September 30, 2024 • 23 mins
Have you ever wondered how the pandemic has reshaped our living spaces, or how design trends evolve over decades? Join us on the Good Neighbor Podcast as we sit down with Melanie Millson, an experienced Market Manager at Drees Homes with over 23 years in the industry. Melanie offers fascinating insights into the shifting landscape of home building, including the emerging need for separate spaces influenced by COVID-19 and the growing preference for warmer tones and functional layouts. Through her expert guidance, we also reflect on a personal journey of building a home, highlighting the importance of model homes for inspiration and the benefits of thoughtful planning during the initial build.
In the latter half of our conversation, we uncover the unexpected ways energetic pets can serve as stress relief and share our mutual passions for travel, home design, and gardening. We also discuss Melanie’s availability in Northern Kentucky and the unique opportunities offered by Drees Homes' new Elevate division, which allows clients to build on their own lots. Melanie's dedication to the community shines through as we express our gratitude for her support of local businesses via community gatherings at the model home in Triple Crown. Don't miss this heartwarming episode as we invite you to continue the conversation and possibly meet Melanie in person soon!
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
This is the Good Neighbor Podcast, the place
where local businesses andneighbors come together.
Here's your host, Mike Murphy.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Hey, Charlie, thank you for that introduction.
With me today is another localfriend influencer, somebody who
helped me tremendously when Ibuilt a home here in Union,
Kentucky, and that is MelanieMilson with Drees Homes.
(00:33):
She is a market manager here inour community and she kind of
hangs her hat in a model homethat's walking distance from my
house.
So I see her on occasion andshe's been a great friend and a
great help to me.
So I wanted to introduce her tothe community at large.
(00:54):
Many of you know her already,Some of you don't, but for those
who don't, you're about to.
So, Melanie, welcome to theshow.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
Thanks, mike, I appreciate being on.
Speaker 2 (01:07):
So I noticed when I kind of updated my information
on you, you have over 23 yearsas market manager with Drees or
within the Drees organization,correct?
I do 30 years in the industry.
Speaker 3 (01:25):
Yeah, hard to believe .
Actually, I started with ZaringHomes about 30 years ago and
then Dries purchased Zaring andthen, of course, I became a part
of the Dries team and I havebeen here ever since, so it's
been a great.
It's been a great several years.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
So it was maybe, I don't know, four or five years
ago.
Time's flying, especially theolder I get.
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (01:56):
I hear you.
Speaker 2 (01:59):
We came to you and we said we want to build an Adris
community and you helped us withthat process.
Speaker 1 (02:08):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
You did a great job with us because we felt a little
vulnerable.
We had built a house before,but it was maybe gosh, almost 20
years prior and a lot canchange in 20 years.
Yes, a lot can change in fiveyears.
So A lot can change in fiveyears.
So you've been around theindustry for 30 years, I'd say
(02:31):
you know recently.
What are some changes thatyou've noticed in the industry
at large?
Speaker 3 (02:38):
Oh, my goodness, yeah , five years ago it doesn't seem
possible, right?
Five years ago it doesn't seempossible, right?
You know, I think that justsome differences between when
you built, mike, and what we'reseeing today is just a change
somewhat in floor plans anddesign.
I think that COVID reallybrought to the forefront how
(03:00):
important it was to have someseparate areas because everybody
was working from home.
All of a sudden, all of thatopen space just didn't serve its
purpose as well.
I think that, as trends go, alot of the color tones and
(03:21):
whatnot that are being used area little warmer.
We're still seeing lots of thegrays, but maybe a little bit
warmer tone gray, and thencertainly just the areas that
have opened up for trees interms of places to build new
locations, new product lines,just trying to adjust to what
(03:43):
the marketplace needs.
Speaker 2 (03:47):
I think one thing that new buyers well heck, I
mean even seasoned buyers counton is the ability to walk
through a Dries model to be ableto just sort of see design
trends and just get ideas abouthow you lay out a room properly
Right, get ideas about how youlay out a room properly.
When we walk through a Driesmodel and compare it to how
(04:10):
we've laid out some of our rooms, we realize we don't know
anything, but I guess as long asyour home's comfortable, that's
all that matters, I guess.
But, your model homes are just agreat way to get ideas.
Thank you.
Speaker 3 (04:27):
Yeah, and I think, just like you, you know, not
having been in the market for 20years, if you will, and
thinking about how you're goingto live in that space, as
compared to when you know whenyour family was at home or when
the children were little orwhatnot it does give you a sense
(04:47):
of, okay, can I see myselfliving here?
And that's truly what we wantour buyers to be able to do is
to see themselves living there,and the model certainly helped
that.
I think you came into it.
