MOELLER Dominates

MAME

HONORS

It’s a true fa

Three years ago, the Moeller family had a winning idea: to start

Moeller Custom Properties. mily business. Roger Moeller has been

a local builder since 1978, customizing homes for such neighborhoods as Pine Creek, Cedar Heights, Broadmoor Resort and Flying Horse. Wife Deb Moeller has been a real estate broker since 1980. Son Gabe is a partner in the business and daughter-in-law Carisa also works in the company.

Last year, they entered the Parade of Homes and the annual MAME (Major Achievement in Marketing Excellence) Awards for the first time.

They were shocked to win five of the seven categories they entered, including the MAME Grand Award, all bestowed by the Housing and Building Association of Colorado Springs. For builders, the awards are based on such elements as excellence in interior and exterior design, functionality and creativity.

“Needless to say, we were thrilled,” says Deb Moeller. “I give a lot of credit to Gabe, who brings a breath of fresh air to our ideas. He’s the risk-taker, and nine times out of 10, he’s right.”

They won “Best Interior Design ($1.2 to $1.5 million)” for their Disney Signature House, in conjunction with Stephanie Beam of Drexel Heritage. It was the first of its kind in the nation, and turned out to be a star.

“It was not whimsical or cartoonish in the least,” she says of the new Disney home furnishings line. “It reminded me of old Hollywood. You expected

Walt Disney to walk out of the bedroom wearing a silk smoking jacket.”

In the $2 million and up category, their Villa de Grace house walked away with the “Best Landscape” (with Fredell Enterprises), as well as “Best New Home” and “Best Interior Design” (with Nancy Lusk of Dynasty Designs).

With lots of architectural detail inside and a hint of Tuscany in the décor, it managed to feel warm and inviting despite its spacious 10,000 square feet.

Deb says one key to their success is that Roger shows subcontractors his plans well in advance, so they can comment or offer suggestions.

“That way, we work as a team,” she says. “They often see things we don’t.”

As a result, “Villa is tucked into the landscape and actually looks and feels quite cozy.”

Moeller Custom Properties won’t have a new home in this year’s Parade.

“You can’t build a house like that every year,” Deb says.