Ideal Homes was ranked #10 on the Best Places to Work in OK 2011 roster. okcBIZ was a wonderful host nearly two months ago at the Skirvin Hilton June 16 during the awards dinner. okcBIZ and Best Places to Work OK began collaboration several years ago to select and honor those companies who provide exceptional workplaces for their employees. It is still a program both business owners and employees enthusiastically support. I have only been with Ideal for a little over half a year and am proud to unabashedly tout the outstanding company culture.

This post is an opportunity to share highlights which are not easily summed up by external sources. Those who know me well know my propensity to buck the system on occasion. A company in which creative solutions are encouraged and strategy is supported has the ability to even tame my spirit. Even as I was typing this, one of the owners came into my office to offer compliments on performance and feedback from people he knows. That courteousness causes me to work even harder.

It is a humbling experience to work as a respected professional next to leadership who practices everything they ask of employees. Ideal Homes believes in personal and professional growth. There is no harassment, no flagrant gossiping, no condescension and no disrespect. There is support, encouragement, appreciation and respect. The mission, vision and core values of Ideal are consistently put into practice.

Cumulatively Ideal Homes is involved in over 65 unique charitable organizations. The organizations range from American Cancer Society to OK Ethics Consortium to ReTHREAD OKC. Over $300,000 is reinvested in the community on an annual basis.  That is roughly $1,000 per home sold. This does not take into account individual donations given by the owners and employees.

“Inspired leaders and inspired organizations regardless of their size, regardless of their industry all think, act and communicate from the inside out.” Simon Sinek stated this in September 2009 during his ted talk. Ideal Homes is an inspired organization and the organization is run by inspired leaders. In turn they inspire employees, contractors, home buyers and other builders to remain accountable and energized. Thankfully they saw value in me and chose to add me to their team.

I was asked to write a blog post as an introduction of my position. Those of you who thought you came to the Ideal Homes blog with expectation of reading enlightening industry related tidbits, please accept my apology. You will read instead a possibly boring post, but know it is written with love.

It is wonderful to report after over ten years experience in the Oklahoma City corporate realm my home has been found with a home builder committed to excellence. My passion is to build community among people and Ideal Homes passionately builds communities for people.

Ideal Homes was a builder / developer partner of mine when I worked with Cox Communications. During meetings their primary question was, “how does this help our home buyers?” Based on the parameters of our partnership, they executed all deliverables as needed and were more than willing to openly communicate. They definitely earned the 2010 Builder of the Year honor extended to them by Professional Builder Magazine.

Their Core Values: Integrity, Quality, Leadership and Relationships drive their interactions with purchasers of new homes as well as vendors, partners, local communities and employees. Their Vision: “Building the American dream through mutually beneficial relationships with customers, contractors and co-workers” sets the tone of their corporate environment.

It is an honor to have joined the Ideal Homes family. Serving in the capacity of Community Outreach Specialist will give me the opportunity to be an extension of Ideal Homes among local corporate entities, chambers, civic organizations and via online mediums. I look forward to writing future blog posts to further share both their story and the stories of their home buyers.

If you or anyone you know in Oklahoma City, Norman, Stillwater, Midwest City, Mustang or Edmond look to purchase a new home, please consider Ideal Homes. Their Mission: “Quality Affordable Homes, Today and Tomorrow” is even reflected in their Design Center options, quality and affordability of upgrades.

Remember, “Anything Else is Less than Ideal!” Thank you for perusing this post and your feedback is greatly appreciated.

Visit our other online accounts:

  friend us, watch us, follow us, link to us and help us get to know you.

Slaughterville, Okla. (Feb. 5, 2010) – Ideal Homes and thousands of trade contractors, vendors and volunteers are closing in on completing an Extreme Makeover: Home Edition home for the Skaggs Family in Slaughterville.

