When you think about Llama Cove Construction, you might picture a team of seasoned builders, but behind the tools and blueprints are genuine people with heartfelt stories. At the helm is Dustin Blount, a family man whose roots in construction run deep. Growing up, he spent countless summers on new construction sites, thanks to his grandfather, a carpenter, and his father, an HVAC and electrical contractor. Ironically, as a child, he couldn’t wait to leave that world behind for college. Yet, life has a funny way of leading you back, and today, he’s all about crafting beautiful coastal homes. Even now, his father enjoys teasing him about his change of heart.
The dream of creating Llama Cove Construction took shape after Dustin and Amber moved to the coast to work with another builder. After a couple of years, the couple felt inspired to branch out and start their own company. They longed for the freedom to choose the types of builds they wanted to pursue, and that ambition brought Llama Cove to life.
The name “Llama Cove” is as distinctive as the homes they create. Dustin and Amber wanted a coastal-themed name that stood out from the sea of typical options. While brainstorming, their toddler chimed in, declaring llamas as his favorite animal, something that happened to resonate with Amber, too. It was a lightbulb moment: “Llama Cove” rolled off the tongue perfectly, and the idea of a llama riding a surfboard for their logo became a fun reality. It’s a name that intrigues people, and it’s something they take pride in.
Outside of work, the Blount family loves spending time on the water. Whether fishing or hanging out on the islands, weekends are often spent soaking up the sun and enjoying family time. Living in Alabama, they can’t help but embrace their passion for football, too. While Dustin may not openly admit which team he roots for, it’s clear that family and fun are at the heart of everything they do.
As a small family business, Llama Cove Construction is run entirely by Dustin and Amber. When you call their number, you’re likely to speak directly with either of them. Their partnership extends to all aspects of the business, from QuickBooks dates at local coffee shops to brainstorming new ideas. The dynamic they share brings a light-hearted energy to their work environment.
Faith and family are the driving forces behind the culture at Llama Cove. Their mission is simple yet impactful: to bring quality and fun to coastal homes, reflecting the exciting lifestyle of living by the coast. They prioritize a stress-free building experience, focusing on quality over cost while ensuring a top-notch product and process. They understand that not everyone will want to build with them, and that’s perfectly fine. However, their commitment to communication, including returning phone calls, sets them apart in an industry where customer service is paramount.
Creating a positive and enjoyable work environment is key. The team consists largely of subcontractors with whom they’ve built strong relationships over the years. Amber adds a personal touch by pampering the crew with gifts and sharing funny videos. The relaxed atmosphere means everyone can enjoy their time on the job site while also valuing their family time.
A typical day at Llama Cove Construction can vary widely. Some days are spent hunched over designs and permits, while others involve solving unexpected challenges on-site. For those in the construction industry, it’s an exciting unpredictability that keeps things fresh. But like many, they share a common disdain for Mondays.
Community involvement is important to the team, even if they admit to still finding their footing in Orange Beach. They are eager to engage more with local initiatives and are open to ideas. As a start, they offer significant discounts on builds or renovations for families of teachers and first responders.
Among the projects that have brought them the most joy are those on Fort Morgan Road, where they built three houses side by side, complete with boardwalks and pools. These homes have become rental treasures for their clients, and the centerpiece home, in particular, stands out. With creative freedom granted by the clients, it became a memorable project they hold dear.
While challenges are a part of any construction journey, the team embraces them with open communication and honesty. They acknowledge that not everything goes perfectly but remain committed to finding solutions that work. Their dedication to eco-friendly practices is also noteworthy. They offer innovative building options like Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) and Structural Insulated Panels (SIP), as well as modular construction, which is gaining traction for its strength and efficiency.
Looking ahead, Llama Cove Construction is excited about the future. While they continue to build custom homes, their recent ventures into renovations are particularly promising. Living on an island means there’s always a demand for homes that need a little TLC, and they’re ready to answer that call.
As for their dream projects? Dustin and Amber just closed on a lot in Orange Beach to build their own little slice of paradise. This new project will embody Amber’s vision, although Dustin jokes that it might change once she sees it completed!
For those considering starting their own construction business, Dustin's advice is straightforward: just go for it! Honesty and responsiveness are incredibly valuable in this industry, especially with the growing need for young builders.
At the end of the day, Llama Cove Construction is more than just a company; it’s a family that has fallen in love with the Alabama Gulf Coast. They feel fortunate to build in such a beautiful area and can’t imagine living anywhere else. If you’ve ever experienced a sunset boat ride back from the islands, with dolphins swimming alongside and your loved ones by your side, you’ll understand the magic of this place and exactly why Dustin and Amber are so passionate about what they do.
Is it crazy that I legitimately get emotional on boat rides back at sunset!!
The name “Llama Cove” is as distinctive as the homes they create.