DATE: Saturday, June 21, 1997               TAG: 9706190264

SECTION: REAL ESTATE WEEKLY      PAGE: 04   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY LEROY MILLER, SPECIAL TO REAL ESTATE WEEKLY 

                                            LENGTH:  106 lines

COVER STORY:INSTALLING SIDING FOR 21 YEARS

Women in recent decades have increasingly moved into sales and ownership positions in real estate companies. However, relatively few venture into the hands-on construction field.

The small number who do seldom remain long in this rough and tumble, deadline-driven industry. Bobbi Davis, auburn-haired and 51, is the rare exception. She's been in the siding and gutter business 21 years - 11 in her brother-in-law's company, and 10 years as owner/operator of Greenbrier Vinyl and Gutter Inc., 912 Professional Place, in Chesapeake.

Greenbrier is obviously not your typical construction company. Here, Bobbi, the wife, employs her husband as superintendent of the guttering division. Though others know him as ``Mike'' McCoy, Bobbi always uses his given name.

``Michael is happy with that job. He doesn't like the limelight,'' she says laughing. ``But he's the best back-up person you could ever find.''

Davis concedes, nevertheless, their situation is unusual: ``In the morning, when I get into the Bronco, Michael is my employee, and I'm the boss. At day's end we go home and I'm his wife.''

Bobbi Davis grew up at Jonesville, in Virginia's southwest corner. ``I left there after high school graduation in 1963,'' she says. ``There were no openings for work. Anyone who had a job kept it.''

After a stint with Ramada Inns, Bobbi was persuaded by her late sister, Phyllis, to join Douglas Aluminum Co. There Davis learned skills that, over the years, have been honed to a fine edge in business management. Last year, 1996, her company's gross sales topped $4 million.

While roofing and guttering are important factors in Greenbrier's volume, the firm has certainly capitalized on the widespread acceptance of vinyl siding by the housing industry. Many builders are using it almost exclusively in new-home construction.

One local company reports, out of 400 houses completed, only one was all brick veneer. Davis says, ``Ninety percent of our siding business is new homes. Vinyl is attractive, durable, and low-maintenance.''

Those qualities, affordability, and the fact that it can be installed over an existing exterior, have made vinyl the most popular siding in America today. The older asphalt and asbestos surfaces are no longer available. Wood and hardboard, for optimum protection, require paint or weather-proofing every several years.

With its tendency to dent, metal siding has lost its earlier appeal. Stucco, stone, and brick, while still appealing, are often too costly for 1990s home buyers.

Produced by a half-dozen or more major manufacturers, vinyl siding comes in a broad range of colors and design options. The customer can choose a vertical or horizontal style; traditional clapboard and authentically molded siding; plus smooth or deep wood-grain textures.

Like many entrepreneurs, Davis has built her success through the discipline of hard work and integrity, mixed with a generous dose of individualism. She says, ``Keeping our good name'' is an important principle, whether dealing with clients or employees.

``Being fair and honest can be more costly, but it's the only method that works, I'd rather spend 200 of my dollars honestly, than get 200 dishonestly. Sometimes, you have to say this problem is our fault and take care of it. But, if it's not my fault, I'm not going to fix it.''

Greenbrier Vinyl & Gutter has 10 full-time employees and up to 20 sub-contracting crews to meet job demands from two-dozen regular and many more infrequent clients. Davis admits time allotment is the most difficult part of her job.

``I make every effort to be available for my office staff, superintendents, and customers, That means keeping up with the phone, radio, and people coming into the office,'' she says.

``While I can't always speak with you at the exact moment, the secretaries immediately relay your message to me. Of course, when things get too hectic, I turn to Yukie. Yukie's my stress reliever. He's my right-hand man,'' says Davis, with a burst of irrepressible laughter.

Short for Yukon, Yukie the 12-year-old Samoyed drowses away his days on a floor bed next to Bobbi's desk. Occasionally, yielding to the mistress' persuasion, the blind white dog will rise to greet visitors.

Davis does not consider it significant, that she has succeeded on what has traditionally been male turf: ``Yes, construction is hard, and it's rough out there. But I've never had a problem as a woman in this business, because I've never used being a woman for getting me into or out of something.

``There was no gender involved, when I sat down in this chair. I would like to think respect and getting along are things I've earned. And after all, this has been a team effort. I'm very proud of all my people. I love them. I praise them. I scold them. Maybe, I'm more a Mama than a boss (she has step-children but none of her own). Construction is a tough business, but if you take a loving hand, it can all work out well.''

One acquaintance says, ``Bobbi does things for her employees, that an employer probably shouldn't do. Helps them out of all kinds of personal jams.''

Donna Gatlin, office secretary, and two years with the firm, considers herself ``lucky to have this job. Bring a man employer your problem, and he'll let you know it's yours to take care of. When you bring Bobbi your problems, she'll help you solve them.''

Roofing superintendent, Rick Stout, 37, says, ``There's no slacking off, working for Bobbi. She's a lot more demanding than most men. But I've never been better off. My mobile home and four-wheel-drive pickup are paid for. Bobbi's all gold.''

Not quite. There's steel underneath. ``There has to be in this business,'' as one employee notes.

``Oh yes, I take control when called upon,'' Davis says. ``The first thing I do is stand up. I'm 6-feet-1. I increase the volume of my voice by five times and let you know I'm over this.''

As to how she views her present position, Davis responds. ``Success for me is long-term - not five or even 10 years. Look at me in 30 years, and you'll know I've done it right. And for my epitaph: `No matter what they called her, they never called her a fool.' '' ILLUSTRATION: Color photo by Mort Fryman/The Virginian-Pilot

Bobbi Davis, owner of Greenbrier Vinyl and Gutter.

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