Meet Your Builder

Tim Coté

When did you know you wanted to be a builder?
I got a job as a draftsman when I was 16 in Florida. I realized then that I loved the building and design process together.

What drew you to the business?
My grandfather was a master carpenter. Some of my favorite memories are of working with him on different projects.

How many years have you been in the business?
25 years

After high school I joined the Navy. I was a SEAL for 6 years. I got out of the Navy to pursue my dream of being a design/builder and went to college. I worked on a framing crew and eventually started my own framing business. That grew to being a Class A Builder.

How has the building industry changed over the years?
The methods today are more complex than they were years ago. Materials have significantly changed. There are more engineered products. I continually educate myself about new products and ideas. I regularly take professional development classes to stay on top of changes in the industry. It is important to understand all aspects from financing to completion of the project and be up to date on this constantly changing industry.

What don’t people know about you? What would surprise them the most?
Probably most people don’t know that I was a SEAL. The most surprising thing would be that I like classical music.

What did being a Navy SEAL teach you?
It taught me self-discipline. I have always been a self-starter and a “lead from the front” kind of person. Being a SEAL taught me all challenges can be overcome. Things never go as planned, so always maintain a level head to think about the problem at hand and find the best resolution.

What motivates you?
That’s easy, my family.

How are you different from other builders?
I have always felt building a better quality product is more important that having a “big” name or a “big” company. I treat each job the same and expect only the best from every person who works on my job sites, no matter how large or small the project is. The difference between myself and a lot of other contractors is that I am capable of building and completing every aspect of the construction process. I know exactly how every phase should be done. I can actually show my tradesmen how I want something done so that I can be certain it is done correctly every time. Just speak to anyone who has worked for me. They know my standards and expectations and know I will not accept anything other than the best.

If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
“Do it right the first time or you will do it again!”

Do you have a motto?
Challenge yourself every day.

What do you enjoy on your down days?
What are down days? lol I love being outside, but in particular fishing, surfing, going to the beach and spending as much time as possible with my family.