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Building homes and community
Care Free Homes, Inc. is a family-owned and operated home improvement and construction company that was started in 1978 by Wayne Edwards and Dana Pickup. Today, Dana co-owns the business with his two sons, Dana Jr. and Nathan.
“When they first started, Wayne and Dana were literally knocking on doors trying to drum up business,” Stephanie Pickup, Marketing Manager, said. “What started with two guys and a pickup (no pun intended) truck has grown into six construction crews, two siding and two roofing crews and we offer the full gamut of construction services.”
What began as door-to-door sales to garner small carpentry projects grew into full-on roofing, siding, window, door, and small additions, and then, in 1996, Care Free Homes began building custom homes in many areas of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. When the recession hit in 2008, Care Free Homes scaled back their new home builds and focussed on exterior remodelings such as roofing, siding, decks, porches, and windows.
As the second generation of the Pickup family entered the business, CFH Builders, a Care Free Homes, Inc. division, was formed to focus on the need for quality building. CFH Builders completes various home construction projects ranging from elevated waterfront homes to free-standing garages.
“Over the years,” Stephanie explained, “we have curated a very skilled team of craftsmen, and pride ourselves on the long standing relationships we have with employees and tradesmen. This is what allows us to guarantee our customer’s satisfaction.”
Care Free Homes builds homes and is committed to building a strong community. The “New Year, New Roof” giveaway is one of their greatest efforts. For the past eight years, community members have nominated a deserving neighbor, friend, or family member who needs a new roof. From there, the Care Free Homes team reviews all qualified homeowner nominations and chooses five finalists to move on to the final voting round. In the end, the community votes online to choose the winner.
Their latest community project, which began with the passing of long-time employee and friend Tony Martin, in February of 2022, is the Anthony “Tony” Martin Memorial Scholarship. Tony was the lead carpentry foreman at Care Free Homes for over 30 years. The scholarship was created to support the next generation of tradespeople.
“We have a big presence in our community,” Stephanie said, “and are well known for our philanthropy. The Anthony “Tony” Martin Memorial Scholarship is near and dear to our hearts as we get to honor the life of a gifted craftsman, exceptional worker, and special member of our Care Free Homes family.”
One of the biggest changes over the years has been Care Free Homes’ marketing. Enter Stephanie Pickup, officially Marketing Manager, but also wearing the hats of customer services and community initiative leader. Stephanie studied writing and communications at the University of Massachusetts and joined the family team 10 years ago.
“I was brought in to dismantle our two-tiered marketing approach and create a new, up to date program,” Pickup explained. “When I started, we had two methods of lead sources: telemarketing and ‘the office’ (i.e. anyone who walked or called in). Today, we are totally up to speed with a full online presence, referral system and our community outreach is amazing. We’re proud to say that over half of our business comes from repeat customers and referrals every year.”.”
Care Free Homes services Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island and has been a Member Accredited business since 1993. Pickup explained that being a member of the Better Business Bureau lends a huge aspect of credibility to the company, and she always makes sure to ask customers to review them on their BBB platform.
For more information on Care Free Homes, Inc., check out their BBB Business Profile. To learn more about BBB and read more stories like this, visit Behind the Business Stories.
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