Today we’re introducing you to one of our behind-the-scenes team members who has experience in almost every aspect of San Rufo! Keep reading to learn more about Laurissa…

How long have you been part of the San Rufo Homes team?
I can’t believe I am have been here for over 11 years! In some ways it seems like a long time, but in others it feels like it hasn’t been long enough. When I consider that when I started I was simply the warranty coordinator and purchaser, and how quickly I became the companies “Swiss Army Knife”, taking care of everything from Marketing, IT, Human Resources, as well as Estimating/Purchasing, and eventually evolving into a management position; 11 years just doesn’t seem like a long enough amount of time to have been involved in almost every facet of the company.

What is your job role and what does your day-to-day look like?
Currently my title is ‘Director of Process Management’; and it is very rare that I have two days exactly the same. I still dabble in a variety of different departments depending on the company’s needs; however, my goals stay the same every day: To make San Rufo the best builder we can be with the best team we can build.

What is your favourite part of taking clients through the buying process?
Generally speaking I am rarely involved with the clients; however, I have had the honour of participating in several key-releases, and there is nothing more heart-warming than to hand the clients their new house keys and to see the overwhelming happiness fill their faces. I suspect there aren’t a lot of jobs out there that have ‘tears of joy’ on a regular basis, but it’s one of the absolute best feelings you can get.

What is your favourite home model?
My favourite home model… that’s a difficult question for me. It used to be the Karson (which I have built), because it has the 4 bedrooms, and the standard triple tandem garage, and a gorgeous stairwell… but after having my son Nathan, and my twin girls, Arianna and Haileigh, I have to say that the Nathan, the Arianna and the Haileigh are now my favourite models.

What’s your one must-have feature in a home?
Only one ‘must-have’? I don’t know how to narrow it down… As long as the floor plan is open, inviting and functional, everything else is just a bonus! But I guess if I could choose one bonus perk, it would be an over-sized tiled shower with a bench, a niche, 10M glass and a rain shower head along with a large soaker tub. If there is one thing I need, it’s a spot to just relax and rinse away my worries and stresses from the day. Having an ensuite oasis where I can pamper myself for 20 minutes a day is just the perfect way to reset myself.

For you, what is the best part of the custom home building process?
Not to sound cheesy, but I enjoy everything from the designing and tweaking and changing of a floor plan, to negotiating and discussing ideas with our trade partners, to doing a quality assurance check of the home- I enjoy it all. But I guess for me the best part is seeing the finished master-piece, and knowing that I was adding to it every step of the way, in some small way or another.

What’s one piece of advice for a first-time home buyer?
No question is too small, and no idea too big. We want you to have your dream home. As much as budget needs to be at the forefront of everyone’s minds, if you want something, ask! The answer might still be “it’s simply not in the budget…” but if you at least ask then we may say, “but we might be able to find a way to make it work”. We’re the experts and it’s our job to guide you through all your questions and ideas- even if you doubt yourself, or think they are ‘too silly’ to ask- just do it!

What’s a fun fact about you?
A fun fact about me… I grew up in a very small town in British Columbia (shout-out to Lumby!). And even though I live in one of the largest metropolitan areas in Western Canada, I am still very much a country-girl at heart. I am also actively involved with the Women in Residential Construction committee from the CHBA.