"It is our highest priority," Duane said. "Building a home is a very personal thing and our lives become intertwined in a special way. Our philosophy is to build the best house we can build. The same can be said for building relationships with our clients."

Favre´s and the Maddys´ relationship, like numerous Piney Island homeowners, has continued to grow after his residence was completed. Favre worked with Duane to develop the company´s first business plan ?" one that he has continued to update every year for the past decade.

"He was well on the way when I came on board," Rolland said of Duane. "He has lots of ideas and he has a good head on his shoulders."

"Rolland has been extremely helpful," Duane said.

Duane and Paula met Chuck Gretz, their company´s estimator, in 2000 when he contracted them to build his home.

"Chuck became an invaluable asset to the staff of Piney Island Builders," Duane said. "His hard work was reflected in our ability to bid jobs with confidence and accuracy."

Richard Cook, a company messenger and family friend, has worked with the Maddys´ for seven years - starting after Duane completed his home.

Julia Winter, Piney Island´s very personable receptionist, joined the staff after her home was built.

"Our customers love Julia and often incorporate a special note to her in their thank you letters. Her warmth and friendliness makes everyone feel comfortable," Paula said. "After building someone´s house, you know that they are extremely happy when they come and seek employment with you. That is one of the highest compliments that you can be paid in this business."

In addition to the strong homeowner presence at Piney Island Builders, family has played a significant role in the company´s growth and overall achievements.

Paula´s brother, Jeff Montgomery, has been onboard for more than 10 years and served as the company´s sales force. Jeff was recently promoted to Vice President of Piney Island Builders.

"His sales experience and professionalism has been a tremendous asset to our company," Duane said. "Our growth can be directly attributed to Jeff´s talents and abilities."

Duane´s nephew, Wesley, has been with the company for three years and is learning the business as an estimator and a purchasing agent. Duane´s brother-in-law, Dave Vogel, works as the company´s materials coordinator.

Paula´s father, who has been an executive in the industry for decades, continues to advise them both on various aspects of the business. He also acquires new contracts for Seaside Investments.

"We´ve been fortunate to create our inner circle with members of our family who care deeply about us and our company," Duane said.

The remaining members of the staff serve as the glue that helps to keep the company´s foundation strong, according to Duane and Paula. Robin Lank, the company´s first employee, will celebrate her 15th year with Piney Island Builders this summer.

"Robin is Duane´s right hand," Paula said of her husband´s assistant. "We kiddingly say that she can read Duane´s mind as well as his handwriting. Robin has always been there for us, in both our personal and professional lives."

The company´s newest employee is also one of the most vital to the on-going success of the company. Tim Twigg oversees all aspects of construction.

"I feel confident that Tim will consistently enforce the values and quality controls that I have established. In a short period of time, he has gained the respect of our subcontractors and employees, as well as the confidence of the homeowners that he interacted with," Duane said. "Like me, Tim is very quality oriented and equally gratified to produce a superior product for our homeowners."

Office administrator Debbie Kancylar has been with Piney Island for seven years. The company recently completed construction of her daughter, Michelle Abell´s, first home. Margaret Bennett diligently serves as assistant comptroller and has consistently demonstrated her dedication to the company, according to Duane and Paula.

"I don´t know what I would do without her,"?Paula said.

Meg Lesocky is the company´s coordinator of construction and oversees customer service.

"We consider Meg to be an important member of the company. Without her effectively handling these duties on a day-to-day basis, our operation would not run as smoothly as it does."

Mike Raymond, the firm´s chief service technician, has been with the company for seven years, and is dedicated to keeping homeowners satisfied long after the home has been delivered.

Mark Nadeau, the company´s punch out specialist, has been with the Piney Island for just one year, yet has shown the work ethic and ability to thrive with the company for years to come.

Adam Tinnell serves as Piney Island´s field assistant, in addition to being a volunteer fireman.

"Adam´s dedication and support of our field staff does not go without being noticed. He helps everyone in our company," Duane said.

Piney Island Builders also has a dedicated service department that cares for the needs of their clients long after the final nails have been driven into a home and the keys are turned over at settlement - a division directed by Meg Lesocky and Mike Raymond.

"There is not one staff member who is not totally dedicated and loyal to us. We have been tremendously fortunate," Paula said. "To have people on our staff for five, 10 and 15 years is very special. We hope that they will be with us for a long, long time."

The home building process between clients and Piney Island Builders starts with a meeting at the company´s executive offices at the Midtown Professional Plaza in downtown Berlin - a project that Duane envisioned and saw to fruition seven years ago.

