Steve Schottenstein is a seasoned builder. With nearly 50 years of experience and 70,000 homes sold, he is unapologetic about the partners he selects.
His business, Schottenstein Homes, is esteemed for its focus on providing homeowners in central Ohio with quality, value, and comfort. It has been awarded numerous BIA (Building Industry Association) Parade of Homes honors, including best overall single-family home under $700,000, best floor plan, and best outdoor living space. With a glowing reputation in three of Columbus, Ohio’s best school districts, Schottenstein understands that a trustworthy designer is key to success.
Despite a plethora of options in the greater Columbus area, Schottenstein has counted on KDG as a trusted design partner time and time again.
A 50-Year Career
Schottenstein’s father worked as a builder, so he was exposed to the industry at an early age. He got his start in high school working as a labor assistant on various construction sites. After several years working alongside his father, he was employed by a large public company. Over the years, his passion for the trade remained.
“I enjoy the challenge of it and all the people I meet,” said Schottenstein. “I wake up every day feeling really good about trying to make a company bigger and better. I feel good about the work I do.”
In 2007, he started Schottenstein Homes, which provides state-of-the-art, thoughtfully designed new homes and communities in the Columbus area. With a focus on some of the area’s best school districts, including Olentangy, Hilliard, and Pickerington, Schottenstein extensively researched the features desired by prospective buyers.
From the very beginning, he believed homeowner satisfaction should be the number one priority. He recognized that choosing the perfect materials and design elements for a new home is key.
As Schottenstein was launching his business, he was introduced to KDG Founder Dan Kesier through a mutual contact. It wasn’t long before they were working on their first project together. Their shared appreciation for house design, floor plan critiquing, and community features made the pair a perfect fit. The first project led to another, and another, and another.
“And the rest is history,” says Schottenstein.
An Enduring Partnership
When asked what makes the partnership with KDG work, Schottenstein says it comes down to trust.
“Dan is a good architect and a good person,” said Schottenstein. “He’s truthful, honest, and easy to work with. When I call him, he calls me right back — that’s the type of guy he is.”
Schottenstein admits he’s worked with a lot of architects and draftsmen over the years whom he never contracted again. In a metropolitan area like Columbus, the options are plentiful – and yet, he’s engaged Keiser to handle many of his builds.
Similarly, Schottenstein has found that his clients face myriad choices of their own. The Columbus area offers homeowners dozens of builders within their price range, all with unique value propositions, making for stiff market competition.
“They’re looking at our houses, sizing up our designs, and evaluating the front elevation, because buying a home is likely the biggest purchase they ever make,” said Schottenstein.
According to Schottenstein, Keiser understands this consumer process. So periodically, he will lean on Keiser’s expertise by asking for a quick opinion, acting as another set of eyes and ears.
The partners now have dozens of projects logged together. Over the years, Schottenstein and Keiser’s collaboration has extended beyond residential builds to nonprofit, commercial, and even personal projects. Periodically, they’ll meet just to check in personally, reflect on life, and offer constructive criticism.
“He’s a good businessman, and an even better person,” said Schottenstein.
And if you ask him about a favorite project he and Dan have worked on together, his answer doesn’t skip a beat.
“Whatever we’re working on next.”
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