Michaels Group Homes has been building homes for nearly 60 years and is on the third generation of ownership with Luke Michaels at the helm, along with Eric Willson, who is responsible for our daily operations including construction, sales and marketing and customer service.
Luke Michaels started as teenager, sweeping garages. He has worked through all facets of the building company that was started by his grandfather, James W. Michaels, a well-respected leader in the industry.
Luke was led by his father, John H. Michaels, a leader in the homebuilding business who was also known for how much he gave back to the community and the industry.
His uncle and his father’s partner in the company, J. David Michaels, still helps guide the company, but the reins are now in Luke’s hands and he has continued the traditions started by the founding fathers.
Luke was awarded Builder of the Year in 2015 by the Capital Region Builders and Remodelers Association and took on the responsibility as president of the association in 2016.
Willson has been with the company for 30-plus years. He is a graduate master builder and also served as president of the Capital Region Builders & Remodelers Association. He is the current president of the New York Builders Association.
“Having this much experience and talent makes my job much easier to represent these guys,” said Cynthia Quade, Broker/Owner for Signature Homes Realty and Director of Sales and Marketing for Michaels Group Homes.
“I know that when they take on a project they have done the research and take the time to be creative and identify what the home buyers are looking for. They stay on top of trends and this company has always been a trend setter. That is evident by when we do something different other builders are checking it out and shortly after follow that lead.”
Quade said the company has been busy, currently dealing with homebuyers for two new neighborhoods.
Pruyn Crest in South Glens Falls started in late 2005 but is already nearly sold out. “The activity has been constant for this neighborhood and its now even busier with buyers trying to get in before the last lots are sold,” said Quade.
She said homeowners have been a mix of empty nesters and pre-empty nesters, as well as younger families. The option for maintenance-free exterior grounds care has been attractive and about 30 percent of the homeowners have taken advantage of that service. The starting price is in the mid $200,000s.
One Northway exit away is Burnt Ridge in Queensbury, located off of Luzerne Road, started in mid 2016.
“It is not a surprise to us that this neighborhood has attracted so much attention and interest,” said Quade.
“The Corinth Road corridor has so much expansion and improvement occurring and is one of the main routes into downtown Glens Falls, which has been revitalized over the past few years,” said Quade. “You can already see how the landscape is coming together with several homes up and under construction.”
Both neighborhoods have fully furnished model homes demonstrating the detail and workmanship offered by Michaels Group Homes, she said.