MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — In 1976, John Solomon founded Solomon Homes.
In the beginning, he had just four employees to grow his business of selling modular homes.
Now, 43 years later, Solomon Homes has transformed into what is known as American Homes. There are now more than 40 employees working together to construct, sell and set up homes around the region.
American Homes is a family-owned business, and has been able to “provide quality housing at an affordable price,” according to its website. American Homes services north-central West Virginia, south western Pennsylvania and the western region of Maryland.
Holly Glenn, executive director of American Homes, said what makes the business unique are the years of experience all the employees have.
“Our experience is a big reason people trust us with this major purchase in their life,” Glenn said.
Glenn has been at American Homes for 20 years. American Homes is the oldest manufactured home dealer in West Virginia. Another benefit to American Homes is the customization of any home, according to Glenn.
Glenn said once a family decides on a floor plan and customizes it to their “dream home,” pricing of the home is looked at to meet the pricing requirements of the customer. After pricing is settled, a delivery manager visits the site where the home is to be placed. Finally, a business manager assists the buyer with financing.
The details of the home are sent to one of the five manufacturers that work with American Homes, to create the plan and specs of the home. The house is then built in a factory, which only takes a week to build, according to Glenn.
Glenn said modular homes are different from other homes that are built onsite. Each home is constructed in a controlled environment, so the weather does not interfere with the construction.
While the house is being built, the contractors work on the foundation, utilities and additional site work.
Each floor plan is versatile to suit the needs and style of anyone. The plans are built as modular or customers can bring in a plan of their own. The style of housing they provide includes Ranch, Two-Story, Split Entry, Cape Cod, Chalet, Custom, Vacation Homes, Bonus Ranch home styles, Singlewides, sectionals and Commercial space options.
Being a family-owned business, Glenn said it is not just the employees who feel like family, but the customers share the same attitude. There are many benefits to a family-owned business, and Glenn said one of them is being able to express her ideas and opinions without the wait.
“If I have an idea that I want to implement, I can just walk down the hall … you don’t have to go through the chain of command or corporate … it’s just so much easier working in a family business,” she said.
TMorgan@DominionPost.com
