For every business that is a household name, there are hundreds more who though they might not have the same profile, are the workhorses that keep our economy ticking.
Five years ago Andrew Couper happened upon the town of Meaford quite by accident. He was building a cottage for a friend in Priceville when he landed a new construction contract at Christie Beach. Couper and his family decided to relocate to Meaford, and since that time his company, Couper Contract Building, has been constructing custom homes in the area.
Prior to arriving in Meaford, Couper's building experience had taken him far and wide as he moved from one project to the next. He has built homes in places like Japan, and the Caribbean, and has even plied his trade in Nunavut.
Since 1985 Couper Contract Building has built a solid reputation of constructing quality homes, and offering top notch customer service. When asked about what he feels gives CCB an edge over competitors, Couper says that it is all about being there for the client when they need you.
"Besides building a straight, strong, and attractive home, I think my style of only doing a few projects per year, gives the customer more confidence," says Couper, "Building a home is a very stressful time for most customers. If you can be there to assure them, and answer their many questions, that is helpful to the client. I have seen the homes where the contractor is the kind to check on your house once a day and be there for the twice a month site meetings. Things just slip by."
Couper's dedication to the client is further evidenced when he is asked about what one project during his long building career that he is most proud of.
"I could say the 'green house' that won the awards, or the house by a famous architect, but I am most proud of the projects where I have kept in touch with the owners for, in some cases, 20 years. When you can be invited for coffee or beer at a customers house and not talk about building, that really means something to me," offers Couper.
I asked Couper what he feels is special about Meaford, and why it is a good place to operate his business. He expressed a fondness for the quality of life that Meaford has to offer.
"This town is really quite remarkable for families," said Couper, "The three schools, the swimming pool, library, beaches, Meaford Hall. We are close enough to, and far enough from the city, ski hills and so on. To me it seems pretty obvious. For my business, we are close to ski chalets and cottages. A lot of people are retiring around here, and then there is the usual building activity of a standard town. All of this is good for my business."
Couper feels that the greatest asset Meaford has as a community is a prime location with it's beautiful waterfront and countryside combined with good people.
Small communities such as Meaford can be a difficult place to carve out a niche and grow a business. Couper is proof that with hard work, a dedication to hands on service, and quality craftsmanship, a business can succeed and grow.
To learn more about Couper Contract Building, visit their website by clicking here.
