S. Dale High Business For Good Series: Longview Structures

The S. Dale High Business For Good Series was created in partnership with the High Foundation to feature businesses from Lancaster, who exemplify their guiding principles of Quality, Integrity, and Innovation. For the third installment of our series, we had the opportunity to highlight Jesse Pellman, Co-Owner of Longview Structures. 

Longview Structures provides custom home building, remodeling, and restoration along with architectural millwork, custom entry doors, and genuine wood repair & maintenance. Jesse and his business partner, Mike Stoner, created the company in 2008 with a mission, “to create finely crafted spaces and cultivate a vibrant, resilient community wherever they work.”

The company was founded with deep care for our community and making it a better place. They recognize each decision they make has a lasting, generational impact and their goal in both business and life is to make that impact positive. Longview is leading by example through their recent B Corp Certification. This certification means that the company is devoted to meeting the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. It’s a huge responsibility that leaves a lasting effect. B Corp’s are working to reduce inequality and poverty, create healthier environments, and provide meaningful career opportunities.

Check out the interview with Jesse Pellman below to learn more about Longview and how they’re incorporating the High Foundation’s principles to change the community, for good.

Q: What are some of your company values?

A: Our team recognizes that each person has an impact on the area in which they live and our goal is to always leave that area better than when we found it. We also value resilience, adaptability, responsibility, creativity, health, and of course, sustainable construction. We’re passionate about creating projects we know will have a lasting legacy and be around for generations. My parents used to say, “Take the longview,” which meant to always consider the actions that we’re taking and the impact they’re gonna have now as well as down the road. It’s that kind of mindset we bring into this company. 

Q: What does Business For Good mean to you?

A: To us, it has a lot to do with how we treat the people around us. Our goal is to always put a product out that lasts and does right by our clients. We understand that we play one small part in our client’s day, and we try to make it positive in whatever way we can. We value the experience of both our clients and employees and we are careful to keep people at the forefront of all we do.

Q: For someone who doesn’t know anything about B Corp Certification can you explain that a little?

A: It’s not business for profit or gain. It’s not about a paycheck. It’s about giving longevity to our partners and clients alike. Becoming a B Corp means being not just socially but environmentally responsible. The B Corp community is truly a familial community that we have had the pleasure of aligning ourselves with. We are creating an environment that simply gives back. 

Q: What inspires/excites you about coming to work every day?

A: Every single day something is different. It’s very rare to have a repeat project or process. The variety of clientele and projects is endlessly exciting. It all starts with a pen and paper drawing and then we get to transform that drawing into a physical space that people can walk into and exist in. We also get to be a part of projects that will last for generations to come. It’s exciting to know that what we do now has a physical, lasting impact on the future. 

Q: Why did you choose to locate your business in Lancaster?

A: Not only is Lancaster central to many of our projects, but growth is happening in and around the city all the time. We love the idea of reusing existing spaces and we were able to find that uniquely creative space here in Lancaster! Our own location is a spot on the South End of town that was largely forgotten. We transformed it into the stylish, functional facility it is, truly leaving it better than we found it. We also love that Lancaster is a lively city, with something always going on Downtown.

Q: In what way is your company committed to improving the community?

A: We’re committed to improving this community just by being a part of it. It’s another reason we love being in the City. We didn’t buy isolation. As easy as it would have been to find a place with more space, there’s something great about having to rub shoulders and know your neighbors. It’s really important to interact with the people around us and to develop relationships. It’s helped the company because it forces us to practice what we preach. It’s a constant realignment of priorities. Life is busy and it’s easy to put your head down and work. But, when you’re a part of a community, there’s an obligation to stop and pay attention to the people around you. This mentality directly translates to how we treat our clients as well.

Q: What do people need to know about the City of Lancaster?

A: The City of Lancaster is an incredible place to be. There’s always something to do or something to see, and the City is full of energy and creativity! We are so privileged to be part of the world-renowned space that this City is becoming.

“As a member of this community, we’re proud to be a part of Downtown Lancaster and the energy and excitement that is happening here and the B Corp community.”

Q: The High companies are guided by two core values: Building trustworthy relationships and being innovative leaders. These values have come to be known as the “High Way”. In what way does your company incorporate these practices?

A: It’s become foundational for Longview to produce quality projects and to always seek to be better and better with each new venture. We treat each and every customer with respect, and how we ourselves would want to be treated.

The High Foundation’s mission is to align with community organizations to support positive change within areas of identified need. With deep roots in Lancaster, the Foundation is committed to the community’s growth and vitality. Be on the lookout for more from the S. Dale High Business For Good series!