Publications

Puyleart Brothers Construction, LLC

“A Family Building Homes for Families”

-Heather Levin

            Scott Puyleart literally went knocking on doors to get started in the construction industry.  He’d grown up watching his dad fix things around the house, which peaked his interest at a young age, and when he was finally old enough to get a job he knew exactly what he wanted-to be working outside, building homes.  His next-door neighbor just so happened to be a builder, so he strode right over, banged on the door, and asked for a job.

            “I was shameless,” Scott says, laughing.  “Fortunately for me he said yes.”

            Scott stayed in the industry while he was at the University of Wisconsin Platteville, going to school for Building Construction Management.  He spent his off time from school framing, pouring concrete, and learning everything he could from the contractors he worked for.  His brother, Shawn, followed in his footsteps, soaking up information like a sponge.

            By 2001 both Scott and Shawn had developed that deep well of restless energy that all good entrepreneurs have-they wanted badly to be out on their own, building a reputation for themselves.  So together they made it happen, starting Puyleart Brothers Construction.  It was a rocky first year, however.  With no tools and no trucks of their own, they had to start from scratch.  Scott says that, at times, it was only their fierce love of what they were doing that kept them from giving up.

            “It was really scary,” Scott says.  “We built this business from absolutely nothing.  We loved what we were doing, though, and that’s what drove us and kept us going.  It was our dream to do this, and we stuck it out.”

            And it was a good thing they did-they started getting general framing and roofing jobs, which helped their start-up, and then the custom jobs started pouring in once they’d built a few specs.  A few years later they’re building around 5 homes a year, which is just the right amount of growth in Scott’s opinion.

            “We get to spend a lot of time with the homeowner, getting to know them better so we can build a home tailored to them,” Scott says.  “We like to tell our customers that we’re not desk guys-we’re on the site building their home every single day.”

            “I love where we are right now,” Shawn says.  “We get to build unique homes for some pretty great people.”

            Scott and Shawn have worked hard to establish themselves in Green Bay.  They’re on the Board of Directors for the Browne County Home Builders Association, and are part of the Energy Star program.

            “The Energy Star program is vital,” Scott says.  “Our clients are very interested in building this way, so we decided it was a smart move to make.  Having that label as an Energy Star Builder really lets people you know you’re committed to building an energy efficient quality home.”

            One aspect of the Puyleart Brothers they feel sets them apart is their war against wasted space.  In a word-they hate it. “It drives me nuts,” Scott says, laughing.  “I want our homes to be livable, and we work hard to make sure no square foot gets wasted.”

            Scott and Shawn do all the closet design work in the home, and will even rearrange the room layout before the build to make sure that every square foot is utilized.

            “We haven’t had any complaints yet about not having enough space,” Scott says.  “If I spot any empty space on the house plan we’ll turn it into something-storage, a wall niche, a closet, or even another room.”

            Together Scott and Shawn have over 18 years experience in the industry, and both are committed to maintaining a high level of knowledge on current trends and new products. “We’re very active in the community,” Scott says.  “That coupled with the fact that we’re always striving to learn new techniques from any source, trade publications to HGTV to seminars, really gives us a chance to offer our clients a lot of cutting edge information.”

            Jill VanAdestine can attest to that-Scott and Shawn built her home a year ago, and she was amazed with the experience. “I couldn’t believe how knowledgeable they were,” she says.  “We saw a few of their homes in the Showcase and were really impressed.  After talking with them I knew they were the builders for us, and the whole experience was wonderful.” Jill says what impressed her the most about the Puylearts was the fact that they always gave her their honest opinion, even when it wasn’t what she wanted to hear. “I had my heart set on white wood all throughout the house,” Jill says.  “And Scott told me that because the home was so big that he thought it would look too sterile.  He talked me into a warmer wood for most of the house, and let me have white in the kitchen and sunroom.  Now that we’ve moved in I realize that he was right-it would have been cold and sterile and not an environment that you could relax in.  I love the way it turned out, and I appreciate him for being honest.  If he hadn’t said anything it would have been disastrous!”

            Scott and Shawn both agree that their favorite part of being a builder is getting to be outdoors every day. “I’m so grateful to be doing what I love,” Scott says.  “We’ve gotten to build homes for some great people, and I love the fact that we built their home.  It’s a great feeling.” “I’ve been building things as long as I can remember,” Shawn says.  “I started with toolboxes and birdhouses.  Now I get that same great feeling seeing what I do for a living, but on a much larger scale.  I love that.”

            The Builder’s Journal is proud to feature Scott and Shawn Puyleart of Puyleart Brothers Construction as our builders of the month.  If you would like to get in touch with them, they can be reached at 920-819-1029, or through email at puyleartbrothers@yahoo.com.

(Captioned at the end) The Builder’s Journal is a monthly trade magazine mailed to residential building professionals in nine counties of northeast Wisconsin (Green Bay & Appleton and surrounding communities). Individuals and companies featured as cover stories have been nominated by their peers within the industry based upon their business ethics, quality of workmanship, and dedication to their customers. For more information about the magazine please call Matt  M  Miotke Publisher of The Builder’s Journal magazine for NE Wisconsin at (800) 666-5659. Copyright by Black Bear Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproductive in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.