Welcome to the Q4 edition of our employee newsletter! We’ve had a highly productive few months and we’re excited to spotlight a few of our rising stars in the Tongue & Groove family. Thank you for your ongoing hard work and dedication as we continue to move forward together.
GET TO KNOW YOUR CO-WORKER
Alex Stortz STAFF ACCOUNTANT
Alex Stortz has been doing a fabulous job here at Tongue & Groove Design + Build. Originally from New Jersey, Alex lived there her entire life until moving to North Carolina to attend the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). She recently graduated in May with a degree in finance and accounting, and her career at T&G began when she joined as an intern in September 2023.
Alex’s favorite part of working at T&G is the amazing people she gets to work with every day, which makes her job incredibly enjoyable. One interesting fact about Alex is that she’s a triplet, a detail that often surprises people.
One of the most exciting projects Alex has worked on so far at T&G has been handling accounting for Property Services, a new and rewarding challenge. Outside of work, Alex loves spending her free time with family, friends, and her two dogs.
Alex is also an avid traveler. Her favorite trip was to Italy this past spring with her family, where she was particularly captivated by the Vatican and the Colosseum in Rome.
We’re thrilled to have Alex on our team and thank you for all of your hard work!
GET TO KNOW YOUR CO-WORKER
Dillon Patel
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER
This quarter, we’re excited to spotlight Dillon, a talented team member at CRAFT whose passion for design and commitment to growth inspire us all. Dillon’s academic journey reflects his dedication to excellence. He holds a Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architecture and a Bachelor of Architecture from NC State University, graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA. He also earned minors in Business Entrepreneurship and Landscape Architecture and was a graduate of the NC State University Scholars Program. His achievements include several prestigious awards, such as the Academic & Design Achievement Awards, the Richard L. Rice & Richard W. Gold Universal Design Award, and the ASLA Student Collaboration Honor Award for his work on the USS North Carolina Battleship Park redevelopment.
A transformative semester abroad in Prague deepened Dillon’s passion for architecture and design, broadening his perspective as he traveled to over 12 cities and immersed himself in diverse cultures.
Since joining CRAFT, Dillon has embraced learning opportunities, contributing to technical drawings, client renderings, and marketing graphics. He finds particular fulfillment in the Smedley project in Topsail, a design he’s been involved with from its inception.
Outside of work, Dillon enjoys fantasy novels, chess, and reflecting on travel adventures, like exploring Copenhagen’s stunning architecture or skiing on the roof of a power plant. Inspired by his recent move to a beach town, he hopes to take up surfing.
GET TO KNOW YOUR CO-WORKER
Eric Glidden SERVICE TECHNICIAN
Eric Glidden has been an invaluable member of the team for Property Services. Eric’s journey has been unique and inspiring. Growing up, he developed a love for tinkering and making, which was further fueled by vocational electives in high school. Though he pursued marine science in college, his passion for creating remained constant, leading him to diverse roles before joining Tongue & Groove.
Eric’s favorite part of working at Tongue & Groove is the strong sense of community, which he finds rare in the construction field. He’s also an adventurous spirit, with hobbies like supertanker surfing on the Cape Fear River during Covid—a thrilling activity combining timing and skill.
In his role, Eric’s days are varied, from maintenance to renovation and new build punch-outs. His perfectionist nature and “pay it forward” mindset drive him to produce top-quality work, ensuring lasting value for clients. To stay sharp, Eric relies on YouTube to learn about new tools and techniques, enhancing his skills as a carpenter and maker.
Outside work, Eric enjoys designing and building custom projects. He and his fiancée Sam are currently converting a Ford Transit for road trips. He’s also refining a hammer-and-nail art technique and adding welding to his skill set. When he’s not creating, Eric loves outdoor activities like trail biking, camping, and surfing.
Looking ahead, Eric aims to use his growing experience at Tongue & Groove to identify opportunities for improvement and growth. We’re thrilled to have him on the team and can’t wait to see his continued contributions!
HIKING IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
KAYAK BUILT IN HIGH SCHOOL BOAT SHOP
HOW TOs ON ELEVATED LANGUAGE
Elevating Our Communication: How We Respond to Key Scenarios
SCENARIO 1: Supplier Quality Issue
OBSERVATION:
I’ve noticed that the quality of materials from one of our suppliers has been inconsistent, which could impact the overall build quality.”
ELEVATED RESPONSE:
“Thank you for highlighting this concern. Ensuring the consistency of our materials is fundamental to upholding the exceptional quality of our homes. Let’s conduct a review of recent deliveries and coordinate with the supplier to resolve this matter. Your diligence helps us maintain our commitment to excellence.”
SCENARIO 2: Homeowner Concerns about Construction Progress
COMPLAINT:
“We feel that the construction progress is slower than expected, and we’re worried about the timeline.”
ELEVATED RESPONSE:
“We appreciate your patience and understand your concerns regarding the timeline. Let’s schedule a meeting to walk through the current status and identify any factors impacting progress. Our priority is to deliver your home on time while ensuring the highest standards of quality. We’ll keep you updated every step of the way.”
SCENARIO 3: Addressing Design Adjustments
OBSERVATION:
“We’ve received feedback that the homeowners would like to make changes to the original design.”
ELEVATED RESPONSE:
“We value homeowner input and are committed to tailoring their home to meet their vision. Let’s discuss the requested changes in detail to ensure they align with the overall project timeline and budget. Together, we’ll find the best path forward to bring their dream home to life.”
12 HOMES SOLD
2 RECORD BREAKING SALES
+ Licensed in North Carolina and Florida
+ International Referral Network
+ Specializing in Luxury Homes and New Construction
$30M+ SALES VOLUME
21 RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS
8 COMMERCIAL PROJECTS
+ Luxury Residential
+ Commercial Design
+ Serving Clients Nationwide
6 DESIGNERS
6 HOMES BUILT
2 NATIONAL AWARDS
+ Six Signature Projects Completed
+ HGTV Designer of the Year
+ Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Kitchen Design Contest Winner
58 FAMILIES EMPLOYED
PROPERTIES MANAGED
8 $210M
PROPERTIES BEING RENOVATED
MANAGEMENT PORTFOLIO
+ Property Maintenance
+ Renovation & Repairs
+ Home Concierge
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
