PROFIT

BUSINESSSPOTLIGHT TIMELINE

W E RS C H AY H OM ES

1992

Build Differently In high school David Werschay hated construction. Today, the owner of Werschay Homes says "I love this stuff."

David Werschay graduates from college with a degree in computer programming and no interest in pursuing it as a career

By Gail Ivers

1992 PERSONAL PROFILE

David Werschay, 52 Hometown: St. Cloud Education: Apollo High School; two years at St. Cloud State University; three years at Ferris University, Michigan, graduating with a degree in computer programming

Business Central: How did you become a builder? Werschay: When I was in high school I needed a summer job. I said I would do anything but construction. Except no one would hire me -- not even Landy Packing. So I called a guy I knew in construction. He asked if I had ever roofed a house. I lied and said yes. I learned everything over those next two years. The best part was that I learned what I was not going to do, which was construction. Then I graduated from college with a degree in computer programming and learned lesson number two -- I hated computer programming. Ken Croat called and asked if I wanted to work for

him again. I said no, I hate construction. He said “You weren’t any good at it either.” But he was looking for someone to help in the office not the field, so I agreed. Turned out I liked it. When I started we were doing 12 homes a year. Twelve years later we were doing 100 homes a year. BC: How did you get started on your own? Werschay: After I left Croat Kerfeld I spent about three months trying different things. Finally Molly said, “Can we go build houses now?” We both had a passion to build differently. Molly is great at the interior design, working with clients and helping them meet deadlines.

Family: Wife Molly; a 16-year-old son and a 15-year-old-daughter Hobbies: Fitness and nutrition; outdoor activities, including snowboarding; family time

I like to design and problem solve. We set up business and it’s been a blast ever since. BC: What's been your biggest challenge? Werschay: The Recession wasn’t fun for anyone. At one point I didn’t know how I was going to make payroll. I had this patio home for sale and out of the blue I got a call from a woman who needed a home. She bought the patio home with cash and the deal was done in two weeks.

Werschay joins Croat Kerfeld Homes, teaches himself CAD (computer aided design) and begins designing homes

August 14, 2003 Werschay resigns from Croat Kerfeld and he and his wife Molly start Werschay Homes, Werschay Real Estate Services, and Renovate

2004 Werschay establishes Werschay Land Development and begins working on his first neighborhood with other developers

2009 Werschay begins development of the Eagles Landing neighborhood in St. Augusta

2012 Werschay begins development of the DayBreak Neighborhood in Sartell; he moves from his original office space on County Road 74 to an office in downtown St. Cloud

2017 Werschay Homes moves from downtown St. Cloud to their current location on Roosevelt Road

September 15, 2020 Werschay begins development of The Gates at Blackberry in Sartell

FUN FACT AT A G L A N C E

Werschay Homes 3333 Roosevelt Road Saint Cloud, MN 56301-9673 (320) 230-9909 info@werschayhomes.com werschayhomes.com

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Business Description: Builder of custom homes, major remodeling and renovation projects, design/build services Owners: David and Molly Werschay

BusinessCentral Magazine.com // N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 0

Opened: August 2003 Number of Employees: 8, including David and Molly Joined the Chamber: September 2003

Werschay played competitive racquetball starting at age 14. He received a scholarship to play racquetball at Ferris University in Michigan.