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24 M a y / J u n e 2 0 1 0 • Te x a s B u i l d e r • w w w. t e x a s b u i l d e r s . o r g M a y / J u n e 2 0 1 0 • Te x a s B u i l d e r • w w w. t e x a s b u i l d e r s . o r g 25
Builder Profile
W hen we say the word “house”, we tend to think of the physical char-acteristics associated with the structure: the roof, the windows, the front door, one story or two, etc. Conversely, saying the
word “home” brings to mind family, traditions and memories which are directly connected to feelings. Being cognoscente of this issue is the reason why Allen Griffin of Gryphon Builders, in Houston, has a successful remodeling career and is referred to as a friend by many of his clients.
“Remodeling is just more personal. Building a new home is more of a product, but when you remodel, you are working where memo-ries have already been created. You have to be sensitive to that.”
It Wasn’t Always EasyThough Griffin has a successful remodeling business today,
his transition within the industry was not always a smooth
Gryphon BuildersAllen Griffin’s understanding of the unique remodeling dynamic keeps him well regarded in the industry.
Continued on page 26
Allen Griffin of
“Remodeling is just more personal. Building a new home is more of a product, but when you remodel, you are working where memories have already been created. You have to be sensitive to that.” Allen Griffin of Gryphon Builders
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M a y / J u n e 2 0 1 0 • Te x a s B u i l d e r • w w w. t e x a s b u i l d e r s . o r g 27
Jerry Winters10930 Tower Oaks Blvd. Suite AHouston, TX 77070
Phone: 281-897-9005Fax: 281-897-9018
Steven DeTullioAccount Representative
12543 Perry Rd.Houston, TX 77070
Ofc: # 281-807-9993Fax: # 281-970-0366
1722 Monarch Oaks Street • Houston, TX 77055
713.467.3700 Tel713.467.1459 Fax
www.cabanaaquatech.comTom Driscoll, President
Genesis Design Group – Platinum MemberSociety of Watershape Designers
A.P.S.P. – Association of Pool & Spa ProfessionalsCBP – Certified Building Professional
one. Even so, with a willingness to learn and ability to think creatively, he has been able to grow his company beyond anything he ever imagined.
Griffin discovered his love for drafting and construction when he took an architectural class in high school. The idea of designing something and then seeing it come to fruition was very appealing and continues to be so now. “I thought I wanted to be an architect, so I took a summer job with a framing company.” At the age of 18, he soon realized that he had a knack for managing projects and people, which lead to Griffin’s decision to postpone attending school and to seek employment with a reputable production builder. Though that experience has been beneficial, his desire for something more artistic and personal left him unfulfilled.
Eventually, Griffin moved to a sales position with Bison Building Materials and this provided him the opportunity to ascertain lasting and influential relationships. Those relationships turned out to be beneficial when he founded Gryphon Builders in 1999.
It’s a Two-Way StreetGiving credit where credit is due, Griffin attributes a great deal of
his success to his association with remodelers and builders that hold themselves to a higher standard. Throughout his career, Griffin has
established lasting relationships that continue to influence him both professionally and personally.
“I respect the business practices of men like Stephan Hann and Russell Bird,” Griffin said. “They set the bar pretty high in this industry; and as members of the Greater Houston Builders Association, I decided to follow their example and join as well. It was the first thing I did after getting my DBA and it turned out to be one of the smartest things I’ve ever done.”
Over the years, Griffin’s involvement in the GHBA has impacted his business in very tangible, measurable, and positive ways. In an effort to give back, he has served the association in many differ-ent capacities, including, but not limited to, membership chairman, education chairman, and vice president, as well as the president of the Remodelors Council board of directors. Presently, he is serving as the immediate past president of the RMC, the membership chair-man of the Custom Builders Council, and is a representative of the CBC for the GHBA Membership Committee.
Staying Ahead of the PackLike any profession, a changing market can translate into fiercer
competition within an industry. For this reason, and a commit-ment to being among the best in the business, Griffin has made it a priority to obtain professional credentials and designations through continuing education.
The National Association of Home Builders’ University of Housing offers comprehensive training programs to builders, remodelers, and other industry specialists. Griffin’s comple-tion of the rigorous coarse requirements exemplifies his passion designing, building and remodeling. He has obtained his Certified Green Professional (CGP), Graduate Master Builder (GMB), Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), and Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) designations.
“To set Gryphon Builders apart from the competition, I require a retainer up front. This means, that before I even put together a bid for the project, I want potential clients to show me they are truly interested in working with me.” Griffin explains that some clients find this to be very shocking, but he isn’t willing to give his services away for free anymore — this includes bids. “Clients looking for free bids are not the clientele with which I want to work.”
Large-scale remodeling and renovation is the primary focus of Gryphon Builders. Designing and building major, up-scale proj-ects is a passion for Griffin. As the insignia suggests, “Designing, Building, and Remodeling with Excellence” is the cornerstone to his business philosophy. He makes every effort to ensure minimal disruption and maximum satisfaction for his clients, because this is the Gryphon Builders promise.
As the founder/president of his award-winning company, today, Griffin enjoys running his business with the assistance of his daugh-ter, Kayla, and Jason Palmer, his superintendent and lead carpenter. Gryphon Builders has been recognized locally and at the state level, as well as at the national level for exemplary work. In 2009 Griffin was named Houston’s Best Remodeler of the Year, and in 2007, the National Association of Home Builders named him the CGR of the Year.
He feels lucky to do so well and says three things have helped him along the way. “I try to hold myself and the company to a higher standard, hold on to great employees, and hold out for clients that understand value and craftsmanship.” Gryphon Builders has a reputation for quality work and exceptional client care, “…and this is what makes the difference.” n
builder profileContinued from page 25
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