It was great working with youall.
You had already in mind thingsyou wanted to change, but then
(05:09):
you also had those things thatlike okay, tell me a little bit
more about this and how's itgoing to work for my family and
what can I do?
So, yeah, it's a great resource.
We've got so many wonderfultools to use.
Speaker 2 (05:23):
Yeah, some of your advice was great food for
thought.
We thought we knew what wewanted and you helped us kind of
narrow things down or changeour mind.
You know the way we thoughtabout certain things.
Speaker 3 (05:33):
Good good.
Speaker 2 (05:35):
But overall I would say one thing that we made a
mistake when we built our firsthouse many years ago, in that we
didn't do enough things that wewish we had done, say the wet
bar, or finish off this area, adeck, whatever and so you kind
of helped us this time, sit downand say, look, even if you
(05:58):
think you're going to finishthat wet bar by yourself, you're
probably not going to, so let'sdo it now.
Think you're going to finishthat wet bar by yourself, you're
probably not going to, so let'sdo it now.
And we were so, so glad thatyou made that observation for us
or that recommendation.
I love my wet bar.
We do a lot of entertainingdown in our entertainment levels
(06:21):
.
Speaker 3 (06:22):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:23):
Thank you for that.
Speaker 3 (06:24):
Yeah, no, well, that's why I love what I do is
everyone's a little bitdifferent in what they um, what
they think about, how they livein their home, what they
envision um doing in their home,and everyone is different um,
so it's it's great to be able toget to know people and really
(06:45):
learn more about how you aregoing to live.
Um, for some people, a wet barwouldn't make any difference.
Speaker 2 (06:51):
For others it's really important, so good so how
many, how many buyers come intoyou brand new deer in the
headlights.
Just sort of like Melanie, wedon't really know where to begin
, but we just think we want tobuild a home and we've got to
(07:20):
start.
Speaker 3 (07:20):
the people I work with are new home, new to
purchasing a home, certainly newto ever having built a home.
I think making that trip into amodel home for some people can
be very it's daunting, you know,oh, my goodness, what's going
(07:42):
to happen.
I've heard it's so stressfulI'll never be able to make all
these decisions.
So, yeah, I would say 35 to 40%take that step.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
One thing that was very helpful to us was the
design center.
So when you reach that pointwhere you need to choose
finishes and colors and thingslike that, you go to the design
(08:21):
center and you meet with adesign professional and they
step you through the process.
Yes, so do you yourself ever gowith a client?
How often do you get to go andsee the design center and just
kind of update your own, your,you know, download that stuff
into your brain so that you cankind of help advise future
clients?
Speaker 3 (08:34):
I try to visit myself probably once a quarter just to
see what's new.
You know it's great for me tobe able to talk about.
These are the things you'regoing to be able to see.
I'm very much and most of mybuyers are visual people, so you
like to be able to touch it.
You know you want to like iswhat's the weight of something,
(08:57):
just visually?
What does that color look like?
Because it's difficult on acomputer screen, looks lonely.
It's very different when, whenyou actually go in and see it,
it's an a tremendous tool and wehave gotten to the point now
that is a part of what I talkabout.
It is Andres homes calm.
There is a link that people cannow go into see our different
(09:22):
choices not all of them, it'simpossible to put them all there
and create a wish list so thatwish list can be shared with me
and we can really talk about thedifferent levels, so that it
gives them a little bit moresense of I don't know, I don't
want to say empowerment, thatthey know what they're going
(09:43):
into, but maybe a little levelof peace of mind is probably the
better word.
And besides, it's fun.
You know it's a lot of fun togo in.
I go in and get my own ideasfor my house.
Speaker 2 (09:57):
Yeah, it is fun.
It is fun.
So, gosh, is there a specifictrend in design, or I think one
thing that comes to mind if I'masking the question is
everything around smart homes.
It was something that wastrending when I was building,
(10:20):
and it seems like that's justgetting more and more advanced
all the time.
Speaker 3 (10:24):
Absolutely.
Do you guys build?
Speaker 2 (10:26):
kind of the smart functionality into the homes.
Speaker 3 (10:28):
We do, we absolutely have.
We consider it a smart home.
We include quite a few of thedata points, the higher speed.
You know we're always trying toadapt to new things in the
marketplace, so bioptics rightnow, of course, is in the
forefront of everything.
So adjusting the wiring that weinclude in our homes, we
(10:51):
actually have our customers meetwith our low voltage wiring
company and really tailor orcustomize that low voltage
wiring package to their needs.
So they offer security camerasoh, my goodness, pretty much
anything that you can think offor home office.
(11:12):
So many people are stillworking at home need those
secure connections.
So yes, you know we do.
