World, Meet G-Lite...G-Lite, meet the World.

So how do you introduce the world to a brand of homes described as cool, fun and affordable? You start by asking Jim Garman to put on a Dorothy costume, that's how! Because it really doesn't get any cooler than that.

When Jim first asked about our marketing plan for G-Lite I said I thought we should do a postcard campaign. He pretended not to be underwhelmed but I saw that flash of, 'really, postcards?'. After all, postcards had been done. To death. Sure they could be affordable and somewhat fun but cool? No way. Um...yes way. The G-Lite postcards are about as cool, fun and affordable as it gets. I mean, if I do say so myself. And I do tend to say so.

We brainstormed themes for the postcards and Kathie said, 'what about the Garman Bunch, like the Brady Bunch?' We could start with, 'here's the story, from a team named, Garman' then later Randy said, what about the Wizard of Oz, 'there's no place like Garman Homes' and just like that theme for the G-Lite postcards was born. We decided dressing up like some of our favorite iconic images would be hysterically funny, memorable and really cool.

Postcard 1:
The Garman Bunch kicked us off...we encouraged people to stay tuned for scenes from our next episode where Alice moves out and buys her very own G-Lite home.

Postcard 2:
Abbey Road was next where we crossed the 'road to new home ownership' and invited people to 'come together, right now, over G-Lite.'

Postcard 3:
The Wizard of Oz is the one we hear the most about, which might have something to do with Jim dressed as Dorothy.

Postcard 4:
The Blues Brothers shoot made us laugh so much we a really hard time keeping a straight face in the shots...and talk about affordable-those hats and that tie I was wearing were promptly returned to the store once we wrapped the shoot!

Postcard 5:
The G-Team...I'm not sure about the parallel between Randy and Mr. T but somehow it works. Bigtime. And the shot we got of all of them coming out of the garage to attack us with power tools still makes me giggle.

So there you have it...The G-Lite postcards...collect all 5 (like the Scooby Doo glasses back in the day that you could buy from Burger King). Do you have your postcards? If not, you're missing out. Give me a shout, I'll hook you up.

p.s. we've already made a few sales off of them.

The G-Lite Backstory

What if we took the same trade partners that build our 300-600k homes and we ask them to build a series of homes priced 180-240k?  Would they balk?  Or would they dive in?  Could we offer the same G-Team follow-up?  And could we do it over and over again during the heat of the tax credit season? 

Welcome to G-Lite!  Originally called Garman Lite, these four great floor plans offer great living spaces for very little money.  Our architect, our engineer, and our key trade partners designed these plans with Alaina's careful supervision.  We found ways to strip out cost without losing the Garman signature touches...built-in benches, cool inerior doors, and fantastic open kitchen/breakfast/family room layouts. 

Ask us about our three G-Lite communities...Emorywood in Durham, and Bridgewater & Holly Glen in Holly Springs.  And stay tuned for cool youtube G-Lite commercials written, produced, acted, and edited by the Garman Homes team! 

60 Posts in 60 Days!

Alaina and I will be posting every day for the next two months!  Through this blog we will define Garman 2.0 for ourselves and for you.  Join us!  Subscribe by going to our blog and entering your email address.  We'd love to have you along for this adventure. \JG

What I learned as a warranty manager...

Earlier this year I began spending more time managing our warranty process than I did managing our sales team (for better or worse, depending on who you ask). I was called to the role in a completely instinctual way. I felt like I couldn't think about any future buyers unless I knew that our homeowners were getting what they needed. And the truth of the matter was we had homeowners out there who didn't have what they needed. [Remember when Jim referenced those 'punch in the stomach' moments...that was my moment.]

As a sales manager, I get to know our buyers at their happiest -full of hopes and dreams for their new life in their new home. As a warranty manager, I got to know our buyers in a whole new way. For starters, they weren't always happy. Some were frustrated (with good reason). I was prepared for that and I felt empowered knowing I could help them. I wasn't as prepared for our reflective buyers. The buyers that asked if I would meet with them so they could share their thoughts on our building experience.

It was like they went to school on us and it was report card time. What I learned confirmed something I already knew-we have the best buyers in the world. Buyers who truly care about whether or not we succeed. Buyers that give us the benefit of the doubt when we occasionally come up short. Buyers who believe in us. I will always be grateful to those buyers.

Here's what else I learned:

I learned that setting good expectations for our buyers is a work in progress.

I learned that we always want to say yes but sometimes we have to say no.

I learned that if we build a relationship along with the house it is a much better experience for everyone.

and I learned that we'll keep learning. One buyer at a time.

Introducing Garman 2.0!

Dear Friends & Family,

We started our first Garman Home three years ago this week.  I'll never forget seeing the lumber package dropped off at Lochside lot 103 in Durham.  I laughed out loud when I saw "Garman Homes" crudely spray-painted on the side of the panels.  It was like hearing our song on the radio for the first time.  What a rush!  

Since then, we have built over 100 homes for some of the best people in the world.  And what a ride it has been!  We have made some money and lost some money.  We have expanded our team and contracted our team.  We have delighted customers and, at times, frustrated some customers.  The ups have been intoxicating and the downs have been like a punch in the stomach.  But I wouldn't trade it for the world.  

Garman 2.0 is about putting together the lessons from our first three years into a new Garman Homes.  Over the next 60 days, Alaina and I will lay it out there for you.  We will write about what we are changing, why we are changing, and what the stories are that taught us the lessons.  We'll introduce our new team.  We share commitments with you.  Doesn't it always help to tell those you love what your resolutions are?

I ask you to follow us for 60 days.  One post at a time.  Drop us feedback comments.  Encourage your friends and neighbors to jump on.  Send us notes with topics you would like us to write about.  At the end of this journey, we hope to be closer to each of you and closer to defining what will make Garman 2.0 a hit record.  

Thank you for all your love, support, and confidence over the past three years.  Know that we have taken your feedback to heart and will never forget that our relationships with all of you are what will make our company great.  \JG