May 25, 2025
Local NewsState & National

New generation takes over long-running Creston business

By ALLISON TRETINA

Pictured from left is Cinda Long and her husband, Dave Long, and Grant Long and his wife, Audra Long. American Homes by Dave Long will receive a name change as Dave hands his home-building business over to his son, Grant. (CNA photo)

A long-running family business in Creston is handing the baton to the next generation.

After more than 30 years building homes with American Homes by Dave Long, the founder will give the construction business over to his longtime partner and son, Grant Long, on Jan. 1.

“I’m near retirement, and I want to give Grant a chance to start his own business,” Dave said.

Founded in the 1980s, American Homes by Dave Long has built approximately 150 custom homes in Creston and the surrounding area.

“I always wanted to be a carpenter,” Grant said. “Dad was a great person to learn from, and the American Homes name is a well-respected name for quality carpentry.”

Grant said immediately after he stepped out of carpentry school, he began working for his dad. He was about 19 years old then, and he has worked for his dad full-time for 17 years.

Grant said working with his dad over the years gives him confidence taking on his new role. While the business end of contracting homes will be new for him, he looks forward to the new opportunity.

“It’s an exciting challenge,” he said.

American Homes by Dave Long — which will soon acquire Grant’s name with the change of ownership — builds custom homes from the foundation up. The company, with a crew of usually around four or five workers, does everything from stick framing and siding to installing doors and cabinets.

As Grant enters his new role, his father won’t be too far away. Dave said he will continue to run the sister business to American Homes by Dave Long located in downtown Creston. In the early 2000s, the businessman expanded his construction business with a storefront, American Homes Design Center, which offers a variety of products for home decor, including bath and cabinet displays, countertop samples, tile and windows.

“It is going to be American Homes by Grant Long, but we are still going to be affiliated,” Grant said.

The transition will give the longtime owner a chance to focus on one aspect of the home-building process, home decor, and keep doing what he is passionate about.

“I’ve always loved homes,” Dave said.

But Dave said he most looks forward to having more family time. Dave and his wife, Cinda Long, have 14 grandchildren. It’s an opportune moment for the longtime businessman, he said.

“The years go by so fast,” he said, adding that owning two businesses sometimes made striking the family-work balance difficult over the years.

The new year will bring new changes for the Long family, including more rest for Dave and new challenges for Grant. But, even in the new transition, one thing will stay the same — the family’s commitment to two things: home and family.

“It’s all exciting,” Grant said.