A Legacy of Craftsmanship & Quality Service
by Leigh Somerville
Rothrock Renovation & Remodeling, A division of Zack Rothrock Builders, Inc.
Like many others, Zack Rothrock collects antique tools. But sitting at his back door is a heavy wooden box – filled with old planes and levels – that is much more than a collector’s item. It is a symbol. It represents a legacy of three generations of builders with reputations as solid as that roughhewn box.
Zack’s grandfather, Ruben Rothrock, started his construction business in the late 1930s. His son, Terry, followed in his footsteps in 1960, living in and working out of the building Zack and his wife, Camille, now use as their office on Styers Ferry Road.
As president of Rothrock Renovation & Remodeling, a division of Zack Rothrock Builders, Zack carries on the family tradition with pride. Using the design/build approach, his company is the single source of accountability for both design and construction – a valuable skill he began to learn as a child.
Terry Rothrock taught his son more than a trade. He taught him something even more important – a strong work ethic. Over the years, the tools may have changed, but the importance of being dependable hasn’t. “My father taught me to deliver more than what you promise,” Zack says.
And that’s a rare quality his customers appreciate. The company web site features several testimonials such as this quote from Chip Savidge. “Zack and his team are always on time, on budget and meticulously tidy. They offer sound advice and make sure every detail is addressed completely. Their great service and craftsmanship make it easy to take on renovation projects. I look forward to starting the next one.”
Finding his niche
Zack graduated from West Forsyth High School on a Saturday in 1983 and went to work in construction on the following Monday. With that company, he learned the business from the ground up, from laying footings to roofing. Five years later, he took his experience and started his own sub-contracting business, Zack Rothrock Builders. In 1993, the business was incorporated.
About four years ago, he found his niche market in remodeling and renovation – work he describes as “more personal” than what he had been doing before.
“I take the home my customers already love and help them improve it,” he says.
Those improvements range from hanging a storm door to a full house renovation.
Much of his time is spent meeting with perspective customers, and he says he finds great satisfaction in that part of his work.“I love sharing their dreams and knowing we can help them realize them,” he says. “And then the final satisfaction comes when I see the completed project and the look of contentment in the eyes of my customers.”
Achieving his goal
Online testimonials illustrate his customers’ satisfaction, as well. “Just wanted to thank you for doing such a great job! I especially appreciate that you did exactly what you said you would do, when you said you would do it, and for the price quoted. You are a rare find and will definitely send all my friends to you. Thanks again.” Lisa David
To know the respect of one’s peers is always one of the most important accomplishments a professional can attain. Zack’s office walls are lined with evidence that he has achieved that respect.
An active member of the Home Builders Association of Winston-Salem since 1993, he served as its president in 2006. He was named Builder of the Year in 2003 and 2006, built the Parade of Homes Association Home in 2003 and has won Gold and several Silver Awards in the annual Parade of Homes. In 2009 at the 21st century Building Expo & Conference Zack was awarded two STARS awards, for marketing efforts. This program honors builders who make major contributions to the residential home building industry. Zack Rothrock Builders is a certified lead paint renovation company, meaning all staff members are certified in lead paint removal. Zack also, holds the Accredited Builder (AB) and Certified Greenbuilding Professional (CGP) designations from the National Home Builders Association.
But Zack’s biggest honor doesn’t hang on his office wall. “The best compliment I can get,” he says, “is when a building inspector looks at the finished project and I hear him tell my customer, ‘You sure picked a great Builder for the job.”
