Courtesy Dan Ryan Builders
The builder’s Williamsport, Md., division recently built a Habitat for Humanity house.
“It is imperative that we have a personal touch within our community in as many aspects as we can,” he notes. “We’re the friendly builders. We’re not the Goliath, but we care a little bit more than maybe the builder down the street, and this [charity work] is an example of our caring. That is extremely beneficial for everyone in our company.”
He adds: “It’s hard to quantify, but people like doing business with people that they know and like. I’d like to think people know and like us.”
No. 35 on the 2015 BUILDER 100 list, the $294 million firm closed 1,248 entry-level and move-up homes in 10 markets last year, up from 1,010 the year before.
But Harne says home sales isn’t the only benefit to the benefactor.
“Not only does it get our name out there, but it gets us out of the office and into the public where our homeowners are,” she says. “It gives me the buy-in. I bought into Dan Ryan Builders because of the company philosophy and the fact that it gives back to my community.”
Plus, Harne says, “It makes me want to get more involved on a personal level outside of work because Dan’s making the effort. He’s setting the example. So I don’t mind giving up my personal time or funds to help my local community.”
Still, Ryan’s next charitable effort may be far from home. He intends to revisit the Dominican Republic, and this time, he wants to build more than bleachers.
“The housing conditions are horrid,” with dirt floors, hole-riddled tin roofs and corrugated tin walls, he says. His plan: to build four one-room concrete structures.
Those modest dwellings, he noted, “will be the more luxurious housing in the village.”
