19 Apr Interview with CEO Handler
Dreamstar Custom Homes founder, Brett Handler, has been building homes in South Florida for over 32 years. He first learned the trade from his father, a successful production home builder, but left to follow his dream of building custom homes in 2000. Seventeen years later he brought his son, Scott, into the business.
“Dreamstar began as a family venture, with everyone working hard to ensure success,” reflects Brett. “My son, Scott, always had a passion for building homes. I am proud of his expertise in our business, and being a third generation Handler building homes.”
For son Scott, Dreamstar is a source of pride. Scott shares, “From an early age, I was either picking up job sites or helping my mom in the office. In college, while earning my BS in Finance at FSU, I worked full time out in the field every summer. The first project I ran on my own was a pivotal point in my career. I am excited to keep our family’s tradition of building fine homes.”
Known for creating custom homes, spanning from 3,500 to 14,000+ SF, Dreamstar has built in Frenchman’s Creek, Old Palm Golf Club, Admirals Cove, Jonathan’s Landing, Old Marsh, The Club at Ibis, as well as many waterfront homes. Each job is a true custom creation, and many clients are repeat clients, one owner of three Dreamstar homes declaring, “I will only live in a Dreamstar built home.” With the trend of living longer in the same home, Dreamstar is helping clients transform their existing residences to a new dream home. Their in-house team includes architectural and design professionals, guiding their clients through the process seamlessly.
What motivates you?
Brett: “ I love the design phase. Spending time with the professional and the clients is the best. Building from a piece of paper, defining lifestyle, function and design, sets the stage for a relationship that outlasts the building process.
Scott: “I am very motivated to continue on with what my family has build, while expanding with new technology and innovation.”
Scott reflects, “My grandfather had little sayings when he wanted to teach my dad a lesson. One of my favorites was ‘Anyone can spend money, it’s the easiest thing in the world to do.’ That lesson taught me the value of a budget. Our culture is to keep the client in the budget they approve, which is not always an easy thing.”
Scott also holds a FL Real Estate Sales license and is part of the Bretzlaff Group, at Douglas Elliman, where he focuses on Dreamstar homes. Scott credits Craig and Heather Bretzlaff as great mentors in the real estate business and is very fortunate to work and learn from them. “If anyone can show everything a house has to offer, it’s the person who built it. Meeting the future homeowner allows us to build rapport.”
Using the lessons passed down from generation to generation, Dreamstar has earned the reputation for quality and luxury home construction in the Palm Beaches. ~LHM