We do offer the ability to makethose customizations.
Speaker 2 (11:25):
So, yeah, it's just me and my wife living here
because we're empty nesters, butyou know we have our offices
set up here at the house,multiple TVs throughout the
house, multiple computers, iPadsyou know there's technology
everywhere more than you realize, Right.
And so when we kind of one dayadded it all up, we're like geez
(11:49):
, okay, no wonder we need abigger router.
Speaker 3 (11:54):
Right right.
Speaker 2 (11:56):
So you need to stay on top of that, because there's
more technology in your homethan you realize.
Speaker 3 (12:00):
Absolutely.
There really is Everything fromyou can get app driven ovens
and refrigerators, and I meanit's just.
It can be a little overwhelming, you know, for a lot of people,
but that really so many ofthese things set us apart not
(12:20):
only from other builders butalso when people are considering
other homes.
You know what types of thingsare you going to have to modify
just to live there.
You know your normal dailythings and buying new just gives
you the ability to do that fromthe start, and buying new just
gives you the ability to do thatfrom the start.
Speaker 2 (12:39):
Well, we were a little intimidated at first, or
thought we would be, but then wehad somebody who comes in you
know when you get into your newhome and they step you through
everything, and so it's easypeasy, no worries.
So then, when it comes tofinancing, does Drees have a way
to help homeowners to financethe purchase?
Speaker 3 (13:09):
Sure, of course.
And so financing right now, ofcourse, with interest rates
people are starting to come outa little bit more.
But that's always one of thefirst considerations is am I
going to be able to afford this?
Can I fit it into my budget?
Is am I going to be able toafford this, can I fit it into
my budget?
So, first, equity Mortgage isour partner, great people to
work with there that will reallywalk you through the entire
process, give you again thatsense of security, that peace of
(13:30):
mind that when you finish thisthere aren't going to be any
surprises.
We don't like surprises,whether it's from, you know, the
start of the bill to theclosing.
And they can really help people, not only the first time
homebuyers, but those peoplethat are also downsizing or
making a change and that don'treally want a large mortgage.
(13:54):
And you know my payment issensitive, I'm retiring, you
know.
So, yes, we have great partnersin the finance world.
Speaker 2 (14:03):
So, just like my daughter ended up buying a Drees
home after I built this one.
Speaker 3 (14:07):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:08):
You have daughters.
I believe as well that builtDrees homes.
Is that the case?
Speaker 3 (14:13):
Yeah, I do.
Actually, I have two children.
I have a daughter that built aDrees home in the Virginia
market.
We are a national builder, sowe're in different states.
And then I have a son that justmoved back after eight years in
Chicago and built, well,purchased a market home in
(14:35):
Tremor, purchased a market homein Tremor.
So of course I'm thrilled thatboth of my kids were able, you
know, to be a part of the Drey'sfamily.
They've heard me talk about itsince they were little, you know
.
So it's exciting to be able tohave them, you know, in a home
that I'm so confident in.
Speaker 2 (14:55):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (14:56):
I make good choices.
Speaker 2 (14:58):
My little brother built a home in Tremor.
Speaker 3 (15:01):
Oh, really OK.
Speaker 2 (15:02):
Beautiful community.
Speaker 3 (15:04):
OK, yeah, it is a beautiful community and it's
close.
I'm in Union too, so not thatmaybe they like that, but it's
nice feeling on that.
Speaker 2 (15:12):
A lot of growth in Union.
It's a fun place to live.
Speaker 3 (15:15):
It is no doubt about it.
Speaker 2 (15:18):
OK, you mentioned your son and your daughter.
What does family look like foryou?
You said your daughter's kindof out in the eastern market,
son's here.
Who else do you call family?
Speaker 3 (15:37):
My husband, of course .
35 years that just blows mymind, my husband.
I have a very small family.
I have a brother that lives inCalifornia, so of course we
don't get to see each other thatoften.
But then we have extendedfamily.
I have a bonus daughter and herhusband that live in Cincinnati
(16:01):
and two great young ladies thatone in high school and one in
middle school.
So I have my bonusgranddaughters and then two
grandpups.
I can't forget that, yeah.
Speaker 2 (16:14):
Yeah, I was.
I was over yesterday visitingmy grand puppy.
Speaker 3 (16:24):
Right now, benny, which is his name, is staying
with me, or us, because our sonand daughter-in-law are on their
honeymoon, so it's been funactually.
Speaker 2 (16:38):
You know, energetic animals can either raise your
blood pressure or help drop yourblood pressure help drop your
blood pressure.
But for me, keeping us activebut at the same time just
helping de-stress.
Now another thing you do tokind of, I don't know, just get
(17:00):
rid of the stress.
