At Tongue & Groove Design+Build, our leadership team is a dedicated group of professionals with diverse expertise, all committed to guiding your projects to success. Our team excels at overcoming challenges to help our clients achieve their vision without compromising quality, coolness or innovation. We’re dedicated to unlocking the hidden potential in every opportunity, consistently exceeding expectations.
Our Project Managers are the driving force behind our projects, ensuring every detail aligns with our clients’ vision and expectations. They are the linchpin of successful project execution, dedicated to delivering exceptional results that meet and exceed client expectations.
We take immense pride in our team, including our dedicated Custom Home Build Foreman and skilled Carpenter Crew. They are the heart of our commitment to excellence in every project.
Since our inception in 2003, Tongue & Groove has been guided by unwavering beliefs and principles. These foundational values have earned us the prestigious title of the National Custom Home Builder of the Year by the NAHB.
Our designers have a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of interior spaces.
Uncompromising Standards
We hold ourselves to the highest standards, ensuring each project reflects uncompromising quality.
Client's Financial Protection
We are committed to safeguarding our clients’ financial investments and delivering superior customer care.
Consistency in Growth
As we expand, our fundamental beliefs remain unchanged.
Visionary Creativity
We collaborate closely with our clients to imagine and build homes that fulfill their dreams.
Warrior's Spirit, Servant's Heart
We believe in approaching our work with the spirit of warriors yet serving with a compassionate heart.
Fun-Loving Attitude
We maintain a positive and fun-loving attitude in everything we do.
Every member of our Tongue & Groove team is chosen with these beliefs in mind, ensuring a unified commitment to crafting exceptional homes while delivering on our promise of living life without regrets.
Our Interior Design Team at Tongue & Groove Design+Build is not only driven by a commitment to core values but is also exceptionally talented and creative. Each member of our team brings a unique blend of skills, experience, and an innate sense of aesthetics to your project.
Our designers have a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of interior spaces.
Color Expertise
Their understanding of colors, palettes, and how they influence moods and aesthetics is unparalleled.
Material Selection and Coordination
Our team possesses a deep knowledge of materials and an extraordinary talent for selecting the right combinations that harmonize in a space.
Creating Unique and Inspiring Designs
Our designers have a remarkable ability to create interiors that are not only beautiful but also distinctively tailored to your style and preferences.
Space Optimization
They are experts in making the most of available space, ensuring both functionality and beauty.
Custom Solutions
Whether it’s bespoke furniture, unique fixtures, or one-of-a-kind decor, our designers are skilled in crafting custom solutions that make your home truly yours.
Custom Solutions
Whether it’s bespoke furniture, unique fixtures, or one-of-a-kind decor, our designers are skilled in crafting custom solutions that make your home truly yours.
Innovative Problem Solving
They approach design challenges with innovation, finding creative solutions that transform spaces in unexpected and delightful ways.
Our Interior Design Team’s talent goes beyond the conventional; they are true visionaries who turn your ideas into captivating, functional, and inspired interiors. With their skill and passion, we bring your dream home to life.
We are proud to introduce our Creative 3D Designer, a visionary artist who takes design to the next dimension. He is a master of turning concepts into captivating visual experiences. With an exceptional blend of artistic talent and technical expertise, we bring your ideas to life with unparalleled creativity. We transform the abstract into the tangible, providing you with a clear and immersive representation of your project. With artistic prowess, technical skill, and commitment to turning your ideas into stunning visual reality, they play a vital role in making your design dreams come true.
At Tongue & Groove Design+Build, we take immense pride in our skilled Property Service Renovation Team, a group of professionals dedicated to transforming properties into stunning, functional, and modern spaces. With a combined wealth of experience and a passion for excellence, our team excels in various aspects of construction and renovation. We look forward to helping you bring your renovation dreams to life.
Property Service Managers play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the value and quality of properties, ensuring client satisfaction, and meeting the goals and expectations of property owners. Our team is laser focused on upholding our best-in-class experience for every client. Their contributions are essential and play a critical role in overseeing and managing the maintenance and care of properties, ensuring they are well-maintained and meet the needs of property owners.
