November 17, 2009

In spite of the economic slowdown in the real estate market, University of Virginia Darden School of Business graduate Drew Holzwarth says he looked on the bright side, and saw the timing as a potential to jump start things.

In fact, Holzwarth was motivated by a message delivered by President Obama. Obama said, "People who take risks at the bottom of the market, and stick their necks out a bit, tend to be rewarded."

Holzwarth took that leap of faith seven months ago and launched Piedmont Realty & Construction, which is a Charlottesville owned and operated home building company focused on the craft of building high quality, earth friendly homes.

"Certainly for the residential construction industry, it was a scary time, but there were so many talented people that were on the street. We've delivered five home, we have nine more under construction, fourteen total sales. We've roughly put 60 people back to work through our efforts," said Holzwarth.

His efforts to bring back to life "shovel-ready projects" and much-needed jobs to central Virginia has not gone unrecognized. Despite its infancy, Piedmont Realty and Construction won two Best in Show awards at this fall's Parade of Homes.

"We're focused on being architecturally authentic. Our earth-friendly construction - foam insulation and high HVAC - is so our homes are not only affordable to purchase, but they're going to be affordable to operate for years to come," said Holzwarth.

The homes run in the upper-$200's, and you will find them in the communities of Old Trail and Spring Creek.

Holzwarth also recognize he is fortunate in another area; he has been able to build Piedmont Realty and Construction without stimulus money. Instead, Holzwarth has built his business on reputation. Private lenders and investors have seen his resume, which includes having built 4,500 homes in northern Virginia before moving back to the Charlottesville area.

While starting a small business in the real estate market may sound like a daunting task in today's economy, Holzwarth took and risk and it has paid off. Holzwarth heeded President Obama's words and took a risk. Now, he hopes the fortunate run continues for locally owned and operated Piedmont Realty and Construction, and its workforce.