Callen Construction Honored by NARI

Tom Callen says when he and his brother, Phil, started their company in 1988, they never imagined how their business would grow.

"We started as a windows, doors, roofing and siding place in about 350 square feet of space, so we couldn't imagine then being in our current facility, which is 2,500 square feet including our new showroom," Callen said.  Their current facility has been open since 1996, and now includes a separate interior design staff to service their customers' indoor remodeling needs.

Recently, Callen earned a silver award through the Wisconsin Remodelers Association for its work on a Wauwatosa kitchen remodel. Designer Janell Rasper said it was a real family project.

"We really got the input of everyone, including the high school aged kids," she explained.  "They wanted the feel of a breakfast 'room' but wanted it to stay very much a part of the whole kitchen. "

Incorporating the needs of the family, which included a comfortable, less formal space in which the kids could come in, "flop down and talk to mom after school," Rasper said the result was that everyone was happy.

Callen cited that it's been the service they have provided in this instance that has kept the company thriving, even in tough real estate markets.

"You learn that you have to take great care of your customers, and that is really what has built and sustained our business."