Building with Design in Mind

• 2022 & 2021 Custom Home Builder of the Year finalist by the National Association of Home Builders
• 2022 & 2021 Woman of the Year finalist by the National Association of Home Builders
• Designer of the Year, 2020 Regal Award: Home Builders Association of Delaware
• Designer of the Year, 2019 Regal Award: Home Builders Association of Delaware
• Entrepreneur of the year, 2013 Gold Stevie® Award for Women in Business
• Professional Builder Magazine “40 under 40”
• Advisory Member, Del Tech Community College AET and CMT Program
• National Spokesperson for 84 Lumber’s “We Build American” Campaign
• Girl’s Inc., Strong, Smart Bold Award
• Young Entrepreneur Collective (YEC): World’s Most Successful Entrepreneurs 40 and Younger
• Member, Board of Advisors for The Center of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at The Fuqua School of Business at Duke University

Jon has over 20 years in the home building industry and has an unbelievable work ethic and ability to lead by example. Jon sets the bar high for everyone on our team, including himself. He listens deeply, seeks to understand others’ perspectives, and inspires a growth mindset across the company.

Before joining Marnie Custom Homes, Jon spent over a decade with NV Homes, where his exceptional performance earned him numerous honors, including the “Master Builder Society,” “Excellence in Customer Service,” “Construction Quality,” and “Most Outstanding Performance in Production” awards.

But let’s back up. In 2014, Jon started as our Project Manager, ensuring that all aspects of Marnie Custom Homes are innovative, quality-focused, and customer-oriented. He then moved into his role as Vice President, where he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the entire company and implemented our vision, policies, and goals. He is responsible for all facets of the company’s accounting and finance functions and oversees the rest of the team. We like to call him the glue that binds our team together.

In 2024 with over a decade of dedicated service at Marnie Custom Homes, Jon was promoted to Co-Owner. Today, Jon continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s future trajectory. His expertise, dedication to excellence, and passion for building extraordinary homes have been instrumental in the company’s success.

Jon often says his favorite part of Marnie Custom Homes is the people: “We’re unbelievably fortunate to build these amazing homes in this beautiful beach town, but it’s our people who make this a dream come true. Our clients, our internal team, our extended team of contractors and suppliers, our community, and everyone who plays a role in making each build such a success.”

Fun Fact: Jon played Division 1 football at Ohio University alongside our Director of Operations, Stan. Outside of work, you can find Jon outdoors and doing anything active, including surfing, swimming, cycling, hiking, and camping. He lives in Frankford with his wife Carrie and loves coaching their three sons in baseball and soccer. Go Indians!

Stan joined MCH in 2018 with over 13 years of home-building experience working for NV Homes.  There he served in such roles as Project Manager, Warranty Manager, and Production Manager and brings to bear this knowledge of all aspects of the business for our clients.  Stan is responsible for operations which include formulating strategy, improving performance, procuring materials and resources, and securing compliance. He makes sure our day-to-day operations run like a well-oiled machine.

What he enjoys most about his job and MCH is the team-family atmosphere. “It is undeniable that we share the same passion for working hard every day to make our clients’ dream beach homes come to life.  I appreciate the autonomy of my position and how that affords me the ability to be creative with design and troubleshoot complex construction concerns.  Each home I work on is truly unique and this creates a pride factor that makes it enjoyable to come to work every day.”

Stan, a former Division 1 Linebacker, lives in Bethany with his wife Andrea, and is the proud father of three boys.  In his free time, he enjoys fishing, coaching sports, and being outdoors.

Dustin was Marnie’s very first team member. He worked alongside her and has extensive, hands-on knowledge of building custom homes the Marnie way!

Beginning as a Project Manager, Dustin’s stellar performance and unwavering commitment to precision propelled him through the ranks, culminating in his appointment as Senior Project Manager. In 2022, his remarkable contributions earned him well-deserved recognition as a rising star in the home building sector, resulting in the prestigious Pro Builder’s Forty Under 40 Class of 2022 award, a highly esteemed accolade within the industry.

Now, as the Director of Construction, Dustin manages all MCH Project Managers and ensures each home is built on budget, on time, and meets the highest possible standard.

When asked what he likes most about his job, he says he enjoys seeing new ideas with every project. “Marnie’s design and vision are amazing. There are always new and unique features in every home, and I’m excited to help bring her ideas to life.”

