CHESTERFIELD — As the Hilltowns struggle to maintain their populations and bolster their economies, a small business with an old-school approach to work, production and customer care is thriving in Chesterfield.
Hilltown Hardscapes was founded in 2008 by owner Brian Foote, 50, who runs the small but busy operation out of his Main Road home. He specializes in designing and building brick, block and stone patios, walkways, driveways, walls, retaining walls and pool surroundings.
“When I first started, a lot of people were not familiar with the term ‘hardscape,’ Foote said. “It is a little better now, but I still get that question.
“I called it Hilltown Hardscapes … because I live in Chesterfield, and I didn’t want a name that would confuse us with landscapers,” he added.
Foote said he loves the work and is passionate about creating attractive and functional designs for his customers.
He opened Hilltown Hardscapes after working for 20 years at Cook Building Supply, a masonry supply yard with offices in West Springfield and Easthampton.
Foote’s family owned that business until it was sold in 2010.
“I did every job in the whole business from working in the warehouse and driving forklifts, to driving trucks, sales, and store management,” Foote said.
During his time in the family business, the one thing he came to really enjoy was helping homeowners and builders pick out their products and create their designs.
“With all of the advancements in products with color, shape, and texture, it became much more interesting,” Foote said. “That is when I realized I had my fill of retail, and it was time to make a change.”
So Foote took the plunge, investing his savings in his new career. He earned several certifications in stonework and installations, and purchased a tractor, trailer, backhoe and other necessary equipment.
“Quitting your job and spending over $100,000 of your life savings in the first week of a new business is scary, but it sure was good motivation to get to work,” Foote said.
Foote said he counted on the “old-school” values of working hard to produce quality projects for a fair price, while treating customers with respect, to make his business a success.
“I lay every brick, every block, I dig every hole and I like that. I like to be hands-on and do things from start to finish, and I like knowing that it is done right,” Foote said.
It is that determination and work ethic that has helped to make Hilltown Hardscapes a success during the last 12 years.
Foote has one employee, Joe Lynch, who accompanies him on almost every job.
Though the business is small, Foote said there has never been a job too big for him.
“After 30 years of experience, there is not much that I haven’t seen or done,” Foote said. “We can handle anything. If I need more help on a really big job, I have other experienced people that I can call on.”
Hilltown Hardscapes tackles jobs throughout the Valley with 50 percent in Hampshire County, and the rest mostly in Hampden County with some in Franklin County. “We go wherever the work is,” Foote said.
To get that work, Foote relies on one annual trade show at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, and word of mouth.
Glenn Connly of Platinum Circle in Florence owns Mass Commercial Cleaning and said he has used Foote’s services several times.
“I had installed a pool five years ago and wanted to put in some stone work around it,” Connly said. “Brian had signs out at a job he was doing in Florence. I saw the work, I liked it, so called I him. He did a great job for me.”
Foot ended up installing two patios, a stone wall, and a set of stairs in subsequent projects for Connly.
“I didn’t really know exactly what I wanted and he helped with all of the design, really going over things like types of stone, texture, color and shape,” Connly said, noting that, for as much time as Foote spent on the design, his installation work was quick and efficient.
“He told me one job would take about two weeks and he was done in one,” Connly said.
Karen Humphriss, of Florence Road in Florence, a retired first assistant clerk-magistrate in Northampton District Court, said she always tries to hire services from small local businesses.
“I have always been really pleased with Brian’s work. When Brian says he will be there, he is there, and when he gives you an estimate he is right on the money,” Humphriss said.
Humphriss said she allows Foote to bring potential clients to her home so they can see his workmanship.
“They can see how beautifully his work flows and I think seeing the actual work, really helps people see what is possible,” Humphriss said.
During the off-season, Foote spends his time maintaining and updating his equipment and taking continuing education courses to keep all of his certifications current.
“Every season it is a little scary wondering if the business is going to come, but it does, you just have to have faith. This year is already turning out to be a great year for us,” Foote said. “I am very happy doing what I do.”
Foote’s clients say that this cheerful and optimistic attitude is a big plus.
“On top of doing great work, he is just a very nice guy who is always in a great mood,” Connly said. “I would recommend him to anyone. In fact, I just recommended him to my neighbor.”
Born and raised in Northampton, Foote lives with his partner Christina Boulet, who is an information technology specialist. When not working, the couple enjoys attending concerts and going camping.
For more information on Hilltown Hardscapes see: www.hilltown-hardscapes.com, www.facebook.com/Hilltown-Hardscapes or call 296-0172.