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Background Ezell-Morgan Construction was first incorporated in April, 1991. The articles of incorporation were filed just prior to the untimely death of Johnny B. Ezell, Brian and Neal's father. Johnny began building homes in Lawrence in 1964 and was the first President of the Lawrence Home Builders Association. Many of his original subcontractors and suppliers continue to work with Ezell-Morgan Construction and have been instrumental in the company's early success. Ezell-Morgan Construction focuses mainly on single-family homes and builds about 50% custom and 50% speculative homes. They build about 15-20 homes per year and build only in Lawrence. Residential construction has gone through major changes over the past 5-10 years. The extensive use of engineered materials and products, home automation, much more stringent codes that change often, soils engineering requirements, etc., make finding a competent and knowledgeable contractor more important today than it has ever been.
The Partners The officers that make up the corporation each have extensive and diverse backgrounds in the Lawrence construction industry. Their talents and experience complement each other to form a well-rounded team.
Neal Ezell , President Neal worked for several different contractors in Lawrence for five years as a framing/finishing carpenter and job superintendent after high school. He then attended KU while continuing to work in construction during the summers. In December 1988, he received a BS degree in Engineering Physics. While studying for his MS in Electrical Engineering, Neal was hired by the Rockwell Shuttle Operations Company at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, where he worked for two and a half years. He then moved back to Lawrence and worked one year for Control Systems International in Overland Park, Kansas . Neal was President of the Lawrence Home Builders Association in 1998. He and his wife Shelley have been married 27 years and have two children. Neal spends most of his time in the office where his experience with computers influences nearly every phase of Ezell-Morgan's business. Computer Aided Design, estimating, job costing, and accounting are all integrated to make the office run efficiently. Neal currently serves on the Building Code Board of Appeals for the city of Lawrence.
Larry Morgan, VP Larry spent six years as a foreman and superintendent in commercial construction and two years in the army. He has worked as a concrete contractor in Lawrence for over 40 years. He has earned a reputation for quality that has been much sought after among building contractors in the Lawrence area. Larry and his wife Theresa have been married for 39 years and have five children. Larry is also an expert with foundations and excavation, which are the two areas in construction that are potentially the most costly and unpredictable. Larry also works with the civil engineers and the utility companies on development projects.
Brian Ezell, VP Brian has worked as a finish carpenter for several different contractors in Lawrence from 1983 through 1991. During that time he also gained experience as a job superintendent for J.B. Ezell Construction. Brian and Cheri have been married for 23 years and have three children. Brian spends most of his time in the field supervising everything past the foundation stage. He, therefore, sets the schedule of all the jobs which may be as many as 15-20 at a time. He also finds time to build decks and do some finish carpentry.
The Subcontractors Ezell-Morgan can only take limited credit for the quality of its homes, since the subcontractors perform the bulk of the work. Ezell-Morgan strives to maintain long term relationships with quality-conscious, stable, and dependable subcontractors who are the best in their field and will stand behind their work. This is done by providing the subs with a steady volume of work year around, by maintaining a consistent level of quality, and most importantly, by paying them on time! Some of the subs have worked for Ezell-Morgan or J.B. Ezell for over 35 years.
Price A contractor's volume of work can have a major impact on his price and the schedule. If the contractor does not do enough work, he is forced to shop for bids from whatever subcontractors may be available. These contractors may not be familiar with the contractor's mode of operation. Once hired, these subs are not motivated to perform by the promise of a steady supply of future work. Instead, the contractor may represent a low priority. As with any business, the subs will always take care of their best customers first. Because of Ezell-Morgan's volume and prompt bill payment, they demand the lowest possible prices from their suppliers, subcontractors and professionals. Close contact is maintained with the project site, especially during the most costly phases of construction, such as excavation, foundation, and framing where a small error can easily snowball into a major cost overrun. The benefits of their frugality and attention are reflected in the price. Ezell-Morgan has a reputation with the real estate community of not negotiating on price. Johnny Ezell used to say, "An over-priced home benefits noone but the bank, price it to sell and move on to the next project!" The final price of the home is determined by a sophisticated computer program that is constantly updated with the latest material and labor price changes. The construction budget is broken down into nearly one hundred separate categories and subcategories that are closely monitored throughout the project with the use of an integrated job costing system. This data is in turn used to refine and adjust the estimation program for future projects. Since Ezell-Morgan uses the same subs on every job, almost no bids are required. The final price of a new home can often be determined in less than an hour.
The Customer Ezell-Morgan maintains an open door policy with their customers. Customers are encouraged to ask questions and to visit the construction site regularly. Once the customer has moved into their new home, any problems are attended to as quickly as possible. As is often the case, it may be the president of the company that comes by to adjust your door or caulk a window.
Our Philosophy Johnny Ezell's philosophy was to give the customer the best possible product for the lowest possible price. He did no advertising, and used no gimmicks. He was respected for his fairness and honesty. His customers knew they were getting the most their money could buy. Ezell-Morgan has endeavored to maintain this philosophy. Ezell-Morgan constantly updates their home designs to incorporate the latest products, techniques and engineering innovations to provide their customers with the most cost-effective, quality product that they will appreciate for many years. Many features incorporated in their homes may go unnoticed by the average homebuyer, but are of the utmost importance as the home ages. They are the result of years of experience with the unique climate and building conditions found in Lawrence and are what defines an Ezell-Morgan built home. |
Ezell-Morgan Construction
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