Their honesty is genuine. Their work ethic is uncompromised. Their philosophy is simple.

Duane and Paula Maddy, owners of Piney Island Builders, believe that building a strong, meaningful relationship with their clients, as well as their subcontractors, suppliers and employees, is just as important as building a superior home. For 16 years, the couple´s dedication, hard work and customer service have been the foundation for creating one of the most successful and respected residential construction companies on the Eastern Shore.

"Honesty, fairness and hard work. Those are the values that we have built this business on," Duane said. "This is the building business. I´ve been in and around this industry all of my life. I´ve seen many changes, but basically the principals stay the same. We all use the same building materials, the sticks and stones. It is our quality and the craftsmanship that will shine years down the road and that´s what we pride ourselves on. You realize this when you hand the keys over to a satisfied customer."

Duane´s father spent his life working in the building supply business and was instrumental in helping his son land his first industry job with Columbia Builders in 1976. The company had three owners and each specialized in a different area of expertise - finance, engineering and construction.

"I was so fortunate to be with this company," Duane recalled. "The owners taught me their philosophies and techniques, such as quality control, efficient scheduling and job cleanliness. These essential principles and qualities are instilled in our subcontractors and employees to this day.

In his 20´s, Duane was responsible for managing various subdivisions for two other builders in the Baltimore area. He recalled this important period as being inspirational. It allowed him to learn from their techniques, but to also define what he wanted his own building business to be one day.

Shortly after Duane and Paula were married in 1987, their dream of building and owning their first home became possible when Paula´s father, Paul Montgomery, encouraged them to take the opportunity to relocate to the Eastern Shore. Like most young couples, they struggled to make ends meet.

Duane operated a home improvement company and Paula ran a cleaning business - one that Duane said paid the family´s bills. In 1991, they decided to start a building company. With a $62,000 construction loan, co-signed by Paula´s dad, they built their first spec home, which sold prior to completion. The Maddys purchased the vacant lot next door with the proceeds and built another spec home - that also sold prior to its completion.

"The next important event for the company was signing our first custom home contract with Craig and Carolyn Glass," Duane said. "At the time, I can remember thinking that I didn´t know what we were going to do if we didn´t get the deal. We were a small company that wasn´t making any money. I kept my emotions inside and always remained upbeat. We signed the contract at our small dining room table and the rest is history."

"This was the first time we went from start to finish with anyone, and it was a very important process for us to accomplish," Paula said. "They became dear friends of ours and Carolyn actually worked for us for a period of time."

Today, Piney Island Builders contracts to build 20-25 homes annually.

Duane and Paula also own and operate a home improvement company, Seaside Investment Corporation. With years of bringing subcontractors and suppliers together, these relationships allow Duane and Paula to deliver the same exceptional quality and customer service providing home improvements, renovations and additions.

One of many impressive company facts is that four other Piney Island homeowners currently work for Paula and Duane. One such example is Lieutenant Colonel Rolland Favre, U.S. Army (Ret.), who met the Maddys in 1995 and concluded Piney Island Builders was the right company to construct his Ocean Pines home.

"I looked at the various builders around the area, and frankly, they had the best designs. I liked the quality of their construction and how they finished the houses off," Favre said. "I liked the way Duane did his work and I liked the subcontractors he worked with. Duane likes for things to be done right. I was impressed with that."

What´s vital to the owners of Piney Island Builders, as much as the quality and craftsmanship of their work, is the bond they establish with their customers.