Nestled in a newly developed office center along Highway 289 in Pottsboro, you will find the striking new headquarters of Ceci Bates Custom Homes and Remodeling. While a homebuilder’s office may not sound unusual in a small town, stepping through their doors immediately reveals something extraordinary. Owners Tom Ceci and Scott Bates are proud to welcome visitors into a space designed to showcase their passion for design, craftsmanship, and innovation.
Many business owners enjoy talking about what they do, but few bring the level of passion Tom and Scott exude. With a combined 68 years of industry experience, the duo has developed a distinctive approach to homebuilding that is constantly evolving. After years of seeing the same cookie cutter homes dominate the market, they partnered in 1999 with a shared goal of building homes that are truly unique. As they often say, “We build outside the box.”
That philosophy becomes immediately apparent as you explore their showroom. The level of custom work on display was once reserved for big city design and architectural firms. Today, Ceci Bates brings that same caliber of craftsmanship and creativity to Texoma, often surpassing what you might find in larger metropolitan markets. Seamless design and elegant functionality define their work, with rich hardwoods, luxurious fabrics and leather, and exquisite stone and granite blending effortlessly with cutting edge technology and modern architectural styles. Wondrous and inviting, the showroom is an experience in itself.
“We don’t get trapped in a particular style,” says Bates. “Tom and I have a weird soup of experiences, and we draw from all of them. We have learned a lot along the way, and learning can be tough. Early on, it sometimes felt like we got punched in the face. But those experiences shaped us and helped us build homes that are truly unique and tailored to each client.”
Ceci adds, “We don’t want to be just another builder. We are not just building houses. We are building community. Working with our customers is like working as a team. Scott and I feel like we are curating experiences alongside our clients.”
Beyond their own expertise, Ceci and Bates have assembled an exceptional team of professionals, including internationally recognized leaders in architecture and design. Most recently, they partnered with renowned interior designer Heather Shields and internationally acclaimed architect Roberth Jordan, further expanding the company’s ability to deliver one of a kind custom homes.
When asked what makes working in the Texoma area so special, both men point to their deep local roots. Ceci began his career as a firefighter and paramedic in Pottsboro and has long been active in expanding the town’s fire department capabilities through service and volunteerism. He currently serves as Mayor of Pottsboro. Bates has also been deeply involved in the community, including serving on City Council.
“Service is tied to our reputation here,” Bates explains. “Legacy matters to us. While we are a business, we want to be more than that. When people hear our name, we want them to think of what great partners we are. We are also an employee owned company, and everyone here plays a vital role in what we do. We want to live here, serve here, and grow here.”
Looking ahead, both owners are optimistic yet intentional about the future. “Our business is growing,” Bates says. “But quality is everything. We are very selective about the projects we take on because we never want to compromise our standards. What we do is about quality and the overall experience. It is a balancing act.”
Ceci agrees. “You can’t be everything, but we are very good at what we do, and you can see that in the homes we build. We are expanding slowly and on our own terms. While much of our work is around the lake with new developments, we are also beginning projects near Bois d’Arc Lake. We invite people to come by and see what we are creating.”
For more information, visit www.cecibates.com or call (903) 870-0900.