History

In the aftermath of World War II, thousands of war-weary people sought to leave an un-settled and uncertain Europe for a new beginning in Canada.

Notable among these newcomers were Dutch citizens with their skills and cultural attainments, eager to forge a new life in a strange country. One of these talented and outstanding arrivals from Holland was George Neven, a young carpenter by trade, and his wife, Elizabeth. After making Holland Marsh his first landfall in 1949, George chose another path, one of family and faith, that led to roots set in Copetown, near Dundas, Ontario. This marked the beginning of the family construction business, which officially began in 1952, under its founder, George Neven.

Over 50 years later, the name Neven Custom Homes Ltd. is an established company, specializing in home renovation and new home construction, under the family's third generation, Gary Neven. Today, Gary follows much of the business approach of his father, Andrew, and grandfather, George, with a focus on the local market. Gary offers exceptional value in design, a team of highly skilled tradesmen and a personal one-on-one relationship with each client. Gary's religious and family values are evident in his everyday dealings with customers and employees. What gives Gary enormous pride is the request for renovation work by the present owners of homes built by George and Andrew Neven many years ago. "The knowledge that I am adding to my grandfather's work is really a thrill for me." Considering the work he has undertaken since becoming president of the company in 1993, it is the response to the challenge to recreate in renovation projects that has given him great satisfaction.

Insisting that their son complete his formal education before allowing him into the business, Andrew and his wife, Joanne, encouraged Gary to complete a four-year business degree from McMaster University and obtain his Carpentry License from Mohawk College, which have been the bedrock for Gary's business plans. Andrew and Joanne managed the company for 30 years, during which the company's identification with Ancaster, Flamborough and Dundas became entrenched. Knowledge of the area's historical backdrop and residential architectural styles were a natural progression for the company. Evidence of this is being included in a short list of approved builders by the Dundas Historical Society. With a strategy of 10 to 12 projects a year, equally split between new construction and renovation, the full-time staff and Gary's wife, Brenda, effectively mange the demands which these projects present.

Looking forward

The long term success for Neven Custom Homes lies in its chosen niche as a leader in selected custom-designed homes and renovation work that many builders consider too complex or time-consuming.

Over 50 years of service to the community as a true family business and as contributing citizens to its social infrastructure confirm the axiom that a business that is local, small and focused on core values gets the right results every time.