Here’s a rundown of the build:

By The Numbers

• 2,800               square feet in the home
• 106                  hours to complete the home
• 1                      building company to bring it all together and make it happen
• 3,000               volunteers
• 2,500               tons of gravel to build roads (so far)
• 10-12,000        tons of trash
• 4,700               meals
• 55,000             hours of work
• 250                  people per day working on the house
• 50/50               volunteers v. trades
• 3                      feet of mud

Slaughterville, Okla. (Feb. 4, 2010) – There’s a saying that “many hands make light work.” That’s a huge understatement when one considers what is happening in Slaughterville, Okla. right now. Thousands of volunteers are working side by side to build a new home for a family they’ll probably never even meet.

Mike Osburn, whose day job is working as a political consultant, is the volunteer coordinator for Ideal Homes, the builder for the latest Extreme Makeover: Home Edition build. Osburn was recruited to coordinate the masses of volunteers building a new home for Brian and Audra Skaggs, whose son survived a heart transplant as an infant.

 “My first priority was to get all the employees with Ideal Homes and their families, and Ideal’s more than 7,000 homeowner families involved in this project, which entails building a home from the ground up in 106 hours. Then we opened up the Web site for volunteers. Within 48 hours, we had 1,500 volunteers, and in another two days we had 2,500. It’s been an amazing experience of the power of the human spirit here in Oklahoma,” Osburn said. “The spirit of volunteerism and the desire to help has exceeded all my expectations. For example, a group of sorority girls from the University of Oklahoma showed up and helped load 30,000 pounds of shingles. I doubt they woke up thinking they would be doing something like that in their community.

 “I look at the building site and see all the blue shirts that identify the volunteers. These people are not getting paid, they’re working in cold, wet and muddy conditions, and yet with every shift, we’ve had more volunteers show up. It’s a testament to how much people want to help this family.”

No greater example of that may be Debra Gruber, who is deaf and works for Ideal Homes. She was so excited about the project that she flew her mother and daughter to Oklahoma from California so they could help build the Skaggs a new home. Debra has also recruited her husband and his son as well. “Debra was so excited about this project that she literally hasn’t been able to sleep,” said Jason Gruber of Moore. “It’s not every day you get to be involved in a project like this and it’s really gratifying to be making a difference.”

Gay Dawn Magee of Blanchard shares a similar story as to why she volunteered. “I’ve built five houses in my lifetime, and there’s a great deal of satisfaction in doing something for a family in need like the Skaggs. I’ve done a little bit of everything from unloading rock for the fireplaces to cleaning the interior walls to be painted. It’s a good feeling to be useful and we’ll all have something to show for the work we’ve done this week.”

Linda Landers of Norman lives in an Ideal Homes neighborhood, and when she heard about the project, she knew she wanted to be involved.  “I like helping other people, and it just makes you feel good,” Landers said. Landers, who lost her husband more than a year ago, said he would have loved this project as well. “I imagine he’s smiling down on me right now.”

Roy and Heather Colley of Norman are also typical of the helping spirit being displayed this week. “I’m a stay at home Mom, and I do a lot of volunteer work,” she said, “but never anything on a scale like this. It’s an uplifting experience, to say the least.”

To say that having a new home is a blessing to the Skaggs is an understatement. Having spent all their resources on two-year old Jhett’s heart condition, taking care of their existing moldy, rotten and termite-ridden home was a challenge…not to mention the risk to Jhett’s weakened immune system. And when it’s all said and done, the Skaggs will walk into their new home feeling very blessed and humbled by the generosity of thousands of people. It’s just another example of what some people refer to as the “Oklahoma Standard.” In the face of adversity, the people who call Oklahoma home pull together for the greater good, experiencing first-hand the joy of giving back.

Norman, Okla. (Jan. 21, 2009) – The word is out that Ideal Homes has accepted ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’s challenge to build a new home for a special family in the Oklahoma City area. Ty Pennington and the design team will kick off the build when they knock on the door of one of five deserving families on Feb. 1.