You like to travel, is thatcorrect?
Speaker 3 (17:03):
I do.
I love to travel.
I laugh.
I'll go anywhere one time.
You know, I just like learningabout different areas, different
cultures, um, just doingdifferent, doing different
things.
Um, I also enjoy, you know, myhome.
You know, um, it really is thatplace that it really is that
(17:26):
place that I can go in.
I love design, so if I have apillow fetish, so I'm always
changing pillows.
And I love gardening as welljust flowers and whatnot.
When I have the time to do that, yeah, Good, good for you.
Speaker 2 (17:42):
Well, you know.
Back to the back to thebusiness portion of the show.
If somebody wants to reach outto you and kind of start their
journey with Dries, what's thebest way to reach you?
And where are you at Like?
Where's your model home at?
Speaker 3 (18:01):
So I'm actually located in Triple Crown in Union
at the Justify model theaddress is 13008 Justify Drive
and I'm very fortunate.
We have a lot of great productout here.
I can help people go throughoutNorthern Kentucky.
So if you would like to be anIndependence or Alexandria, I'm
(18:24):
still the person that can helpyou, guide or help guide you
through that process.
I can also be reached at MMilson and it's M-M-I-L-L-S-O-N
at DreesHomescom.
Feel free to reach out that way.
And then through DreesHomescomthere is a link that you can go
(18:47):
in and send me messages.
And then, finally, the good oldtelephone.
If you'd like to make a phonecall, my model number is at
859-384-1800.
Speaker 2 (19:00):
Well, thanks for that .
I'll try to put that in thedescription too, too, when we
post this online.
But before we go, I justnoticed, glancing at my notes,
something that is kind of a newdivision of Drees is the build
on your own lot.
So I believe that's calledElevate, is it?
Speaker 3 (19:20):
It is.
So we're really, really proudof the new division it
specializes in.
If you have your own lot oryou're looking for that five
acre piece of property, we'reable to help you build one of
your favorite Drees homes onthat offsite lot.
And what happens?
(19:41):
If you come to me, we'll talk alittle bit about that and then
I will introduce you to one ofour offsite experts with Elevate
and they'll be able to guideyou through the process.
It's really a great advantageto have that as a division for
cruise homes.
Speaker 2 (19:59):
I just know that that's something that many
people probably didn't know thatyou could do, so I wanted to
make sure to fit that in beforewe left each other today.
Speaker 3 (20:08):
Yeah, and I'm glad you did.
Yeah, I did that for sevenyears actually, during my 23
year tenure with Drees Homes,and it really is very nice.
Not every one of ourcommunities is going to fit
every one of our buyers, so thisway we have a nice, nice option
.
Speaker 2 (20:25):
Well, melanie, there have been times when the local
business community myself andother business owners in the
area want to have just smalllittle community gatherings,
maybe a thank you party to theirclients or whatever.
Thank you party to theirclients or whatever.
(20:50):
You've always been verygenerous in letting us come to
the beautiful model home here inTriple Crown and kind of use it
as a little intimate receptionarea so that it's just so warm
and inviting for us to bring ourclients in or friends or family
to just kind of have a niceexperience close by.
And people are always blownaway by how beautiful the model
(21:12):
home is.
So I wanted to say thank youfor, you know, always being
willing to host small groupshere locally.
You're a great supporter of notonly the residents but local
business community as well, sothank you.
Speaker 3 (21:27):
You're welcome.
I mean that's that's one of the.
The things that I truly doenjoy as well is um Dries is
very open to being supportive ofthe community and different
organizations, and um you knowyou meet a lot of people, but
you also hear a lot of stories.
You find out how you can helpdifferent people, and I am
(21:49):
always open to that, so I'm gladthat we're able to do that.
I think that's just one of thebenefits of working for a
family-owned company that islocally based.
Speaker 2 (22:03):
Well, I'm looking forward to seeing you again in
person sometime soon.
Yeah, absolutely.
Speaker 3 (22:06):
I'll have to walk over again in person sometime
soon, Yep absolutely.
Speaker 2 (22:07):
I'll have to walk over and see you sometime.
Speaker 3 (22:10):
I would love that.
I would love that.
Speaker 2 (22:12):
We can go to lunch sometime, how about?
Speaker 3 (22:13):
that That'd be perfect.
That'd be perfect.
Speaker 2 (22:16):
Well, thanks for spending time with us today.
Speaker 3 (22:18):
Thank you for having me, you're welcome.
Speaker 2 (22:21):
You're welcome.
Yeah, we'll do it again.
Anytime you want to have avoice in the community, I'm here
for you.
Speaker 3 (22:29):
Very good, anytime I can help you.