Behind the scenes our financial team is the pillar of financial precision and accountability. Committed to ensuring the smooth financial operation of every project, they manage budgets and track costs with meticulous attention to detail.
Budget Management
They are experts in creating and managing project budgets, ensuring that every dollar is allocated wisely and transparently.
Financial Transparency
Our team maintains open and transparent communication, ensuring that clients have a clear understanding of the financial aspects of their projects.
Financial Reporting
Our financial team provides comprehensive financial reports to keep both clients and the company informed about the project’s financial health.
Cost Control
Their keen eye for detail helps track costs throughout the project’s lifecycle, preventing overruns and ensuring financial efficiency.
Risk Management
They are skilled at identifying and mitigating financial risks, allowing us to maintain financial stability and consistency in project delivery.
Compliance
They ensure strict adherence to all financial regulations and industry best practices.
Our Financial Team’s dedication to financial stewardship is the bedrock of our commitment to delivering projects within budget and on time. With their expertise, we bring financial order and accountability to every aspect of your project, allowing you to have peace of mind and confidence in our financial management.
Our Real Estate Brokers play a pivotal role in the sales department. They help us acquire land for clients to build on as well as any other type of real estate transaction.
Our luxury design-build firm’s office location is meticulously designed to complement our comprehensive, full-service approach. Our office serves as the hub for our administrative and design teams, and it houses our cutting-edge design center. This exquisite structure and site were artfully crafted by Nick Garrett in 1999, an esteemed custom builder in the region. In 2022, we undertook an extensive renovation, both inside and out, transforming it into a premier showcase for our clients.
This enables our clients to immerse themselves in high-end selections firsthand and witness the practicality of various products in real-life settings. The building showcases a residential construction style, featuring a stone foundation, timber brackets, cedar shingle siding and roofing, copper gutters, and rain chains. The interiors emanate a warm, homey ambiance, adorned with shell stone pavers and shiplap paneling sourced from native coastal North Carolina building materials. Our dedicated team carries forward the rich legacy of this iconic space, consistently creating award-winning home designs and delivering unparalleled service.
© 2024 Tongue & Groove. All Rights Reserved.
Owner & CEO
Mark’s family has been living in the Wilmington area for hundreds of years, passing down local knowledge. His background has been tied to the sea, from his days as a child working with his dad on fishing boats, to living on the water for years. When you think about how a home will live, especially on the water, nothing can replace someone’s direct, immediate, everyday life experiences. Mark brings a wealth of knowledge as the owner & CEO of Tongue & Groove Design + Build and as a licensed Broker with Sotheby’s International Realty.
The essential advantage for clients working with Mark is that he lives the life they’re looking for every day. His house has docks, swimming pools, and pilings. He knows what works and doesn’t work. He knows what will not only look awesome but function beautifully. He has the direct, functional experience that can’t be taught; it must be lived to be understood.
Mark studied at UNCW. He earned his BA in History, which is the study of the past and how it relates to people. Relating to people is what the business of custom home building is all about. Mark applies lessons from his past experiences, and intuitively guides his clients through the design/build process to create something unique. He sees his purpose is to help families imagine how their lives could be, actualized into real environments, improving their lives through better living. Winner of multiple awards and recognition, including the 2020 NAHB Custom Home Builder of the Year Award recipient, Mark has found that cultivating long-term relationships with clients and colleagues is the real reward.
As a leader, Mark’s role is to instill a sensibility about how things should be done. He believes in having a warrior’s spirit, a servant’s heart, and a fun-loving atmosphere.
COO
Kathy Glynn is an accomplished Chief Operations Officer at Tongue & Groove Design + Build, where her strategic prowess and visionary leadership drive the company toward unprecedented success. With over two decades of experience in building luxury brands and delivering exceptional results, Kathy has held various leadership roles at prominent luxury goods companies.
Kathy has contributed significantly to renowned companies such as Diana Vreeland Parfums, Giorgio Armani, Donna Karan (LVMH), and Calvin Klein throughout her illustrious career. In addition to her accomplishments, Kathy co- founded Blueprint Beauty & Wellness, successfully building and managing the brand to great acclaim. Furthermore, she worked closely with a Private Equity Firm, playing a pivotal role in increasing the value of the Andrew Marc brand, which was ultimately sold with great success.
