About C.J. Tom Builders

C.J. Tom Builders has become more successful every year because of their impeccable reputation for upscale homes, built with innovative design, quality construction and effective communication. While the concept of never duplicating a home sets C.J. Tom Builders apart from most other contractors, Chuck Tom, the company president, feels that the most important asset to the company is the relationships established with customers.

After serving three years in the military and working as an apprentice carpenter for four years, Chuck built his first home in 1968 while still maintaining his position as a subcontractor. The founding principles of C.J. Tom Builders ensures success since personal attention, meticulous craftsmanship and custom designing that match client's particular tastes and requirements earn customer satisfaction. Chuck Tom explains, "We have our customers' trust 110 percent, and this allows us to help customers make the best decisions about the projects we build for them. Since over 60 percent of our business comes from referrals made by satisfied customers or repeat business, we know that our commitment to the highest standards of integrity and honesty allows for a close, positive relationship with home buyers."

C.J. Tom Builders can offer homeowners a complete package with all the staff needed to complete the numerous steps involved in building a home. Chris Milowicki, Chuck's son-in-law, joined the team in 1988 after graduating in the top 10 of his class from Marietta College with a marketing degree and earning an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. Chris, vice president, handles all marketing and serves as the project manager. His relationship with customers goes beyond the sale since he also assists homeowners in decisions and maintains a steady line of communication so that homeowners are well informed. However, he does not spend his time in an office, but goes on the job, taking part in the actual building process. Chris comments, "After graduating from college, I promised in my interviews that I wasn't afraid to get dirty, and I've been hands-on ever since. Being a part of the actual building process and overseeing the management aspect is the only way I have ever built since I started with C.J Tom Builders. I know this is the way it should be, and I plan to continue this practice."

Chuck Tom does all of his own design work and then actually takes part in making the blueprints a reality. C.J. Tom Builders has also established the practice of building truly custom homes since designs are never duplicated once they are built. "We don't have one model home for promoting sales. Instead, our potential clients can look at any of the homes in all of our developments. Our customers are as proud of the homes we build as we are, and they are receptive to the idea of showing their homes for us," promises Chuck.

Another important part of the designing aspect for C.J. Tom Builders is that Chuck spends the necessary time with customers to develop detailed blueprints that will meet homeowners' needs. Since the company has been building for over 30 years, Chuck is accustomed to guiding clients in their decisions and can work with homeowners at various levels in the custom design process. Homeowner, Bob Testa, comments, "When we built with C.J. Tom Builders, we felt like we were the only customers they had. Chuck and Chris were not only very visible on the job site, but they also helped us to enjoy the building process. We never felt rushed or frustrated with the numerous decisions we had to make. We also could not believe that the management of such a successful company was so closely involved with the project. We were convinced that C.J. Tom Builders would build for us when we saw Chuck on his hands and knees applying the finishing touches to the woodwork when we first viewed one of his homes."

Carole Tom, Chuck's wife, is another key person involved in the management of C.J. Tom Builders. All financial aspects of the company, including customer account management, payroll distribution, and company accounting records are handled by Carole. In addition, she is also responsible for decorating the company's model homes.

C.J. Tom Builders is not only diversified in their staff, but also in the types of homes that they build. Price ranges begin at $419,000, with homes being built on both scattered lots and in developments. Presently, C.J. Tom Builders is building in Westlake's Carnation Run. Since the homes are indeed custom without duplication, the styles and interior designs will vary, but all of C.J. Tom Builder's homes share the common characteristics of excellence and value. The company is also renowned for their custom mouldings and detailed woodworking, as well as reliable, responsive customer service.