Professional Builder November 2017
“Natural stone forms the wall and the fire pit.”
“It’s vaulted ceiling has an open gable end to allow hot air to dissipate.”
After living in Wisconsin for most of her life, Stephanie decided it was time for a change in scenery and packed up her things to move south to the coast of Wilmington, NC with her daughter and many beloved animals. She has over 7 years of experience in the construction and management arena, having successfully managed a flooring store in Wisconsin and a local Wilmington studio prior to managing operations at T&G. Stephanie‘s primary goal is to provide the optimal support to her clients and team members in order to create satisfaction and success through our Mission. When managing to have free time on her hands, she spends it exploring new places, helping others and always finding ways to leave things better than she found them.
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. Projects we design + build usually include being on the water, in or near a flood zone. They include bulkheads, boat docks, structures on pilings, swimming pools, and outdoor living.
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 Finalist, 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. His promise to the client is never to compromise quality or coolness. Mark lives in Wrightsville Beach with his family of five, where his young children keep him busy. Occasionally, he'll get opportunities for fun, like flying, surfing, spearfishing, and other water sports. Overall, he wants to leave a legacy that positively impacts himself, his family, and his community.
Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, Aaron specializes in innovative and creative design solutions for residential projects. He earned his Master of Architecture degree from the North Carolina State University College of Design and has an extensive background in residential design. He is also a licensed general contractor with years of experience in construction management. With a multi-faceted background in architecture, art, design, craft and construction, he is uniquely equipped to think outside the parameters of his discipline allowing for diverse and innovative design solutions. Aaron’s expertise in residential design is not limited to a particular style, but rather he seeks to collaboratively work with our clients to understand their needs and design in a manner that is reflective of the type of project they desire. Aaron’s process is driven not by style, but by an early analysis and interpretation of our client’s needs through careful consideration of the site and program, exploration of space, materials and creative ways to meet the budget. He searches to develop clear, distinguished work informed by the craft of construction, sustainability, culture and technology. It is Aaron’s belief that every project is unique, thus each design response should be diverse, and a reflection of the clients involved. In his free time outside the office, Aaron enjoys traveling, hiking, researching motorcycles and spending time at the beach.
Bridgett brings her creative and nationally award-winning design expertise to Tongue & Groove, guiding our clients through making selections for their project. She brings inspiration and life to a space through timeless design, modern concepts and immaculate details. Her design philosophy fits in perfectly with the T&G team, as she promises to never compromise details or lifestyle when bringing concepts to life through quality and thoughtful selection choices.
With over 14 years as an interior design expert, Bridgett boasts an Interior Design Associate Degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree from UNCW in Education with a Minor in Psychology. She is a member of ASID and CCASID and represents over 100 furniture, lighting, window treatments and accessory lines – equivalent to the same buying power as a retail store. Bridgett has been the head designer for several homeowners, communities and clubhouses.
When Bridgett is taking a break from designing luxury homes, she is spending time with her husband and two children at Wrightsville Beach.
Kelsey Talis is a multi-talented, eminently creative and nationally published interior designer with over eight years of experience in the New York, Philadelphia, South Florida and North Carolina areas. She is motivated by her love for design as well as her ability to coordinate, oversee and complete high-caliber projects. Kelsey attended Drexel University where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from the dually accredited (CIDA, NASAD) program. Prior to joining the Tongue & Groove team, Kelsey spent over five years in Naples, Florida where she designed and managed numerous high-end residential projects. Kelsey’s education and vast experience have enhanced her ability to set realistic projections, manifest trust, and empathy, construct lasting client relationships, and ultimately exceed expectations by turning design visions into reality.
As a passionate creative and allied ASID professional, Kelsey has a constant desire to enhance her knowledge and skillset in the realm of innovative design, construction and project management. This enthusiasm allows her to view projects from various relevant perspectives and greatly augments her design dexterity.
Outside the office, you can find Kelsey on the water. Whether it be fishing, boating, wakeskating, paddleboarding or running her dog, Pompano, on the many islands surrounding Wrightsville Beach.
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.
