For most families, building a custom home happens once—maybe twice—in a lifetime. It’s exciting, but it can also be daunting. Between site prep, design choices, materials, and finishes, there are thousands of decisions to make—and not every homeowner knows where to begin. That’s why the partnerships behind the scenes matter just as much as the craftsmanship that goes into each build.
At MANS Lumber & Home, we believe the quality of a home reflects not only the materials it’s made from but also the relationships that make it possible. That’s why we’re proud to partner with builders like Hamilton Homes , a Michigan-based custom builder led by David Hamilton, whose philosophy of honesty, transparency, and craftsmanship mirrors our own.
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
When you walk through one of David Hamilton’s completed homes, it’s clear how much heart goes into the process. His team treats each project as if they were building for their own family. “If I wouldn’t move my mother into it, it’s not good enough,” he says—a standard that guides every step from the first site survey to the final walkthrough.
That approach is one reason Hamilton has trusted MANS Lumber & Home (and our Dillman & Upton showroom in Rochester) for nearly 30 years. The collaboration started when David worked for Lombardo Homes in the 1990s and has continued seamlessly through his own company, Hamilton Homes. Over the years, he and MANS sales consultant Brian Norton have developed the kind of working relationship every builder hopes for—one built on mutual respect, reliability, and trust.
“When I call Brian, I know he’s going to tell me what I need to know, not just what I want to hear,” David says. “If there’s a material delay, he’s upfront about it. That honesty helps me plan and, more importantly, it helps me keep my homeowners informed.”
That commitment to transparency is a cornerstone of both companies’ cultures. As a fifth-generation family business, MANS has always operated with the belief that good relationships—whether with our partners, employees, or customers—are the foundation of everything we do. As our president Doug Mans often says, “We’re not in the lumber business. We’re in the shelter business.”
Trust That Translates to the Homeowner
For homeowners, this alignment between builder and supplier shows up in tangible ways—less stress, fewer surprises, and a smoother overall experience.
Just ask the homeowners who have worked with them in the past . By the time they reach the finishing stage—selecting trim, doors, stair parts, and millwork—they had already made hundreds of decisions. “You get to that point totally overwhelmed,” one customer recalls. “But when David and Brian from MANS walked us through what’s called a ‘trim walk,’ everything became easier.”
A trim walk takes place in the framed home, where the builder and supplier meet with the homeowner to visualize details like door styles, staircase railings, and window trim. “You can’t bring a staircase to your house to see how it looks,” Stefanie (in the video above) laughs. “But you can walk through the showroom and see every option. And the way David and Brian collaborate, it’s like they already know what you’re picturing.”
That trust, built over decades, helps homeowners feel supported—not handed off. Instead of being sent from vendor to vendor, they’re guided through every stage by a unified team. “I always felt like we had a part in every decision,” Stefanie says. “But it was never overwhelming.”
Anticipating Needs Before They Arise
That seamless experience doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of preparation and proactive communication—qualities that define both Hamilton Homes and MANS.
During one build, David recalls, a homeowner had chosen a specialty nickel-gap siding that was difficult to source. He ordered what he thought was enough, but the carpenters ran short by just a few pieces—potentially delaying the project for weeks. Fortunately, Brian had anticipated the possibility and ordered extra material without saying a word. “Sure enough,” David laughs, “when I called him in a panic, he said, ‘Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.’”
Stories like that are common between MANS and its partners. As Brad Upton, branch manager of our Dillman & Upton location, explains, “Efficiency and foresight are what keep custom builds on schedule. When our teams understand each other’s processes, we can anticipate needs and solve problems before they reach the homeowner.”
That’s what makes long-term partnerships invaluable. Builders like Hamilton don’t have to guess what’s happening behind the scenes—they know MANS will deliver what’s promised, when it’s promised. And homeowners benefit most of all: fewer delays, clear communication, and peace of mind that their project is in capable hands.
The Power of a Shared Philosophy
At the heart of it all is a simple belief: doing the right thing, even when it’s not the easiest thing. Whether it’s MANS covering a delivery cost, Hamilton reworking a detail to make it perfect, or Brian spending an extra afternoon helping a homeowner visualize trim options, the guiding principle is the same—put people first.
Both companies are family businesses built on legacy, trust, and care. And together, that philosophy shines through in every finished home. It’s why homeowners like the Hays family not only love where they live but also look back on the building process with joy.
“The entire Hamilton Homes team made it fun,” Stefanie says. “And MANS played a huge part in that. Every time I walk into our home, I can see the quality—and I can feel the care that went into it.”
Building Better, Together
Partnerships like this are what allow MANS Lumber & Home to stand behind every product we supply. We don’t just deliver materials—we help deliver on dreams. When a builder shares our commitment to honesty, craftsmanship, and family values, we know the end result will be something special: a home built to last, and a process homeowners will actually enjoy.
Because when trust runs deep, the quality shows—every step of the way. Thank you to partners like Hamilton Homes who share that commitment…together, we’ll continue building better for the families we serve.
Learn more about Hamilton Homes at hamiltonhomesmi.com .