Speaker 2 (22:32):
Thank you, melanie, all right, well, having said all
that, everybody, thank you forjoining us today.
This is the Good Neighborpodcast, so I want to say to
everybody until next time, begood to your neighbor.
Thanks, melanie, we'll see younext time.
And so long, everyone, bye-bye.
Speaker 1 (22:51):
Thanks for listening to the Good Neighbor Podcast
Union.
To nominate your favorite localbusinesses to be featured on
the show, go to GNPUnioncom.
That's GNPUnioncom, or call usat 859-651-8330.
This is the Good Neighbor Podcast, the place
where local businesses andneighbors come together.
Here's your host, Mike Murphy.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Hey, Charlie, thank you for that introduction.
With me today is another localfriend influencer, somebody who
helped me tremendously when Ibuilt a home here in Union,
Kentucky, and that is MelanieMilson with Drees Homes.
(00:33):
She is a market manager here inour community and she kind of
hangs her hat in a model homethat's walking distance from my
house.
So I see her on occasion andshe's been a great friend and a
great help to me.
So I wanted to introduce her tothe community at large.
(00:54):
Many of you know her already,Some of you don't, but for those
who don't, you're about to.
So, Melanie, welcome to theshow.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
Thanks, mike, I appreciate being on.
Speaker 2 (01:07):
So I noticed when I kind of updated my information
on you, you have over 23 yearsas market manager with Drees or
within the Drees organization,correct?
I do 30 years in the industry.
Speaker 3 (01:25):
Yeah, hard to believe .
Actually, I started with ZaringHomes about 30 years ago and
then Dries purchased Zaring andthen, of course, I became a part
of the Dries team and I havebeen here ever since, so it's
been a great.
It's been a great several years.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
So it was maybe, I don't know, four or five years
ago.
Time's flying, especially theolder I get.
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (01:56):
I hear you.
Speaker 2 (01:59):
We came to you and we said we want to build an Adris
community and you helped us withthat process.
Speaker 1 (02:08):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
You did a great job with us because we felt a little
vulnerable.
We had built a house before,but it was maybe gosh, almost 20
years prior and a lot canchange in 20 years.
Yes, a lot can change in fiveyears.
So A lot can change in fiveyears.
So you've been around theindustry for 30 years, I'd say
(02:31):
you know recently.
What are some changes thatyou've noticed in the industry
at large?
Speaker 3 (02:38):
Oh, my goodness, yeah , five years ago it doesn't seem
possible, right?
Five years ago it doesn't seempossible, right?
You know, I think that justsome differences between when
you built, mike, and what we'reseeing today is just a change
somewhat in floor plans anddesign.
I think that COVID reallybrought to the forefront how
(03:00):
important it was to have someseparate areas because everybody
was working from home.
All of a sudden, all of thatopen space just didn't serve its
purpose as well.
I think that, as trends go, alot of the color tones and
(03:21):
whatnot that are being used area little warmer.
We're still seeing lots of thegrays, but maybe a little bit
warmer tone gray, and thencertainly just the areas that
have opened up for trees interms of places to build new
locations, new product lines,just trying to adjust to what
(03:43):
the marketplace needs.
Speaker 2 (03:47):
I think one thing that new buyers well heck, I
mean even seasoned buyers counton is the ability to walk
through a Dries model to be ableto just sort of see design
trends and just get ideas abouthow you lay out a room properly
Right, get ideas about how youlay out a room properly.
When we walk through a Driesmodel and compare it to how
(04:10):
we've laid out some of our rooms, we realize we don't know
anything, but I guess as long asyour home's comfortable, that's
all that matters, I guess.
But, your model homes are just agreat way to get ideas.
Thank you.
Speaker 3 (04:27):
Yeah, and I think, just like you, you know, not
having been in the market for 20years, if you will, and
thinking about how you're goingto live in that space, as
compared to when you know whenyour family was at home or when
the children were little orwhatnot it does give you a sense
(04:47):
of, okay, can I see myselfliving here?
And that's truly what we wantour buyers to be able to do is
to see themselves living there,and the model certainly helped
that.
I think you came into it.
It was great working with youall.
You had already in mind thingsyou wanted to change, but then
(05:09):
you also had those things thatlike okay, tell me a little bit
more about this and how's itgoing to work for my family and
what can I do?
So, yeah, it's a great resource.
We've got so many wonderfultools to use.
Speaker 2 (05:23):
Yeah, some of your advice was great food for
thought.
We thought we knew what wewanted and you helped us kind of
narrow things down or changeour mind.
You know the way we thoughtabout certain things.
Speaker 3 (05:33):
Good good.
