Greg DeMille, owner of TG DeMille Construction, has drawn praise for his hands-on approach to building cabins.

CEDAR CITY — Building contractor Greg DeMille, of TG DeMille Construction, who is a 45-year-old native of Cedar City, has built a solid reputation for himself constructing cabins for the past 10 years. In fact, when another builder went out of business two years ago, it was DeMille who others called to complete jobs that had been left unfinished.

“Greg is very down to earth,” said Jerry Koller, of Duck Creek Realty, who has worked as a real estate agent in Duck Creek for the past 30 years. “He is fair and we never have to worry about him ripping anyone off.

“Whenever anyone asks for recommendations of a builder, I always make sure Greg is one that I suggest. He’s a great guy.”

In fact, if it is true that a man’s character is best judged by the comments he receives from customers and associates, DeMille is riding a wave thanks to the plaudits he receives and the company he keeps.

For instance, Jeff Homeyer has contracted with DeMille to build four cabins in Duck Creek. There might not be a better testimonial than Homeyer, a Las Vegas businessman who has been frequenting Duck Creek for years with his family.

“Greg is trustworthy and always willing to help,” Homeyer said. “I know that I can call him two years after my cabin has been completed and he’ll take care of anything I need.”

Homeyer added that DeMille not only stands by the product but even checks on it when clients are away. After building about 100 cabins in Duck Creek, Mammoth, Strawberry and Swain’s Creek, he has built a solid reputation, thanks in part to doing much of the work himself.

There is a great sense of satisfaction out of starting with a bare lot, setting the footprint for a cabin and finally seeing the reality of the efforts. DeMille’s biggest cabin was a 6,000 squarefoot residence in Kanarraville, south of Cedar City.

The never-ending trips to Duck Creek are the favorite rides for DeMille, whose hands-on talents include log work.

“I love the ride to Duck Creek every day,” DeMille said, who said he learned the trade from his father, Dale, who is also a native of Cedar City. “It’s so beautiful up there especially in the winter, and it’s so quiet.”

To escape and recharge his batteries, DeMille goes hunting and four-wheeling with his family. However, his greatest thrill probably comes when receiving the approval for a cabin he has built for a client.

“It’s such a thrill to see people who are happy,” he said. “I can see myself doing this for the rest of my life.” DeMille and his wife, Becky, have been married for 25 years. Their family includes five children: Vanessa Carrizosa, 23; Tiffany Francis, 19, Tina, 16; Shantel, 12 and Tasha, 4.

Project manager Marty Shurtleff lauds his boss, citing DeMille’s hands-on approach to a job, which includes everything from digging the foundation for a septic system to site coordination for the framing, handcrafting the wood and painting the interior.

“One of the things I enjoy about working for Greg is that he really cares about what the customer thinks about us and our product,” Shurtleff said.

“Sometimes the company owner’s only care is about the bottom line, but Greg is not done until the customer is pleased with our work.

“I have worked with large corporations and small family companies like DeMille Construction, and finding a company like the DeMille’s is the best work experience anyone can ask for.”

Long-time Duck Creek real estate agent Mike Kenner agrees with others by adding “Greg is very honest. He builds a quality product while also building long-term relationships with his customers.”

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