E62: What makes Lacey Heard with Lake City Exteriors a good neighbor?  

The Good Neighbor Podcast recently welcomed Lacey Heard, representing Lake City Exteriors, a company that's redefining the home renovation experience in Atlanta and Charleston. As a subsidiary of Bradford Custom Homes, Lake City Exteriors brings the same high-end, personalized building experience to homeowners looking to transform their property's exterior. This conversation revealed not just the business aspects of exterior home renovations, but the philosophy that drives Lacey's approach to creating memorable client experiences.

Lacey's journey into the world of luxury home exteriors wasn't a straight path. With formal education in interior design from the Art Institute and architecture studies at Morris Brown, Lacey initially built a career in the automotive industry working with prestigious brands like BMW and Mini. This background in luxury automotive sales provided valuable experience in delivering premium customer experiences, which he now applies to home renovations. The transition came when he connected with Brad from Bradford Custom Homes through a mutual friend, forming a partnership that allowed Lacey to pursue his longtime passion for design and architecture. His childhood dream of owning a piece of Atlanta's skyline speaks to his lifelong appreciation for beautiful structures and spaces.

One of the most significant insights from the conversation was Lacey's perspective on common misconceptions in the contracting industry. He emphasized that there's a substantial difference between contractors who simply complete a job and those who manage the entire experience. Lake City Exteriors positions itself in the latter category, focusing on transparency, communication, and building relationships. This approach transforms what could be a stressful renovation process into a collaborative journey with the homeowner. Their target customers are professionals and families who value quality craftsmanship over simply finding the cheapest bid—people who understand that their home's exterior makes a critical first impression and reflects their personality and lifestyle.

The conversation took a personal turn when Lacey shared his experience as a new father to a two-month-old daughter. This major life change has given him a fresh perspective on priorities and the importance of cherishing every moment. He also opened up about overcoming significant personal hardships, including losing both a coworker and his older brother within a short timespan. These experiences of grief and loss have deepened his empathy for clients who may be going through similar challenges, reinforcing his commitment to treating every client interaction with care and consideration—what he calls "white-glove service."

Perhaps most revealing was Lacey's closing statement about the company's philosophy: "We're not just a contractor. It may seem like a business-based industry, but we're looking to cultivate relationships just as much as we're looking to cultivate margins." This sentiment encapsulates the approach that sets Lake City Exteriors apart in an industry often criticized for impersonal service and communication failures. By focusing on building lasting relationships with clients and delivering exceptional experiences alongside exceptional renovations, Lacey and his team are changing perceptions about what homeowners should expect from exterior renovation professionals.

To learn more about Lake City Exteriors go to: 

LakeCityExteriors.com

Lake City Exteriors

(404) 853-8721