When Sue Hart chose to build her home with Southern Vale Homes, she had no idea that she’d end up part of the family. “We went to all the different builders around Albury-Wodonga, but after talking to Graham for a short space of time we were very happy,” she said. Graham Searle is Southern Vale’s owner/founder and managing director. After researching her options, Sue became Southern Vale Homes’ ­rst customer in 1994. “He gave me a good deal – the price was good and he was very helpful with creating a package that suited me,” she said. In the very beginning, Southern Vale Homes only had four employees including Graham and his wife, Necia. Sue took on the task of colour selections herself. “I picked all the colours, products, ­finishings and ­fittings,” she said. Mr Searle was so impressed with the ­final product he offered Sue a job. “After I moved in Graham came to visit me and see the ­funished house,” she said.