Shawn and Courtney Hall are eager for moving day. The couple and their four children will be moving into their new home in RiverTown, thanks to some help from their friend and fellow church member – builder Michael Bourré, president of Bourré Construction Group.
Shawn Hall, with the Jacksonville Fire Department Training Academy, said “We liked this area and had talked to some other builders about building here, but couldn’t get comfortable with the price,” Shawn Hall, a Jacksonville fire fighter, said. “We knew Michael through church and started talking to him. He was able to secure a lot and design a home that met our budget. We were fortunate to be able to choose a friend instead of a company to build our home.”
Michael Bourré was among the first to attain Pinnacle Builder status at NEFBA. That is perhaps your first clue to the reasons behind his success. He understands the nature of the construction industry and what it takes to be successful. And, he does what it takes – going all out for a friend, as in the case of the Halls, and doing business with NEFBA members, as in the Pinnacle Builder Award.
“I think it’s important for builders to understand the value of the Pinnacle Builders program,” he said. “Doing business with other members strengthens the association, supports the local economy and is ultimately good for the industry.”
The Pinnacle Builder award is given to builders who do business with other members and more than 90 percent of their active subcontractors are NEFBA members
Bourré’s strategy was simple. He told his subcontractors and vendors he was planning to commit to doing business with NEFBA members. To continue their business relationship with him, they would need to become members as well. During the downturn, Bourré Construction Group subsidized membership fees for some of its loyal subs.
Bourré views the downturn as a “growth opportunity.”
“Financially it was difficult,” he said, “but the knowledge and experience are priceless. We learned new skills, and we were exposed to a completely different environment. We learned what it means to be the right size and to control overhead. Efficiency took on new meaning, and the reasons for not extending lines of credit became clear.”
Bourré said flexibility to take on remodeling projects and his commercial building experience were assets, but for him there were two keys to survival.
“One was to surround myself with good people, colleagues and friends who helped me get through tough times,” he said. “The other, and more important, key was my reliance on God. I saw His hand in projects that appeared and doors that were opened.”
Bourré Construction Group, founded in 2005, designs energy-efficient homes for every budget, ranging from elegant custom designs to homes for the first-time buyer. The company also is a commercial contractor and was the contractor for the Wounded Warriors headquarters here in Jacksonville. Bourré has more than 15 years of experience in the construction industry, and he served as NEFBA president in 2011.
The company recently participated in the HabiJax-NEFBA Builders Blitz in New Town, which added 25 new homes to the neighborhood and renovated another 25 homes in need of repairs.
Bourré served eight years in the U. S. Marine Corps. He received his bachelor’s degree in building construction from the University of Florida and holds a Florida general contractors license. Bourré’s honors include the Excellence Award from Associated Builders and Contractors and the Leadership Award from the University of Florida.
Away from work, Bourré enjoys spending time with his children: Halie (15), Jacob (13), Emily (10), Chloe (6) and Isaac (4). The family attends St. Catherine’s in Orange Park. Bourré is involved with the Knights of Columbus. He is also active with the Boy Scouts, serves on the Clay County Commission and on the FHBA Executive Committee.
“Pinnacle Builders are an elite corps,” NEFBA Executive Director Corey Deal said. “And, Michael Bourré possesses the commitment and determination it takes to succeed. Not content with adequate or average, Michael has been a leader in motivating others to achieve this high standard. We congratulate him and thank him for all he’s done for other builders and the association.”