The teacher in Bill Probert jumps out at you, just as the teacher in Larry Webb does, but Probert's retailing background might be even more important to John Laing Homes' success.

Keeping quality people is key to long-term success, but few of the builders who do succession planning go beyond the most senior-level positions.

Demand remains strong, though first-time affordability, tech toys and demographic changes beckon competitive builders.

Under a fun-focused management team that now owns the company, Professional Builder's 2004 Builder of the Year, John Laing Homes, is morphing into a new breed of home builder.

Set the bar high and understand which steps, people and skill sets are needed to reach it. Dedicate yourself and your associates to living the story you want told.

Your assets, including your brand, present opportunities that you might not be realizing.

At John Laing Homes, satisfying the luxury buyer - one uninterested in enduring the usual custom home process - means creating a division populated with people uniquely focused on their needs and wants.

John Laing Homes' move into the Southern California urban regeneration and infill housing market makes perfect sense to Dan Konnor, its director of infill land acquisition.

In many ways, he fits the image of a financier. He dresses conservatively, speaks softly and guards his words. But Wayne Stelmar also drives a brand-new Porsche Carrera.