click on the link to read the full issue G & A Spring 2010

On Friday, May 7^th, the Delaware Association of Homebuilders held the 18th annual Regal Awards ceremony to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of its builder and associate partners.  Billed as the “Black and White Gala”, the elegant event honored the best Delaware home builders for achievements in marketing, advertising, architectural design, interior merchandising, project management, and sales.

The Schell Brothers family of companies – which also includes Echelon Custom Homes, Echelon Interiors, Zero Energy, and Renew-Energy Smart Renovations – walked away with 30 awards, representing nearly one-half of the 65 prizes handed out to builders during the evening.   The scope of honors presented to Schell Brothers spoke volumes about the company, a small homebuilder in Sussex County Delaware, as the gracious group received recognition in nearly every category.  Seven awards went to the Schell Brothers/Echelon in-house marketing team, including best image campaign and best websites for both a production and custom builder.  Echelon Interiors walked away with three honors for model merchandising in new Delaware homes, ranging from condominiums to single family residences.  Several individual team members were recognized for outstanding performance in categories that included selections coordination, sales, and project management for Delaware new construction.  The grand finale of the evening was the announcement of the outstanding residential communities in Delaware, grouped by price range.  Schell Brothers took home three grand finale awards for Breakwater in Lewes, Independence in Millsboro, and Heritage Creek in Milton.  Independence received honors as the best active adult community in Delaware.

When asked to comment on receiving the unprecedented number of awards, Chris Schell, owner of Schell Brothers, was quick to give credit where it was due, “I couldn’t be more proud of our company than I am right now,” Schell said.  “This night really shed light on how far we’ve come as a company and how much we have accomplished together.  It’s been an awesome journey and this is just the beginning.  If we can achieve this kind of success in the worst real estate market in history . . . just think what we can do during the recovery.  This team is capable of extraordinary things.”

The 2nd Annual Walt Wagamon Golf Classic to benefit The Wellness Community – Delaware will be held on Monday, May 24, 2010 at the exclusive Rehoboth Beach Country Club. Golfers will enjoy a challenging course, a wonderful cocktail celebration and have the opportunity to bid on fabulous prizes. Golfers may register to play for $125.00 per person ($135.00 after May 6), including green’s fees and cart. Registration will begin at noon, with a shot gun start at 1 PM. There will be guaranteed prizes awarded for the longest drive, closest to pin and low score. Tournament closes with first 120 paid registrants.

Walt, a true Sussex Countian, grew up on the shores of Wagamon’s Pond in Milton He enjoyed 30 years in the real estate business in Rehoboth Beach and he achieved many acknowledgments for his outstanding performance in the profession. Well known in Sussex County, he was involved in numerous professional, community and civic associations. Walt lost his valiant battle with cancer in June, 2007. Although Walt was devoted to serving his community, many would say that Walt’s passion for life was complete with his family, friends and a good round of golf!

This downstate golf tournament will honor a wonderful citizen and it will also help to raise public awareness about cancer. The event will offer various sponsorship opportunities to help provide the monetary support needed to enable The Wellness Community- Delaware in Sussex County to offer emotional support and educational programs free of charge to people affected by cancer and their loved ones. Anyone wishing to learn more about the Wellness Community, the golf tournament or to see how they can become involved in the event should contact Marcia Esposito at 302-645-9150 or mesposito@wellnessdelaware.org.

The Wellness Community-Delaware, an affiliate of the Cancer Support Community, is the only organization in Delaware dedicated exclusively to helping people cope with the emotional aspect of cancer. It is part of a national nonprofit organization that provides support, education and hope to people with cancer and their loved ones. Through participation in professionally led support groups, educational workshops and mind/body classes, people affected by cancer learn vital skills that enable them to regain control, reduce isolation and restore hope regardless of the stage of disease. At The Wellness Community-Delaware, all programs are free of charge. More information about The Wellness Community is available on their website at www.wellnessdelaware.org.

Every year, NAHB’s National Sales and Marketing Council recognizes creativity, excellence and innovation across several disciplines, including advertising, marketing, model merchandising and design. The awards, known simply as The Nationals, are the most prestigious honor in the business. As much as we wish we could feature all the winners, it’s impossible with 63 categories. This year, Professional Builder zeroed in on four categories that represent the central tools of every builder’s sales and marketing efforts — the sales center, Web site, model merchandising and advertising.

Best Interior Merchandising of a Model Under $500,000
MARINER AT LOVE CREEK, Lewes, DE
Builder: Schell Brothers, Rehoboth Beach, DE
Interior designer: Joni Hitchens, Echelon Interiors, Rehoboth Beach, DE

Mariner at Love Creek

With a client base that’s half year-round residents and half vacation-home owners, interior designer Joni Hitchens had to present an aesthetic that looked like a vacation getaway, but felt like home. She did it by blending traditional pieces in vibrant blues and greens, which were inspired by the community’s beach location.

“Most of my clients are bringing some pieces from home,” she explains. “They’ll use what they have, and maybe get a new sofa. We wanted them to be able to visualize their antique table if they put lime-green chairs with it.”

WHY IT WON: “It was more reminiscent of a home-y feel than an artificial model feel,” judge Dottie Paek says.

YOUR TAKE: Designers can over-merchandise to the point that customers can’t visualize how their own pieces would look in a home. If it doesn’t feel lived in, people get turned off.

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