In Conversation With... Steve Stipsits, President of Branthaven

A milestone such as 50 years of homebuilding is certainly an occasion to celebrate. Achieving this signature moment in the middle of a pandemic – while making important adjustments and continuing to grow, well, that’s just business excellence.

But that’s exactly what homebuyers have come to expect from Branthaven Homes over its history. President Steve Stipsits shares his insights into how the company has been able to thrive over the years, and what exciting moments are yet to come.

The last couple of years have been challenging for the industry, to say the least. How has Branthaven managed during these times?

I am proud to say Branthaven managed exceptionally well. We didn’t slow down, and we sold more than 1,200 homes. Our team really stepped up. Everyone adapted well to remote working and sales operations.

We were able to provide all the tools to make our staff and homebuyers comfortable with the technology and confident in their purchase. We successfully implemented virtual appointments, protective protocols and safety measures at every staff and customer touchpoint from the sales environment to our decor centre and head office; and we are transitioning back to hybrid in office for collaborative work once again. It’s exciting to be back together.

Did you have to adapt your plans to reflect the times?

The word “plans” has more than one meaning for a homebuilding business. The times certainly called for adaptation from business as usual, but we focused intently on staying the course with our active and coming soon projects during the pandemic.

We preferred to look for pivot solutions, as opposed to changing our projected launches. Our industry was fortunate to see robust activity over the past couple of years, and we found effective ways to participate. With regard to our floorplans, we looked at our home designs and realized our lifestyle plans were already somewhat “pandemic proof” – in many aspects, our products are designed to support the changing needs of our buyers during these times.

We also addressed the desire for working-from-home spaces with flex spaces, such as dens, study niches, oversized kitchens that had chef’s desks or large central islands that doubled as homework stations.

Whether low- or highrise, our designs have access to outdoor amenities and fresh air spaces. Oversized windows, private balconies, patios and good ventilation are always considered.

And how’s 2022 looking?

We are excited about a strong offering in 2022 and beyond. Right now, our teams are busy building out the homes and condos for those loyal buyers who bought from Branthaven in the last two years.

We will be launching diverse housing types from lowrise communities to boutique mid- and highrise condos. We have been predominately known as Burlington-based, and we’re proud to have strong brand recognition and an established footprint in the west end, but we are excited to be expanding east into Mississauga, and north to Georgetown. In fact, we will be bringing new home communities all the way around the Greater Golden Horseshoe in 2023. The future looks bright and busy.

Branthaven recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. What are you most proud of about Branthaven over these years?

Simply put, our people and our purchasers. At Branthaven, we are a dedicated team with a passion and unwavering commitment to our purchasers. Despite good times and challenging times, we always remain deeply focused on the customer experience, delivering on our promises to those customers who put their trust in us.

We genuinely uphold our “best built home at any price” motto.

We are also delighted to be acknowledged, year after year, with multiple industry architecture, product and design awards. The ones we are most proud to celebrate, however, are the customer service awards as voted by satisfied homebuyers. That’s recognition the whole company can share.

We also can boast a high referral and repeat loyalty of long term customers.

And at 50 years, it’s an honour to achieve a legacy builder status – that does my family proud.

How have the company’s vision and philosophy evolved over the years?

While Branthaven started with a vision to be the best custom homebuilder, we transitioned to larger scale, low- and highrise communities, all the while maintaining our family’s philosophy and humble brand pillars established with our custom home ethos. Quality. Value. Integrity. Pride.

I am also proud to say our core values have never wavered over the decades. Branthaven believes in and fosters a “culture of nice” – a true respect and loyal relationship with our customers, fellow employees and valued trade partners. Our commitment to product, staff and customer promise is paramount.

When it comes to evolving our product, that’s ongoing. It’s in our DNA. Branthaven is dedicated to the fundamentals of good design and the benefits it brings to our homeowners. From the first custom home to the latest highrise, we adhere to the adage: Form follows function. We give deep consideration and focus on the end product, never cookie-cutter plans, but designing the right product for the right site. We deliver quality architecture, timeless interiors and evergreen features and finishes will stand the test of time. We constantly source the latest innovations in construction, Green energy and our Smart Home Technologies to future-proof our homes.

You recently launched The Greenwich at Oakvillage. How is that project coming along?

In just a few short weeks, we are very pleased to announce that we are now over 50-per-cent sold. The Greenwich is really a continuation in our Upper West Side Condos 1 and 2 success story. We are hoping to receive the third WEHBA Project of the Year award with The Greenwich. Our Oakvillage Condos have won local, national and international design awards. The Greenwich brings the same architectural and interior design team, and will deliver the high aesthetic caliber once again.

What is it about Oakville, and Oakvillage specifically, that is so special?

Oakville is a vibrant community, amenity rich, highly desirable and connected to everything homebuyers want. With our lifestyle towns and the three condos at Oakvillage, we are adding quality living to the inherent value already there.

Branthaven is one of the builders at the massive Lakeview Village in Mississauga project. How exciting is it to be one of the companies involved in this transformative community?

What a very rare opportunity to be part of a team transforming the vast lakefront in Mississauga. Imagine participating in turning a brownfield coal fired plant into an incredible Live Work Play master-planned community that rivals any world-class waterfront city. This is a model of sustainability, smart growth and spectacular place-making. We are thrilled to be a part of this legacy project.

All six builders have brought their very best architecture and design forward. Lakeview Village will be a showcase of iconic architecture and a landmark community. Branthaven will unveil a midrise condo and integrated townhome community of intimate scale, stunning materiality and unrivalled amenities. Stay tuned for more info.

Any other insights you would like to share

At Branthaven, we see trade shortages as a challenge for the future. Not only is there a serious shortage of housing approved for construction, but the short supply of trades to actually build them.

We have been advocating for more awareness of this issue and how to build support for creating the next generation of tradespeople. Homebuilders, and many other industries, depend on these skilled workers.

Branthaven is addressing this challenge by acting as a primary sponsor of City School, Mohawk Colleges Trades Program. With tuition-free courses in plumbing, carpentry, electrical and technical, the program helps foster labour-market integration and ensure vital skills for the future viability of the industry. We also encourage more women to join the trades.

branthaven.com

And on a personal note...

How did you manage during the pandemic? Taken on any new hobbies or acquired new skills?

Here’s a fun fact: We converted the Branthaven warehouse into a Pickle Ball court for staff, family and friends to have some exercise and fun, while still staying safe, and within their bubbles, of course.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration for what you do?

Carrying on my parent’s legacy of integrity in everything we do. Continuing our family business, along with my wife, sisters, nieces and nephews, and generations to come. Pride that we have the loyalty and retention of employees who make up the Branthaven “family.”