Construction Arts, Inc., has created a special niche in central Arkansas specializing in new construction, re-models, additions, pools, decks, and everything in between. Founded and operated by Scott McGibbony, Construction Arts has operated continuously as a full-service general contractor since 2008
Building in Arkansas staff met with Scott on-site as a full renovation project near Cantrell Road in the heart of Little Rock. Scott was accompanied by his job supervisor, Cody Enlow, and a host of other contractors were present working on the rehab job. Scot is a fifteen-year-plus veteran when it comes to restoring and building custom homes in Arkansas.
Upon initial conversation, Scott has a way of instantly putting you at ease with his knowledge and experience within the world of homebuilding. Upon personal observation of his work and the company’s website, it is clear Scott takes the ultimate care in his approach to quality and delivering a product his customers can truly call home.
Building in Arkansas staff and Scott McGibbony sat outside a beautiful older home he was in the process of renovating on a warm fall Arkansas afternoon. A good portion of the interview was spent talking about family and sporting events; however, when talking about his passion and commitment to servicing his customer’s building needs, Scott was very clear about the product and atmosphere he helped foster to create and place Construction Arts, Inc within the top tier of Arkansas builders.
BIA: Tell us about how you got started in the construction business.
Scott McGibbony: I started in this business on the supply side. Out of college, I went to work for a Louisiana brick Company. I learned how to sell brick and got my feet wet there; then I came back to Little Rock and was active with material sales like roofing, siding, and windows. I went to work for one of my customers and got started building in Maumelle around that time.
In 2008, with the down economy, I got laid off, I did whatever I could through business contacts I had and eventually just started my own and have been doing it ever since. Also, during that time, a builder I previously worked for wanted me to manage some of his projects, it was an opportunity to get my son involved with that builder as I continued that relationship. Here we are years later, still building new construction and remodels, house additions, kitchen decks, baths, anything.
BIA: What is the company’s vision for Construction arts?
Scott: At 59 years old, I feel good and feel like I’ll do this for as long as the good Lord lets me. But ultimately, I’m looking forward to my son becoming more integrated in our operations and taking on the lion’s share of our business and I’ll take a little back seat to him. Additionally, I have a job supervisor, Code Enlow, who works with me as well. He’s young and learning the business and doing a good job. So, the hope is we continue to grow with these younger folks assisting me.
BIA: Are you involved in any commercial projects?
Scott: I do some light commercial. I’ve done drugstore builds within strip malls. I’ve done a florist build-out as well. So, we’ll do some light commercial projects, but primarily we are new construction remodeled residents.
BIA: So commercial or residential, what’s been some of your biggest or toughest projects?
Scott: All of my homes, and something like this remodel here in Little Rock, are all custom. In terms of what’s been the toughest or the biggest; I’m starting a new construction house right now in Hot Springs. So that’s going to be a significant job. It will be a seven-unit complex on the lake. We’re doing all the structural rehab on some decks and cantilever decks. So, they all come with their own challenges, but I don’t know if I could pick out just one that was the toughest, we’ve done some swimming pools and outdoor living spaces; it’s really been cool. Those probably were some of the more challenging jobs.
I have done some spec homes but haven’t done any in the last couple of years just due to interest rates and market pressures that don’t make it a good idea to do a spec in my case. Some still do it, but for me, I don’t.
BIA: How is the vision for Construction Arts reflected in your employees and Son?
My son’s been with me since he was 15 years old. He learned from the ground up and he knows how to communicate with people. He gives the same respect to the millionaire homeowner as he does the mud machine operator. He knows we are a part of the process. We are not the end-all-to-be-all. We’re humble and we’re thankful. So, yes, my son and Cody, my job supervisor, understand that we do operate as a small business; and that I have a personal investment in people’s homes because it is a personal endeavor for them.
It’s another gig for us, but we make it personal because we have to give them that personal touch. It’s all about relationships and making sure the customer knows that you’re looking out for them.
BIA: What does the future for Construction Arts hold?
Scott: I think it’s going to hopefully be more of the same, where we continue to provide quality work for a fair price. These younger guys may grow this business differently as more technology comes into play. I still work with a yellow legal pad and a phone, but they will probably find more modern approaches in terms of technology.
BIA: What’s been your biggest lesson learned?
Scott: I would say one of the biggest lessons is being respectful to each person you come across; whether they are high on the totem pole or low, whatever that looks like. The subs here today laying hardwood floors are as important to this job as I am in a lot of ways. Also, do what you say you’re going to do, and try to underpromise and overachieve versus the reverse. With the current market, everything’s been slow, everything’s been slow, everything’s been expensive; I try to relay that on the front end and don’t give unrealistic expectations about timeframe and cost. I try to do a good job communicating with customers, subcontractors, and vendors.
The bottom line is when the day’s done, you want to back up what you’re saying with what you’re doing; not give false hope, and try now to disappoint. I’m a people pleaser and I like to do what I say I’m going to do, because we’re in a time where people understand that things are expensive and they’re probably going to have to pay a little more, but they want to get quality in what they are paying. It’s my job to ensure the quality is there and they’re happy at the end of the day
BIA: Anything that you want to add?
Scott: I’m proud of what I’ve built over the years. I’m proud of my relationships with my contractors and customers. I’m hopeful to continue to do it with my son’s help and my other son, so to speak; Cody Enlow. I look forward to building with those young men whom I was fortunate to get exposed to when I was younger.
I’m trying to teach them what I learned, and you don’t learn this from sitting in a truck on a phone. At times, you may have to get out and dig the ditch because if you have a guy working and it’s a hundred degrees and he’s looking at you like he doesn’t feel good; he might be playing you. Or if you knew what if feels like to dig that ditch in a hundred degrees; you know he needs to get in the shade. I’m a hands-on builder and my job is the only job I would want day in, day out. Construction Arts, Inc.