"When we were looking for a builder, we had a list of qualifications that had to be satisfied. The most important was that the builder had to have roots firmly entrenched in the area and had to take the pride in his work as if he were building the home for himself. It was important for us to know that the builder was here to stay. We did not want a start-up or an out-of-towner looking for a quick dollar where the action was and then either leaves town or declares bankrupcy because of inexperience. And most importantly, that builder had to be reliable and honest! We spent many long hours scrutinizing houses that were under construction and the houses that continuously impressed us had the sign 'MIKE JOHNSON CUSTOM HOMES' staked firmly in the front yards.

Once MJCH became our leading candidate, we spent time calling several individuals who had had their homes built by MJCH and heard nothing but rave reviews. Even though we went through the drill of obtaining three bids, MJCH distanced itself from the others because of the many years Mike spent learning by doing all of the many different crafts needed to know in order to build a home, and what he did not do himself, he had in-depth, detailed knowledge of the building process. The clincher, however, came when we discussed how he was going to construct our basement. Our house was to have a full basement, which was nestled into a sloping lot. MJCH was the only builder who emphasized the means in which he would take to construct it, how important drainage was, and what he normally does to achieve a watertight basement. It is now five years later and our basement walls are as dry as the day, that sunny day, when the blocks were first laid.

To date, there is only one problem that we have not been able to resolve. Mike is an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, while we, being from New York, are Giants fans. We know that somewhere embedded in our walls is the Dallas Cowboys Star and have lost many hours of sleep trying to find it. Where is it, Mike?

In conclusion, the building process is a very stressful one, to which any person who has ever gone through will attest. Through the entire process, we never once felt like we had made the wrong decision."

-Gerry and Katy Attilio, Custom home buyers

"Mike Johnson built my home in the fall of 1999. Many people told me that building my home could be a nightmare, but my experience was fun and exciting.

Mike indeed knows the profession and is veryproficient in his work. From digging the foundation to the last-minute final touch-up, he was always on top of the projects. Mr. Johnson is honest and thorough. He didn't cut corners or cover up mistakes. When I wanted to make changes, I found him to be agreeable and never became frustrated with me.

If my home was listed with the Parade of Homes, I know it would win first place. Mike is an excellent builder and I would highly recommend him. I am very pleased with my new home and the job the Mike Johnson Custom Homes team did."

-Anne Clift, Custom home buyer

"As a mortgage lender associating with the Johnsons for the past five years, I feel very honored to work with them and also to know them personally. They are very honest, trustworthy and dependable. They deliver the highest quality of workmanship and take pride in having a good working relationship with customers. Never once have I received any negative feedback from any of their clients during any of their projects or after.

I consider it a privilege to work with them and to have them as friends."

-Pat Allen, Vice President First American Bank

"Mike Johnson exemplifies what every builder should be. His attention to detail and complete customer satisfaction makes him one of North Alabama's finest. Mike has reached this status by surrounding himself with only the best people in the industry. His biggest asset is his wife, Gwen. Gwen's flair for interior decor and fashion make every homeowner's dreams come true. Congratulations to Mike and Gwen for a job well done!"

-Brian Askew, Sales Manager Jenkins Brick Co.

"All of us were friends first because I had known Gwen since grade school, so it was only natural that my wife, Jan, and I would include them along with other contractors for a bid when we decided to build our own home. What we knew all along, but had confirmed during this process, was that their standards of excellence in all aspects of the building project were not only the benchmarks for their peers, but they were competitive, too.

Besides being an excellent builder using only quality materials and expert craftsmen, Mike is extremely helpful when different options are needed. Last but not least, he and Gwen are two of the most honest people we know and this made the project even more enjoyable. We didn't have to worry about the integrity of the project because we knew the people we were dealing with had integrity as one of their top priorities."

-Drs. David and Jan Whitworth, Custom home buyers.

"We made the decision to buy this house in October during the Parade of Homes. This was the first house we looked at and we went back and looked again at the end of the day. When we signed the contract, the outside of the house was almost complete and ther ewas sheet-rock in place inside. We loved the style of the home, the lot, and the floor plan, but we had no idea what the house would look like on the inside once finished. We were not disappointed. The detail on the house was/is excellent.

Mike definately builds a quality home and takes pride in his work."

-Bob and Barbara Lamb, Custom home buyers.

"Mike Johnson Custom Homes makes a well constructed home built with beautiful woodwork and outstanding design quality."

-Margaret Winslow, Custom home buyer.

"Mike and Gwen Johnson of Mike Johnson Custom Homes are valued customers of First Commercial Bank, because their philosophy of doing business compliments our bank's core belief of treating people right.

I believe what helps make the Johnsons one of the leading builders in the community is that they take a personal interest in each project, and treat each house as if it is going to be their personal home. The fact they do what they say they are going to do, and our common belief in treating people right has led to a successful partnership between the Johnsons and First Commercial Bank."

-R. Hill Womble, President First Commercial Bank

"When Shirley (my wife) and I were looking to buy a home in Huntsville as a result of being relocated by my company from the Northern Virginia area, we had looked for almost a week and found nothing that really caught our attention. I was taking Shirley by to look at a house we had viewed previously and we noticed there was another house for sale across the street. We did not have time to call our realtor to see the inside-so we went over and looked in the front windows and then went to the back of the house-Shirley was so impressed with what she could see of the coffered ceiling, beautiful flooring, and exterior columns downstairs that she said we should make them an offer!

We were and continue to be delighted in the attention to detail both inside and outside of our home. It is a house that was well thought out and built with not only the thought of keeping the owners happy and comfortable, but with an outstanding layout for entertaining others and making your visiting family members feel very special indeed."

-Hap Terrell, Custom home buyer.