There is a new structure in our campus garden. Like most things around here, it has a story. Green beans need a little guidance to grow properly. You’ve heard of “pole beans?” They got their name from their supports. When our beans started to get gangly, our gardener Sam suggested we call his friend Lily [Read More]
Quilting to the Power of Three
If “your stitches reflect your character,” as Bettye Kimbrell’s grandmother taught her, then Bettye is imaginative, determined and enduring. We think Grandmother got it just right. Stewart Perry has been fortunate to know the talented Mrs. Kimbrell, a 75-year-old quilter from Mt. Olive, Alabama, for quite a while. Over the years, she’s made us a [Read More]
Building a Community Takes More Than Brick and Mortar
We at Stewart Perry like where we live, and we like our neighbors. Donna Sue Groves believes you can express those feelings through her relatively newfound art—barn quilts. “The barn quilts are public art that celebrates the place people call home. They make people feel good about themselves and where they live.” – Donna Sue [Read More]
How a Side Trip Whet My Appetite for Good Cuisine
There’s no better way to bring friends, family or client relationships together than by savoring a good meal in each other’s company. That’s made my interest in the culinary world more personal. An opportunity to explore the field presented itself last Friday afternoon. I was traveling back from one of our Pennsylvania projects and found [Read More]
My Road Trip Reminder: True Legacies Were Built in Our Country’s Darkest Financial Days
I’ve often thought that most builders strive for one of two major goals—to make the most money possible or to build a legacy. I’m not sure about you, but as a business owner I’d like to think at least some of what we do will go beyond legacy status and have a lasting impact to [Read More]
How a Maine Furniture Maker Taught Me to Make Time for My Passion
As business leaders, we often get so immersed in our vocation that we forget all about our avocation. I was reminded of this a few years ago when I took a trip to New England. I was driving through Freeport, Maine and happened to see a sign for the Thos. Moser shop in town. The name [Read More]
Seeds of Creativity: Building Solidarity in Our Community
While traveling to project sites, I like to take the side roads “the roads less traveled” instead of the interstate, so I can get a better feel for the communities we are impacting. Along the way, I have come to know and support many local craftsmen and artists. Their unique pieces give me a chance [Read More]
