to very, very simple fundamentals.

Randy Sebastian (01:03:18.7)

Mm.

Jesse Sampley (01:03:30.223)

that because of all of this AI side, because of social side, people try to complicate it so much. But it like on a very basic side, there are it is it's on such a simple foundation, which is be honest, engage with people, and engage with people by just being real and buying being true. And if and if you're having if see that you're having to fake a lot of stuff.

that probably is a is a tale that like let's go back to the table and and fix some things. and everyb and it's always a process. It's always a growing process. It's never going to be perfect. But you know, people who are serious about their their business and their brand and their company and their legacy, you know, those things are important to them. Is that we're gonna make w things are going to be done right and then we are going to show that,

Randy Sebastian (01:04:01.657)

Yes.

Jesse Sampley (01:04:23.629)

And then people will when they actually interact with us and they have this experience, then they're seeing both sides of it and saying, Yes, what they're putting out there is true. What I can and telling other people I can confirm that what their story that they are positioned on, I'm I'm living proof of that, which are the testimonials that you know people love. Exactly. In fact, before AI, we had a company, we zoomed them for it. They took pictures of our stuff, our kitchens, our

Randy Sebastian (01:04:43.754)

Exactly. We in fact before AI, we had a company, we sued them for it. They took pictures of our stuff, our kitchens, our great rooms, our architecture, our interior design, and posted on their website as theirs and said it's representing them. But it was us. That was before AI. Now what people do, and we talked about this a little bit, is people just you know, the company like, they look so good. It's all AI, you know, and it's written AI and it's all AI.

Jesse Sampley (01:04:52.706)

great rooms, our architecture, our interior design, and post it on their website as theirs. It says representing but it was us. That was before AI. Now now what people do, we talked about this a little bit, is people just l you know, the company like, they look so good. It's all AI, you know, and it's written AI and it's all AI generated photos that they can't duplicate. You know, it's just so we are way behind the curve on the AI. I don't

Randy Sebastian (01:05:12.654)

generated photos that they can't duplicate. You know, it's just so we are way behind the curve on the AI. I don't, you know, when somebody, you know, even you know, we're on social media, when I see something that was created a movie AI, I'd I just don't even watch it. I just skip it. Or certainly when people are writing posts and you could tell it's AI, you know, it's just garbage.

Jesse Sampley (01:05:22.028)

You know, when somebody you know, even you know, we're all on social media, when I see something that was created a movie AI, I'd I just don't even watch it, I just skip it. Or certainly when people are writing posts and you can tell us AI. The long dashes, the emojis, there's when it's th three paragraphs long. That's not that's not a human. No, it's not right. So yeah, we just we just try to be as authentic as we can and do the right thing and

Randy Sebastian (01:05:42.035)

yeah. Like you No, it's not right. So yeah, we just we just try to be as authentic as we can and do the right thing and you know, if you you know, and again, I'm forty two years of doing this. Not many guys are in this game forty two years at sixty two years old and I'm not slowing down either. I mean, we're doing what we do because we love it and we're good at it, and we can support our families with it and w by doing it and then also our clients really drive us. We really

Jesse Sampley (01:05:51.16)

You know, if you you know, and again, I'm forty two years of doing this. Not many guys are in this game forty two years at sixty two years old, and I'm not slowing down either. I mean, we're doing what we do because we love it and we're good at it, and we can support our families with it and w by doing it. And then also our clients really drive us. We really, really enjoy what we do, serving our clients with these great things. Well, as we wrap up, looking down the future, what you know, beyond you

Randy Sebastian (01:06:11.628)

Really enjoy what we do and serving our clients with these great homes.

Jesse Sampley (01:06:19.585)

You know, w what is the the future of Renaissance look like? yeah, I've got great people. It's a young company. Something happened to me, 'cause we have to have that. We already have my successor groomed and ready to roll. So I mean we keep going. Everybody has their great jobs. Our clients keep going. So that's the big that's the big thing, you know. And again, I'm you know, I train six days a week and eat all the right things and try to not have too many cocktails. And you know, so that's

Randy Sebastian (01:06:23.69)

yeah, I've got great people. It's a young company. Something happened to me, 'cause we have to have that. We already have my successor groomed and ready to roll. So I mean, we keep going. Everybody has their great jobs. Our clients keep going. So that's the big that's the big thing, you know. And again, I'm you know, I train six days a week and eat all the right things and try to not have too many cocktails. And you know, so that's deal, but you just never know. But yeah, Renaissance is you know, the

Jesse Sampley (01:06:48.598)

deal, but you just never know. But yeah, Renaissance is a you know the cool thing about it is we have a secession plan with professionals in place. And you know and and I've had a whole already I've had a big group of people that have been at Renaissance for decades retire out. And so it's a it's kind of a place where you sign on and if you do a great job, you're here for your career.

Randy Sebastian (01:06:52.942)

Cool thing about it is we have a secession plan with professionals in place. And you know, and and I've had a whole already I've had a big group of people that have been at Renaissance for decades retire out. And so it's a it's kind of a place where you sign on and if you do a great job, you're here for your career. And that's what we have with our with our employees. it's a it's an honor to me that people

Jesse Sampley (01:07:17.5)

And that's what we have with our with our employees. It's a it's an honor to me that people spend their whole careers here and then retire to Green Pasture. Yeah. Yeah, they don't go to other builders or other industries. They stay here. You know, I usually ask this at the beginning of the show, but I I forgot to are there books, are there people that you follow, things that inspire you? Like you're more than a builder, you know, there there's a personal side of you too that is real deliberate and real disciplined.

