Long Time Ann Arbor Resident Business Owner Bob Guenther Named Builder of Year by Home Builders Assn. of Washtenaw County

ANN ARBOR, MI--(Marketwire - February 26, 2009) - Long time Ann Arbor resident Bob Guenther, second generation member of his family to run Guenther Homes, an iconic and established homebuilder based here, was named Builder of the Year by the Home Builders of Washtenaw County Association, which represents some 750 companies and persons involved in home building in Washtenaw County, located here and just west of Detroit.

Bob Guenther, who began going to work with his father Reuben at the age of 12, took over the family business in 1963 and never looked back. Today, Bob Guenther continues to apply his skills as a home designer, draftsman, and developer with his daughter Natalie Ceccolini and his son Rob Guenther assuming day-to-day activities of running the company.

Guenther has managed to survive by pursuing an aggressive and creative strategy of cost cutting and business diversification despite the current economic downturn.

According to Guenther, there are some ways to survive the current economy:

What worked yesterday will not work today. This economy changes everything so rework your business plan.

Take Stock! What are your company's strengths, and weaknesses? What skills do your people possess that can be used in new ways to generate cash flow? What facilities or equipment can be put to use in new ways, leased to others or sold?

Negotiate everything! Salaries, purchases, labor, legal fees, almost anything and everything that your company needs to purchase can be found for less. Ask every supplier for a price reduction and shop aggressively for better prices.

Emarket! The internet has obviously changed how people find goods and services. Move your marketing dollars online and use the web, social media and email but be consistent and creative.

Cut costs. If you have an employee with multiple skills then use them. If it is cheaper to outsource, then outsource.

Keep the customers you already have! Keep your current customers and make customer service Priority Number One.

Formed in 1946, Guenther Homes is a family owned building company that has developed over 30 major subdivisions, apartments, and office and retail developments throughout Michigan. Guenther Homes currently has new homes and lots available in Washtenaw, Livingston, Lenawee, Monroe and Charlevoix counties. Additional information is available at www.guentherhomes.com.

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