It's not uncommon to see Don Jessup himself showing potential customers through his Lansing showroom. In fact, that personal touch from the owner of McDaniels Kitchen and Bath is credited with helping the company survive the economic downturn. "People want to know the money they're spending is a good investment, especially now," Jessup says. "I make sure they know I stand behind our products.

Major renovations or remodels can run as high as $100,000, but Jessup says the majority of the transformations are pretty affordable. McDaniels Kitchen and Bath works with clients to fit their needs and budgets. "Some companies hit a button on a program and a design pops out. They don't take into account individual wants and needs."

Jessup says his team of seven designers helps customers get exactly what they want, and all within their budget. "We want to know how the area will be used to determine need, then we're able to lay out options based on cost."

Jessup says the newest trend for kitchens are two-tone cabinetry-upper cabinets are white or a light wood color with bottom cabinets a much darker shade.  Semi-custom lines give customers the choice of color and size, while the less expensive factory line does not allow for customization. New countertops are also a small investment that can pay back big at sale time.

Laminates are the least expensive option there, but depending on the worth of the home, granite, marble or even quartz could be a better choice.

McDaniels also offers a full line of appliances, and while focusing on needs in the kitchen and bath, services are not limited to those areas. Remodels of closets, laundry rooms and even garages are also offered. A great deal of McDaniels business comes from repeat customers, which Jessup says is due to the company's reputation for quality. "People know us. They know how we work and they come back when they're looking for a change again."

While some think they have to travel to bigger cities like Grand Rapids, Detroit or Chicago for a granite countertop purchase, Jessup says his company gives customers a unique shopping experience. "We don't just have 12-inch by 12-inch samples for people to look at, we can get a whole 5- or 6-foot slab of granite for them to get the real feel of their remodel." He says designers are also onsite to answer questions and work up remodel plans.

Jessup says fortunately for his company the remodels that tend to give the most bang for the buck are kitchens and bathrooms. He says complete bathroom re-dos can run between $7,000 and $10,000.

Jessup adds that a new paint job and changing fixtures and a shower door are the most inexpensive ways to update a bath, but an investment in new tile is well worth it. For kitchens, he says new cabinetry, starting as low as $1,800, can give a whole new feel to an area.

While Jessup is now owner of the company, it was started back in 1956 by Bob McDaniel. It operated out of a showroom on Shiawassee Street in Lansing for a number of years until Jessup's father, Dave-a client himself of McDaniels-decided to buy it.

In the late '80s, Dave moved the showroom to a much larger facility and better location on U.S. 27. The nearly 30,000-square-foot building dedicates a good area to displays of kitchen and bathroom mockups.

Despite a great showroom and personal attention, Jessup admits business has been down as of late. Catering mostly to the construction industry, he says profits last year were off more than 50 percent. "In recent years, the number of permits pulled for construction work in Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties was over 1,000. Last year they pulled just 400." The drop in work from builders has prompted some changes for McDaniels. They're now offering incentive programs to bring business in, ranging from discounts to same-as-cash financing, to gas cards for referrals.

Jessup admits the last few years have been difficult, forcing him and the company to do more with less.  "At one time we had as many as 35 employees. Today that number is down to 21."

Jessup says the economy has forced him to also rethink marketing strategy. "We've pretty much eliminated our television advertising budget. We're now looking at the specifics on what drives people to the doors and trying to find ways to put more resources in those areas."

Jessup says one of the myths about the company is that it's more expensive than home centers, which he says is simply not true.

In fact, he emphasizes not only are their prices competitive, the work comes with a promise. "We guarantee our products will fit exactly as ordered and we provide follow-up service to make sure customers are happy after the sale."

He also says, unlike the large corporation stores or home centers, every dollar McDaniels takes in, from payroll to supplies, stays in the Lansing area.

Jessup admits running a business in one of the bigger cities might have been advantageous, but says he regrets nothing. "A bigger market could be helpful, but those markets see big ups and downs in business. Lansing is pretty stable." He points to Michigan State University, Lansing Community College and the state capital for that stability.

Jessup remains optimistic about the future. "Lansing has had some bumps in the road but once all the positives have taken hold, we'll see a flood of business coming back."

Jessup's plans for the future include working on barrier-free designs for the physically challenged, offering more home improvement seminars, and finding ways to be more efficient and affordable in McDaniels' services.