Bay Homes is an organization that presents with casual competence. Such an eminence only comes with experience and wisdom, such as dealing with the mistakes that inevitably surface during the building process. "Some of the most creative things we do," Buddy points out, have resulted from and working with, and learning from, the invariable setbacks in the process. "That's a thing we are good at: solving problems that come up in the construction in a way that makes them aesthetically pleasing." Or better. "How can I fix it to where it looks like it was intended to be that way? That is one of our fortés...some of the best things we have done." such resourcefulness and renowned work have brought the team well deserved accolades.

Earning the relationship...and keeping it
Bay Homes has raised the bar and increased the ante for island and off-island home builders. Featured in South Carolina Homes & Gardens, the team is listed as one of the Top 10 in the Lowcountry. In 2002 alone, the family earned Lighthouse building awards for Best Overall Home, Best Kitchen (Finalist), Best Exterior (Finalist), and Best Feature (Finalist), and in 2003 Best Bath, Best Kitchen (Finaist) and Best Overall (Finalist). In the year 2003, Jodi Cheek Easton was given the great honor of being named "Home Builder of the Year" by the Home Builders Association of Hilton Head. She is now concurrently serving on the HBA Board of Directors at both the local and national levels. In addition to this active commitment to their trade organization, Bay Homes is an active member of the Hilton Head-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce. "But the ultimate reward or award is when you build something somebody really likes," Kelly affirms, as Jodi and Buddy nod in agreement. Not only does Bay Homes have a goal of initial customer satisfaction, they aim to make that perpetual contentment with their investment. Bay Homes is the first to present their customers with an official five-year warranty. "When you know that the homes you build are built to the highest standard, it is easy to warrant them for five years," Buddy explains.

PASSING THE TORCH
Bay Homes eagerly looks forward to its growth. Jeff Schafstall recently joined the team as office manager and webmaster, aiding in customer communication and consumer outreach. The company website, www.bay-homes.com, offers virtual tours of available properties and allows clients to view the progress of their new home via digital images that are updated weekly. Jodi and Kelly are very excited about their new careers, and as for Dad? Well, Buddy orchestrates his holding company, Bay Realty, and is working toward being retired and spending moretimeon his boat. "I'm supposed to be retired now," he laughs. "I've been trying to retire for five years. I'm getting better at it."