Kathy is a highly educated professional with a BA in Economics and Psychology. Her expertise lies in identifying opportunities and implementing scalable growth plans in fast-changing environments.
With an unwavering belief that every challenge presents an opportunity for growth and innovation, Kathy has been instrumental in enabling Tongue & Groove to reach new heights of excellence. Her extensive background in high- end beauty and fashion sales, operations, and global expansion provides her valuable insights into the luxury market. She applies this expertise to elevate Tongue & Groove’s position as a distinguished design-build firm renowned for its exceptional product and meticulous attention to detail.
In her leisure time, Kathy finds joy in traveling to beautiful destinations, spending quality time with her family, indulging her passion for culinary arts, and immersing herself in literature. Born in Manhasset, NY, she spent most of her adult life living in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, NY. She currently resides in Wilmington, NC, where she continues to inspire and motivate her team toward unprecedented success.
AIA, Principal Architect
Matt seeks to unite differing perspectives to inspire original design solutions for projects. His skill and craftsmanship in conceptual modeling and sketching, digital visualization and B.I.M. software fosters exceptional team communication and coordination on projects of all scales and levels of complexity.
He sees design as a search for the truth. Matt began his search while studying Industrial Design at Towson University, MD. In a design internship in Black and Decker’s Proto-typing studio, the significance of “the process of making” quickly evolved into an appreciation for those things made well. After undergrad, he embarked on a 60 day / 12,500 mile adventure across the United States exploring national parks, vibrant urban centers and forgotten corners. Looking back, this trip and the people Matt met helped to define a human perspective he’s continued to carry into his search for design truth. At NC State’s Graduate School of Architecture, Matt found a common thread between great design and a commitment to deliver that design to the community. He believes that whether large or small, the things we make find their way into the lives of those around us, and in doing so must make those lives better.
Director of Property Services
Looking for a new challenge, Sam joined the Tongue & Groove team, where he heads the Property Maintenance division. He’s been able to excel in servicing existing and new client homes on their maintenance plans and smaller renovations. Managing subcontractors and working alongside our in-house design + build division, Sam enjoys working with a team to ensure issues are resolved and our client’s homes are pristinely maintained for decades to come.
Before his time with Tongue & Groove, Sam managed many renovation projects in the states and overseas. He is continually inspired by creativity and enjoys being a part of the unique projects Tongue & Groove produces. Originally from Connecticut, Sam was brought to Wilmington for college at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Sam had a passion for the ocean from a young age, which drove him to earn his Bachelors’s Degree in Environmental Science and Minors in Chemistry and Biology.
Sam’s positive approach backed by a strong team throughout the Tongue & Groove company will virtually guarantee that our homeowners will enjoy the comfort and beauty of their well-maintained home for years to come. His ability to work toward common goals for successful results comes from his many years in the industry, and is a natural fit for this position with Tongue & Groove Property Maintenace.
In Sam’s free time, you can find him out on the water, fishing, surfing, and going to the beach. Sam also enjoys renovating homes with his wife; they have done many projects on their own home and have renovated a few locally over the last few years.
Director of Construction
AJ received his MBA from Roosevelt University and his BS in Finance from Northern Illinois University. AJ’s passion for architecture and design started at an early age. He is interested the way construction can influence place and material to create beautiful and functional spaces. Before moving to Wilmington, AJ drew upon his passion for designing spaces when he renovated his 1913 home in Chicago.
Director of Sales & Marketing
Anne Bloomquist has joined Tongue & Groove, bringing with her a robust sales and marketing background honed through the same dedication she exhibited as a Division I women’s tennis player at the University of Oklahoma. Previously, she excelled as a Realtor in the Tampa real estate market. Anne will now be at the helm of the Tongue & Groove Sales & Marketing Departments while also contributing to the Mark Batson Group at Landmark Sotheby’s International Realty.
Outside of work, she embraces her roles as a wife and mother, often found supporting her two children at various sports events.
