Simon Wittenberg talks to Jamie Mackay, the founder of Wheelhaus, to learn more about their range of products, in particular the incredible RoadHaus Wedge RV, a 250 square feet mobile luxury-office-cum-living-room.
Based in Utah’s Salt Lake City and established in 2006, Wheelhaus supplies luxury modular homes to customers throughout the USA and Canada.
Luxurious Magazine: You grew up in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and your father worked in log cabin construction. Was it this that inspired you to set up Wheelhaus?
Jamie: My father worked in log cabin construction, which instilled at a young age, the value of quality construction that is built to last. My original intention was to buy a Recreational Park Trailer.
After looking at multiple companies, I realised that nothing was being produced that met my high standards. With this experience as my impetus, I set out to create the next generation of Park Model Homes.
My intention was to provide the same quality and durability as the log cabins I grew up with while incorporating my father’s values of green production and modern design.
LM: What are the main products that you offer, and what is the price range?
Jamie: About half of our sales are the Wedge. The price varies between $95,000 and $120,000 depending on finishes. The remaining 50% of our sales are modular and different size units ranging in cost from $110,000 to $285,000.
LM: How many people do you employ?
Jamie: We currently employ 60 people at Wheelhaus.
LM: Who are your main customers?
Jamie: That’s a hard one. Most are first and second-time home buyers, as well as retirees.
LM: Can you design a modular home that is completely bespoke?
Jamie: Yes, we do it quite often for our customers.
LM: What materials are used in the construction of the homes, and how do you ensure that all practices are sustainable?
Jamie: Wheelhaus earns the Gold Standard in LEED Certification (a green building programme). Our homes are efficient and well-designed and take care of the environment while providing a great, liveable space. LEED-certified tiny homes use resources efficiently, as they conserve water and energy and have limited CO2 emissions.
LM: You have recently launched the new RoadHaus Wedge RV, Wheelhaus’ smallest luxury home, measuring just 250 square feet. Please tell our readers more about it.
Jamie: The RoadHaus Wedge RV offers a living room big enough for a couch with a TV and fireplace. There’s also a kitchen complete with cabinets, a countertop, sink, stovetop and refrigerator, a fully equipped bathroom and a bedroom or office area large enough for a queen bed.
In addition, as standard, the RoadHaus comes with a covered outdoor deck offering outdoor living space protected from the sun and inclement weather. It is built on a steel frame with wheels so that it can be easily transported to any site. Prices start at $87,800 with appliances and hardware included. Watch out, Airstream!!
LM: There must be logistical challenges with transporting beautiful homes like these across the country. What are the main considerations to help overcome these?
Jamie: We have our own trucking division. It has its challenges, although we have these under control.
LM: How has the Coronavirus affected business?
Jamie: So far, it’s fortunately been business as usual. We are getting more calls and orders than normal!
LM: Have you turned to online initiatives, such as virtual tours of your modular homes, to help generate business?
Jamie: Yes, we are implementing these as we speak.
LM: What are your personal luxuries in life?
Jamie: They are skiing and fly fishing. Living in Jackson Hole, you have an abundance of activities along with my eight days a week of work at Wheelhaus!!
LM: Thank you for your time, Jamie. It has been a pleasure talking to you.
Wheelhaus – Where and How?
For more information on Wheelhaus and the current product range, visit www.wheelhaus.com.
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