By Mary Malik

So, you’re going to remodel, but where do you start? Many contractors like to boast they are the greatest thing since sliced bread, and have references to support it, but a Google search of reviews often tells a different story. Now what?

David Brown, a long-time contractor and the owner of David Brown Construction Co. in Willoughby, offers this suggestion: “It is key to get to know your contractor,” says David. “After all, they’re going to be in your home and practically part of your family for the duration of the project. Are they friendly? Do they seem to care? Do they listen and comprehend your needs, not just what they’re trying to sell? Do they seem to have knowledge and confidence?”

“The people in our company, from field personnel and estimators to designers and everyone else, are encouraged to get to know potential and existing customers. We are in the people business and if we listen more than we speak, amazing results can be achieved,” he adds.

David Brown Construction was founded on December 12, 1978.

“I bought a few tools and took on my first job that day,” David shares. “My office was my truck, and the glove compartment was my filing cabinet.”

The son of a carpenter and homebuilder, David set out on a journey that took him from carpenter to general contractor to now owning one of the premier home remodeling businesses in the area.

“It wasn’t always easy and for that I am grateful,” he says. “My dad, an ex-marine, was big on hard work and doing it the right way. It’s a standard I still hold closely and emphasize it with my employees, although we go to great lengths to hire the type of person that holds these ideals already. Surround yourself with great people and great things happen.”

Today, David Brown Construction operates out of two locations, both in Willoughby. The main office and warehouse are on East 355th Street and the year-old showroom is in the Pine Ridge Shopping Center.

“Prior to the showroom opening, the feeling was that we were at a competitive disadvantage by not having a place where people could see and touch our work while getting an idea of what we do and the quality of products we sell and install, photos can only go so far” he says. “We wanted people to know that the guys who put the displays in are the same guys doing their project. Our displays range from middle market to the highest custom products and everything in between. Cabinets, countertops, tile, LVT, carpet, hardware and more are all on display. We also have an outstanding designer, Michelle, who can pull it all together and create amazing design ideas.”

Michelle shares that while white and gray are still very much in play, warmer colors and wood tones are making a comeback. Michelle keeps up on the latest trends in the design market but is not averse to designing something a little “retro” if that’s your taste.

“Our customers absolutely adore Michelle,” says David. “She spends time getting to know each person. I think it’s important for us and the clients to get to know each other and be comfortable in that relationship.”

Come and meet David and his team to discuss your next project. Visit the Cleveland Home and Remodeling Expo at the I-X Center, Friday through Sunday, March 22-24.

“I’m very proud of every employee in the company. It all starts with Nicole in the office. She is my right-hand person and keeps a balance of employee needs and an ongoing rapport with our customers. Tom and Tim, our estimators, do more than crunch numbers. I often find them researching products to find the best fits for a project and on the phone with a client to further understand what they are looking for. Amanda does an amazing job in accounting and HR, and happens to have the cutest puppy who keeps us all entertained. Vinny and Tom, our project coordinators, keep jobs going, work with our guys, and keep in touch with our clients to ensure we are meeting their expectations,” David says.

“Lastly, but far from least, are our guys in the field. We have the most talented group of carpenters and other trades in the area,” he smiles.

While well known for kitchen and bath work, David Brown Construction Co. also handles anything to do with home remodeling, including additions, decks, windows, doors, and interiors.

From 1978 to 2024, David Brown Construction Co. has been doing high quality work in Cleveland and the surrounding communities. To get things started, call 440-571-4199 ext. 101 for Nicole. Visit TheDavidBrownCompany.comto learn more. Find it on Instagram at davidbrownconstructionco and Projects_by_DBC. On Facebook, check it out at The David Brown Construction Company.