“This is a community effort. In addition to the home we build for a deserving family, the entire metro area will benefit through the food and blood drives we are planning as part of this extraordinary week,” said Todd Booze, Ideal Homes president of construction. “We hope that people from across the area will answer our call for support.”

Ideal Homes has been absolutely amazed by the flood of Oklahomans who want to be a part of Ideal’s Extreme build. One way you can get involved is by participating in Ideal’s Extreme Food Drive.

“When the show came to us, we were excited not only about changing the life of a deserving family but by energizing residents of central Oklahoma to do something amazing for the entire community,” Booze continued.

As Extreme Makeover: Home Edition has traveled throughout the United States filming over 170 episodes. They realized that even more could be given back to the community. That’s why Ideal Homes has partnered with the United Way of Norman to collect 23,000 pounds of food. “The goal is large, but we’re up for the challenge,” Booze said, “and we need your help. Let’s show everyone what central Oklahoma can do!”

For a complete list of food and drop of locations, please log on to www.IdealExtremeHome.com.

Companies and organizations interested in setting up a drop off box at their workplace, should email Jenny at jhamar@ideal-homes.com.

About Ideal Homes: Founded 20 years ago, Ideal Homes has consistently set the standard for innovative homebuilding and has been nationally recognized for the quality of its products and processes. Now Oklahoma’s leading homebuilder, the company is locally owned and operated and is the winner of the premier Professional Builder of the Year Award for 2010, from Professional Builder Magazine; America’s Best Builder Award for 2007, from Builder Magazine; and the prestigious National Housing Quality 2006 Gold Award from the National Association of Home Builders Research Center. Ideal Homes is a member of the National Association of Home Builders, Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association and the Norman Home Builders Association. The company has developed and builds in 17 communities throughout the Oklahoma City metropolitan area: Deer Creek, Edmond, Moore, Mustang, Newcastle, Norman, Oklahoma City, Piedmont and Yukon, and in Stillwater.

About Extreme Makeover: Home Edition: The Emmy-award-winning reality program, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, now in its seventh season, is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It is executive-produced by Anthony Dominici. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. The show airs Sundays from 8:00-9:00 p.m., ET on ABC.

Norman, Okla. (Jan. 21, 2009) – With the “Door Knock” just days away, Ideal Homes and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition will host a kick-off rally for volunteers at 8 a.m. on Jan. 26, at Journey Church, 3801 Journey Parkway in Norman.

Rally participants will include: Todd Booze, president of construction, Ideal Homes; Vernon McKown, president of sales, Ideal Homes; Gene McKown, president of development, Ideal Homes; and Conrad Ricketts, executive producer, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, the Emmy-award-winning hit reality show on ABC Television, will surprise one lucky Oklahoma City-area family with an extreme home makeover on Feb. 1.

“We hope everyone will come to the rally,” said Booze. “This is a whole-community effort. We hope that people from across the metro area will answer our call to volunteer, and this kick-off rally will be an exciting way to build support and to let people hear about all the good ways Extreme Makeover: Home Edition helps communities.”

“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition has challenged us to build this high-performing home in less than a week,” he continued. “These projects can only be completed if we energize Oklahoma City-area businesses and those willing to donate their time and resources. Our trade contractors have responded generously to our call for support, but we still need more volunteers for everything from trim carpenters and furniture makers to work in the carpentry tent to people to serve food and clean up the site. We’ll also want people to come out to watch the build and cheer us on.”

Volunteer Information:

Ideal Homes is looking for community volunteers to provide their time, support and resources to help ensure the success of this life-changing project. Interested individuals or companies can find more information on how to volunteer time and resources at www.IdealExtremeHome.com

Sponsor and Donation Information

To make a donation toward the build, please visit www.IdealExtremeHome.com.

