Dennis Ginder, Division President of Mattamy Homes in Jacksonville.
Profile: Dennis Ginder
Name: Dennis Ginder
Company/Title: Mattamy Homes, Division President
Age: 38
Family: Wife, Elaine; children, Alexa, 12; Karis, 6; Landon, 4
Education: University of North Florida, BS in Construction
Management
Q. You were recently installed as president of the St. Johns Builders Council. Do you see signs of economic improvement in Jacksonville">St. Johns County?
A. We have recently seen improvement in the residential market due to the $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers. Plus, while most of Florida was suffering population decline, Jacksonville">St. Johns County was one of the few counties seeing positive growth. This helped stabilize the economy.
Q. You were also named Builder of the Year by that organization. How do you earn an honor like that?
A. This honor had special meaning because it is awarded to one builder who has contributed both to the community and to the organization. Making it even more special, the recipient is selected by a vote of the membership. Anytime you’re recognized by your peers, it gives an award even more significance. ?
Q. Have the recent tough times for builders changed you, either personally or in the way you do business?
A. Oh, yes. The tough times have made us change our entire thought process and to re-evaluate the way we make decisions. I think we’ll all come out of this as stronger people and smarter businesspeople. Certainly, I think we’ve all learned a lot about adversity and empathy.
Q. Your company is frequently involved in charitable activities. Why is that important, particularly when bottom lines are being squeezed?
A. Tough times for the building industry means even tougher times for our charities and not-for-profits. They need our help now more than ever before. We have to remain involved in any way we can—through contributions of time, money or expertise.
Q. What charitable projects have you found particularly rewarding?
A. All of them, but I’ll give you an example. Last summer we partnered with the St. Augustine Record and built a Habitat for Humanity home in St. Augustine in just seven days. Construction began late on a Friday afternoon and was completed ?by the following Thursday. Not only did we complete the home ahead of schedule, we were able to save Habitat approximately $16,000 in construction costs.
Q. What do you do to relax? ?Avocations? ?Hobbies, interests?
A. My favorite pastimes are turning off my phone and spending quality time with my family. I also enjoy spending time on the water boating, fishing or swimming. I enjoy outdoor activities with family and friends.
Q. What do you listen to on your iPod?
A. I typically have a mix, which includes a combination of ‘80s music, Jimmy Buffett and alternative music. But I like everything from country to rock and anything in-between. I pick whatever fits my mood.
Q. Did you always want to be a builder?
A. Both of my parents were in the construction industry, so it was dinnertable talk when I was growing up. Still, I thought I’d most likely be a teacher or an engineer. Then I found that I loved seeing all the smiles when I’d deliver a new home. And I loved the feeling of driving back through a community and seeing kids riding safely on bikes and families enjoying a birthday party or splashing in a pool. ?It provides tremendous satisfaction to help create environments in which people can raise their children and enjoy their lives.
Q. Who are your personal heroes?
A. My parents. Married 39 years and both worked full-time while raising a family. They taught me right from wrong, to treat people how you’d want to be treated and to work hard. They taught me the importance of being honorable, sincere and easygoing.