Builder Jim Fine recognized as Louisiana Builder of the Year

Jim Fine Custom Homes, LLC is doing their part to turn houses into custom homes, one happy customer at a time. Jim Fine, owner and manager of the business, absolutely loves his career. “My favorite part of my job is working with my customers to build a great relationship and a beautiful home,” he said.

Jim has experience from all sides of the industry, having been president of the Northwest Louisiana Home Builder’s Association (NWLAHBA) in 2011 and president of the Louisiana Home Builders Association (LHBA) in 2016. “Most of the year 2016 was spent working on legislative issues that impacted our builders,” Jim said. Because of that experience, he knows not only what customers want and need, but what needs builders have – and is able to provide it.

Construction is actually Fine’s third career. He is a decorated veteran who served in the Air Force in Vietnam, and, after concluding his military career, became a pilot for Southwest Airlines. This was where he first took an interest in construction and became a general contractor. His vast experience in his different careers only helps him relate to people from all walks of life and form meaningful relationships.

Understanding the importance of those relationships inside the industry has significantly contributed to Jim’s success. “Having a great relationship with your subcontractors is very important,” Jim said. “After all, they don’t work for me, they work with me.” Over the next several years, he hopes to grow his business in all three categories – residential, remodeling and commercial.

“I have a win-win philosophy,” Jim said. “Most of my customers that I write the construction contract for are able to move into their new home with equity and are able to write off a portion of the sales tax on the materials in their home. Now that’s a win-win!” Fine was proud to be recognized by the Louisiana Home Builder’s Association as a builder of the year. “This was such a great achievement,” Jim said. “I’m very proud of it.” He was also won builder of the year for NWLAHBA in 2011, builder of the year for the LHBA in 2018 and was appointed by the governor to the Residential Subcommittee of the Louisiana Licensing Board for Contractors in 2016. He also serves as vice-chairman of the Louisiana Home Builders General Liability Trust. Jim holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in management and currently serves on the board of directors for the local, state and national home builders’ associations.

Nick Castjohn of Renovate Inc. nominated Jim for the LHBA builder of the year award in 2018. In his nomination, he wrote the following: “Jim had been a tremendous support for me personally. He is always ready to give of his time, whether it be listening to me vent, offering advice, giving counsel or exploring all sides of an issue through debate. I can trust that, regardless of our level of agreement on a particular issue, I can always count on Jim for honest and well thought-out positions that always focus on the best interests of the association. Having served with him in leadership and having gotten to know him in the subsequent years has been one of the blessings of the last four years of my journey.”

When you contact Jim Fine Custom Homes, LLC, you not only reach a knowledgeable builder and businessman but a new friend.