Josh Wisley Contracting Testimonial

by Ben Watters

How do you go from nursing student to accomplished home builder? It is interesting how many in the building industry started out studying one thing but found they cannot resist their love of building and problem-solving. This is the case with Josh Wisley, along with his wife, Chelsea, who also enjoys problem-solving and making dreams come true.

Right after high school, Josh built his first home. It was meant to be a learning experience as Josh did everything from framing to painting and everything in between. This gave Josh both the knowledge and confidence he would need to step out on his own.

However, Josh did not jump straight to it. He spent five years working for others in the Bedford, IN area as a carpenter and general laborer before he left to study nursing at Anderson University. While studying, Josh who grew up farming, worked part-time for a notable horse farm.

The horse farm was needing to expand and they needed a new high-end barn. To their surprise when the owners put a bid out, Josh was a willing builder. Their confidence in Josh was high, so they awarded him the job. The build went great and opened up new opportunities for Josh. Soon he was taking on new homes while still in school. As his interest in nursing waned, school soon morphed into Business Management, all the while Josh was successful in building homes.

In 2008, Josh noticed the economy taking a downturn and felt it was time to go back home to the Bedford, IN area. He took a job as a Sales Representative with Bender Lumber and sold lumber and building materials for two years before restarting his business in 2010. Josh learned a lot during his two years in the lumber sales business, mainly how he adjusted his methods of quoting.

Since 2010, Josh’s business has grown but not before Josh used his time as a builder, background in Business Management, and experience working for Bender Lumber to develop a process of building a transparent quote and contract with his clients. The process allows more time with the potential homeowner before a contract is entered into, discussing details upfront creates a solid contract and a better idea of cost. Josh learned that managing time is most important to his ability to grow. He feels this special communication with his client saves valuable time as the home is being built. It is for these reasons he will not enter into a contract or offer a quote without it.

Josh also does not feel he can take full credit for his success because of those who have invested in him, starting with his dad, who always had a remodeling project for his four sons to do during the summer break. As well as, his brother Jamie, also an accomplished builder, who mentored Josh in the early years.

Then, of course, there are those who are integral parts of Josh’s business, like the fantastic sub-contractors which he partners with that always work their best throughout the process and has great relationships with.

One of Josh’s strongest partnerships is with Darren Kenny, his Bender Lumber Sales Representative. Darren works closely with Josh throughout the process making sure the material needed shows up on time, and Darren helps Josh coordinate many aspects of the build including knowledge about the products he sells. Josh trusts Darren as he looks out for his business.

As with most in the building business, mixing business concerns with personal concerns is challenging. Josh’s goals are to develop a system and boundaries. One of the ways he has created this balance is to build an office off-site that serves as a place to meet clients, vendors, and sub-contractors.

Bender Lumber is looking forward to our long-lasting partnership with Josh Wisley as he continues to raise the bar in customer service building in Southern Indiana. You can bet he will build a better customer experience that makes us all better at what we do together.