Project Manager
Levi brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role at Tongue & Groove. His background in carpentry, combined with his leadership roles in athletics, has equipped him with the skills needed to excel in fast-paced environments. Levi’s ability to manage tasks efficiently and lead teams towards excellence ensures timely and impeccable results in every project. His passion for craftsmanship is deeply rooted in his family’s legacy of carpentry, motivating him to uphold the highest standards of workmanship and preserve architectural beauty in a world driven by commercialization.
Throughout his career, Levi has achieved remarkable milestones, including the successful expansion of his own woodworking business and the construction of his own house, where he served as the general contractor and performed most of the work himself. Levi’s journey began as an apprentice, contributing to various home remodeling tasks and eventually leading him to establish his own brand and company. His background in architecture fuels his passion for residential design and structures, with a notable highlight being the construction of a custom home in 2022. Beyond his professional life, Levi enjoys spending quality time outdoors with his wife and golden retriever, indulging in woodworking, practicing jiu-jitsu, staying active, and pursuing his love for bow hunting.
Project Manager
Nathan Eisenhauer is a project manager with six years of experience in the roofing industry, now specializing in luxury custom home building. He holds a BA in Recreation, Sports Leadership, & Tourism Management with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from UNCW. Nathan has lived in Wilmington, NC, since 2014, where he enjoys traveling, boating, and relaxing on sand bars with his girlfriend, Linsay, and their dog, Miller. His passion for quality craftsmanship and client satisfaction drives his work in the construction industry.
Director of Field Operations
Rick Elliott began his career in construction at the age of six, building birdhouses and fixing up the old home he grew up in. In 1990, he founded his own development company, focusing on high-end residential projects in the New York Metro area. In 2008, Rick returned to New York City and launched another development company specializing in buying and restoring brownstones. He also worked for Rusk Renovations, one of the leading general contractors in NYC, where he served as Director of Construction and General Superintendent, overseeing projects totaling over $280 million annually. Throughout his career, Rick has built homes for multiple A-list celebrities and financiers.
In his free time, you’ll find Rick on the boat, at the beach, fishing, or spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.
Foreman
Growing up in New York, his family would frequently vacation to Topsail Beach. He had such fond memories of this area that he decided to move to Wilmington. Bill has always enjoyed building and enjoys the challenge of building custom homes. He studied Building Trades with a focus on welding and fabricating. He began his construction career in concrete, exterior framing, in interior trim, ultimately allowing him to become well versed in all aspects of residential building. When Bill isn’t managing one of our jobsites, you can find home enjoying the outdoors with his wife Kathy, his four children, and nine grandchildren.
Foreman
Carpenter
Carpenter
Orlando was born in São Jorge, an island in the central group of the Azores archipelago and part of the autonomous region of Portugal. After he and his family immigrated to the states, he grew up in Salem, Massachusetts, and in 2004, he moved to Groveland, MA, up until 2020, when he and his family moved to Wilmington. Orlando has been self-employed for many years and primarily doing remodeling and finish carpentry. Through his experience, Orlando can be a great source of knowledge for the Tongue & Groove carpentry team. When Orlando isn’t on our jobsites helping our client’s dreams into a reality, he’s with his wife, daughter, and two sons enjoying the Wilmington area, especially the picturesque sunrises.
Lead Carpenter
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ray joins the Tongue & Groove team with over a decade of construction experience. He moved to Wilmington in 2004 and went straight into the local design + build industry. Ray thoroughly enjoys working with his hands and troubleshooting any roadblocks that may arise during the construction process. When Ray isn’t working on our design + build projects, he loves spending quality time with his wife and fur children and enjoys spending time outdoors whenever possible. Ray is excited to join the team and to continue building high-quality, one-of-a-kind homes for Tongue & Groove’s clients.
Carpenter
Carpenter
Lead Carpenter
Carpenter
Carpenter
Carpenter
Carpenter
Carpenter
Carpenter
Carpenter
Carpenter
Carpenter
Carpenter
Carpenter
Carpenter
Director of Interior Design
Dina, a distinguished interior designer at Tongue & Groove, brings an extraordinary blend of architectural mastery and artistic finesse to the canvas of interior design, creating spaces that transcend time and captivate the senses.
