Meet Carol Horton | Founder and CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carol Horton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carol, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting Lily Grace Homes came about after a major life change left me contemplating my next steps. I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit but launching a building company was really fueled by my passion and experience in residential construction and real estate. I’d always thought about branching out on my own, but the encouragement from another successful female builder was what truly pushed me forward. When two great lots opened up in the growing downtown Roanoke area, it felt like the perfect moment to take the leap. Roanoke is growing fast, and I knew it would be an ideal spot to build homes that I could showcase my quality, style, and exceptional service.

What should our readers know about your business?
Lily Grace Homes is a home builder that is driven by quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service. I believe the customer service aspect of the real estate industry has been lacking since the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. I want buyers to feel like they are being heard and excited to move into their new home.

Lily Grace Homes is in its infancy stage. I am building my first two “spec” homes. What I am most proud of is that I am doing this all on my own. So many people ask me who my general contractor is, and when I say I am, the look of shock, then respect, is very satisfying. I decided to go this route to ensure that I set the standard for construction and design. I want to ensure that every i is dotted and t crossed. Even a small missed step can lead to big problems later in the construction process. I have had a few bumps along the way, but I have learned a great deal, and I feel like it will make my homes even better now and in the years to come.

The cornerstone of my brand is functional design. I design homes that live well and make sense for the owners, which often translates into savings. While I am looking for ways to save on construction and ultimately the price, I am not looking to cut corners. Cutting corners will eventually lead to problems for homeowners in the future. I want to make homeownership enjoyable. I want my buyers to be proud to say they own a Lily Grace Home.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Wow, this is tough. As our metroplex has grown, the options have grown. If they were looking for the “Texas” experience, I would take them to Fort Worth and do a quick spin around the stockyards, but end up in the Cultural District for a bite to eat and drinks.

For a night out in Dallas, I would have to say, Bishop Arts is my go-to spot. With so many great dinner options, like Lucia and Paradiso, you will find something for any friend. I like the ability to stroll from bar to bar after dinner!

If I want something more low-key/casual, downtown Roanoke is a great choice. Like Bishop Arts, there is a wide range of restaurants. A new speakeasy, The Ro, is a must to drop in and have an after-dinner drink. Roanoke is vibrant yet not overly crowded, making it a great option for a chill Friday or Saturday night.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Each person that is in my life is a valuable thread that weaves together the fabric of my life and career. I have the privilege of coming from a long line of women who worked and were successful in their own way. However, my mother always told me that I could do anything I put my mind to….all I had to add was hard work.

Website: https://lilygracehomes.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilygracehomes/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lily-grace-homes