Meet Craig Broadstone, owner of Omaha Remodeling Associates (raomaha.com) and Guardian First Defense.
Tell us a little about your business. – With Omaha Remodeling Associates we are a full service residential builder/remodeler. In our recent history we have done a great deal of commercial remodeling, finishing and build outs as well but most recently business has lead us to residential kitchen & bath remodels. A true passion for me over the past 25 years has been Accessibility Remodeling and Aging in Place, including basement finishes, mother-in-law apartments and egressibility modifications.
With our newest corporate addition ‘ Guardian First Defense’ with are concentrating on doors and windows that are extremely difficult to breach and gain unauthorized access to your home. Windows that are not bullet proof but virtually impossible to break and enter to help keep your family and possessions safe from the bad guys. Storm doors and patio door that are laminated, three point locking and very difficult to pry open or break into. Re-enforced door and window screens that cannot be easily cut and existing glass that can receive ballistic film instead of replacing windows and glass doors.
How did you get started in the business? – For years while I pursued other corporate career opportunities, my ‘FUN’ was to build, remodel for friends and myself, income property remodeling and at the end of week I would just spend time in my shop doing what I enjoyed. After many years of travel and being away from home decided to open a little maintenance company just doing some odd jobs here and there. And it just so happens when you are doing something you love, it will just blossom. So one thing leads to another, you put on qualified, motivated craftsman and with guidance from our Lord and taking great care of our clients we are then nicely rewarded.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Some of the biggest challenges in the past had been the housing market crash around 2008-2010. Many of our clients had been investors and that investment market dried up and then with Covid nearly 50% of all qualified people in the trades left to do something else or maybe nothing at all? Today it is still a bit of a challenge finding good, reputable subcontractors that are like minded to help people the way I like too.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – My most important achievement professionally may be the mentoring I have been able to do over the years. Taking good people with talent and limited experience and bring them along to a higher level of competency.
Tell us a little about your family. – I have three incredible grown children, eight amazing beautiful grandchildren, a very talented and devoted daughter-in-law and two sons-in-laws that I must say my daughters did very well in their pickiness. I have had the pleasure of the company of one of the most incredible women I have known for over 13 years and consider myself blessed because of her.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Having Jesus find me! Marriage, children, grandchildren, wonderful careers and being led to the Catholic Church and the discipleship path in Christ that I am on.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Dedicated or loving!
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – raomaha.com | (402) 510-3326