Scott Amarant: Building Perspective
By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter
DUBLIN — After 40 years as a building contractor, Scott Amarant traces his track record of success and innovation back to a simple adolescent interest. “I’ve been building since I was very young,” he affirms. “In addition to the construction side, I had a strong desire to participate in design. I drew my first set of line drawings when I was 11 years old. While my friends were reading comic books, I was reading about floor plans!”
Later, during his first couple of decades as a building professional, Scott worked in a consecutive series of capacities, from building decks for a hot tub manufacturer to constructing custom homes for property developers. Eventually, he came upon an innovative opportunity. “In the remodeling industry, I saw the concept of the showroom being overlooked,” he explains. “With this in mind, I focused on developing a new business model: the ‘design and build showroom.’ The main idea was to collaborate and build relationships with professionals from various sides of the industry. This approach worked well for us, and we continue to use it in our showroom today.”
As owner of Amarant Design & Build, Scott says his favorite part of his job is bringing out the best in people. “Within the last few years, I’ve come to realize the responsibility I have to both my customers and employees. I’ve enjoyed renewing my understanding of those relationships, which has given me a fresh perspective on how to bring out the best in the people who work for me.”
A lifetime resident of the San Ramon Valley area (where he lives with his wife, Dena), Scott expresses his appreciation for the Bay Area’s all-inclusiveness. “My wife and I have been all over the United States, from Santa Fe to Seattle to Maui. Every place was wonderful in its own way, but it wasn’t all-inclusive—it didn’t have everything. In contrast, here in the Bay Area, we have everything you could possibly want to do. I mean, where else can you go skiing and golfing in the same weekend?”
Outside of work, Scott likes to stay active, both physically and in his local community. “My wife and I are avid golfers, but we’re also active in our community, helping with charities and nonprofit organizations,” he affirms. “We also like traveling around the Bay Area, going wine tasting and attending various events.” Additionally, Scott enjoys spending time with family and friends, including his two adult sons, Jason and Jesse.
In his life and career, Scott espouses the virtue of maintaining a positive perspective. “I was fortunate to have an experience early on that taught me life is what we make it,” he explains. “In the end, how we perceive and act on the opportunities that present themselves will determine the way we go. Through it all, I’ve found it’s best to stay positive, always look for the best in people and understand that, even in difficult times, there’s an opportunity to gain greater wisdom and understanding.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Scott replies simply that he wouldn’t. “I actually had an exit plan in place, and we were moving toward that when it dawned on me: ‘What am I going to do with myself?’ I truly love my work, so I’ll probably always keep a hand in it and continue sharing in the successes of our clients and team members. I imagine I’ll eventually start to slow down as I get older…but maybe people will be polite enough not to tell me.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: Music or talk radio?
A: Music. I mainly enjoy the classic rock I grew up with in the late ’60s and ’70s. Some of my favorite artists are Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young; James Taylor; and Carole King.
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: I have a few: Norm’s Place in Danville, Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar in Dublin, and Copper Skillet in Dublin.
Q: If you could travel to any country in the world, where would you go?
A: New Zealand.
Q: What was your favorite toy as a child?
A: Building blocks.
Q: What were you most known for in high school?
A: For being Senior Class Vice President, high jumping and my smile.
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