General Contractor Team Sarasota - Bradenton
American Remodeling Contractors is owned by James Purcell and Ben DePrenger. When you work with us, you leverage a superb team of professionals and contractors, who work together to provide you complete solutions for all your remodeling needs.
James Purcell
James Purcell was born in Detroit and moved to Maine in 1976 to play and teach hockey and skiing. In 1980, James became a union journeyman carpenter. Twelve years later, in 1992 he took the skills learned from over a decade of on the job experience and opened Better Homes Building Company in Milford, MI. Better Homes Building Company became one of the top 500 remodeling companies in the nation, specializing in remodeling, restoration, commercial construction, new home spec housing and real estate investment. Later James opened a second office called Garland Resorts which purchased land, developed, designed built and sold high end custom housing, including single family homes, condos and log cabins.
In 2010, James and Benjamin DePrenger opened the doors to the new general contractor team: American Remodeling Contractors. Their focus is the same focus that has made previous endeavors successful, and is very simple: “Your needs and wants are our top priority”. Ben and Jim believe in building a company through referrals – this means that happy clients are the key to continued success, not flashy advertizing and high overhead.
Although construction has kept him busy, James has still managed to raise two children, James and Alyssa, and pursue his professional musical career as a harmonica player and signer. Besides being one of the founding members of Blue Front Persuaders, he has also played with greats such as Mitch Ryder & The Detriot Wheels, Kim Wilson & The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Blood Sweat and Tears, Taj Mahal, Koko Tayor and Dr. John. You may also catch him around town with the likes of BC Coles, Henry Lawrence Band, and Rick Fass, to name a few.
Ben DePrenger
Ben moved to Bradenton from Pittsburgh when he was a child and graduated from Manatee High School in 1992. He went onto Florida State University and received a degree in Finance. After college Ben worked in corporate finance and after years of success began to see a future that would require him to travel and possibly move from the Bradenton/Sarasota area.
He began pursuing opportunities in real estate investing, and this experience helped him realize how much he enjoyed renovating homes. In 2002 Ben was offered an opportunity to work with a close friend’s father in his established remodeling business. Working as General Manager and Vice President Ben gained the knowledge he needed to run a successful professional remodeling company. In 2009 Ben obtained his general contractors’ license from the State of Florida and started planning for the next step, opening up his own remodeling company.
In 2010 Ben and Jim opened the doors to American Remodeling Contractors and have maintained their focus on keeping clients first. They both believe in building a company through referrals and not flashy marketing and large overhead, we believe in managing your business and not allowing your business to manage you. The ultimate reward for Ben is a happy client and a referral. Ben and his wife, Lori, have a 7 year old son named William with whom they spend most of their time.
Antony Stefan, Architect
American Remodeling Contractors works closely with Antony Stefan on many design/build projects. Anthony is highly client oriented and an asset to our team. He believes strongly in environmental stainability and due to this, his primary focus is on remodeling as it is a re-investment in existing infrastructure. Please visit tonystefan.com to learn more.
Trusted Professionals
Throughout years in the general contracting industry, we have built a network of trusted professionals and craftsman to complete your project. These owner/operators show a strong sense of accountability, exceptional professionalism, and sound business practices. These subcontractors are truly partners, and the key to success. You will have only the best working in your home!
