As the year draws to a close and we gear up for 2020, we’re pausing for a moment to reflect on our favorite memories of 2019. We had another busy year, filled with so many highlights!

From breaking ground on new developments and designing custom homes to the Artisan Home Tour and showing our Dream Home (over 1,700 people visited it during the Fall Parade!) to growing Custom One Charities – we’ve been a part of so many rewarding projects this past year.

As we enter the holiday season and count down the days until Christmas, we wanted to take the time to say thank you. Thank you to our amazing clients for choosing us. We’ve built some long-lasting relationships with clients this year that we truly cherish.

Thank you to our industry partners, suppliers, and colleagues who inspire us daily. Thank you to everyone who’s helping us make a difference through Custom One Charities. And lastly, thank you to our team: you are the most talented, passionate, and big-hearted people in this business!

Watch the video below to hear our wonderful President, Todd, give his impressions on the past year in the life of Custom One Homes!

The holiday season is right around the corner, and we’re already dreaming of our favorite festive activities. While we’re looking forward to copious amounts of hot cocoa and curling up in front of a warm fire, we’ve also been thinking a lot about holiday hosting. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve, most of us picture celebrating with our nearest and dearest.

For those who host holiday gatherings, planning and preparation usually begins in the kitchen. From cooking meals to baking cookies and everything in between, the kitchen is command central during the holidays. It’s also likely to be where most of your guests naturally gravitate. After all, it’s the source of all those delicious smells and goodies!

With that in mind, we’re sharing a few of our favorite client kitchens for whipping up tasty treats. If you’re looking for a little kitchen inspiration this holiday season, take a peek at the photos below!

At Custom One Homes, we firmly believe each and every member of our team is what sets us apart from the rest. Their hard work, dedication, and creative spirit are what drives our business and we wouldn’t be where we are without them. So, we think it’s only fair to give them the recognition they deserve!

It’s time to shine the spotlight on our Vice President, Cheryl Mann. Cheryl has been with Custom One Homes from the very beginning and it’s safe to say she’s an integral part of our team! With 40 years of experience, Cheryl knows the custom home building industry inside and out. Keep reading to learn more about how Cheryl got started in the industry, how she serves our clients, and what she loves about being part of the Custom One team.

Name: Cheryl Mann
Title: Vice President
Years at Custom One: 36
Years in the Industry: 40

What is your brief professional history?

I started working for a local real estate company in 1979 until that owner later sold it to start a building company in 1983.

How did you get into the custom home building industry?

I handled closings and all accounting for the real estate company, then I transitioned into estimating/accounting for a building company. 

Favorite part of your job?

I love the interaction with all parties (homeowners, tradespeople, suppliers) and collaborating to see a project come to completion. Turning over the keys to a new home and watching the process happen from the ground up is the best.    

How do you overcome challenges or problem-solve in your position?

Challenges are always overcome by working together as a team, including staff, tradespeople, and suppliers. It is important that everyone is on the same page and understands their responsibilities. 

What design trend are you digging right now?

I love anything our interior designer comes up with! She is the best; and just when I think she’s nailed it, she comes up with something new.   

What’s your design style?

Modern Rustic 

What do you wish people knew about your job or industry?

I wish people knew the number of parts and pieces it takes to build the whole puzzle. There are loads of moving pieces, and the colors and patterns of them are changing constantly.   

What’s your biggest work quirk or what are you known for around the office?

I have been here forever and am obsessed with my job, is that a work quirk?

Where can you be found outside of work?

With family, especially my kids and grandkids.   

What are your hobbies?

Soaking up some sun on a boat in the middle of the lake, riding the motorcycle with my husband, and definitely travel.   

Do you have a pet?

No pets currently, but I sure do want one. We just haven’t made that leap again.  

Twins or Vikings?

Vikings – go, team!

Summer or winter?

Summer, always summer!

Lake or ocean?

Ocean, preferably on a cruise ship.

Traveler or homebody?

Both really; I just don’t travel as much as I would like.

Ice cream or hamburgers?

Hmmm, I really love a good hamburger. 

What’s your favorite meal or Twin Cities restaurant?

My son is a foodie, anywhere he picks becomes a favorite.

We hope you enjoyed getting to know a little about Cheryl and her experience as part of the Custom One Homes team. We’ll be sharing more about the heroes of Custom One Homes, so be on the lookout for future Q&A’s!

As you may know, the team at Custom One Homes is all about giving back to our community. It’s why we started Custom One Charities, after all! With that in mind, we’re thrilled to give you the scoop on what we’ve been up to and what’s coming next! These events, one in the past and one in the future, are very exciting to our team. Both events offer a fun way to get to know our community members while giving back. Keep reading for the details!

Past Event: 3rd Annual Custom One Homes Charity Golf Tournament

We hosted our annual charity golf tournament at the Prestwick golf course in July. Not only was it a gorgeous day, but we also raised over $65,000 in support of Make-A-Wish and other local organizations. We love how the video turned out and are so thankful for the hard work of our Custom One team and all of our wonderful sponsors.

Future Event: The Mix – A Party with a Purpose

Saturday, February 8, 2020
A’bulae – 255 6th Street E, St. Paul

We’re starting 2020 off right with a party, but this isn’t just any party; it’s a party with a purpose! Featuring music by High & Mighty, this event is the perfect opportunity to socialize while giving back to the community. The proceeds from The Mix will support several local organizations, including:

Make-A-Wish Minnesota
Spare Key
Bridging
Woodbury Community Foundation
Custom One Charities

To learn more about this event watch the video below.

Have questions about either of these events or Custom One Charities? Contact our team.

We’re not quite ready for summer to end but fall is just around the corner. The good news? That means the Fall Parade of Homes is just a few weeks away! This year, we have three gorgeous homes and a new community on tour. While that’s exciting in itself, the team at Custom One Homes has another reason to celebrate. One of our entries will be featured as a Dream Home during the Fall Parade! Get the details below and be sure to stop by once the Fall Parade kicks off!

2019 Fall Parade of Homes
September 7th-29th
Open Thursdays through Sundays from 12:00 to 6:00 PM

Dream Home Model #66 – 5115 Woodlane Alcove, Woodbury, MN 55129
Parade Page

Located in the Autumn Bluff neighborhood in Woodbury, MN, this home is a must-see! Spanning 8,050 square feet, it includes 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, and a 4-stall garage. Featuring a rustic modern style, the home lies on a beautiful acreage lot with views of the neighboring bluff and wood ravine. Taking advantage of the surrounding area, the design includes an abundance of gorgeous natural details. From antique wood beams in the great room to weathered wood walls in the hearth room, each detail perfectly complements the style and location of the home. Rustic elements continue throughout the lower level, where a rough sawn ash countertop adorns the golf simulator viewing bar. The lower level is also home to an indoor regulation pickleball court and private deck overlooking the pool.

Upstairs, the vaulted master suite takes luxury to the next level. Embellished by whitewashed beams and vine-imprinted tile, the master includes a spa-like ensuite and walk-in closet. It also features a fireplace, beverage fridge, and private balcony, ensuring no opportunity for relaxation is missed.

Other highlights of the Custom One Homes Dream Home include:

• 4 fireplaces
• 10′ tall ceilings on the main level
• 9′ tall ceilings on the lower level
• Suspended main level staircase with art display area
• Kid’s playroom
• Exercise room

Don’t miss your chance to see this stunning home during the Fall Parade of Homes! Every $5 admission to tour our Dream Home will help the BATC-Housing First Minnesota Foundation’s efforts to build and remodel homes for area families in need.