Success is Built on Beauty and Science by Journal Sentinal
Buck Buckley does one thing: basements. “From basement to beautiful is what we do,” said Buckley, owner of Buck Buckley’s Total Basement Finishing. Buckley transforms basements into safe, healthy living spaces for homeowners.
For years, Buckley worked in the basement division for Owens Corning, working his way up (pun intended). Being hands-on at job sites, Buckley saw and worked with the latest products on the market and dealt with the specific challenges of a basement environment. Eventually, he was promoted to manager and began selling. “I became one of the top sales people in the division, because I understood people and the business.” By March 2010, Buckley left Owens Corning and started his business. “It was just me and my master carpenter,” Buckley said. “And yes, it was scary.”
From past experiences, Buckley learned how to run a business and how to treat employees and his customers. “I approached my business with a different vision and culture.” He wanted to work with people he knew and liked and who were ethical, with strong work ethics. “I wanted to be surrounded by people who shared my vision to be a leader in this industry – to provide the best and unique product with on-time, WOW service.”
In its seventh year of doing business, Buck Buckley’s Total Basement Finishing renovates about 60 basements a year; complete remodels include walls, ceilings, HVAC, electrical and windows. “We’ve built bathrooms, bars, media rooms, and living rooms in basements that were rarely used…but mostly we give families a safe, healthy environment because of the materials we use. The product we use is far superior to what is typically used, and it’s maintenance-free. It’s hard, tough and moisture and mold-resistant with a 50-year warranty.”
Buckley talked to us about his time in the industry.
What do you enjoy about remodeling?
We like to say we bring families back to families. I like educating our customers on the materials we use that really change lives. We talk about the ‘stack effect.’ The air in your home rises up from the basement. If the environment in your basement is unhealthy, it affects the air quality you’re breathing in the rest of your house.
How do you differentiate your business from others?
Years ago, when homeowners turned their basements into living spaces, they used knotty pine. Then dry wall started to be used. Because the basement environment is unlike the rest of the house, typical building materials can’t be used. We don’t use dry wall. The U.S. product that we use will give you a dry, safe and healthy basement. It’s moisture and mold-resistant. We design every basement and give you a quote to the penny. Every customer knows how their money is being spent. You want every area of living space to be a healthy environment.
What advice would you give someone looking to remodel?
Know what you are getting. Do your due diligence. We send out information to prospective customers on the science behind a basement, because we feel an educated customer is our best customer.
How has being a member of the Metropolitan Builders Association helped your business?
Through the MBA, we have gained great relationships. By being a member, we get a level of credibility in the marketplace, and it also gives us opportunities to network. The MBA is crucial to our industry.
What is one of the more unusual transformations you have done in a basement?
We had a client who had a swimming pool in his basement for his family. After years of paying $800 a month heating the pool, he wanted it out. We figured out how to do it and turned the space into a living room, bar and media area. We’ve also redesigned a basement specifically for Sheepshead tournaments.
What is your proudest professional achievement?
Our proudest professional achievement happens time and again. We have more than 50 positive testimonials on social media. I’m proud of the business I’ve built. I think I’ve created a good employee culture; I have 16 employees who like working here.
What is one of your greatest business challenges?
Our challenge is educating people about alternative materials that will give them a healthy and safe environment in their basement.
What is the best advice you were ever given?
Hang around with people who are smarter than you – then hire them, like Danah in marketing, Eva in scheduling and David in production.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by my employees. I know my employees and their families depend on the success of this company – that inspires me every day to continue to work hard.
What charitable groups are you involved with?
The main charity is Zachariah’s Acres in Oconomowoc. The organization offers nature-based learning, activities and events for kids with special needs and their families on 48 acres of countryside.
For more information on how joining the Metropolitan Builders Association can help grow your business, call 1-888-943-8823 or email [email protected].
