Name of person featured: Steve Wirt

Name of Business: Wm. S. Wirt Construction

Address: 3424 Cedar Lane, Portsmouth, VA 23703

Phone number: (757) 537-7167

Web site address: www.wmswirt.com

Nature of Business: Custom builder, custom homes and additions

Year Founded: 2005

How’s business? New home building is very slow right now, but we have been staying busy doing room additions, porches and sun rooms, all in Franklin and Southampton County

One thing you wish everyone knew about your business: We do additions as well as custom homes, and we can build homes to fit any budget.

Something you offer that a customer won’t find elsewhere: I think we offer a level of experience and professionalism that is hard to beat in the residential construction industry.

Advice to young entrepreneurs: Make sure you have a good understanding of all the costs involved in starting and running your business.

Your first job: Building decks and fences with my dad

Your role model (in business or in life generally): My dad taught me personal responsibility and self-discipline.

The key to a successful business is: You must have a genuine desire to meet or exceed your customers expectations in all you do.