Anna brings her wide-eyed perspective to Tongue & Groove Design+Build along with avid support for her beloved alma mater, the University of Louisville. Anna comes from a diverse marketing background managing over 20 luxury brands for a Boca Raton-based luxury agency to then working in-house for an award-winning hospitality group. Specializing in luxury marketing and public relations, Anna has joined the Tongue & Groove team as the firm's Director of Marketing & PR. She has a keen interest in social trends, digital advertising, and unique marketing strategies. Anna ensures Tongue & Groove's digital presence is prominent and ever-evolving.
As a marketing strategist, Anna meticulously caters to our brand to capitalize on unique marketing opportunities. She specializes in crafting campaigns that provide multi-channel marketing strategies, all while guiding our brand to a strategically sound future. When Anna isn't dreaming up the next big marketing strategy, you'll find her boating around Wrightsville Beach with her family.
Abby has a proven track record of operational and sales support, in addition to broad-reaching real estate knowledge, strong communication, and unparalleled enthusiasm. She has a strong ability to streamline processes, maximize efficiency, and foster professional relationships within organizations. Abby recognizes that our clients need more than customer service; they need an advocate, someone who is fully invested in their goals and uses their knowledge as a tool to help them achieve exceptional results. Originally from Charlotte, NC, Abby came to Wilmington to pursue a degree in International Business at UNCW, upon graduation; she knew the beach was the place to call home.
Abby has a background in sales, client service, and interior design. Having lived on Wrightsville Beach, in midtown, and downtown Wilmington, Abby has a personal connection and understands, with great certainty, each market. Abby’s philosophy centers around what role she can play in helping others make thoughtful, qualitative decisions to set themselves up for success. She is committed to excellence in service; she predicts needs and always practices personal accountability in any situation. When it comes to getting questions answered and logistics in order, Abby is on it. She enjoys tackling the administration that ensures each transaction runs smoothly.
In her free time, Abby enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and three labs; you may even see her around town checking out homes with the three pups in tow. Abby has traveled the world extensively and is always looking forward to mapping out her next international trip!
Rita earned her Accounting degree at Temple University Fox School of Business in Philadelphia, PA. She received her CPA license in New Jersey and Washington, working for KPMG in Princeton, NJ, and at Boeing in Seattle, WA. Rita moved back to the East coast to Wilmington, NC, and is enjoying the beaches and the beautiful sunrises and sunsets. She has over 30 years of service-oriented teamwork experience with strong organizational and analytical skills. Rita and her husband enjoy spending time with their grown children in Boston and Seattle.
Mitch grew up in a small town in east central, Indiana and moved to Charlottesville, Virginia shortly after high school where he began a career in music. Continuing to pursue his passion, he started a family and took many more opportunities across the country. Along his journey, he decided to broaden his creativity and craftsmanship into the custom construction field. It all began with the position at a custom cabinet and mill shop in Philadelphia which triggered his new passion and curiosity to learn more. Mitch spent 8 years learning all aspects of cabinet making and finishes before he started working as a remodeling carpenter for the next 3 years. In Fall of 2016 he took the opportunity to move to Wilmington, NC and join the team at Tongue & Groove where he has been successfully managing not only projects, but also client relationships.
Jim Wright holds over 20 years of professional experience in the construction industry having worked for major global brands like Chanel and the American Red Cross. After graduating from State College and the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology’s carpentry and building program in 1991, Jim made his way south to Wilmington. He quickly became immersed in the exciting entertainment business, as a prop designer for Screen Gems Studios.
After several years in the film industry, Jim later went on to run his own business specializing in interior trim for high-end custom homes until 2007. He was later offered an opportunity he couldn’t pass up, working for Chanel, building window displays all over the world. After many years of multifaceted experience in construction, project management, and the trades as a trim carpenter, Jim has a wealth of experience and knowledge with which he applies to his position as Project Supervisor at Tongue & Groove. He takes pride in his work and goes by the belief that if a project is done right the first time, it won’t have to be done again. He believes his work in the film industry has taught him that anything is possible. If you can imagine it, he can build it!
