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2007 COMPANY PROFILE
October 25, 2007
Perhaps it's because of its impressive building roots that go back more than half a century, or the numerous awards and accolades for outstanding craftsmanship it has rung up over the years, or because of the high marks for customer service and satisfaction it continues to receive year in, year out. Take your pick. Whatever the reason, Osprey Custom Homes has clearly earned its reputation as one of Central Florida's premier custom home builders and its rightful place among the area's custom elite.
Its spectacular residential masterpieces grace many of the area's most prestigious and exclusive residential communities and neighborhoods, including Isleworth, Keene's Pointe, the Reserve at Belmere, Lake Hancock Reserve at Independence and now Braemar, Osprey's newest residential endeavor now underway in Gotha. Braemar is an exclusive enclave of 49 individually gated estate homes located in the quaint and historic Gotha settlement adjacent to Windermere. Beginning in the low $1 million range, the expensive estate homes boast an average of 6,000 square feet and rest on minimum half-acre home sites.
Osprey Custom Homes was started in the 1990s by the late Norman A. Rossman, one of Central Florida's early building pioneers and the catalyst behind one of Metro Orlando's first housing heavyweights in the mid 1950s — Bel-Aire Homes. Although gone, Rossman's spirit and passion for homebuilding are now carried on through his son-in-law Anthony Lightman — the company's torchbearer.
And that torch is burning brightly. Recently, Osprey Custom Homes was recognized by Orlando Business Journal's 2007 Book of Lists as the No. 3 Custom Home Builder in Central Florida based on 2005 sales volume of $34 million. In fact, Osprey has made the magazine's elite list — which ranks the top custom builders in Orange, Osceola, Lake and Seminole counties — each of the last seven years. "It's very satisfying to know that a small, family-owned company is able to hold its own and carve out a market niche for itself among the larger custom builders who deal in much greater dollar volume," says Lightman.
Although he serves as the face and personality of the company, the affable Lightman shies away from using corporate titles. He prefers to be called Builder, rather than his true title as Vice President, because that's what he is and what he's most comfortable with — especially when dealing with his customers and guiding them through the process of building their homes. "We're not a big corporation but a small, family-operated company whose greatest strength is our ability to relate on a face-to-face, personal level and get a better sense and understanding of our customer's needs," says Lightman.
And an important part of that process, he admits, is convincing his clients that they don't have to compromise style and sizzle for comfort and practicality. They can co-exist under one roof and easily within one's budget: A home that exemplifies the best of both worlds — stunning to look at, enjoyable to live in.
"There has to be a happy medium between form and function and we have demonstrated that we have the ability to find that happy medium," says Lightman. "We add a lot of value. After all, when a customer works with us, he or she is benefiting from our experience and expertise, as well as our deep appreciation for a quality-built home. An Osprey Custom Home is not only a great return on one's investment; it's also a beautiful home in which to live."
Yes, a completed Osprey Custom Home is truly a thing of beauty, as many of the industry awards accrued over the years will attest. And you can give much of the credit to the outstanding team of quality craftsmen Lightman has assembled. They approach their respective tasks like a work of art — from every nail that is hammered to every tile that is laid. "We employ project managers who are true masters of their craft, and our superintendents literally live with each home from the groundbreaking to the closing so they can provide the daily oversight necessary to ensure construction integrity and adherence to schedule," Lightman points out.
The same kind of diligence also is prevalent with the customers during their home's construction. The company works closely with its clients during every step of the process in order to create that perfect home environment. "The end result exemplifies the lifestyle they want to live — not just a beautifully designed and constructed residence, but a home truly tailor-made for their family's enjoyment," he adds.
Because individual tastes are so subjective, Osprey Custom Homes has assembled a diverse range of distinctive home elevations and floor plans, ranging from Country French villas to Bermuda courtyard homes to large Mediterranean estate homes. All of the homes can easily be modified to accommodate a family's personal lifestyle needs. Osprey has aligned itself with some of the best interior designers who serve as consultants during the selection process. Select interior finishes add special touches to the home — including a myriad of choices in floor materials, granites, plumbing hardware, cabinetry, appliances and paint colors.
Another way that Osprey Custom Homes has distinguished itself as a pacesetter is that Lightman is constantly looking at ways to build a better a better house. He strives to integrate the latest technology in building procedures and products in his homes, including many of the energy-efficient "green" principles. Building green is simply a way to maximize energy efficiency and to use fewer resources before, during and after construction, resulting in better indoor air quality and reduced maintenance costs. Lightman is committed not only to building you a great home, but also to building a great investment that is energy-efficient, healthier and environmentally responsible. "As more home buyers experience the many benefits of 'green' homes, they will no longer accept anything less," he says. "Green building will grow as a recognized industry standard and will continue to change and improve."
To keep ahead of the curve, Lightman regularly attends industry trade shows and workshops and is an active Director of the Builder 20 Club — a consortium of builders from around the country who meet periodically to exchange ideas, network and gain insight to emerging trends impacting the industry. "As a custom builder who specializes in high-end luxury homes, we can't afford to be complacent," he says. "Our customers expect us to be on the leading edge with new ideas, materials and building techniques. They want — and expect — more value for their money, and we must deliver.
"We want to give our clients the ultimate buying experience. We work hard to exceed our clients' expectations. When they say, 'Wow!' we know we succeeded."