DeForest builder named Wisconsin Builder of the Year

The owner of a DeForest home construction firm received the Wisconsin Builders Association Builder of Year award in February.

Abe Degnan, owner of Degnan Design-Build-Remodel, a three-time past president of the Wisconsin Wisconsin Builders Association, received the honor after being nominated by the local builders association and then voted on by the Wisconsin Builders Association awards committee. He has also served as president of the Madison Area Builders Association.

Degnan provided the Times-Tribune with some history of Degnan Design-Build-Remodel.

In 1981, Bob Degnan founded the Degnan Building and Remodeling company in DeForest. His son, Abe, grew up learning the business as a helper and carpenter. After graduating from UW-Milwaukee, Abe Degnan returned to join the family business and brought a design-oriented philosophy.

The company’s name changed in the early 2000s. As Degnan Design Builders, Inc., the company began to focus on the design-build process.

Today, as the third generation joins the Degnan Design-Build-Remodel team, the company carries on this legacy through a family-oriented work environment that features creative designs, professional-level communications, expert problem-solving and craftsmanship.

“The thing I love about being a remodeler is that we get to help people change their lives,” Degnan said. “Being a remodeler is an honor because we are invited into people’s homes for weeks or months at a time. Homeowners place their trust in us.”

The Builder of the Year is the highest honor a builder member, according to an announcement from the Wisconsin Builders Association. Every year, the association recognizes one outstanding individual within its membership based on their service to the association, the industry and the greater community. People who join the Wisconsin Builders Association want to be the best at what they do.

“Service to the association and the people who have mentored me makes us a better company and allows us to provide the best service to our customers,” Degnan said.