Housing Giants - December 10, 2008 - (Page 20) f e at u r e ‘we’re ALwAyS LOOkING fOr cONTINUOUS ImprOvemeNT ANd LeArNING AS pArT Of OUr cULTUre.’ Rutt’s values and beliefs are simple and straightforward: persistence, perseverance and hard work, having “the right people on the bus,” and developing leaders within the company. For Keystone, it’s been a successful formula. The company’s closings will only be slightly down in 2008 compared to 2007, and revenues are expected to be about the same as last year. Rutt is forging ahead with plans to expand into Maryland, and he continues to evaluate potential land acquisitions. LOcAL mArkeT LeAder At age 20, Rutt bought a 200-acre dairy farm with 150 cows. Running the farm and staying active in his church sharpened his people skills: “I chaired several committees and watched how people developed into leaders.” A decade later, he swapped his 100hour week for a job in real-estate. Working with three local builders, he gained experience in market research, customer service, marketing and sales. In 1992, he founded Keystone Custom Homes. Recognizing that his strength lay on the marketing side rather than swinging a hammer, he hired an experienced construction manager who was also an engineer. Membership in a Builder 20 Club, Rutt says, helped him learn the ropes early on. Today Keystone has communities in south central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. Many customers come from Philadelphia or Baltimore. The company is active in six counties with product ranging from apartments, townhomes and duplexes to large single-family homes. Prices range from $150,000 to the mid-$500,000s. Chief Operating Officer Larry Wisdom was named president in April 2008. Rutt now concentrates on marketing and land acquisition and development, while 20 HOUSING GIANTS.12.10.08 www.HOUSINGGIANTS.cOm http://www.housinggiants.com
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