We were recently awarded the title of “Best Builder” by Bellingham Alive! Magazine. They hold an annual “Best of the Northwest” readers’ choice competition, and this is our third consecutive year of taking home the gold in the builder category. We take this level of recognition seriously and understand we now have a lot to live up to. As we think about what this award means to us and what we stand for, we examine a big question: What does it mean to be the best?

1. Being the Best Means We Deliver on Our Promises

We envision a world where homeowners and entrepreneurs don’t have to stress over finding an honest contractor. We’re committed to leading by example and shifting any stigmas that still exist. This means our estimates often reflect higher prices than some contractors may give. We’d rather set realistic expectations than surprise a client later with an unexpected bill. Knowing some things are out of our control, we provide information up front as to where costs are most likely to fluctuate and stay in constant communication with our clients in order to strategize together and find a path forward that meets their needs within a budget that makes sense.

2. Being the Best Means We Take Pride in What We Do

We hire people who care about getting things right. This starts from the first phone call a potential client makes to Highline all the way through project completion. Our office and field staff are A-players who deliver quality work time and time again. We’re a family-oriented company and want our employees to be able to take pride in a job well done. We hope they go home each day and tell their loved ones that they had a great day at work. When we accomplish that, we don’t just please our clients and our employees, but help foster a more positive community.

3. Being the Best Means We Strive for Continual Growth and Improvement

Our business will die if we stand still and let the world pass us by. We expect change daily and focus on fostering skills in our team to help ourselves adapt. We actively look for ways to improve and value opportunities to do so. This makes us receptive to feedback from our clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and employees. As a design-build firm, our designers and builders get to interact more with one another than they would at firms where only design services are offered or only build services are offered. The relationships we grow together help us better identify the gaps and how we can continue to improve our selves and our services.

4. Being the Best Means We Exceed Customer Expectations

Have you read our interview with the Friedmans? We get completely jazzed to get to the heart of what motivates our clients to take on their dream projects. The “why” is so critical to us, because it makes the difference between delivering a finished product vs. a dream come true. It’s why folks come to us for the really special stuff – like this enchanting treehouse. When we understand what makes our clients tick and how they want to live in their space, we can meet their needs with an end product that provides a lifestyle that suits them.

5. Being the Best Means We Help Grow a Vibrant and Resilient Community

We spread our love across at least a dozen organizations each year via financial contributions and are currently gearing up to partner with The Orderly Space again for another amazing service project. We believe Whatcom County is a truly special place and that we have a responsibility to do our part to foster a caring community.

When we stay focused on all of these priorities, we find we are able to successfully enrich the lives of our employees, our clients, and our community. And, while our commitment to upholding these values is not contingent upon winning “Best Builder” year after year, we admit it: we’re glad you noticed. Thank you for your votes. We’re ever so flattered.