Speaker 2 (05:35):
But overall I would say one thing that we made a
mistake when we built our firsthouse many years ago, in that we
didn't do enough things that wewish we had done, say the wet
bar, or finish off this area, adeck, whatever and so you kind
of helped us this time, sit downand say, look, even if you
(05:58):
think you're going to finishthat wet bar by yourself, you're
probably not going to, so let'sdo it now.
Think you're going to finishthat wet bar by yourself, you're
probably not going to, so let'sdo it now.
And we were so, so glad thatyou made that observation for us
or that recommendation.
I love my wet bar.
We do a lot of entertainingdown in our entertainment levels
(06:21):
.
Speaker 3 (06:22):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:23):
Thank you for that.
Speaker 3 (06:24):
Yeah, no, well, that's why I love what I do is
everyone's a little bitdifferent in what they um, what
they think about, how they livein their home, what they
envision um doing in their home,and everyone is different um,
so it's it's great to be able toget to know people and really
(06:45):
learn more about how you aregoing to live.
Um, for some people, a wet barwouldn't make any difference.
Speaker 2 (06:51):
For others it's really important, so good so how
many, how many buyers come intoyou brand new deer in the
headlights.
Just sort of like Melanie, wedon't really know where to begin
, but we just think we want tobuild a home and we've got to
(07:20):
start.
Speaker 3 (07:20):
the people I work with are new home, new to
purchasing a home, certainly newto ever having built a home.
I think making that trip into amodel home for some people can
be very it's daunting, you know,oh, my goodness, what's going
(07:42):
to happen.
I've heard it's so stressfulI'll never be able to make all
these decisions.
So, yeah, I would say 35 to 40%take that step.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
One thing that was very helpful to us was the
design center.
So when you reach that pointwhere you need to choose
finishes and colors and thingslike that, you go to the design
(08:21):
center and you meet with adesign professional and they
step you through the process.
Yes, so do you yourself ever gowith a client?
How often do you get to go andsee the design center and just
kind of update your own, your,you know, download that stuff
into your brain so that you cankind of help advise future
clients?
Speaker 3 (08:34):
I try to visit myself probably once a quarter just to
see what's new.
You know it's great for me tobe able to talk about.
These are the things you'regoing to be able to see.
I'm very much and most of mybuyers are visual people, so you
like to be able to touch it.
You know you want to like iswhat's the weight of something,
(08:57):
just visually?
What does that color look like?
Because it's difficult on acomputer screen, looks lonely.
It's very different when, whenyou actually go in and see it,
it's an a tremendous tool and wehave gotten to the point now
that is a part of what I talkabout.
It is Andres homes calm.
There is a link that people cannow go into see our different
(09:22):
choices not all of them, it'simpossible to put them all there
and create a wish list so thatwish list can be shared with me
and we can really talk about thedifferent levels, so that it
gives them a little bit moresense of I don't know, I don't
want to say empowerment, thatthey know what they're going
(09:43):
into, but maybe a little levelof peace of mind is probably the
better word.
And besides, it's fun.
You know it's a lot of fun togo in.
I go in and get my own ideasfor my house.
Speaker 2 (09:57):
Yeah, it is fun.
It is fun.
So, gosh, is there a specifictrend in design, or I think one
thing that comes to mind if I'masking the question is
everything around smart homes.
It was something that wastrending when I was building,
(10:20):
and it seems like that's justgetting more and more advanced
all the time.
Speaker 3 (10:24):
Absolutely.
Do you guys build?
Speaker 2 (10:26):
kind of the smart functionality into the homes.
Speaker 3 (10:28):
We do, we absolutely have.
We consider it a smart home.
We include quite a few of thedata points, the higher speed.
You know we're always trying toadapt to new things in the
marketplace, so bioptics rightnow, of course, is in the
forefront of everything.
So adjusting the wiring that weinclude in our homes, we
(10:51):
actually have our customers meetwith our low voltage wiring
company and really tailor orcustomize that low voltage
wiring package to their needs.
So they offer security camerasoh, my goodness, pretty much
anything that you can think offor home office.
(11:12):
So many people are stillworking at home need those
secure connections.
So yes, you know we do.
We do offer the ability to makethose customizations.
Speaker 2 (11:25):
So, yeah, it's just me and my wife living here
because we're empty nesters, butyou know we have our offices
set up here at the house,multiple TVs throughout the
house, multiple computers, iPadsyou know there's technology
everywhere more than you realize, Right.
And so when we kind of one dayadded it all up, we're like geez
(11:49):
, okay, no wonder we need abigger router.
Speaker 3 (11:54):
Right right.
Speaker 2 (11:56):
So you need to stay on top of that, because there's
more technology in your homethan you realize.
