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Annapolis, MDBy Darrell Mak
Koch Homes, a well-known and well-respected name in the residential and commercial construction industry, celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. During that time, the company has built an enviable reputation by focusing on two key principles.
“I learned from my father that quality and service are everything,” said Gary Koch, president of Koch Homes. “We have earned a good reputation by adhering to those principles.”
Koch Homes’ origin began in 1951, when Ross Koch founded the Bucher and Koch Realty Company, Inc. The young company started out developing smaller residential communities in Pasadena, constructing several custom homes per year between 1954 and 1977, most notably the North Shore on the Magothy community.
In 1977 after graduating with an MBA Degree from the University of Michigan, Gary Koch joined his father and led the formation of Koch Associates, Inc., which he expanded into a larger residential development and construction company, as well as commercial property development. Koch Associates was later renamed Koch Homes.
Today, Koch Homes’ projects consist of roughly 80 percent residential and 20 percent commercial developments, concentrating primarily on single-family detached homes. Koch said the company plans to continue to focus on residential development, but may expand the commercial side as opportunities present themselves.
About a year ago, Koch Homes celebrated another milestone as Koch’s nephew Bo joined the company to start a new endeavor, Koch Construction. Like its predecessor companies, Koch Construction will start with smaller residential developments.
“His first project just broke ground in Odenton, a residential five-lot development,” noted Gary Koch, adding Koch Construction also will focus on constructing single-family homes.
Koch and his father will teach Bo the ropes of the business, just as Koch himself learned the ins and outs of the construction trade from his father over 30 years ago. Koch Homes will continue to be led by Gary Koch.
“I have no intention of retiring anytime soon,” he confirmed.
Quality, attention to detail, fine craftsmanship, and award-winning community development have all been hallmarks of Koch Homes’ success over the years. The company has won more industry awards than any other builder in Anne Arundel County. Koch Homes has been recognized by the Home Builders Association of Maryland with 14 prestigious awards in the past including “Project of the Year” for its Farmington Village community, a 450-unit residential development in Pasadena.
Since its inception, the Koch companies have successfully developed over 60 communities comprising of over 3,000 lots, with another 1,500 lots currently in subdivision or development satges.
On the commercial front, Koch has built 11 buildings and retail centers in Maryland. Some of the more prominent projects Koch has participated in included Quarterfield Crossing – a 110-acre power center in Severn – and the Village Greens of Annapolis on Forest Drive.
“We are truly Anne Arundel County-based, and it will continue to be our main focus,” noted Koch.
Another testament to Koch Homes’ solid history lies in its staff. “We have a lot of long-term, loyal employees, who have been major contributors to our success,” said Koch, who concluded, “The entire team is taught to emphasize quality, and as such we’ve earned a great reputation.”
