Excellent Human Connection
Some times borscht is the best choice—the only choice.
In the world of high-end home remodeling and construction, technical expertise and craftsmanship are expected. But what truly elevates a project—what turns a house into a dream home—is the human connection between contractor and client.
At its core, remodeling is a deeply personal experience. It’s not just about walls, fixtures, or square footage; it’s about understanding how a family lives, what they value, and the little details that make their home feel like home. That’s why we believe one of the most meaningful parts of our process happens not only on the job site, but maybe at the lunch table. Or, maybe both?
A while back, I was asked to sit and share a serving of borscht with a wonderful older Russian-Ukrainian woman on a job site. She had asked me for a few days to just sit and have lunch. I finally accepted sensing that it was truly important to her. She was so appreciative of that time. But, I think it blessed me even more. She shared about her life and what brought her to the U.S. back in the 1970’s. And all of this while the war in Ukraine was getting started.
The time was special for both of us and I’ll never forget it.
Taking time to sit down with a client over lunch—no hard hats, no blueprints, just good conversation—opens a door that design presentations often can’t. It’s a moment to slow down, to listen. What does their morning routine look like? How do they gather as a family in the evenings? What are the little luxuries that matter most to them? These conversations often reveal the heart of the project and can allow us to tailor our work to the people we’re serving, not just the space.
For homeowners with discerning taste and high expectations, that level of personal engagement isn’t just appreciated—it’s essential. It builds trust, creates clarity, and fosters collaboration. Most importantly, it reminds everyone that while we’re providing home services, we’re also building relationships.
In an industry where schedules and budgets often dominate the conversation, it’s the human moments that make all the difference. A shared meal. A laugh. A story. Those are the things that bring meaning to the work and lasting satisfaction to the finished product. After all, home isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling. And that feeling starts with connection.
As we say here at Howland Home Services, we are not here to just provide excellent home services, we are here to create excellent human connection.
–Matt
