EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
RICK ELLIOTT
DIRECTOR OF CONSTRUCTION
Rick has made huge positive cultural changes to field ops at Tongue & Groove within his first year in action. With a passion for construction that began at age 12, Rick brings a wealth of experience to the table. He joined us after working with Rusk Renovations, one of New York City’s leading general contractors, where he built homes for multiple A-list celebrities and prominent financiers. In his free time, you’ll find Rick on the boat, at the beach, fishing, or enjoying time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
HAYDEN KESSLER CARPENTER
Hayden Kessler has been doing a great job as a Carpenter for our Design + Build Team. Hayden has been with us for two years and his exceptional attention to detail has elevated him quickly. He is a team player and so grateful for all of his hard work.
Hayden recently returned from a trip to Costa Rica, where he paid tribute to his late father, Carlos, in a place filled with special memories. His journey serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring those we love and the impact they leave behind.
HAYDEN AND HIS WIFE, LIZETH GONZALEZ
+ NORTH CAROLINA: Wilmington | Raleigh
OUR TEAM
DIRECTOR | JUPITER, FL
Michal oversees Tongue & Groove Property Services in Jupiter, FL, specializing in estate management and luxury home renovations. With extensive experience managing numerous multi-million dollar projects and more than 15 years as a Yacht Manager and Master, Michal has successfully led operations across a fleet of several vessels and directed dozens of crew and contractors. He brings this sophisticated, collaborative leadership style to his interactions with clients, subcontractors, and the Property Services team, ensuring each property is expertly maintained and thoughtfully enhanced to meet the exacting standards of our discerning clientele.
+ FLORIDA: Palm Beaches | Jupiter AREAS SERVED
MICHAL ZVALO
COMMERCIAL WILMINGTON
MASTER PLANNING WITH KINGBIRD
NEW LOCATIONS, BOLD PROJECTS
The start of this year has been nothing short of dynamic for CRAFT. With new offices opening in Raleigh, and Jupiter, our reach continues to grow. Our portfolio is evolving as well, from the design of Biggers Market in Wilmington to a sprawling 70-acre multi-home estate in Kingbird, Rocky Point. Innovation and craftsmanship remain at the core of everything we create.
LUXURY
ELEVATING REAL ESTATE RECORD
SALES, NEW VENTURES
The Tongue & Groove Luxury Real Estate team achieved $30 million in sales in 2024, earning recognition as Landmark Sotheby’s International Realty’s Top Agent of the Year and setting new benchmarks in coastal markets with record-breaking sales.
While our foundation remains in high-end luxury homes, we’re expanding into new territory with Anchors Bend Townes, a new construction luxury townhome development.
ANCHORS BEND TOWNES
CRAFTING COASTAL LUXURY
VISIONARY HOMES, UNMATCHED CRAFTSMANSHIP
At Tongue & Groove Design + Build, we create custom homes designed specifically for each client’s lifestyle, blending exceptional architecture, innovative design, and unparalleled craftsmanship. Every residence is thoughtfully planned, expertly built, and tailored to enhance the way you live.
With a commitment to excellence and innovation, our latest homes showcase bold designs, elevated materials, and meticulous attention to detail— delivering residences that are as enduring as they are extraordinary.
LANDFALL
KURE BEACH
HOWE’S CREEK
MASONBORO
TRAIN UAL
We’re fostering consistency, efficiency, and collaboration across all levels of our organization. With Trainual, we are not only elevating our internal processes but also cultivating a culture of continuous learning and growth, ensuring every team member is equipped with the tools to excel and contribute to our shared success.
If someone on your team asks, “How do we [insert thing you do]?” the answer should be, “Did you check Trainual?”
This is the Tongue & Groove Google.
• You’ll be able to learn and apply new skills quickly, making you more efficient and confident on the job.
• As you complete training modules, you’ll unlock new skills that are directly applicable to your role.
• New to a task or tool? Trainual provides step-by-step guides and videos that break things down for you.
• Helping you stay sharp without needing to sit through long classroom sessions.
BUILDING WITH PRECISION
ENSURING STRENGTH AND STABILITY
At Tongue & Groove Design + Build, we’ve incorporated cutting-edge materials like Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL) for stronger, straighter homes. LSL resists warping, ensuring precision in every build. Rick Elliott, Director of Construction,emphasizes its impact: “Everything’s plumb,square, and level, with benchmarks on every wall! Look at these corners— they are perfect!” This innovation enhances durability and craftsmanship, setting a new standard in luxury homebuilding.
ANY FEEDBACK?
Anything else you want us to discuss in these newsletters?
Please send anything you want shared to marketing@tongue-and-groove.com
HOW TO s ON ELEVATED LANGUAGE
ELEVATING OUR COMMUNICATION: HOW WE RESPOND TO KEY SCENARIOS
SCENARIO 1:
Discovery of Wood Rot / Water Intrusion
OBSERVATION:
“During trim work after a recent storm, our team noticed leaking windows. Upon opening the area, we uncovered significant wood rot.”