Food Drive and Blood Drive Information

For information about locations for blood drives to benefit the American Red Cross and food drives with the United Way of Norman, please log on to the Web site at www.IdealExtremeHome.com.

Important Dates:

• Jan. 26      Volunteer Pep Rally
  8 a.m., Journey Church, 3801 Journey Parkway, Norman
• Feb. 1        Door Knock Day
  Family is notified by Ty Pennington and the design team
  Braveheart Walk – Build kicks off
• Feb. 7        Move that Bus! – Family comes home for the reveal

About Ideal Homes: Founded 20 years ago, Ideal Homes has consistently set the standard for innovative homebuilding and has been nationally recognized for the quality of its products and processes. Now Oklahoma’s leading homebuilder, the company is locally owned and operated and is the winner of the premier Professional Builder of the Year Award for 2010, from Professional Builder Magazine; America’s Best Builder Award for 2007, from Builder Magazine; and the prestigious National Housing Quality 2006 Gold Award from the National Association of Home Builders Research Center. Ideal Homes is a member of the National Association of Home Builders, Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association and the Norman Home Builders Association. The company has developed and builds in 17 communities throughout the Oklahoma City metropolitan area: Deer Creek, Edmond, Moore, Mustang, Newcastle, Norman, Oklahoma City, Piedmont and Yukon, and in Stillwater.

About Extreme Makeover: Home Edition: The Emmy-award-winning reality program, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, now in its seventh season, is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It is executive-produced by Anthony Dominici. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. The show airs Sundays from 8:00-9:00 p.m., ET on ABC.

###

Norman, Okla. (Jan. 19, 2009) – Ideal Homes announced today that it has accepted ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’s challenge to build a new home for a special family in the Oklahoma City area. Ty Pennington and the design team will kick off the build when they knock on the door of one of five deserving families on Feb. 1.

Ideal Homes was selected for the show because of its award-winning construction and energy conservation technology and because of the company’s long history of giving back to the community.

“This is a community effort. In addition to the home we build for a deserving family, the entire metro area will benefit through the food and blood drives we are planning as part of this extraordinary week,” said Todd Booze, Ideal Homes president of construction. “We hope that people from across the area will answer our call to volunteer.”

For information about locations for blood drives to benefit the American Red Cross and food drives with the United Way of Norman, please log on to the Web site at IdealExtremeHome.com.

“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition has challenged us to build this high-performing home in less than a week,” Booze said. “These projects can only be completed if we energize Oklahoma City-area businesses and volunteers. Our trade contractors have responded generously to our call for support, but we still need more volunteers for everything from check-in and food service to cleaning up the site. We’ll also want people to come out to watch the build and cheer us on.”

Volunteer Information:

Ideal Homes is looking for community volunteers to provide their time, support and resources to help ensure the success of this life-changing project. Interested individuals or companies can find more information on how to volunteer time and resources at www.IdealExtremeHome.com

Sponsor and Donation Information

To make a donation toward the build, please visit www.IdealExtremeHome.com.

Important Dates:

• Jan. 26      Volunteer Pep Rally
  8 a.m., Journey Church, 3801 Journey Parkway, Norman
• Feb. 1        Door Knock Day
  Family is notified by Ty Pennington and the design team
  Braveheart Walk – Build kicks off
• Feb. 7        Move that Bus! – Family comes home for the reveal

MEDIA INFORMATION:

• To schedule interviews with builders, family and talent, please contact Peggy Sealy at psealy@prodigypr.biz, or 405.863.3576.
• Press credentials are required for admission to the build site. To apply for press credentials, please email Peggy Sealy at psealy@prodigypr.biz.
• Media will be notified of the build site location on Feb. 1.
• Media must check in at the check-in tent each time they come to the site. We will have a special Media check-in area – no standing in line.
• Credentialed media will have access to an on-site VIP tent during the week-long build.
• A BuildBrief will be released to credentialed media daily.