Speaker 3 (12:00):
Absolutely.
There really is Everything fromyou can get app driven ovens
and refrigerators, and I meanit's just.
It can be a little overwhelming, you know, for a lot of people,
but that really so many ofthese things set us apart not
(12:20):
only from other builders butalso when people are considering
other homes.
You know what types of thingsare you going to have to modify
just to live there.
You know your normal dailythings and buying new just gives
you the ability to do that fromthe start, and buying new just
gives you the ability to do thatfrom the start.
Speaker 2 (12:39):
Well, we were a little intimidated at first, or
thought we would be, but then wehad somebody who comes in you
know when you get into your newhome and they step you through
everything, and so it's easypeasy, no worries.
So then, when it comes tofinancing, does Drees have a way
to help homeowners to financethe purchase?
Speaker 3 (13:09):
Sure, of course.
And so financing right now, ofcourse, with interest rates
people are starting to come outa little bit more.
But that's always one of thefirst considerations is am I
going to be able to afford this?
Can I fit it into my budget?
Is am I going to be able toafford this, can I fit it into
my budget?
So, first, equity Mortgage isour partner, great people to
work with there that will reallywalk you through the entire
process, give you again thatsense of security, that peace of
(13:30):
mind that when you finish thisthere aren't going to be any
surprises.
We don't like surprises,whether it's from, you know, the
start of the bill to theclosing.
And they can really help people, not only the first time
homebuyers, but those peoplethat are also downsizing or
making a change and that don'treally want a large mortgage.
(13:54):
And you know my payment issensitive, I'm retiring, you
know.
So, yes, we have great partnersin the finance world.
Speaker 2 (14:03):
So, just like my daughter ended up buying a Drees
home after I built this one.
Speaker 3 (14:07):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:08):
You have daughters.
I believe as well that builtDrees homes.
Is that the case?
Speaker 3 (14:13):
Yeah, I do.
Actually, I have two children.
I have a daughter that built aDrees home in the Virginia
market.
We are a national builder, sowe're in different states.
And then I have a son that justmoved back after eight years in
Chicago and built, well,purchased a market home in
(14:35):
Tremor, purchased a market homein Tremor.
So of course I'm thrilled thatboth of my kids were able, you
know, to be a part of the Drey'sfamily.
They've heard me talk about itsince they were little, you know
.
So it's exciting to be able tohave them, you know, in a home
that I'm so confident in.
Speaker 2 (14:55):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (14:56):
I make good choices.
Speaker 2 (14:58):
My little brother built a home in Tremor.
Speaker 3 (15:01):
Oh, really OK.
Speaker 2 (15:02):
Beautiful community.
Speaker 3 (15:04):
OK, yeah, it is a beautiful community and it's
close.
I'm in Union too, so not thatmaybe they like that, but it's
nice feeling on that.
Speaker 2 (15:12):
A lot of growth in Union.
It's a fun place to live.
Speaker 3 (15:15):
It is no doubt about it.
Speaker 2 (15:18):
OK, you mentioned your son and your daughter.
What does family look like foryou?
You said your daughter's kindof out in the eastern market,
son's here.
Who else do you call family?
Speaker 3 (15:37):
My husband, of course .
35 years that just blows mymind, my husband.
I have a very small family.
I have a brother that lives inCalifornia, so of course we
don't get to see each other thatoften.
But then we have extendedfamily.
I have a bonus daughter and herhusband that live in Cincinnati
(16:01):
and two great young ladies thatone in high school and one in
middle school.
So I have my bonusgranddaughters and then two
grandpups.
I can't forget that, yeah.
Speaker 2 (16:14):
Yeah, I was.
I was over yesterday visitingmy grand puppy.
Speaker 3 (16:24):
Right now, benny, which is his name, is staying
with me, or us, because our sonand daughter-in-law are on their
honeymoon, so it's been funactually.
Speaker 2 (16:38):
You know, energetic animals can either raise your
blood pressure or help drop yourblood pressure help drop your
blood pressure.
But for me, keeping us activebut at the same time just
helping de-stress.
Now another thing you do tokind of, I don't know, just get
(17:00):
rid of the stress.
You like to travel, is thatcorrect?
Speaker 3 (17:03):
I do.
I love to travel.
I laugh.
I'll go anywhere one time.
You know, I just like learningabout different areas, different
cultures, um, just doingdifferent, doing different
things.
Um, I also enjoy, you know, myhome.
You know, um, it really is thatplace that it really is that
(17:26):
place that I can go in.
I love design, so if I have apillow fetish, so I'm always
changing pillows.
And I love gardening as welljust flowers and whatnot.
When I have the time to do that, yeah, Good, good for you.
