LANE BUILDERS, INC.
JUPITER, FLORIDA

Jeff started with Gary McCrea, (the founder) of Lane Builders in the fall of 1994. Jeff was hired to replace Gary upon Gary’s retirement and complete the Lane Builders Team. Gary knew that Keith and Rick did a great job of building any home. If Jeff was ready at the end of the 5 years, Gary would sell Lane Builders to Jeff, Rick and Keith. Jeff held true to his commitment over the years and Gary knew in time that his baby would be in good hands. Four years, Eleven Months and Zero Days, Jeff, Keith and Rick purchased Lane Builders from Gary McCrea. One month ahead of schedule. Since that day in 1999, Jeff, Rick and Keith have been building the areas greatest homes. Homes built with hard work, science and an extra heaping of Love. Rick grew up outside of Bridgeville on the western side of our great county. Rick has had a long career of building homes. Rick started as a 27 year old young man in the field of carpentry with Lane Builders. Rick was a quick study and a skilled craftsman. He quickly became a crew leader of his own crew. Gary, the founder of Lane Builders, immediately saw Rick’s potential shining through. Over the years Rick’s leadership and commitment to the highest quality homes continued. Year after year, he developed until Gary had the opportunity to make Rick a Superintendent. This new challenge was met with the same determination and care that Rick had exemplified throughout his career. Rick was now managing the construction of multiple homes at once. In 1999 along with Jeff Burton and Keith Hastings, all of Rick’s hard work paid off when together, they purchased Lane Builders. Keith is a native of Georgetown, Delaware. Keith knew from the time he was a boy that he wanted to be a carpenter, actually… the best carpenter. During high school Keith took 3 years of technical studies in the field of carpentry at Sussex Vocational High School – Keith also worked as a carpenter since he was 15 years old. Since 1973 each summer he would practice his craft while keeping up with his chores around home. The summers were spent doing what he loved. Keith’s reputation for doing everything right the first time became well known locally. Gary McCrea (Founder of Lane Builders) saw his opportunity to hire the young craftsman in October of 1983 and did just that on Nov 1st 1983. When Keith started with Lane Builders his skill set was already quite evident. Keith spent the next years helping Gary to grow Lane Builders reputation by ensuring every customer could plainly see his love for his craft shining through. From the beginning of Keith’s tenure at Lane in 1983, the beach homes Lane was building became more complex and exquisitely detailed. Keith was always seeking to get better on each and every home. He loved the challenge. Keith became a crew leader as Gary knew Keith was a big part of building the Lane brand. Later, as Keith became a more and more integral piece of Lane Builders, Gary wisely promoted him to Superintendent as well. In 1999 along with Rick Blades and Jeff Burton, Keith purchased his dream. He was now part of the best home building team on the Delaware Beaches. The owners of Lane Builders were born here, we were raised here and we chose to raise our families here. Sussex County is our home, from the beautiful Mispillion River to the solitude of the great Cypress Swamp, from the bountiful farm lands of our western side, to our gorgeous beaches. We love being a part of this beautiful thriving area. Having recently moved to Lewes, Suzanne joined Lane Builders in February of 2013. As a part of the migration of almost-retirees to the Beaches, she and her husband traded their multi-story big house in PA for single-story,-- with a basement-- living about 2 miles from the beach. As an architecture buff with an interest in real estate, she witnesses all aspects of the building process. Suzanne says “It’s almost not work!” Bethany Beach is affluent, provides access to one of the highest rated school districts in Delaware and its property taxes are well below the national average. And it is growing. Since 2000 the population is up 24 percent. The median price of a house or condo is also up, from $184,000 in 2000 to $428,731 in 2013.  The median age of residents is 68. A 30-member U.S. Lifesaving Association Advanced Certified Agency beach patrol insures the safety of beachgoers in season and also backs up police in seeing that beach ordinances are observed. Bethany has a reputation for hiring excellent lifeguards who see their responsibility as more than a summer job. They provide ocean rescue, First Responder care, and general public service. Fire safety is provided by a 60-member all volunteer fire department. Summer offers the most excitement in Bethany Beach. Residents and visitors enjoy kayaking, surfing, boating, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, fishing, guided tours, whale and dolphin watching, concerts and movies on the beach and many other activities designed to boost tourism. A unique asset of Bethany Beach is the Assawoman Canal which can be accessed in neighboring Ocean View and provides inland water access to Delaware’s rich plant and animal life. Also reachable on the canal are Indian River Bay, Assawoman Wildlife Areas, White Creek and Salt Pond. Salt Pond is a picturesque area of wetlands and ponds located within Bethany and just 3/4ths of a mile from the beach. Nearby is a mid-length, executive 18-hole golf course. What may not be as well known is that Rehoboth is ranked among the 100 Best Small Arts Towns in America. The Rehoboth Art League, which promotes an annual Cottage Tour, craft displays, and informal teas on their lawn, is at the center of organizations which have secured the city’s arts reputation.  In the summer, the Outdoor Fine Arts Show is held at the League during the second and thirds weeks of August. It also provides edible art during the Chocolate Festival. The biggest League event is the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival where top-rated artists perform at the Convention Center. The Festival features 30 different indoor and outdoor venues and 75 other events. During winter the League sponsors a series of lectures, workshops, plays, a fashion show, and the Delmarva Piano Festival. The League also supports other arts groups such as the Rehoboth Beach Writers Guild.