Randy Sebastian (01:07:21.824)

spend their whole careers here and then retire to, you know, Green Pasture. Yeah, they don't go to other builders or other industries. They stay here.

Jesse Sampley (01:07:44.415)

What are some good resources that you would recommend to to other people? you know, podcasts, you know, you know, in what you like. I, you know, I mean I reference good to great. That was a big thing for me, that book. I think just read that thing out is just really great. And there's, you know, there's follow ups with that one. I forget what it was. I read it wasn't as good as good to great. And I just, you know, athlete stories, right? And you know.

Randy Sebastian (01:07:48.986)

you know, podcast, you know, you know, in what you like. I, you know, I mean I referenced good to great. That was a big thing for me, that book. I think just read that thing out is just really great. And there's, you know, there's follow ups with that one. I forget what it was. I read it wasn't as good as good to great. And I just, you know, athlete stories, right? And you know.

Arnold Schwarzenegger to me has been a lifelong I've never met him, but I've met Lou Frigno and all the other guys. But you know, just I love his attitude and what what he created and how he's inspired so many people. certainly there's a lot of business leaders that that that we follow and and like. And so yeah, I think you know, just you know, podcasts are good, just listening to different and you know, and books, you know, online books, you know.

Jesse Sampley (01:08:11.826)

Arnold Schwarzenegger to me has been a lifelong I've never met him, but I've met Lou Frigno and all the other guys. But you know, just I love his attitude and what what he created and how he's inspired so many people. certainly there's a lot of business leaders that that that we follow and and like. And so yeah, I think you know, just you know, podcasts are good, just listening to different, you know, and books, you know, online books, you know.

Randy Sebastian (01:08:40.814)

And you know, I am also a World War Two buff and so I just love how America overcame what we had to overcome. And if anybody is in New Orleans and wants to go to the best museum in my it's the World War Two museum and just I guess, yeah.

Jesse Sampley (01:08:42.334)

You know, I am also a World War Two buff and so I just love how America overcame what we had to overcome. And if anybody is in New Orleans and wants to go to the best museum in my era, it's the World War Two Museum. And just I got personal. Yeah. Wow. Well, Randy, for for people that wanna engage with your brand or or get contact with you, what's the what's the best way for them to to connect?

Randy Sebastian (01:09:09.618)

you know, we're online, RenaissanceHype and Homes dot com. you know, our website, Renaissance Homes dot com, Instagram, got a TikTok, Randy Sebastian, TikTok, or Rand Sebastian, my in my Instagram is Rand Sebastian, so yeah, pretty easy to get a hold of and right in Lake Caswig, Oregon and yeah.

Jesse Sampley (01:09:10.158)

you know, we're online, Renaissance Hype and Homes dot com. you know, our website Renaissance Homes dot com, Instagram, you got a TikTok Randy Sebastian TikTok, or Rand Sebastian, my in my Instagram is Rand Sebastian, so yeah, pretty easy to get a hold of and right in Lake Casabago, Oregon and yeah.

Well good deal, man. Well this was super inspiring. What a what a story. I can't wait for people to hear this. thank you so much for your time. Yeah, this is fun. Thank you.

Randy Sebastian (01:09:41.294)

Yes, thank you. Yeah, this is fun. Thank you.

Get in Touch

From 300 Homes a Year to High-End Custom Building

Creating a More Predictable Custom Home Experience

Why the Company Moved Toward Fixed Pricing

Quality Means Taking Responsibility

Showing Clients the Work in Person

Building for Long-Term Success

Key Takeaways

Listen to the Full Episode

How did Randy Sebastian get started in home building?

What happened to Renaissance Homes during the 2008 housing crash?

Why did Randy become more selective about subdivisions?

How does Renaissance Homes approach fixed-price custom building?

How does Renaissance Homes attract prospective clients?

What did Randy say about succession planning?

Full Podcast Transcript

Why Quality Over Volume Matters in Luxury Home Building

How One Builder Grew From $100K to $5M and Learned Hard Lessons

What Separates Great Builders From Average Builders

How a Builder Created His Own AI-Powered Construction Operating System

How Builders Can Grow a Stronger Construction Business Through Reputation, Transparency, and Adaptability

Why Builders Should Bring Designers In Early

How Builders Can Own Their Brokerage and Keep More Commission

How Walk Your Plans Is Changing the Way Builders Plan, Design, and Build

Building a Trustworthy Local Business: Insights from Plumbing Doctor

How to Buy a Roofing Business and Grow It Smartly

Why Quality Over Volume Matters in Luxury Home Building

How One Builder Grew From $100K to $5M and Learned Hard Lessons

What Separates Great Builders From Average Builders

How a Builder Created His Own AI-Powered Construction Operating System

How Builders Can Grow a Stronger Construction Business Through Reputation, Transparency, and Adaptability

Why Builders Should Bring Designers In Early

How Builders Can Own Their Brokerage and Keep More Commission

How Walk Your Plans Is Changing the Way Builders Plan, Design, and Build

Building a Trustworthy Local Business: Insights from Plumbing Doctor

How to Buy a Roofing Business and Grow It Smartly

Meridian Pursuit Digital Marketing

Contact info

Navigation