Steve Schappert shipped this home to Germany from up state NY in 2008. Complete with double wall construction.
The Ingenious Journey of Affordable Housing: A Story of Marketing, Engineering, and Ingenuity
In 2008, amidst a rapidly changing global landscape, Steve Schappert found himself at the helm of an ambitious project that would redefine the construction and export of homes. Contacted by a German exporter, the mission was clear: design innovative homes from the New Milford office, construct them in a state-of-the-art factory in upstate New York, and ship them in cargo containers to Port Elizabeth, NJ, for transport across the Atlantic to Germany.
With a team of skilled engineers and marketing professionals, Schappert set to work, combining creativity with practicality to design homes that were not only aesthetically pleasing but also efficient and sustainable. The engineering involved in this project was groundbreaking; the homes were modular, allowing for quick assembly and transportation without compromising quality.
As construction began, Schappert’s marketing prowess came into play. He strategically positioned the homes as affordable alternatives to traditional builds in Germany, emphasizing their quality, efficiency, and lower price point. The homes were delivered at a cost lower than five panelized factories in Germany, a testament to Schappert’s innovative approach and the operational efficiencies he had cultivated over the years.
The logistical challenges were significant. Each home was to be carefully packed into cargo containers, ensuring they would withstand the rigors of transit. Every detail was meticulously planned; transport costs, tariffs, inspections, and taxes were all accounted for, providing a seamless experience for the buyer. The successful delivery of the first home marked a significant milestone, showcasing the power of collaboration across borders.
However, just as the momentum built, the world economy faced an unforeseen collapse. This sudden shift in market conditions stymied what could have been a remarkable expansion. Despite receiving over 3,000 additional orders from countries including Germany, Russia, Bermuda, and Kuwait, the opportunity to follow through on this surge of demand slipped away.
Yet, the story does not end there. This experience serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of innovation in the face of adversity. Schappert’s journey exemplifies how marketing, engineering, and ingenuity can converge to create exceptional solutions, even in challenging times.
As the global economy stabilizes, the vision for affordable housing remains alive. Schappert’s initial success in delivering quality homes internationally continues to inspire future endeavors. Stay tuned as this story of ingenuity unfolds further, with potential new opportunities on the horizon. The world may not have been ready for these homes in 2008, but the seeds of innovation have been planted, and the future looks promising.
