DeMetrick Housewrights

Introduction

DeMetrick Housewrights is a Rhode Island-based custom home builder known for thoughtfully crafted, high-performance homes and a collaborative approach to building. Founded by Steve DeMetrick, the company has earned a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship, strong client relationships, and a commitment to quality.

Like many successful builders, Steve's expertise began in the field. As the company grew, so did the complexity of running a business. Financial management, planning, leadership, systems, and long-term strategy became just as important as building great homes. Partnering with HELM gave Steve the coaching, accountability, and business education needed to build a company that could grow sustainably while staying true to its values.

The Challenge

When Steve looks back on the early days of his business, he laughs.

"I had no idea what I was doing."

Like many builders, he started doing what he loved.

"I was the classic craftsperson that didn't know they were running a business."

He knew how to build.

Running a business was something entirely different.

"It was that classic case of, 'Hey, I know how to do this thing really well. I'll just start doing it for a living.' And that's just what I did."

For a while, that worked.

As the company grew, Steve realized there wasn't much of a future in simply billing by the hour.

He describes his financial system as "advanced shoebox accounting."

It had gotten him this far, but it wasn't going to get him where he wanted to go.

Why HELM

Steve's relationship with HELM actually began long before HELM officially existed.

After following Paul Eldrenkamp's presentations at JLC for years, Steve joined the NESEA’s Bottom Lines peer group, where he began learning the fundamentals of running a construction business.

"I started learning about the concepts of business, and that's when I was like, 'Oh, this is interesting.' I love learning."

When Mel Baiser and Kate Stephenson launched HELM, Steve didn't hesitate.

"I wanted more of this... I can't go to school for it. Where else am I going to learn this? So I just hired them."

The Impact

Over the years, HELM helped Steve transform the way he thought about running his company.

Together they worked on:

Profit and loss management

Annual operating budgets

Cash flow

Business systems

Scheduling

Operational processes

Accountability

Leadership coaching

Strategic planning

Steve describes it simply:

"It was basically a huge business boot camp."

HELM didn't just provide answers.

They challenged him to think differently.

Growing Together

Steve admits he didn't always adopt every recommendation right away.

"I don't do something until I'm ready for it."

What he appreciated was that HELM stayed alongside him.

Little by little, the business evolved.

As HELM grew, so did the expertise available to Steve.

Working with different consultants brought fresh perspectives while maintaining the same shared values.

"They've surrounded themselves with amazing people... really good quality people that care. All of your values are aligned."

He particularly appreciates that every consultant brings a different style while staying committed to helping clients succeed.

For Steve, one of HELM's greatest strengths is that it goes beyond systems.

Sometimes the most valuable meetings don't include spreadsheets at all.

"Every so often we spend the entire hour... it's work therapy. It's amazingly valuable."

That combination of practical business coaching and trusted partnership has kept Steve working with HELM for more than a decade.

Advice to Other Builders

Steve doesn't hesitate when asked what he'd tell another builder considering HELM.

"You're missing an amazing opportunity. Just by not trying working with them, you're making a mistake."

He also believes HELM is about more than business systems.

It's about values.

"They're thoughtful, caring people. It's the people-first approach."

For Steve, that combination of expertise, accountability, and genuine care has made all the difference—not just in how he runs his company, but in the kind of company he's built.

Contact us to see how integrated systems can support your business.

Case Study: From Craftsperson to Business Owner