Today we’d like to introduce you to John Sorenson.
John, please share your story with us.
For almost 50 years, US Shelter Homes has built thousands of homes throughout Chicagoland. My grandfather started the company in 1970 and my Dad took over the company in the mid-80s. The talk and visits to new homes was a staple of my childhood. During college summers, I worked framing houses, sweeping floors and building punch lists for newly completed homes. After college – and after a brief stint in financial services – I started with US Shelter Homes as an assistant construction superintendent, moved to Customer Service and then to Purchasing. I eventually ran Operations for the company and today hold the role of President.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The financial crash of 2008/2009 hit homebuilders across the country hard and we were no exception. People could not afford to move, let alone purchase a new home. It was during that time, however, the uncertain financial environment allowed us to take a step back from our 35-year-old business model and re-evaluate what we wanted to focus on. It was during that time we shifted from building 10-100s of a home in a single new development to building semi-custom homes in already established communities and neighborhoods throughout the North Shore – from Glencoe to Lake Bluff – and Northwest Suburbs from Northbrook to Arlington Heights to Libertyville. Today, our portfolio of business is now balanced by both pre and post crash models.
US Shelter Homes – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
For almost 50 years, U.S. Shelter Homes, Inc. has built residential communities and semi-custom single-family homes of superior design, workmanship, and value throughout the greater Chicago Metropolitan Area and Southeast Wisconsin. The family owned and operated company – now run by third-generation owners – takes pride in its hard-earned reputation, measurable by the satisfaction of its buyers, town administrators and trade specialists.
Throughout its history, the company has built more than 5,500 homes. U.S. Shelter was founded by Edmund Sorenson in 1970, with a community in Elgin, Illinois. His son, Jack Sorenson, became President of the company in 1984. And today, Jack’s oldest son, John Sorenson, resides as President of U.S. Shelter Homes. Home building is in the Sorenson bloodlines. It’s a passion and a lifestyle, with outstanding company standards passed between the generations.
U.S. Shelter Homes is affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders, the Homebuilders Association of Greater Chicago, The Homebuilders Association of Illinois and the Residential Construction Employers Council. U.S. Shelter Homes has been awarded numerous Gold Key Awards for superior home design and livability.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.usshelterhomes.com
Image Credit:
US Shelter Homes LLC
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