“Eight years ago, I decided to start flipping houses,” explains Art Ramirez, aka Art the Builder. His marketing strategy and savvy technology background have elevated his social media and advertising presence. He explains, “75 percent of our leads, in some shape or form, come through Facebook marketing.” In addition, Art’s success stems from using energy-efficient products and a higher quality of craftsmanship. “We use great products that will save clients money in the long run,” he says. “It may cost more upfront, but clients ultimately save money.” Building exquisite homes, his specialties include remodels and new construction – and he recently added industrial jobs to his portfolio.
myself to become a victim of circumstance.” Receiving his bachelor’s degree in business management and an associate’s degree in information systems, Art worked his way up the ranks in the field of IT. Yet something still felt out of place. “I knew I wasn’t 100 percent passionate about it,” he confides. “I felt there was more in life I wasn’t touching on.” Although his father pushed him to pursue IT, construction was Art’s true calling. He began flipping houses for fun, realizing he truly loved it and could nearly match his income in IT. He resigned and started his own construction business.
Art’s promise: quality construction hits home
One month into his new endeavor, Art received a call from a former IT client: Mark Garza, president and owner of Kingdom Builders. Mark was interested in login credentials for his Kingdom Builders website. “After a quick 10-minute catch-up conversation over the phone, Mark and I scheduled a meeting with each other that Friday,” he laughs. “Within two hours, we formed Summit Construction, and our partnership has been running three years strong.” With Art handling most of the business side, including contracts, correspondence and marketing, Mark oversees the operations, scheduling and management. “The great thing is, we have the ability to swap roles at any time.”
Growing up in Agua Dulce, Art’s journey has been a humbling one. His Facebook page reads: “The House That Built Me,” with a backdrop photo of his childhood home. “My father was a carpenter throughout my childhood,” he describes. Growing up, his family scrapped by. “We lived in a house that was less than 800 square feet with five people living in it,” he says. “We didn't have air conditioning until my later years. As kids, we knew what candles were, not because a storm had come through, but because (at times) we couldn’t pay the light bill.” Although times were tough, he describes boldly, “I wouldn’t allow
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Opportunity knocks
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