When you think of the Escobedo Group, images of unparalleled craftsmanship, innovative construction methods, and a relentless pursuit of perfection come to mind. This family-owned business, led by David Escobedo, has carved a unique niche in the high-end residential construction market. Through a recent interview with David Escobedo, it became evident that the company’s success is rooted in a deep-seated commitment to quality and a forward-thinking approach to construction.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
The Escobedo Group's story is one of generational expertise and evolving vision. David Escobedo recalls the origins of the company, tracing it back to his father’s post-World War II era endeavors. "My father started the company after he got out of World War II when he saw the need for houses.” After the war, the returning soldiers faced the challenge of reintegrating into civilian life and needed to find new careers. David's father and his friends saw an opportunity in the burgeoning housing market, driven by the post-war economic boom and the demand for new homes.
“Initially, they began building houses in Corpus Christi, Texas, capitalizing on the skills they had acquired during the war and the camaraderie they had developed. "It was a time of great optimism and opportunity," David explains.
"They wanted to create something lasting and meaningful." As the business grew, they decided to move to Houston, where the market was more promising and opportunities for expansion were greater. This early foundation in Corpus Christi and later in Houston laid the groundwork for the meticulous craftsmanship that would become synonymous with the Escobedo name. David reflects on how these early experiences shaped his own approach to the business. "Growing up in the industry, I learned the value of hard work and attention to detail from a very young age. My father always emphasized the importance of quality and integrity in everything we did." This philosophy has been the cornerstone of the Escobedo Group’s operations, influencing every project and decision.
David’s move to Austin in 1983 marked a significant turning point. Initially known for his work as a subcontractor, David quickly gained a reputation for handling complex and unique projects. One such project, inspired by Mayan architecture, showcased his ability to tackle challenging designs, further establishing his name in the industry.
"This very complicated house came up. My name came up to do it, and it was themed after Mayan architecture, which was really interesting. That was around 1995. It was a massive challenge due to its intricate design and structural requirements, but we managed to pull it off successfully. That project was a turning point because it demonstrated our capability to handle exceptionally complicated and unique designs," he recalls.
​​
Word of Mouth: The Best Advertisement
One of the most striking aspects of the Escobedo Group is their reliance on word-of-mouth referrals. “Ninety-nine percent of our work is word of mouth,” David notes. Their client base, composed predominantly of high-net-worth individuals, often includes entrepreneurs who appreciate the challenges of building a business and recognize the quality of work the Escobedo Group delivers.
David emphasizes the mutual respect and understanding between his team and their clients. "I think that's why we attract each other because they know how difficult it is to break into any market, and then they see the success that we’ve had and our quality level" he says. This shared entrepreneurial spirit fosters strong relationships and ensures a steady stream of projects.
The Dario Panelized System: Innovation in Construction
A key component of the Escobedo Group’s modern success is their innovative Dario Panelized System, named in honor of David's father. This construction method not only promises faster build times but also ensures superior quality and environmental sustainability. David explains, "With the Dario Panelized system, we can cut the construction time by 6 months or more, which is very important to our clients."
The Dario system represents a significant departure from traditional building methods. By constructing wall panels in a controlled environment and assembling them on-site, the Escobedo Group minimizes the environmental impact and enhances precision. “The precision of it... level of quality, I hate to say it, pretty dang close to exact,” David proudly states. He continues, "We self-perform 90% of the work in-house, which means we're not just labor brokers subbing everything out. We do the excavation, concrete, steel framing, stonework, millwork, cabinets, moldings, doors, and steel fabrication ourselves.
This allows us to maintain an unprecedented level of control over the quality and timing of our projects." David elaborates on the system’s environmental benefits, noting, "Instead of five dumpsters to build one house... we want to have five construction garbage bags." This efficiency not only reduces waste but also underscores their commitment to sustainability.
"I'm not a tree hugger, but I do care about the environment," David adds, highlighting the company's use of 60% recycled materials in their steel.
"We're using recycled materials wherever possible, and our insulation methods exceed most municipal requirements, making our buildings more energy-efficient and sustainable."
Future Growth
Looking ahead, the Escobedo Group is poised for growth, particularly with the expansion of the Dario Panelized system. David reveals plans to push the Dario system more aggressively, especially with their "shell package," which has garnered interest from regions like Phoenix, Nevada, New York, and Miami.
"We want to do more projects that are financially reachable by more people," he states, indicating a shift towards making high-quality construction more accessible. David adds, "The shell package is essentially a way for us to deliver the core structural components of a house—walls, roof, insulation and waterproofing —while allowing the client to handle the interior finishes. This approach not only makes our system more affordable but also empowers clients to personalize their homes to a greater extent." David also mentions the company's geographical reach, emphasizing their ability to manage projects far beyond their Texas base. "The furthest we have gone with Dario is Colorado... we have one Dario project in Dallas right now that is a very large project," he says, showcasing the system’s flexibility and appeal across various locations.
