by Christy Heitger-Ewing | photos by Adam Gibson Photography
When Bob Gollner first launched his construction business in 1962, life was simpler.
“Dad had a toolbox, a tool bag, a pick-up truck and he was in business,” says his son, Mike, who took over running Gollner Homes 26 years ago.
“My dad said that when he first started, the hardest thing was to build a house and the easiest thing was to run the business,” says Mike. “It’s the opposite now.”
This is because everything is more complicated and specialized. You can turn on a number of different home improvement channels and see so many possibilities. Homes have become works of art. It’s fun for them, but it is a lot more involved than in years past. Then there are the municipalities to work through and the many suppliers and subcontractors that specialize in so many different things. It’s a lot. Nevertheless, it’s a career that Mike and his wife Teri adore. For starters, they enjoy forging relationships with people, many of their clients end up becoming good friends. The couple also appreciate having a career in which they to lay eyes on their creation.
“We get to see what we do,” says Mike. “We see the kitchens, the room additions and the new homes. Then we get to know families enjoy them.”
As for Teri, who has an eye for interior design and furnishings, she hones in on the details.
“Whenever I’m watching a movie, I’m looking at the house and saying to Mike, ‘Did you see that backsplash?’” says Teri. “I love the country house in Fatal Attraction!”
When Bob, who passed away last summer, first started the business, work was truly hands-on. With fewer subcontractors, Bob and his team framed the homes and finished the jobs themselves
“That’s how I grew up – being on the job from start to finish,” says Mike, who began working with his father when he was 11 years old. As a result, he knows every trade from beginning to end.
“Mike can walk into a house and no matter who is working on it – whether it be a carpenter, electrician, or whomever – if he sees something that’s not quite right, he knows how to correct it,” says Teri. “He’s the superintendent of every job.”
Mike worked with his dad through his teen years before heading to Purdue University to pursue a degree in construction management. Following graduation, he moved to Dallas, Texas, to work for production builders. Though it was never an end-goal of his to take over the family business, he tired of erecting production homes so he returned to Indiana in 1989 to again join forces with his dad. Clients are thrilled that he made that fateful choice as they appreciate Mike’s commitment to quality as well as the fact that he’s on the jobsite throughout the week.
“Mike is approachable and always available to talk to, which makes him very appealing,” says Teri. Plus, his vast experience in the industry means he knows how to handle any issue that might arise.
“I can’t say I’ve seen everything, but it’s close,” says Mike.
The company is not large, and that’s just the way they like it.
“We’re not looking to get big,” says Mike. “I’m not trying to build 15 homes a year. I’ve seen many guys do that and fail.”
Instead, they construct between five and seven homes each year and do numerous remodels, working closely with their valued team of employees and subcontractors whom they know, love, and trust. Mike estimates that 80% of their work comes from referrals and reputation and that’s due to Gollner Homes’ superior craftsmanship.
“Especially in remodeling work, it’s word of mouth,” says Mike. They tackle a number of remodeling jobs that other builders shy away from due to degree of difficulty.
“I’m not scared of any project,” he says.
This year Gollner Homes is participating in the First Internet Bank Home-A-Rama (HAR) presented by the Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis (BAGI), hosted by Aberdeen, the Indy area’s first wellness lifestyle community. HAR takes place in Bargersville over three weekends, from Thursday through Sunday (September 16 through October 3).
“We participated in Home-A-Rama in 2017 and really enjoyed it,” says Mike. “Aberdeen is a new subdivision with nice big lots and beautiful terrain with homes in the upper price ranges.”
He’s quick to add, however, that Gollner Homes will build in any price range.
Mike says he designed this house around the “working from home” concept that has become the norm since the pandemic’s inception.
Though the home has an open concept in that the great room, kitchen and dining area all flow together, they also incorporated his and her offices and a hearth room on the main level for private retreat. The hearth room is designed as if it were a porch that was enclosed. It offers lots of light, but a cozy feeling too.
“Though open concept floor plans are very popular, until you live in one of them, you don’t realize how much you want to get away and there’s no place to go!” says Mike. That’s why they designed some secluded spaces to watch tv, work, play music or take a nap. The 7000 sq. ft. HAR house which sits on a one-acre lot has a lower level with a large bar, game room, television area, bedroom and exercise room. When you step inside the home’s front door, however, the first thing you notice is the dynamite view of the sparkling pond and expansive backyard.
The kitchen of this modern farmhouse is ideal for entertaining as it has an oversized butler’s pantry with a sink, dishwasher, refrigerator, and microwave.
“It acts as a mini-kitchen so you can prep meals in there without having to have a mess in the area where you are hosting,” says Teri.
Also in the pantry, which is painted a soothing robin’s egg blue, is a place for cookbooks and a computer so folks can plan their meals for the week.
You can’t talk about kitchens, without talking about cabinets. The Gollners have a talented cabinetmaker on their team named Matt Butler who handcrafts all of the kitchen and pantry cabinets while team member JoAnn Sikorski finishes them.
Rounding out the Gollner team, Curtis Roberts does all of the service work and punch-outs.
“He’s our all-around everything person,” says Teri. “He’s always on the jobs, and if he sees something that’s off, he lets us know.”
Having their own cabinet shop that produces quality work allows the Gollners to make unique pieces for their homeowners. Throughout the HAR home are several beautiful freestanding pieces.
“Home-A-Rama is a good opportunity to showcase the talented people we work with. I think visitors to the tour will be able to appreciate the outstanding craftsmanship in our home,” says Mike.
If you are looking to build a custom home, consider the advantages of a small builder who focuses on people and quality in every build. Learn more at gollnerhomes.com or call (317) 432-7364 to connect with the Gollner Homes Team.
