During one of the most challenging housing markets ever, one local company is making history with record sales.

Michael Fischer, an architectural designer by trade as well as a builder, formed Michael Fischer Builders 15 years ago. Working through his college years at Michigan State University and Lansing Community College, Fischer developed a love for the Lansing area as well as a solid work ethic.

Once he formed his company, his affinity for the Lansing region grew while his design and building skills were tested against tough competition. The business quickly gained an honorable reputation for their fluid design and handcrafted, custom cabinetry work—becoming well known for their built-ins, entertainment centers, basement buildouts, handicap accessible remodels, complete housing additions and even custom homes. “Remodeling has always been my passion, due to its unique challenges. Also being a designer and a builder, I see both sides of the coin. That is to say, I am able to build what I see in my mind,” says Fischer.

This ability to merge creativity and methodology gained public exposure in February 2007. The popular TV show Lansing Dream Home Show chose to feature Michael Fischer Builders as the exclusive remodeling company on a nine-segment series, which was the show’s most successful series to date. The series showcased Michael Fischer Builders’ remodeling work on a 2,500-square-foot home and a 1,000-square-foot addition, which included a winter agility training facility for dogs.

About six years ago, Fischer set out to open a showroom for his clients in the Greater Lansing area to touch, feel and experience the dream of their remodeling projects. The DreamMaker franchise opportunity was exactly what Fischer was looking for to complete the vision for the company and its clientele.

“Generally speaking, contractors emit less than a desirable reputation,” says Fischer. “We aim to obliterate that stigma. We forged our name in this area for delivering what we promise and then some,” explains Fischer.

He found the DreamMaker franchise adhered to the same values as his company. It offered a proven business model to its franchisees, which Fischer could adapt to local clientele. This code of values, adopted from the Dwyer Group, is what ultimately convinced Fischer to incorporate the DreamMaker franchise. As they learned, however, great values, outstanding deliverables and a stellar reputation do not always fend off other forces.

“Admittedly,” Fischer states, “when the credit crunch hit, we were definitely affected. But when the spring show hit, we were fortunate enough to enjoy record numbers.” Fortune may play a part in their success, but Michael Fischer Builders adheres to this strict code of values. The company’s setback was indeed temporary, and its core values made it easier to attain record numbers and overcome adversity in the long run.

Walking into the renovated 100-year-old building in Old Town, home to DreamMaker of Lansing’s studio and Michael Fischer Builders, one can understand how they have garnered such an honorable reputation for creativity and custom remodeling. 

In fact, the space is so comfortable, Fischer opens the studio as a complimentary venue for local groups who wish to host events in the home-like space. Wake Up Old Town hosted its monthly mixer in the studio. Fischer has had gourmet chefs hosting cooking demonstrations, and he hopes others will use the space, which comfortably seats up to 20 people. “It’s a great way to connect with businesses, people and the community,” explains Fischer.

“Our clients are largely hard-working, down-to-earth people with a desire for tasteful functionality. We don’t endeavor to create West Coast remodels here in Lansing. DreamMaker gives us all the freedom and flexibility we need to create custom kitchen and bath remodels for the Lansing region’s clientele,” says Fischer.

DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen is a part of what Fischer calls an all-inclusive remodeling package. “We are a full-service remodeling company,” says Fischer. The family of companies specs, designs and builds new garages, roofs and much more.

Fischer explains their staff of consultants understands the nuances of remodeling. The consultants are professional designers who are well versed in residential remodels, and according to Fischer provide the Lansing clientele with a high caliber of master craftsmen and precise project management.

“Most importantly,” explains Fischer, “we spend the time necessary to fully understand and spec out everything our customers need ahead of time. The entire remodeling project is detailed in the beginning to avoid any surprises during the process. We strive to make the remodeling experience enjoyable from start to finish.”

Six years later, growing strong, and proud to avoid laying off its staff, Michael Fischer Builders and DreamMaker of Lansing’s team is committed to helping rebuild this area and remodel the homes within it.

As members of the Greater Lansing Association and the Michigan Association of Home Builders, Fischer states, “We’re here for good. Lansing is home and we hope to be part of this region’s homeowners’ dreams for a long time.”