Speaker 2 (17:42):
Well, you know.
Back to the back to thebusiness portion of the show.
If somebody wants to reach outto you and kind of start their
journey with Dries, what's thebest way to reach you?
And where are you at Like?
Where's your model home at?
Speaker 3 (18:01):
So I'm actually located in Triple Crown in Union
at the Justify model theaddress is 13008 Justify Drive
and I'm very fortunate.
We have a lot of great productout here.
I can help people go throughoutNorthern Kentucky.
So if you would like to be anIndependence or Alexandria, I'm
(18:24):
still the person that can helpyou, guide or help guide you
through that process.
I can also be reached at MMilson and it's M-M-I-L-L-S-O-N
at DreesHomescom.
Feel free to reach out that way.
And then through DreesHomescomthere is a link that you can go
(18:47):
in and send me messages.
And then, finally, the good oldtelephone.
If you'd like to make a phonecall, my model number is at
859-384-1800.
Speaker 2 (19:00):
Well, thanks for that .
I'll try to put that in thedescription too, too, when we
post this online.
But before we go, I justnoticed, glancing at my notes,
something that is kind of a newdivision of Drees is the build
on your own lot.
So I believe that's calledElevate, is it?
Speaker 3 (19:20):
It is.
So we're really, really proudof the new division it
specializes in.
If you have your own lot oryou're looking for that five
acre piece of property, we'reable to help you build one of
your favorite Drees homes onthat offsite lot.
And what happens?
(19:41):
If you come to me, we'll talk alittle bit about that and then
I will introduce you to one ofour offsite experts with Elevate
and they'll be able to guideyou through the process.
It's really a great advantageto have that as a division for
cruise homes.
Speaker 2 (19:59):
I just know that that's something that many
people probably didn't know thatyou could do, so I wanted to
make sure to fit that in beforewe left each other today.
Speaker 3 (20:08):
Yeah, and I'm glad you did.
Yeah, I did that for sevenyears actually, during my 23
year tenure with Drees Homes,and it really is very nice.
Not every one of ourcommunities is going to fit
every one of our buyers, so thisway we have a nice, nice option
.
Speaker 2 (20:25):
Well, melanie, there have been times when the local
business community myself andother business owners in the
area want to have just smalllittle community gatherings,
maybe a thank you party to theirclients or whatever.
Thank you party to theirclients or whatever.
(20:50):
You've always been verygenerous in letting us come to
the beautiful model home here inTriple Crown and kind of use it
as a little intimate receptionarea so that it's just so warm
and inviting for us to bring ourclients in or friends or family
to just kind of have a niceexperience close by.
And people are always blownaway by how beautiful the model
(21:12):
home is.
So I wanted to say thank youfor, you know, always being
willing to host small groupshere locally.
You're a great supporter of notonly the residents but local
business community as well, sothank you.
Speaker 3 (21:27):
You're welcome.
I mean that's that's one of the.
The things that I truly doenjoy as well is um Dries is
very open to being supportive ofthe community and different
organizations, and um you knowyou meet a lot of people, but
you also hear a lot of stories.
You find out how you can helpdifferent people, and I am
(21:49):
always open to that, so I'm gladthat we're able to do that.
I think that's just one of thebenefits of working for a
family-owned company that islocally based.
Speaker 2 (22:03):
Well, I'm looking forward to seeing you again in
person sometime soon.
Yeah, absolutely.
Speaker 3 (22:06):
I'll have to walk over again in person sometime
soon, Yep absolutely.
Speaker 2 (22:07):
I'll have to walk over and see you sometime.
Speaker 3 (22:10):
I would love that.
I would love that.
Speaker 2 (22:12):
We can go to lunch sometime, how about?
Speaker 3 (22:13):
that That'd be perfect.
That'd be perfect.
Speaker 2 (22:16):
Well, thanks for spending time with us today.
Speaker 3 (22:18):
Thank you for having me, you're welcome.
Speaker 2 (22:21):
You're welcome.
Yeah, we'll do it again.
Anytime you want to have avoice in the community, I'm here
for you.
Speaker 3 (22:29):
Very good, anytime I can help you.
Speaker 2 (22:32):
Thank you, melanie, all right, well, having said all
that, everybody, thank you forjoining us today.
This is the Good Neighborpodcast, so I want to say to
everybody until next time, begood to your neighbor.
Thanks, melanie, we'll see younext time.
And so long, everyone, bye-bye.
Speaker 1 (22:51):
Thanks for listening to the Good Neighbor Podcast
Union.
To nominate your favorite localbusinesses to be featured on
the show, go to GNPUnioncom.
That's GNPUnioncom, or call usat 859-651-8330.
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