Q&A With Dean Buescher, Divisional President of Vintage Estate Homes
Dean Buescher is the Division President of the San Antonio and New Braunfels area for VE Luxury Homes in Texas. Under his supervision, his team has helped build the dream homes for many satisfied clients in the market.
Dean started homebuilding in 1984 and through his professionalism and experience, he has helped VE Luxury Homes become one of the foremost builders. He has plans to expand into the Houston area soon, as well.
Dean oversees all projects running in his market, which is currently boasting more than twenty-five builds, with another two dozen in the planning stages.
Tell us a bit about what you do.
I am the Division President for VE Luxury Homes in the San Antonio and New Braunfels area in Texas. I oversee the sales of new homes and the construction process itself. I also lead the marketing for this area and do the hiring. I have five superintendents and two Vice Presidents of construction that I advise.
What gave you the idea for (what you do/your company)? How did it start?
I had my own building company for many years. When that closed, I began to look for work with a company that was well-established and known for great quality. I originally took a position with VE Luxury Homes as a sales manager in the Austin area. I enjoyed it, but when I started to look into other areas, I realized the potential here.
About six months after I joined, I approached the company with the market research I’d compiled for the San Antonio area and they gave me the green light. I came down here about five years ago and started this division from scratch. We have had a lot of success here.
What’s your favorite thing about your chosen profession?
The best part for me is watching our clients’ realization that their dream home is becoming a reality. I am there throughout the whole process, from the first meeting to construction completion. I find so much joy as each project is finished because what started as an idea for our clients is then a fully customized home they get to enjoy.
What keys to being productive can you share with us?
The most important choice you make to stay productive is hiring the right people. This is likely our clients’ most expensive purchase of their lives. We are a high-end, fully customized luxury home builder. You must have the right team to walk the client through the entire process. Homebuilding is a risky business and they need to know they are working with someone they can trust.
We’ve had instances where a client has brought something to us that’s been in their family for generations. They want the design of the home to incorporate the item. We keep an architectural designer on staff to sit down and plan the home based on their request. Our clients are spending upwards of a half million dollars, and it’s our job to make sure their vision happens. The right group of people working toward that goal brings calmness and professionalism to an otherwise nerve-racking experience.
Tell us one long-term goal in your career.
I would like to expand VE Luxury Homes even more. I’ve been researching the market in Marble Falls. I’d like to get a manager in that area and start getting our name out there. I think it has the same potential for growth as this area did when I got here.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned through the course of your career?
My love for homebuilding developed when I was young because my father was a homebuilder. He always told me “don’t buy land”. Well, when I was younger, I spent a lot of money purchasing a large land parcel in McKinney, Texas and about a year after, the market fell through. That certainly taught me a valuable lesson about weighing the risks properly. I lost a lot of money, and eventually had to let go of my business.
What advice would you give to others aspiring to succeed in your field?
Homebuilding is a risky business. Make sure you know your market and make the best decisions to help your business grow. Don’t be afraid to take risks, but be as conservative as you can. It doesn’t help to bite off more than you can chew.
It’s also very important to ensure you have enough working capital for all projects you have going. Things come up; plans may need to change. You never know what to expect. It’s important that you’re prepared for all possibilities and are covered financially for eventualities that could happen.
What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
I have always been a big fan of water sports. Any free time I have, you can usually find me out on the lake. It’s been a favorite past time since I was a kid.
I also follow NASCAR very closely. I have a nephew that races. My son raced for five years in the truck series. He won the truck series championship in 2012. That helped the interest grow.
Name a few influential books you’ve read and/or websites you keep up with that you’d recommend to readers.
There are several publications that I follow for information on my field. I read a magazine called Professional Builder. I also follow the Kiplinger Reports, which is a publication that forecasts business and personal finance advice.
Along those same lines, I also keep a close watch on any banking information. In this field, you must pay attention to what the Fed is doing. If interest rates go up, our sales are going to slow down. I like to keep up with the trends so that I can prepare appropriately for my market.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Overall, I am very happy about how things have worked out for me. I would tell myself to be more conservative early on, to take Dad’s advice when he gives it. I am grateful, though, that I have this opportunity with VE Luxury Homes, and I feel like we can grow.
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