Member Spotlight: Hometown Construction

Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce Member Spotlight

with Jarad Christian, owner of Hometown Construction

What services does Hometown Construction offer? 

We specialize in roofing and siding. We do small window projects and different repairs as our schedule allows. Two of our niches are metal panel systems and James Hardie siding products.

How did HC begin, and what inspired it?

   I grew up around construction with my dad and grandfather, Vernon Christian, who owned and operated concrete and general home repair businesses in Baldwin. Our family has been here for over 100 years. I was a full-time, seasonal roofing and siding installer from 2006-2014, a sales rep/project manager from 2014-2016, a partner and director of business development from 2016-2019, an independent contractor for one of the largest companies in Kansas from 2019-2022, and founded Hometown Construction in 2022.  

   During these years I saw how folks abused the insurance system to force the insurance industry into generating all their revenue. This often employed corrupt and morally bankrupt tactics. Most roofing and restoration companies are without a single person on staff with any construction background which results in poor quality control. This always disturbed me, and I’ve worked for many years to be able to challenge that model.

   I have significant top-to-bottom experience in the industry and a serious drive to use my professionalism to improve things for everyone involved. This is our way of raising the bar, and we hope our Baldwin City and Douglas County neighbors will continue to support that mission. I’m very grateful for where I am, and that gratitude shines in everything I do. 

What sets HC apart from others in the same industry?

   We ensure that our employees have earned their stripes. They will have either a legitimate construction background or the patience to earn one as an apprentice until I am confident they are ready. We provide on-site management for the duration of all projects, which the sales and marketing companies cannot offer. We pay higher wages than anyone else, which creates a culture of gratitude that spills over into the quality of their work and the atmosphere on the job.    

   Our proposals receive constant praise for being extremely detailed and professionally presented. They include all relevant information in writing, a detailed scope of work, itemized estimates down to the last nail, all necessary photos and annotations, and a hard number contract so customers know exactly what they’re paying with minimal surprise expenses.

   We sponsor, support, and volunteer for everything we possibly can to give back, even as a young business. We are just getting started, and the more we grow, the more we give, and the more we give the more we grow. That’s how it’s supposed to work.

How does HC ensure quality work?

   We ensure everyone involved in a project is qualified with a legitimate construction background. This is a high-risk business for both safety and serious damage if mistakes are made. For this reason, customers will never speak with a salesperson at Hometown Construction, but rather seasoned professionals with hands-on experience.

   We provide an old-fashioned Lifetime Workmanship Warranty! This guarantee requires us to do the little things our competitors ignore since their warranties expire around the time the caulking wears out. I’m here to build systems that will protect homes, businesses, or investments for decades to come! 

How does HC ensure client satisfaction?

   Our approach to customer service is to treat everyone like our neighbors - because they are! I want clients to be happy to see me when we meet at the grocery store or a community event. Throughout my career I’ve heard that quality doesn’t matter because most clients will only buy from you once. That’s nonsense! If I do your roof today, I hope to be the one you call in 20-25 years. The same with your siding and windows. I want you to be telling your family and friends about those folks at Hometown Construction for many years to come!

How has HC overcome the challenges as a small, locally owned business?

   Our biggest challenge results from our commitment to do all the little things differently. We guarantee on-site management. If myself or one of my staff are attentively running projects, it takes longer to complete estimates. Our detailed and comprehensive proposals, which generally take longer, also contribute to this issue. We will continue adding to the team and implementing systems to improve this. Our commitment to putting only legitimate construction professionals in the field limits the talent pool, but I won’t compromise on that commitment. I want to reward the people who have earned it through hard work and dedication to mastering their craft.

How does HC stay updated with industry trends and advancements?

   The truth is, I’m a total nerd with a thirst for knowledge and love of challenging assumptions, including my own. Formally, I attend the annual Kansas Roofing Association’s Fall Education Seminar and numerous training and educational seminars provided by various manufacturers and supply companies and stay updated on all current codes to maintain my licensing. Informally, I am in many different online forums with other contractors, sharing information and conversing about emerging products, solutions, and technologies. While I remain skeptical about untested ideas, I am always aware of them and watching closely.

What are HC’s future goals?

   We are finishing up our second year of business in a great place! We experienced excellent growth and have new team members coming in 2025. They will make a big difference and increase our overall capacity, especially our ability to complete estimates faster. Many businesses fail due to growing too quickly. I have a LOT of patience and discipline and look forward to disciplined, brick-by-brick growth which comes naturally from good work and reputation. We are taking things as they come and making smart, long-term decisions. We look forward to creating opportunities for skilled tradespeople in our community who need a company that values and builds them up.

What advice do you have for beginning entrepreneurs?

   Hire that accountant/bookkeeper! When you’re wearing all the hats, it’s too easy to put the bookkeeping on the back burner which can absolutely crush you in many ways including taxes and financial planning. Be disciplined and don’t take money from your business that isn’t absolutely necessary. There’s a lot of ground to cover early on before becoming profitable, which most people don’t consider during the excitement of launching a new business. Build and keep that emergency fund strong so you can survive the unexpected punches! Put your heart into it! This is an amazing experience. People don’t want salesmanship; they want to buy things from genuine people they connect with!