Having ignited her passion for design at an early age, Dina’s journey unfolded into a remarkable career that has left an indelible mark on the landscape of luxury interiors. Her initial foray into the industry was marked by an affinity for monumental architectural gestures, a trait that earned her recognition in the commercial sector.
However, it was her evolution into the realm of residential design that truly defined her artistic identity. Witnessing the shift in demand for warmer and more inviting commercial spaces, Dina found herself embracing a new design paradigm that artfully marries the grandeur of architecture with the intimacy of intricate detailing.
After honing her skills at the world’s largest architecture firm, Gensler, she embarked on a path that saw her influence touch various domains. From workplace sciences to experiential graphics, education to retail, and even aviation projects, Dina’s versatility knew no bounds. Her transition to IA Interior Architects further expanded her horizons, delving into the world of experiential centers and hospitality ventures.
Dina’s credentials are impeccable, backed by a BFA in Interior Design from Pratt Institute – a foundation that instilled in her a keen architectural sensibility, transcending mere aesthetics to comprehend the interplay of form and space shaping.
Hailing from Pennsylvania, she imbibed a love for nature while her educational journey in Brooklyn immersed her in a melting pot of cultures and styles. Transitions to New Jersey and Raleigh enriched her repertoire, allowing her to create designs that resonate with the essence of each locale.
Beyond her design prowess, Dina enjoys spending time in the great outdoors. A passionate surfer who conquers waves even in winter, she loves hiking, camping, fishing, and kayaking. Her artistic inclinations find expression through painting, drawing, and pottery, embodying her boundless creativity.
Interior Design Coordinator
Emily Norris joins Tongue & Groove with a diverse background blending marketing expertise with a passion for interior design. With a B.A. in Integrated Marketing Communication from UNCW and a background in sales and management, she transitioned into interior design through her graduate studies at the New York School of Interior Design and hands-on marketing experience for interior design brands. Her career highlights include launching a lifestyle brand and leading sustainable design initiatives at NYSID. Drawing inspiration from her travels across Europe and North Africa, she brings a global perspective to her work. Outside the office, she enjoys painting, running, gardening, paddleboarding, and curating vintage home décor.
Architect
Junior Designer
Architectural Designer
3D Designer
25 years ago, Greg decided to move to Wilmington from Fair Hill, Maryland because of the good surf and ideal weather. Since then, Greg opened his own successful architectural visualization and drafting firm. Specializing in 3D modeling and photo-realistic renderings of both residential and commercial exteriors and interiors, Greg loves to give clients the opportunity to see what hasn’t been built yet and consequently provide them with the confidence that they will love their new home! In Greg’s free time, he likes to spend time with his three daughters, cook, play guitar, scuba dive, and spearfish.
Project Manager
Allan brings an impressive 32 years of construction experience to Tongue & Groove, encompassing spec home, custom home, remodeling, and luxury home building. His journey began as a laborer for his uncle after returning to his birthplace. Over the years, Allan successfully owned and operated three businesses, including a General Contractor and custom cabinet shop.
He worked as a project manager for Z Construction, overseeing luxury home projects, and later ventured out on his own for 8 years before personal circumstances led him back to work. Allan also has firefighter and officer training from Texas A&M’s TEEX program and served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT for several years.
Allan’s extensive experience speaks to his commitment to excellence. He has lived in various states, including Oregon and Washington. Outside of work, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and boating in his free time.
Assistant Foreman
Assistant Foreman
Coordinator
Service Manager
Service Manager
David has an extensive background in technology sales & development but recently has transitioned to a career in construction as this industry was a better match for his values and goals — Quickly realizing he has a passion for carpentry and the satisfaction that comes from building something beautiful with his own hands. Originally from Colorado, David earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Colorado State University. He and his family made the move to Wilmington in 2018. On David’s time off, you’ll find him fishing or hanging out at the beach with his beautiful wife Tara and his son Forrest!
Service Manager
Service Technician
Service Technician
Coordinator
Jessica is a dedicated professional with over a decade of experience in the trades industry, contributing significantly to companies like Tongue & Groove. When not at work, she enjoys attending comedy shows and concerts with her husband, Chris. She also has a passion for baking and finds joy in hiking adventures with their beloved rescue dog, Biskit.