"This was Duane´s dream and no one believed that he could do it." Paula said. "Not only did he make it happen, I believe Midtown adds something special to the town of Berlin and I am very proud of him for that."

"I tell our employees that we must have communication between both sides, our staff and the clients, from the beginning," Duane said. "I tell our clients that there are two ways to accomplish the goal at hand. I prefer to work as a team with the homeowner to design and deliver the home of their dreams."

Piney Island Builders completed a custom home for Billy and Maddy Carder in October, and according to the homeowners, the experience was truly fantastic.

"I didn´t even talk to another builder. I just went straight to them," Maddy Carder said. "I am extremely particular and have more knowledge than others because of my background as an architectural designer. We built a completely custom home and they did everything exactly how I wanted it to be done. They saw this project through my eyes, envisioned with us and it all came together. I would recommend them to anyone."

Company fortunes changed again about four years ago when Duane and a friend, Mark Lambert, discovered a parcel of property in Atlantic, Va. that they developed into a 56-lot, waterfront subdivision. The initial two phases of Eagle Sound, the first major land development project for Piney Island Builders, sold out in just eight months. Maddy is set to release the last 40 lots in the final construction phase of the community.

Maddy and Lambert struck again by acquiring a 10-acre parcel along the banks of the Chesapeake Bay. The site of an old seafood picking plant boasts water on three sides of its peninsula that will make each of its 8 to 10 future home sites breathtaking. The partners are currently working with various Virginia State government agencies to achieve permitting.

Piney Island Builders is also completing a 20-lot community development in Crisfield named Coulburn´s Cove, purchased 7 lots at Woodland Manor in Pocomoke and owns five of the prestigious waterfront parcels in The Pointe in Ocean Pines.

One of Duane´s future development ambitions is a bit different from his traditional projects. As the Snow Hill community of Summerfield draws closer to becoming a reality, Maddy has already drawn up the business plan for the 24-lane community bowling alley that will embrace the fictional title of Rip Van Winkle.

"This is not going to be your normal bowling alley," Duane said. "This is going to be wild. It´s going to have kids´ facilities on the second floor that will include babysitting services, after-school study programs, a mini ice cream parlor, a mini movie theater and possibly an ice rink on the roof."

A nationally known chain restaurant will operate from one wing of the building. Maddy said he hopes that will be a Ruby Tuesdays or a similar franchise.

"Right now it´s a dream, but I have wanted to do this for years," Duane said. "We have a lot of the plans completed and I have already met with Brunswick."

Years of hard work and determination have now paid off for Duane and Paula. This success has allowed the proud parents of Brandon, 15, and Jessie, 12, to build the home of their dreams on a stunning waterfront lot near Ocean Pines.

"It took years of planning," Duane said of the process that began in 2000. "We designed this home not thinking that we would break ground for many years to come."

Due to constant changes to the state building requirements, Duane and Paula were forced to begin construction earlier than expected.

"We hadn´t built a home for ourselves in 10 years," Paula said. "It was a very careful, intricate process to select everything from lighting fixtures, tiles and borders to plumbing fixtures and the hardware on the cabinets. It was a total family effort."

"We built this house for the way our family functions," Duane said. "This process reminded us of the what our homeowners deal with during the construction of their homes. Patience and planning are extremely important."

The Maddys spectacular home - accented through fascinating architectural details is engaging in its elegant, yet welcoming style.

"Our contractors who worked on this house did so with a lot of pride. They did it for Paula and me," Duane said. "They dreamed just like we did and they made it happen for us."

"We are grateful to all of them," Paula said.

The kitchen area was the most important aspect of the home for Duane and Paula. Duane thoroughly enjoys cooking and wanted the area to incorporate diversity and functionality. Paula wanted the space to feel like home.

"This is where we do everything - from eating to helping the kids with homework to entertaining to cuddling with the puppies," Paula said. "A lot of thought went into it."

Paula did a masterful job of designing the interior of the residence. Her ability to seamlessly blend elegant furniture and accessories with warm, comfortable, everyday pieces throughout the home was exceptional.

Duane´s sister, Judy Vogel, designed many of the beautiful window treatments that adorn the residence. Having recently retired, she and her husband, Dave, have relocated to the Eastern Shore and are starting a custom window treatment business - A Thread of Elegance.

"We are all about family. They really do come first," Duane said. "This house is really for our kids and their future children. Paula and I feel so fortunate to be able to share quality time with our family. That is what truly makes everything worth while."

"We are very blessed to have met and worked with all of the wonderful people who have helped us accomplish our dreams," Paula said.