Date: November 24, 2007
About: Tim Koontz - Class of 1986
The Community Builder
Source: Quincy Herald-Whig
Author: Jamie Busen
The Community Builder
Tim Koontz says he has a passion for being involved in his community. If he has the opportunity to affect the area for the betterment of his children, community, church and business, then he seizes it.
He excelled in academics and at his first job with General Electric. He returned home to be near family and work with his father, Dale. After three years, Koontz was named company president of Dale Koontz Builders.
He's committed to helping the city's arts and education as president of the Quincy Society of Fine Arts and the Quincy Foundation for Quality Education.
A founding member of LifePoint Bible Church, he also is committed to his faith. It defines him and drives him. He hopes it's reflected in everything he does and says.
Family businesses can be dynamic and often difficult, but Koontz, his father and brother, Scott, have a great relationship. He's struck a balance, he says, and he is blessed.
Web Q&A
What do you do in your job?
Our company builds and remodels homes, develops land and builds and maintains rental property. I am an owner, company president, a foreman and an estimator. I also physically work on the job site.
What has been your biggest accomplishment?
16 years of marriage to an awesome wife and raising two wonderful daughters.
Who has influenced you the most and why?
My father, Dale Koontz. He has shown confidence in me from a very early age, he has been patient in teaching me the building business, and he continues to support the decisions my brother and I make in regard to our business.
What motivates you in your job?
Our company has been in business for 34 years. My father worked hard to build the reputation that we have in the community. My dad, brother and I are constantly striving to live up to and maintain that reputation.
What career advice would you give?
Be patient. Be proactive. Be persistent. And the biggest one, pick your battles.
What do you still hope to accomplish?
I hope to be obedient to whatever God has planned for me.
What was your first job?
I worked for General Electric right out of college. It was an excellent training ground to learn how to run a business.
If you weren't in the building business, what would you be doing?
I would probably be running a small business in a different industry.
Leisure time diversions and/or favorite stress buster?
Daily, sports. Yearly, Walt Disney World
What is the biggest need in your community?
We need to solve the problem of funding for public school education.
What is the ringtone on your cell phone?
"Fragment."
Nominated by Maureen Kahn, president/CEO of Blessing Hospital: "Tim's depth and breadth of volunteerism expands the core areas that are the foundation of every community's success." Also nominated by Julie Ross, executive director, Quincy Foundation for Quality Education: "Tim Koontz has a vision for the future, and he leads others with purpose and passion that makes it possible for them to catch his vision."
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Name:
Tim Koontz
Age:
39
Profession:
President/part owner of Dale Koontz
Builders, Inc., a local custom
home-building company, land developer
and rental property owner.
Community Involvement:
President of Quincy Foundation for
Quality Education and the Quincy Society
of Fine Arts; member of the Blessing
Hospital board and the WGCA board;
elder, worship leader and a founding
member of LifePoint Bible Church;
member of the Adams County
Comprehensive Planning committee; past president of the Home Builders
Association of Quincy.
Education:
Bachelor's degree from the University of
Illinois.
Family:
Wife, Wendy. Daughters, Megan and
Madelyn.
