By Irene Jones
By Irene Jones
If there is one thing in which Bob O'Keefe believes strongly, it's to always go the extra mile. This is not just when doing the little things that make each custom home unique. It includes a major effort to bring excellent quality and expert craftsmanship, as well as individuality to each home by performing his own framing and finish carpentry and creating much of the finish woodwork and molding on site to add to the distinctiveness of the dream homes he builds.
Known professionally as Mid Coast Builders, based in Arroyo Grande, Bob has been in the building industry for two decades. During this time he has forged a solid reputation for superior quality workmanship, integrity, and customer satisfaction. His experience adds to his ability when making sure every detail on the high end homes he builds is carried out to perfection. Part of this perfection comes from subcontractors he uses. "The product wouldn't be what it is without the subcontractors I select," he claims. In every construction conversation, he gives credit to those who work with him. He doesn't single himself out as a unique builder, even though his clients might differ with him on that subject. "You're only as good as those with whom you surround yourself," he insists. His brother in law, Frank Williams, and a co-worker, Mike Biddle, are with him on every job. And he gives credit to Wendi Lawless of Design Concepts, interior designer for many of the homes he has built. "It has always been an honor and a privilege to work with Wendy. Her talent reflects much of the finished details in my projects," he says.
"The end result of each house is a reflection of all of us and the quality of the work we do," he maintains. "It's rewarding when we are finished because we know it's the best that can be done and our craftsmanship shows in every aspect. I suggest to my clients that they need to use quality craftsmen because the end product reflects the difference. Every finished home shows we take a serious approach to the job as well as take pride in the work we do."
Testimonials from numerous home owners point to the fact that Bob O'Keefe is highly recommended as a custom home builder. Clients used such descriptions as "flawless framing," "subcontractors with excellent workmanship and work ethics," "remarkable attention to detail," "organized, honest and trustworthy," "workmanship of the highest caliber," "work beyond my expectations," "great technical skill," and a "sensitive, superb contractor," when explaining Bob O'Keefe and Mid Coast Builders. One client adds, "he'll go the extra mile . . . to do something right."
Bob often is involved from the beginning in the custom homes he builds. Architects and designers recommend him and he proposes costs and ideas in the planning stages. "My philosophy basically is one house at a time. My clients are paying a lot of money to get what they want and have put years of thought into these dream homes. They know what a good job looks like and they appreciate quality work. I try to make it as cost effective as possible while giving them what they want. I've been very fortunate to have great clients and I have to say that I feel each home we've built has been a very positive experience."
Part of making each job a positive experience is Bob's approach to homebuilding. "I'm a hands on, wear the nail bags kinda guy," he explains. "We are on the site daily, making sure every detail is correct. My jobs are of such caliber that I don't over extend. My clients appreciate that and I'm sure that's why they've selected me to be their contractor."
A native of Ventura, Bob initially attended college, then started in the apprenticeship program offered by the Carpenter's Union there. "They set a good foundation for me, making sure I learned what quality really meant. I learned from the beginning how to do quality finish carpentry. They expected a lot from people in the program," he recalls.
He worked in rough and finish construction in numerous locations in Southern California and received his contractor's license in 1984 as owner of Mid Coast Builders. During this time, he married Patti Williams and relocated to San Luis Obispo County. They have three children, Cory, Rachel, and Kayla. Patti has helped with the office work and scheduling since the company's inception.
While Bob's focus has been high end homes, his manner is humble and down to earth. His attitude is one of thankfulness, not only for his work, but for the opportunities that arise each day. "I find life right now very rewarding," he says. "I am happy with my work. I am at peace with my life and I see myself continuing to do what I'm doing, taking on new challenges with each new project and enjoying my work every day."
Those who know Bob and the homes he builds have no doubts about his goals and where he's headed in the future. The South/Central Coast is a Mecca for people seeking to build their dream homes and most are looking for contractors like Bob O'Keefe and Mid Coast Builders to make those dreams reality. His crew's excellent craftsmanship and his own extra mile efforts have given him a unique edge on the market that is sure to continue as he completes dream after dream for people choosing to make their home on the South/Central Coast.
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