Getting To Know Ocala’s Home Pros
When shaping a community, few people are as influential as the men and women
who build our homes.
Written & Compiled by Kristina Kolesa • Photos by John Jernigan - Thursday, May 01, 2008

Ocala has no shortage of experts in the home building industry, but getting to know these
pros one-on-one isn’t easy.

Ocala Style posed some illuminating and light-hearted questions to the biggest names in the local
building industry to learn more about them. Here’s what they had to say about what’s important to
them, the best advice they’ve received, some not-so-great home trends, and more.
JIM & PAL BENNETT
BENNETT CONSTRUCTION SERVICES INC.
27 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY

What’s the most common mistake people make
when building a house? Jim: Most people do not
realize how affordable it can be to design a custom plan.
A home is one of the biggest investments they will make.
It should also be the biggest expression of their
personality and style.

What’s one trend in homebuilding from the past
that—when looking back—you wish had never
been popular? Pal: Mauve and peach kitchen
countertops and cove lighting.

Describe your most prized possession and why it’s
important to you. Both: Our family is what we treasure
most.

What’s one skill—not home-related—that you’d like
to master and why? Jim: Golf—it’s a love-hate
relationship. It can never be mastered and that’s the
challenge I love.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Jim:
A mentor in business once told me, “You don’t just build
buildings; you build valued relationships.” I’ve taken this
philosophy and applied it to my personal life as well.

What makes Ocala special? Both: Even though we are
continuing to grow, Ocala still has that home-grown,
small-town feel.
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