Bright ideas run this home-building company

The secret to becoming a successful home builder is finding a niche market and building a top-notch product that satisfies the customer, while not overextending yourself.

That is what Bob Bright, president of Meadowview Development in Plainfield, has achieved.

"My homes mainly appeal to people who are looking for high-end production homes who want some customization," he said. "I use lots of brick and have a bigger selection of colors, options and front elevations than any of my competitors. And it seems that I modify the plan in some way on every house."

Bright is even open to starting from scratch and building a custom house for customers.

"But modifying my floor plans is what most buyers seem to want to do," he said.

Meadowview Development builds in the far Western suburbs and has subdivisions under way in Naperville, Oswego and Yorkville. Another community is in the planning stages for Sandwich.

"I build between five and 45 homes per year, most of which range in price from $350,000 to $800,000 each," Bright said. "We also develop land and sell lots to other builders."

Bright said he has two partners with the Sandwich project, which will feature single-family homes and townhouses.

"We have a very good relationship with the city of Sandwich and I believe that the market will move out there before long," he said.

His dream house: "I am building my dream house now. I live on a 250-acre farm in Newark, south of Sandwich, and am building my family a 1½-story modified ranch home with an open floor plan and three master suites."

Favorite new home amenity: The elevator installed in his new home.

Background: Bright, 55, started his professional life in the concrete business in 1974. In fact, he still owns R.A. Bright Concrete.

In 1987, he partnered with experienced builders to build a couple of homes and learn the business. He eventually branched out from concrete work because he felt it was a good investment and would help fill in the slow times in the concrete business.

Originally, he built under the name of R.A. Bright Construction, but in 1992 he changed the name of his residential construction firm to Meadowview because he didn't want his two businesses to become confused in people's minds.

Today he employs a salesperson and construction superintendent and subcontracts all of the construction work.

Philosophy: "I work to keep my customers happy, because if they are happy, they will tell other people and I will get lots of referrals. And if they are ever in the market to build a larger home or even to downsize, chances are they will come back to me."

Buyer profile: "Most of my buyers are families moving up to a larger home. Most have been living in the local area, but I have had a few transferees. And I have also had several repeat buyers."

Best part about being a builder: "I enjoy delivering homes to people and knowing that I have happy customers. I also like looking back at subdivisions and knowing that I created them."

Biggest challenge: "Sometimes it is difficult to keep the cities happy and it is always a challenge to make sure that you keep up with your customers' expectations."

Future plans: "I plan to continue to focus on building in the far Western suburbs including Yorkville, Sandwich and Oswego."