Concierge Manager
Reagan Andrus is a key member of the Tongue & Groove team, leveraging her diverse background in real estate as both a broker and commercial property manager. A graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a B.S. in Marine Biology and a NC Real Estate License, she excels in client services, strategic decision-making, and data analysis. Her ability to communicate complex information clearly helps drive business growth and client satisfaction. Outside of work, Reagan enjoys surfing, biking, and walking along the beach, embodying the coastal lifestyle she loves.
Contoller
Gerri Miller is a seasoned corporate finance manager with a remarkable 25-year career spanning various industries, including construction, real estate, and restaurant financial accounting and analysis. As the Controller at Tongue & Groove Design + Build, Gerri leverages her extensive expertise to drive the company’s success and growth.
Throughout her career, Gerri has demonstrated an exceptional ability to lead, advise, and steer corporations through complex restructuring processes. Her in-depth knowledge of financial and administrative processes and her strategic thinking have consistently translated into improved financial performance, heightened productivity, and enhanced internal controls.
Gerri’s journey into this field was sparked during a pivotal internship with a prominent General Contractor and developer in New Jersey. Guided by a mentor, she recognized her passion for the industry and committed herself to building a distinguished career. Her love for the work and comprehensive knowledge continue to motivate her to excel in her role.
One of Gerri’s notable accomplishments includes developing and implementing an Operating Budget for a $50 million Mechanical Contractor in Atlanta. This comprehensive budget spanned six divisions and culminated in a consolidated financial statement. This achievement showcased Gerri’s expertise and proved critical in addressing cost overruns and streamlining operations.
Gerri holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting & Finance, which, combined with her hands-on experience, has contributed significantly to her growth in the field. Her commitment to continuous learning led her to join the Construction & Finance Managers Association and the Unified Group. Through these associations, she has honed her leadership skills and gained valuable insights into tracking metrics and KPIs in accounting.
Having lived in multiple states and cities, including New Jersey, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, Gerri’s diverse experiences have enriched her perspective and approach to her work. Outside her professional commitments, she enjoys traveling, cooking, skiing, and connecting with new individuals.
Gerri Miller’s ability to combine financial acumen with a passion for her industry ensures the company’s continued success and growth under her guidance.
Accounting Manager
Accounting Manager
Real Estate Broker
Real Estate Broker
Real Estate Broker
Alexandra Ebelherr joins the Mark Batson Group, bringing a rich background in sales and a lifelong passion for real estate and custom design. Alexandra has been inspired by the world of real estate from a young age, growing up in Wilmington, North Carolina, where her father was a dedicated builder and her mother excelled in interior decorating. This upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for the stunning coastal styles that define the area.
With a degree in Communication from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, Alexandra has honed her people skills and effective communication, which have been invaluable in her nearly nine years of experience in sales. Her ability to understand and fulfill her clients’ desires is a testament to her dedication and passion for helping people.
While Alexandra is just starting her formal career in real estate, her lifelong exposure to the industry and her extensive sales experience provide her with a unique perspective and a dedicated approach to client service. She is committed to offering a personalized experience to each of her clients, whether they are looking to buy, sell, or design their dream home.
As a proud alumna of UNCW and a lifelong resident of Wilmington, Alexandra has a deep connection to her community and an unmatched insight into the local market dynamics. Her passion for real estate and design, combined with her sales expertise, ensures that she can provide exceptional service and guidance to her clients.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Alexandra enjoys spending time with her family and embracing the coastal lifestyle. She looks forward to helping her clients achieve their real estate dreams and making a positive impact on the community she loves.
Real Estate Broker
With a passion for learning and a commitment to excellence, Eric plays a crucial role at Tongue & Groove, driven by a lifelong interest in real estate sparked by family influences. Since earning a North Carolina real estate license in 2006, Eric has dedicated himself to providing top-tier service and building lasting relationships. His diverse career includes managing Port Land Grille, an esteemed Wilmington restaurant, and working with Keller Williams Realty in Chapel Hill. Living across various North Carolina cities has enriched Eric’s approach, fostering core values of honesty, integrity, and hard work. Outside of work, Eric enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and exploring new places.