About Ideal Homes: Founded 20 years ago, Ideal Homes has consistently set the standard for innovative homebuilding and has been nationally recognized for the quality of its products and processes. Now Oklahoma’s leading homebuilder, the company is locally owned and operated and is the winner of the premier Professional Builder of the Year Award for 2010, from Professional Builder Magazine; America’s Best Builder Award for 2007, from Builder Magazine; and the prestigious National Housing Quality 2006 Gold Award from the National Association of Home Builders Research Center. Ideal Homes is a member of the National Association of Home Builders, Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association and the Norman Home Builders Association. The company has developed and builds in 17 communities throughout the Oklahoma City metropolitan area: Deer Creek, Edmond, Moore, Mustang, Newcastle, Norman, Oklahoma City, Piedmont, Yukon, and Stillwater.

About Extreme Makeover: Home Edition: The Emmy-award-winning reality program, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, now in its seventh season, is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It is executive-produced by Anthony Dominici. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. The show airs Sundays from 8:00-9:00 p.m., ET on ABC.

###

Professional Builder magazine has named Ideal Homes the 2010 Builder of the Year.

Gene and Vernon McKown and Todd Booze founded the company almost 20 years ago. According to Professional Builder, “These three men have built a quiet dynamo in Norman, Okla., serving the entry-level market and first move-ups with a smart blend of quality assurance, customer satisfaction and energy efficient housing.”

The cover of Professional Builder proclaims “Strength in Discipline,” as it announces Oklahoma’s own Ideal Homes as the 2010 Builder of the Year. The article speaks of a conservatively managed company, dedicated to improving the way they build homes and setting national standards for energy-efficient building.

Ideal’s customers reap the benefits of this approach. “A home is the largest single purchase most people ever make. We understand that buyers are looking for a reputable builder. Building a home for someone is serious business – and we take it seriously,” says Vernon McKown, co-owner/president of sales.

“We tried to build the kind of quality homes we wanted to live in. We asked our customers for their feedback, and they told us where we were doing well, and where we could improve. We listened to them, and our products got better,” he said. “I guess it goes without saying that if it were not for our customers, we wouldn’t have been in business for 20 years, and we certainly would not be Builder of the Year.”

“Professional Builder recognizes Ideal Homes for their ability to deal with the hard realities of a unique market; their ability to project, benchmark and execute the right decisions; their ability to create a business model that protects them from the worst the market has to offer; and their ability to lead the industry in an absolutely crucial area of energy efficiency,” the article concludes. “We’re proud to proclaim it the 2010 Professional Builder Builder of the Year.”

Read the article at: http://www.housingzone.com/probuilder/article/CA6705479.html

About the Builder of the Year award: For more than 40 years, Professional Builder has selected a homebuilder who has shown the rest of the industry a better way. These are home building firms that exude excellence in all aspects of home building and are innovative in their design management, building practices, marketing, community relations, customer satisfaction, productivity and profitability.

Energy Firsts: Ideal Homes has been recognized for numerous energy-efficient building “firsts,” including:

• 2008 – First gold-level Green Certified Home in Oklahoma
• 2006 – First LEED Certified Home in the U.S.
• 2005 – First affordable Zero Energy Home in the U.S.
• 1998 – First line of affordable Energy Star Homes in the U.S.

About Ideal Homes: Founded 20 years ago, Ideal Homes has consistently set the standard for innovating homebuilding and has been nationally recognized for the quality of its products and processes. The company is locally owned and operated and is the winner of the premier America’s Best Builder Award for 2007, from Builder Magazine, and the prestigious National Housing Quality 2006 Gold Award from the National Association of Home Builders Research Center. Ideal Homes is a member of the National Association of Home Builders, Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association and the Norman Home Builders Association. The company builds in 17 communities throughout the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, including: Deer Creek, Edmond, Moore, Mustang, Newcastle, Norman, Oklahoma City, Piedmont and Yukon. Its newest community is in Stillwater.

-###-