Many vendors return year after year to participate in the construction and design of a Fort Worth, Texas Dream Home. While the project offers an ideal opportunity to showcase individual talent and superior products, it's also a way for businesses to aid a local nonprofit organization.
"Sometimes it isn't just business," says Missy West of Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery Dallas-Fort Worth. "Sometimes it's personal.That's how our company feels about our mission to give back to the community. Therefore, participating in the Dream Home project has been very rewarding to our associates."
The 2013 Dream Home benefits a Wish with Wings, and the charitable aspect of the home is an attraction to Todd Brock of Aaron Ornamental Iron Works.
"I love kids and am saddened by any child bearing the burden of a major illness," Brock said. "I am absolutely overwhelmed when seeing one of these unfortunate kids" lives being impacted with something so positive in their own eyes."
Grant Hall of J&S Air, Inc. echoes the sentiment about charity but also notes that Dream Home projects are great ways to build new relationships with contractors and the general public.
The infill home is being built at 4010 W. 4th St. in the picturesque Monticello Addition. Planned is a 5,600-square-foot French Eclectic style home designed by Scott Watson and Lyn Flynn of Flynn+Watson Architects to match the surrounding neighborhood.
It is the first Dream Home for builder Gary Nussbaum, the third for J&S, the fourth for Watson and the eighth for Ferguson. Brock figures Aaron Ornamental Iron Works has been involved in 95 percent of the magazine's Dream Home projects.
Brock says Aaron's area of special expertise is probably stairs and railings, but also includes other aspects of metal fabrication.
"When forged railing is involved, our comfort level is through the roof," Brock says. "We have more qualified railing/forging staff than most forging companies in the Dallas/Fort Worth area."
Part of the reason for the company's continued involvement is "primarily a hometown pride thing," Brock says.
"We are extremely proud to be a Texas product, but more so a Fort Worth product," he said. "Take that mindset, and then to be praised in Fort Worth's premier magazine that is seen by many folks in this town, and it's an ego-massaging event."
Ferguson's local showrooms are part of a global company founded in 1953 and ranked by trade publications as the largest distributor of plumbing supplies and pipe, valves and fittings; the third largest distributor of heating and cooling equipment; and the second largest company within the waterworks industry. This is West's fifth year to be involved with a Dream Home project.
"It is a challenge to ensure the style appeals to a large audience, while also featuring new and innovative products within our industry," she says. "Through the Dream Home, we are able to display a sampling of the beautiful products that can be purchased at our showrooms," West says.
J&S Air Inc. has been in business in North Texas since 1991 and was named a 2012 Texas Trane Dealer. Hall says, "J&S Air has built an excellent reputation by embracing the Golden Rule and treating people with respect."
"We have been blessed as a company and truly have a passion for giving back to our community," he says. "J&S has been involved with Habitat for Humanity, ABC Extreme Home Makeover Home Edition, The Home Depot, Toys for Tots, Community Services Beat the Heat program, SafeHaven, and Santa Fe Youth Services."
One enjoyable aspect of a Dream Home project is working with the other contractors involved. "It is amazing to watch all the different contractors and vendors come together for a great cause," Hall said.
2013 Fort Worth, Texas magazine Dream Home
4010 W. 4th St., Fort Worth
Benefiting a Wish with Wings
Tour Dates: Sept. 25 - Oct. 27