"The Colorado project was particularly rewarding as it was for a repeat client who appreciated the innovation and efficiency of our Dario system. We're also seeing growing interest from major cities across the country, which is exciting as it means our reputation is spreading."
A Family Affair
At its core, the Escobedo Group is a family business. David’s wife and children are integral parts of the company, each contributing to its operations and growth. This family involvement extends to their workforce, many of whom have been with the company for decades. “Our longevity is up to 40 years of employment... most of our staff has been with the company from 10 years to 40 years,” David notes, underscoring the deep-rooted loyalty and expertise within the team.
David’s pride in his team is evident as he speaks of their dedication and skill."We have some of the best craftsmen in the United States... everyone here is good at what they do," he says. This loyalty extends to their subcontractors as well.
"Our roofer, for example, has been with us for over 30 years. He just by chance happens to be out of Dallas, so he's working on the Dallas project for us. There are certain people that I won't waver on using because they have the same mentality, and they know who we are and what we expect."
He further elaborates on the company's approach to subcontractors, highlighting the long-term relationships they've built over the years. "We've brought in new project managers, and they're used to a more adversarial approach with subcontractors. However, we believe in building strong, respectful relationships. For instance, our plumber has been with us for 35 years. He does all of our plumbing, and even though he might be 10% more expensive, he's the best plumber for the type of work we do. The same goes for our electrician and our painter," David explains. "Our relationships with subcontractors are built on mutual respect and trust. We rely on them to deliver the same level of quality and dedication that we promise our clients."
The Secret Sauce: Quality and Passion
David attributes much of the Escobedo Group’s success to their unwavering commitment to quality and integrity. "One of the fundamental principles we uphold is to do what you say you're going to do. If you promise something and then fail to deliver, that's the first step towards damaging your reputation," he asserts. This philosophy is deeply embedded in every aspect of their operations, from the initial design phase to the final construction. "Our work is unique and unparalleled. The level of service we provide, in its entirety, sets us apart from others. The quality we deliver is of utmost importance to us," David adds.
The company’s approach to quality control is meticulous and hands-on, reflecting David’s passion and dedication. "I still get myself into trouble because I'm so passionate about what we do," he admits with a chuckle.
"I remember a client from Dallas telling me, 'David, when I talk to you, your enthusiasm and passion for what you do is contagious. It makes me excited to move forward with the project.' Hearing that kind of feedback really fuels our drive to excel."
David also emphasizes the importance of building long-lasting relationships with clients through honesty and transparency. "Being straightforward and delivering on promises is crucial. If you say you'll do something, you must follow through. That's how you build trust and maintain a solid reputation," he explains. This approach has undoubtedly contributed to the Escobedo Group's esteemed standing in the industry.
David’s fervor for his work is infectious, resonating not only with clients but also with his entire team. "Our commitment to quality isn't just about the end product. It's about the process, the attention to detail, and the passion we bring to every project," he says.
In discussing the company's ethos, David reflects on the pride he takes in his team and their shared mission. "What we achieve together is remarkable. Our craftsmen are some of the best and their dedication to their craft is evident in every project we undertake. It's this collective commitment to excellence that defines the Escobedo Group," he states.
A Legacy Built on a Commitment to Innovation
The Escobedo Group stands out not just for its luxurious, high-quality builds but for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability. David Escobedo’s passion and dedication are palpable, as is his gratitude for the talented team and loyal clients who have made their success possible. In a world where craftsmanship and quality often take a backseat, the Escobedo Group shines as a beacon of excellence and integrity in the construction industry.
With the Dario Panelized system, they are not only transforming how homes are built but also setting new standards for environmental responsibility and efficiency. As David succinctly puts it, "We are big enough now that I don't have to be in every meeting, but I still want to be involved. It's about maintaining the quality and passion that got us here."
As the Escobedo Group continues to innovate and expand, their focus remains on delivering unparalleled quality and fostering strong relationships with their clients. "Our clients often say, 'David, I thought that was very expensive, but now that you're finished, it's far more than I expected. The value that you've given me is far more than you know,'" David recounts.
It’s clear that not only does the Escobedo Group currently redefine the benchmark for luxury construction, it will continue to do so for many generations to come.
Interested in learning more about the Escobedo Group? visit their website at
www.escobedogroup.com
Written by
Skylar Grey
Editor in Chief
Built America Magazine