Kyle Highsmith gave this painting to Michael Lopresti who built the home.
Southside Contractors, Inc.
Quality Building and Remodeling By Sylvia Allen Editor SOUTH BRUNSWICK- Michael “Mike” Lopresti is a Class A Contractor and the owner of Southside Contractors, Inc. He takes great pride in his company and the services he provides. He enjoys all aspects of the construction business, including new construction and remodeling, and constantly strives to stay up to date on the latest trends and available customer options. Mike has been in business in Brunswick County since June 1996 and has worked hard to build a strong and loyal customer base. “I consider customer referrals the best advertisement a company can have. At times we are blessed to have more work than we can handle, but this is a wonderful problem to have. Often customers contact me for work and the price of the job doesn’t even come up. This is mainly due to the trust we have created with the community and this means the world to me.” Southside Contractors, Inc. has been serving Southside Virginia for over 24 years and examples of their work can been seen in a variety of forms, including new construction, small and large remodels, additions, and roofing. When asked if he preferred new construction or remodeling, he gave an interesting
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County Lifestyle Magazine
answer- “I’d have to say I enjoy remodeling jobs more than new construction. Often with new construction there are very few surprises, but with remodeling I try my best to ensure we find the ‘wow’ factor. People are amazed when they see what we can accomplish in the space they already have. The trend lately seems to be replacement windows and large kitchen remodels that include an open concept with granite countertops that allow families the space to gather and fellowship. Many people call Mike at all hours for advice and guidance that never end with a job. Recently a realtor asked him to come look at a house and recommend what work needed to be done because she trusted his judgment and experience. Mike said he also has dozens of keys to properties around the county and Lake Gaston because the home owners have trusted him to repair any issues that arise with their properties. Some customers have become very close friends over the years. Mike said that Gloria Johnson is a long- time customer who now considers him her “son.” “She sat in the grandmothers’ section at my daughter’s wedding,” Mike said. When asked about initial conversations he has with customers, he said that he always encourages them to start with their “wish list” and then they can go from there. “It’s easier to start at the top
and work down. We can make changes to fit almost any budget. I want people to get what they want, and I don’t want them to wish they had done something differently when the job is completed.” When asked to share a challenge he faces, he said it would be to make sure his customers are up to date on the newest trends and construction techniques. He shared how one customer wanted vinyl siding on her home but was sad and certain that her late husband’s handmade dental molding would be lost. However, Mike was able to find the same dental molding in vinyl at Lawrenceville Building Supply and the customer was thrilled. Mike closed our conversation by again stating how much he enjoys what he does. “I enjoy my work, but I enjoy the relationships with my customers more. If I can’t do the work, I will help to find another reputable contractor to do it!” Mike and his wife, Dede, have two children, Joey Lopresti who works at the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and Nikki Kallam who works at Chase City Health and Rehab. They also have four grandchildren. For more information about Southside Contractors, Inc. call (434) 637-3572 or email them at southsidecontractorsinc@ hotmail.com