Jim Wright holds over 20 years of professional experience in the construction industry having worked for major global brands like Chanel and the American Red Cross. After graduating from State College and the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology’s carpentry and building program in 1991, Jim made his way south to Wilmington. He quickly became immersed in the exciting entertainment business, as a prop designer for Screen Gems Studios.
After several years in the film industry, Jim later went on to run his own business specializing in interior trim for high-end custom homes until 2007. He was later offered an opportunity he couldn’t pass up, working for Chanel, building window displays all over the world. After many years of multifaceted experience in construction, project management, and the trades as a trim carpenter, Jim has a wealth of experience and knowledge with which he applies to his position as Project Supervisor at Tongue & Groove. He takes pride in his work and goes by the belief that if a project is done right the first time, it won’t have to be done again. He believes his work in the film industry has taught him that anything is possible. If you can imagine it, he can build it!
As a passionate custom home designer, Lindsay is continually able to demonstrate her ability to create responsive, nurturing, and sophisticated spaces. Her body of work further establishes her technical skills and understanding of building materials, as well as highlighting her artistic flare.
Lindsay has 7+ years of experience in custom residential design, construction, and project management, the knowledge gained from working with renowned builders and designers over the years in the high and low country of North and South Carolina. She graduated in 2013 Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Appalachian State University's CIDA accredited design program. Lindsay finds that her most significant accomplishments within her career are the opportunities she's had in designing and building a multitude of homes that ultimately end with overjoyed clients.
She understands that building a home is a very personal experience. An overwhelming, fun, stressful, exciting, exhausting, rewarding journey — and that's just from the client's perspective. She's grateful to be on this journey with Tongue & Groove clients to help navigate and understand their vision, goals, wants/needs, how they live day-to-day, and ensuring we execute their home beyond their expectations. Her priority, along with the T&G team, is to create spaces that maximize the potential of a home's context, enhance functionality, and are loved by its inhabitants. During her off-time, you can find her horseback riding, dirt track racing, hammocking, and exploring the beautiful city of Wilmington.
Originally hailing from New Jersey, Patty was the Vice President of Finance for an Atlantic City-based architectural firm for 25 years. In 2006 Patty followed her dream of owning a Bed and Breakfast, which ultimately brought her to North Carolina. After ten years, she sold the B&B and moved to Wilmington. Prior to joining Tongue & Groove Design + Build, she worked with a coastal rental company, where she handled the Accounting for Vacation Rentals, Operations, and Payroll. Patty has been with Tongue & Groove Design + Build since the Summer of 2020 in the role of Accounting Manager and oversees the accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll responsibilities for the firm. When she's not crunching numbers, Patty is on the beach with her husband or enjoying living in downtown Wilmington.
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An award-winning design + build industry professional, Randy contributes knowledge and expertise gained over 40 years of experience to his role as Project Supervisor for Tongue & Groove Design + Build. Randy is driven by his dedication to helping clients and motivated by serving on a team committed to creating an exceptional client experience.
During Randy's impressive career, he has managed the design + build process for hundreds of homes for North Carolina clients. During the time he resided in Raleigh, he was notably the project manager for the NC State Chancellor’s house. His expertise then went international when he was hired to build a residential project and church building in Yokohama, Japan.
An exceptional communicator with a strong grasp of details, Randy demonstrates an inspiring level of dedication to each project he works on, always with the goal of helping clients achieve their hopes and dreams for their homes. When he's not on the project sites or in the office, he spends quality time with his family and is known to enjoy a margarita or two.
Originally from Fountain, NC, Allen attended Louisburg College before transferring to North Carolina State University. He was part of the Rufty Homes team since 1996, a luxury home builder in the Raleigh area. In 2020, Allen and his family made the move to Wilmington and he joined the Tongue & Groove Design + Build team as a Project Supervisor.
As a proven expert in residential construction, Allen enjoys the challenges that every project brings to the table and is a great source of knowledge to the Tongue & Groove team.
When he is not managing our client’s projects, Allen enjoys getting outside by golfing or biking and spending time with his wife, Jennifer, their kids Josh and Jordan, and their dog, Gracie Lou.