"Local contractor cares for customers"
Oldham Era
February 14, 2008
Letter to the Editor

To the editor:

I would like to acknowledge an individual in Oldham County who is deserving of recognition for his steadfast integrity, ethical practices, and highest concern to please his customers.

While looking for a house 4 1⁄2 years ago, we came across our subdivision, Clarke Pointe. I loved the rolling hills, large lots and open spaces, trees, ponds, and farms surrounding it. We found a house that Walt Schumm was building and immediately snatched it up before it was finished. At that time houses were selling quickly.

We lived in a hotel while the house was being built. Historically, I have had personal experience or heard stories from friends in the Chicago suburbs, where I am from, who have worked with builders with unscrupulous work ethics. Many began building a house after paying for half of it as a down payment, only to find that their builder walked away without completing the work and never to be found again. Others were displeased with the work, could only settle for incomplete work, or constantly argued with their contractors.

Before purchasing this home, it was always necessary to have every detail written out and signed in a contract prior to having any work done by a contractor. But with Walt, I would voice my request and trusted that he would make sure it was done according to our specifications. He always followed through, and he would even go the extra mile so that he could be proud of his work and please his customer. There have been occasions that something would go wrong, but I would call Walt and he would be there the same day, or at the latest, the very next day to solve the problem.

Most people wait for weeks or even months for their builder to follow up on a problem after their closing. It is unheard of that a builder would still continue to take care of a problem after 4 1⁄2 years, but not when you bought a house from Walt Schumm. He stands by his work, cares about his customer satisfaction, and demonstrates the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and ethical business practices. This acknowledgement is to thank him for giving us this wonderful place that has given us an opportunity to raise a child and spend quality family time; it is our home, created from his hard work, creativity and perseverance.

Elayne Karrel, Crestwood