American Home Renewal Company Profile

aking pride in one's work is a hallmark of those who dedicate themselves to quality. Marc Stelzer, co-owner of American Home Renewal in South San Francisco, has reason to feel pride, as his company has earned a reputation for quality and customer satisfaction surpassed by none in his industry.

Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Marc came to California with his family at eight years old. After high school he received an appointment from his congressman to attend Air Force Academy, where he hoped to learn to fly. But bad eyesight kept him from the pilot's seat, and he studied aerospace engineering at San Jose and San Diego State instead. After earning his degree he found himself in debt. Needing to earn money he answered an ad for a sales position at the Sear's Home Improvement Center and got the job. By his second year he was the number one salesman in the country. "I became somewhat of a celebrity in the company," said Marc. "They sent me around to motivate other salespeople."

A Good Idea
During his time at Sears he met co-worker Chris Spilly and the found they had much in common. "We used to sit and say things like, one day we should start our own business," said Marc. "Then we started planning it. We were actually going to open our business with good ideas, with a plan."

Featured on HGTV
In 1995 they did just that by opening American Home Renewal and dedicated themselves to helping people renovate their homes with the best windows, siding, doors and gutters available. Since that first year their success has been steady and impressive. Their work has been featured on HGTV two times, and their list of satisfied customers includes every single customer they've ever had.

How did they achieve this? Several ways: First, they hire mature, competent employees that speak English and are respectful of their clients' home and time. "If I think my wife would be scared of any of these guys at home with my daughter, I don't hire them," said Marc. "With our guys you'll never feel intimidated."

All Work Included in Quote
Second, when they quote a job for, say, new windows, they include dry rot repair in that quote. Often, customers of other window contractors will agree to have new windows installed but find when the workers get there that there is dry rot damage and the installers won't work until it's fixed. At American Home Renewal it's included. "We assume the risk," said Marc, "Whatever we quote, we include whatever needs to be done to complete the job."

No Payment Due Until Work is Complete and Customer is Happy
Third, (and this is where we really separate American Home Renewal from everyone else), Marc and Chris decided at the beginning to put in place a policy they call "Satisfaction First." Simply put, they won't accept any money—even a deposit, until the job is done and their customer is happy, removing any and all risk from the consumer.

Diamond Certified
American Home Renewal has earned the esteemed Diamond Certified designation, awarded only to those companies rated highest in customer service and satisfaction. With nearly 30 brands of windows, doors, gutters and siding from which to choose, they can handle any job, realize any vision a homeowner may have. And get this: They have never had a complaint. Ever. "I love seeing a house transformed with new skin and new eyes," (siding and windows), said Marc. "Happy clients make my day."

---Jim Brumm
Staff Writer
The Prime Buyer's Report