Built on legacy: how Stentiford Construction has helped shape Ocala for three generations

OCALA, FL (352today.com) – In a business where buildings are measured in square feet, timelines and budgets, Stentiford Construction has always believed there are some things that cannot be measured on a blueprint.

Reputation. Relationships. Integrity.

And family.

For three generations, construction has been part of the Stentiford family story. For Paul Stentiford, owner and president of Stentiford Construction, that meant growing up around the business and learning early that a good reputation isn’t something that can be built overnight.

It comes from doing quality work, being honest with people and standing behind what you build.

That philosophy has remained at the heart of the Ocala-based company since Paul earned his Florida General Contractor’s license in 1985. More than four decades later, Stentiford Construction has become a familiar name in Marion County, particularly when it comes to commercial construction.

But these days, there is another Stentiford helping shape the company’s future.

About nine years ago, Paul’s son Tyler joined the family business, bringing with him a background in architecture, design, technology and project planning. The combination has created a father-and-son partnership that blends decades of hands-on construction experience with a more modern approach to design, visualization and project management.

The two bring different strengths to the table, but their philosophy is remarkably similar.

Their foundation is built on God, family and trust.

And that foundation extends beyond the family itself.

Building More Than Structures

Walk around Ocala and Marion County, and there is a good chance you’ll encounter a building touched by Stentiford Construction.

The company’s commercial portfolio includes offices, retail spaces, restaurants, renovations, historic restoration projects and other recognizable local buildings. Its project portfolio includes everything from the Gause & Son Jewelers renovation in downtown Ocala to restaurants, professional spaces and specialized facilities.

Commercial construction remains a major part of the company’s business, but Stentiford also builds luxury custom homes.

For Paul and Tyler, the type of project may change, but the approach doesn’t.

Careful planning. Clear communication. Accountability. Quality workmanship.

Much of the company’s business comes through repeat clients and referrals — something that can be difficult to manufacture in an industry where projects can involve significant investments and plenty of moving parts.

Stentiford’s reputation, meanwhile, has been built one project and one relationship at a time. The company says its long-standing local presence and word-of-mouth reputation have allowed it to remain focused largely on projects in its hometown of Ocala and throughout Marion County.

A New Chapter at The Club at Iron Lake

Today, that legacy is continuing in a very visible way at The Club at Iron Lake, formerly known as Club Adena.

Stentiford Construction is currently building luxury townhomes within the community, while also working on a luxury custom spec home designed to showcase the company’s craftsmanship and attention to detail.

The projects offer a look at another side of Stentiford Construction.

While the company may be best known locally for commercial work, residential construction has become an important part of its story, too. Its portfolio includes custom homes and residential developments, demonstrating the company’s ability to take the same project-management principles used in commercial construction and apply them to highly personal spaces.

For a company that has spent decades building businesses and community spaces, there is something fitting about helping create homes, too.

The Work Starts Before Construction

Ask Paul and Tyler what makes a successful project, and the answer isn’t simply about what happens once construction begins.

They believe some of the most important work happens before anyone steps onto the jobsite.

Getting the contractor involved early can help identify potential problems with plans, budgets, materials, permitting or scheduling before those issues become costly surprises. It also gives the contractor and client an opportunity to establish expectations and develop a realistic plan from the beginning.

And when it comes time to select a contractor, the lowest bid isn’t necessarily the best measure of value.

Experience, organization, communication and the ability to follow through can make just as much difference to the finished project — and to the experience of getting there.

That’s particularly important when the finished building is expected to serve a purpose for years or decades.

For Stentiford Construction, the goal isn’t simply to finish a building.

It’s to build something that works.

Something that lasts.

Something the client can be proud of.

And, ultimately, something that adds to the community where the Stentiford family has spent generations building its own legacy.

Because while construction may be what the company does, the Stentifords believe the real foundation of the business has never been concrete or steel.

It’s been God, family and trust — and a commitment to do the job right.