Sisler Builders 30 year anniversary. What a milestone! As I reflect on this achievement, I am proud and humbled by what an idea has turned into. President and Vermonter Calvin Coolidge once commented, “…Persistence alone is Omnipotent,” a phrase which has consistently motivated me, especially during the tough moments. The upcoming years motivate me even more.
The promise of our talented people, the ongoing technological progression charging into the construction field, and the new palette of building materials all make this an exciting time to be a builder. I look toward the future with the same sense of wonder, trepidation, and anticipation as I did when I embarked on this journey.
I’ve been thinking lately about the “connectedness” of things. Our company, now 30 employees strong, became what it is by honoring basic principles that apply in many endeavors. Whether it’s coaching or competing, being a parent or building a home, the values of respect, preparation, challenge, and follow-through work every time. I’m struck, looking back, by how similar the obstacles and outcomes can be, at the hockey arena, the dinner table, or the building site.
Generally I’m not one for mottos or mantras, but if pressed I would say we endeavor to build efficiently, with a long view, utilizing materials and techniques that champion that view. We value respect for people, quality products, and the planet.
Respect for people
I see a good example in the recent economic downturn. At Sisler Builders, we made it a priority to honor the commitments made to and by our employees. During the worst housing market in several decades, we adapted our work to keep our entire staff not just employed, but continuing to contribute to their families, their communities, to the recovery, and to a resilient business. One of our carpenters described the changes in his commute from a nearby town – from bustling, to sparse, to lonely. At its worst, he felt that he was the only one from his community heading anywhere. Now, the roads are filling again, but I know the driver of one silver Sisler Builders pick-up appreciates the drive a little more and that means a lot to me.
Just like our employees, loyalty on the playing field comes from investing in the team when times are tough. Below zero morning practices at the old outdoor Jackson Ice Arena forged some great teams, built character and life skills that endure for all participants.
Respect for quality product
A local theater group recently performed “It’s a Wonderful Life.” There’s a line where Pa Bailey explains to his son, who wants to do greater things, “You know, George, I feel that in a small way we are doing something important. Satisfying a fundamental urge. It’s deep in the race for a man to want his own roof and walls and fireplace, and we’re helping him get those things in our shabby little office.” I don’t find our office shabby, but I do find the same sense of satisfaction Pa expressed. We’ve been privileged to have been chosen to build and remodel many awesome homes for many wonderful people. Yet I believe the home includes so much more than a roof and walls and fireplace. It provides peace and security, identity, self-expression, family, community—attributes I know our buildings will deliver for decades.
Respect for planet and future
How we build is critical to how we will live, and it is for the long term. We are committed to building with respect for the planet. Sustainability includes not just energy use and consumption but emissions and our overall footprint. We build aware of the life cycle analysis of the resources we employ. We will always seek to optimize our people, through training and support, the technology we use and install and in creating custom living solutions with style, quality, and respect.
From here, we will build on the values we have forged and embodied. I plan to help guide our talented people to continue to live up to the high standards we have set and delivered in our first 30 years and raise the bar, as energy issues demand, for the coming decades.
Thanks for your support, past and future!
Steve Sisler, Owner
