Max Freeman Featured in Building Arkansas Magazine

Max Freeman, American Builders - Rewarding Career
By: Amanda Johnson - Building Arkansas

Max Freeman of American Builders has dedicated his life to making dreams come true. “Home building is such a rewarding profession,” said Freeman. He has built a reputation in his community for being a dedicated, hard working builder.

Freeman began building homes in 1991 at age 49 with his partner Roy Bell. Their first home was a 2,010 square foot spec home located in the North Point Subdivision of Mountain Home. During the construction, American Builders sold the floor plan and built their first custom home from those plans. “Shortly after the start of the custom home, we contracted with a local physician to build three duplexes and American Builders was on its way,” said Freeman.

Freeman moved to Mountain Home in 1975 to be a principal for Thompson Insurance Inc., now called The Insurance Group. After many years Freeman realized that the insurance business was not his calling. “Insurance is a product that no one wants to buy and once it is purchased, certainly no one wants to use it,” said Freeman. “By being a builder I am helping people realize a dream.”

When he realized how rewarding building homes was, there was no turning back. “It is a wonderful feeling to work with our customers and take them from an idea in their minds to their completed home,” said Freeman.

Freeman attributes his inspiration for building to his brother-in-law. He feels that the people he works with on a daily basis are one of the greatest aspects of his job. “If I had to pick one of my favorite things about being a builder it would be the people involved in the building trade, from the workers at the building site each day to the many contacts I have made through my affiliation with the Home Builders Association,” said Freeman. He has been an active member of the Twin Lakes Home Builders Association since 1986. During that time he has served as Vice President, President and Social Chairman. He has also served as the Area Vice President of Northwest Arkansas for the Arkansas Home Builders Association and was recently elected as Treasurer for the 2007 term.

The biggest challenge that Freeman believes he faces as a builder is eliminating surprises and delivering a quality product. “For the most part, surprises are usually bad,” said Freeman. “I have found that they can be greatly reduced by maintaining quality communication with customers and by making sure contracts and building specifications completely detail the construction of the home from the footings to the finished product.”

American Builders is located in Mountain Home, where Freeman feels, is one of the best retirement communities in the United States. He also believes that what continues to keep his business strong are the superb people that he does business with. “We use only established, professional subcontractors who carry general liability and workers’ compensation insurance, or those who have a legitimate certificate of non-coverage,” said Freeman.

The main priority and philosophy in business for American Builders is to give each of their customers the home they want and deserve. “We work closely with each customer from start to finish. We do not build a large quantity of homes, but we deliver a superior product because of our communication and hands-on approach,” said Freeman. “When the job is completed, our customers are our friends.”

Joining and being an active member of their local Home Builders Association Chapter is what Freeman recommends for small builders just starting out. “The members of the HBA are the true professional builders, artisan contractors, and suppliers,” said Freeman. “Networking with successful people in the field will greatly improve their knowledge and abilities as a builder.” He also feels that networking and his partners, both in building and insurance, have helped to make him a success.

In Arkansas, Freeman believes that there has been a slow down in construction and a large increase in the cost of new construction as well as a high inventory of spec homes in the state. He feels that these factors have made existing homes more attractive. “The home building slow down will extend through 2007. So as builders, we need to trim our budgets and look forward to better times in 2008,” said Freeman.

When Freeman is not building he enjoys spending time with his wife, Dorma. They enjoy traveling in their 37-foot motor home to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where they are members of the Arkansas Roadhogs. “We attend all of the football games,” said Freeman. “It’s a great party and eventually a football game breaks out.” They also enjoy camping and attending NASCAR races.

In the future Freeman plans to enjoy his family, NASCAR, the Razorbacks, and building. “I will continue to build for many years to come. I love the HBA, the challenge of building, and life,” said Freeman.