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I ’m involved in the building business, but GreenStone helped us understand what we needed to do...
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really committed to learning about the construction loan process. With their attention to detail and willingness to learn, my job was made easier. The Schweiger’s are not only great customers of GreenStone, but they have become great friends and a prime example of the people we serve.” Jeff and Dawn quickly learned both the upside and downside of DIY. They enjoyed tweaking the architect’s plans to reflect what they both wanted in their dream house, which included an extra-large garage, a big kitchen island, moving the bedroom windows and even creating a large playroom out of empty space above the garage. The downside? It was frequently difficult to find and schedule sub-contractors who had the time available to do the projects that were outside of Jeff’s expertise. Dawn took on the role of designer, and spent many hours choosing paint, tile, flooring and cabinetry.
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“When you are doing it yourself, you have a vision, but you don’t know how the room’s going to look when it’s done,” Dawn adds. “Will the tile match? Will the colors flow from room to room? I spent a lot of time on Pinterest.” Both Jeff and Dawn agree that building your own home is like having an additional job, and planning should optimally begin a full year before ground is broken. “A year in advance, pretend you’re going to begin to build in six months. There’s always something you’re going to miss in the planning
➡Above: Despite some initial setbacks, the Schweigers enjoyed customizing their new house to include all of the features on their personal must-have lists. The spacious, light-filled home includes country views and room to grow!
process, and this way you’ll have an extra six months to pick up the pieces and get it figured out,” advises Jeff. If given the chance at a do-over, would the Schweigers make any changes to their finished dream home? “We’ve had a few people ask us that,” Jeff answers. “And I’m happy to say, we wouldn’t change a thing.” ■
COUNTRY LIVING – OPEN FIELDS BLOG BRIEF
GreenStone publishes regular updates on our Open Fields blog. Check out some of the posts you may have missed at www.greenstonefcs.com. Giving Back to Grieving Families The loss of a loved one can be especially challenging for young people, and Ele’s Place works to help children through the grieving process. GreenStone employees, Ananda and Cheryl both volunteer to help the families in need on a regular basis. ■
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“It was fun,” she comments. “But it was also very stressful visiting paint stores, comparing prices and making decisions with a toddler along!
Spring 2020 — Partners
Coaching the Next Generation
Raising Morale
Jim Kosmerick, GreenStone brand manager, exemplifies GreenStone’s four core values through coaching youth baseball. ■
Our branches support many local causes. Recently, the Alpena and Mt. Pleasant locations came together to support our military troops halfway across the world. It started as a suggestion from Financial Services Officer Karen Ansell, whose son is deployed in the Air Force, and her action soon grew into a team effort. ■
Getting Involved and Giving Back Working together, the Adrian branch team exemplifies GreenStone’s community service through their support of the Catherine Cobb Domestic Violence Shelter. ■