ELEVATED RESPONSE:
“Thank you for allowing us to keep a close eye on your home’s integrity. During a recent storm, our team identified signs of water intrusion and, upon further inspection, discovered hidden wood rot behind the window framing. This type of damage often occurs over time and is not immediately visible.
We’ve halted work in this area and recommend conducting a full assessment to understand the extent of the issue. Once complete, we’ll provide options for remediation and waterproofing to ensure long-term durability. We’re here to guide you through next steps with transparency and care.”
SCENARIO 2:
Homeowner Concern About a Billing Item
COMPLAINT:
“This charge wasn’t supposed to be on our bill. Please remove it.”
ELEVATED RESPONSE — IF THE CHARGE WAS IN ERROR:
“Thank you for bringing this to our attention. After reviewing the billing with our accounting team, we’ve confirmed the charge was included in error. It has been removed, and we’ll provide an updated invoice promptly. We appreciate your diligence and apologize for the oversight.”
ELEVATED RESPONSE — IF THE CHARGE IS VALID:
“We appreciate your inquiry and understand the importance of billing transparency. After a full review, we can confirm the charge aligns with the approved scope of work—specifically related to [insert brief description]. If helpful, our accounting team would be happy to provide a full breakdown or discuss it with you directly. Our goal is always to keep you fully informed and confident throughout your project.”
STAYING ON THE CUTTING EDGE
This year, our construction team attended the NAHB International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, gaining firsthand insight into the latest building and design trends and connecting with industry-leading vendors. Pictured in front of the 2025 New American Home, the team explored cutting-edge innovations that elevate our craft. Experiences like these ensure we continue delivering the most advanced, high-quality homes for our clients.
NEW EMPLOYEES
Ryan Moore | Estate Executive
Taylor Towery | Accounting Manager
James Rankin | Lead Carpenter
Dru Paspuletti | Carpenter
Kayliana Hudson | Senior Staff Accountant
David Tisdale | Foreman
Jesus Reyes Marquez | Carpenter
Luis Reyes Marquez | Carpenter
Jalayna Haug | Office Manager & HR
Nathan Martin | Foreman
A TIMELESS TRIBUTE TO SHANDY HALL
This impressionist-style painting by Clyde Edgerton beautifully captures Shandy Hall, a historic estate we meticulously rebuilt over three years, completing the project this time last year. Nestled beneath a 300-year-old live oak, the home’s storied past dates back to 1737, evolving through centuries of history,fire, and rebirth. Rather than simply rebuild, we honored its legacy—preserving authentic elements while recreating the original architecture with modern materials built to stand another 300 years. Commissioned by Mark Batson as a gift to the owner, this painting serves as a timeless tribute to a home where history and craftsmanship converge.
NEW VENDOR PARTNERSHIPS TO
KNOW ABOUT:
+ Hollingsworth Cabinets at the Zander Residence.
+ Devechio Electric starting at Simons
FUN FACTS:
We are starting to do roofs on our own. Shout out to Nathan Eisenhauer for his help at 6336 Greenville Sound Road and the metal roof he handled for us.
NEW PROJECTS
NEW LOCATION
Property Services and CRAFT will be opening its new location on Falls of Neuse Road in Raleigh, NC this fall.
MATT
METRO STYLE
LANDFALL
GADDY
MODERN WITH JOIST RITE STEEL FRAMING
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH
COMPANY OUTINGS CHRISTMAS PARTY
COMPANY OUTINGS CHRISTMAS PARTY
TELL ME SOMETHIN’ GOOD
Josh Aylett and his wife, Christine, welcome a new baby girl. Bryn Aylett, welcome to the Tongue & Groove Family!
Kayliana Hudson got married to Garrett McCoy last weekend. Congratulations Kayliana!
Anne Bloomquist and her family will be making a big move to the Midwest over the summer as her husband, Brett, accepted a leadership role with the Oklahoma City Comets baseball team.
April 25 : 12-2:00PM
Team BBQ at the office
August 15 : 1-5:00PM
Team Boat Day
THE ANCHORS BEND HUSTLE
Our Property Services Team has been incredible getting everything ready to go for the launch of Anchors Bend Townes. Tongue & Groove Luxury Real Estate will be listing these luxury townhomes for sale. They have added paint, landscaping, gables, signs, ivy wall, and a firepit!
MISSION
Imagine + Build + Live
Imagine with you
Build for you
Live life without regrets
BRAND PROMISE
Never compromise quality or coolness
OUR BELIEFS
Warrior Spirit
Work hard with urgency
Desire to be the best
Make the numbers
Servant’s Heart
Have a humble heart
Follow the Golden Rule
Serve the client
Fun-Loving Attitude
Celebrate successes
Enjoy your work and those you work with Don’t take yourself too seriously
Exceptional Communication
Knowing what to say and what not to say
Receive and give feedback freely
Respond with calm, care, and creativity