Dustin is a long-time Sussex County resident who enjoys fishing, boating with his family, hunting, golfing, and anything outside. He lives in Bethany Beach with his two daughters.

Candace Britt brings more than 17 years of accounting expertise to Marnie Custom Homes, with experience that ranges from large CPA firms to hands-on financial management in land development and general contracting.

At MCH, Candace is the steady hand behind every build, keeping budgets on track, reviewing blueprints and take-offs, and ensuring vendors, licenses, and insurance documents are all up to date. She’s just as comfortable breaking down numbers as she is walking clients through proposals, always taking the time to make sure homeowners feel informed, confident, and supported every step of the way.

Candace also plays an essential role in connecting our clients, project managers, and trades. Whether she’s aligning budgets with design choices, onboarding new partners, or assisting with payroll and HR, her goal is to make every project run as smoothly as possible while keeping the experience positive and stress-free for our clients.

Fun fact: Candace is an accomplished endurance athlete who has completed Ironman triathlons, including the grueling 144.6-mile race and multiple marathons, with an impressive personal best of 3:31:14. She’s also a volunteer firefighter and graduate of Delaware State Fire School, where she earned both the Sussex County Leadership Award and the Director’s Award.

Originally from West Virginia and a Delaware resident since 2019, she’s a proud military spouse and mom of two athletic kids, Hayley and Jace.

A third-generation builder with 35 years in the home building field and 30 years of management experience, C.H. brings an unparalleled depth of knowledge and expertise to Marnie Custom Homes. Over his career, he has built more than 4,000 homes, specializing in luxury and custom residences.

He began his career as a carpenter’s helper and has gained experience in every aspect of the building process, eventually rising to the position of Assistant Vice President at Toll Brothers where he spent 18 years and was awarded Construction Manager of the Year, Project Manager of the Year, Sr. Project Manager of the Year, and Community of the Year.

C.H.’s extensive experience spans all phases of home building and development. He has secured and developed lots, built and managed home construction, owned and managed a construction company, and built restaurants and shopping centers in the Ocean City and Rehoboth Beach areas. Notably, he helped develop and manage Dominion Valley Country Club, a luxury master-planned golf community with 3,429 homes.

C.H. loves utilizing his experience to help the team, and now as Senior Project Manager, he supports Project Managers, reviews and analyzes plans, facilitates bidding and negotiations, and oversees all aspects of construction due diligence. He also focuses on implementing site-specific safety plans, maintaining key vendor relationships, and identifying improvements to enhance the customer experience.

Born and raised on the Eastern Shore, C.H. even has a street named after him in his hometown in recognition of his efforts to revitalize the local Little League baseball program and facilities. He enjoys spending his free time on his boat with family and friends, attending concerts and shows, and indulging in his passion for classic cars. He is a proud family man with a wonderful wife, Cindy, and two successful sons, Brandon and Jacob.

Jeff Helke brings over 40 years of construction experience to Marnie Custom Homes, with a deep-rooted expertise in framing and structural design. Before joining our team, Jeff worked with Garth Enterprises, where he started in 2012. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in over 50 Marnie Custom Homes builds, often as the supervisor for framing and structural steel. His extensive history with our projects means he knows Marnie Custom Homes inside and out, making him an invaluable addition to our team.

As a Project Manager, Jeff applies his framing-first approach to ensure every build is seamless from start to finish. His superpower is interpreting architectural and structural plans, meticulously verifying details to eliminate potential obstacles before construction begins. With proficiency in AutoCAD LT, Jeff uses drafting to refine and resolve design details, ensuring our custom homes meet the highest standards. His hands-on experience and technical expertise make him a key player in delivering the precision and craftsmanship Marnie Custom Homes is known for.

Outside of work, Jeff enjoys the coastal lifestyle, living just two miles from the ocean in Bethany Beach. He spends his weekends maintaining his historic home, gardening, and occasionally fishing. A self-proclaimed “Bird Nerd,” he also loves taking refreshing ocean swims, especially in rough surf and cold water. If you spot someone braving the waves in late fall, it might just be Jeff, embodying his adventurous and dedicated spirit both on and off the job.

Every team needs a good hype person, and that’s exactly what Celeste brings to Marnie Custom Homes. Her energy, creativity, and genuine love for the brand infuse everything she touches.

In 2025, she was named Marketing Director of the Year at the 2025 Regal Awards by the Home Builders Association of Delaware. A well-deserved recognition of the creativity, vision, and energy she brings to Marnie Custom Homes every day.

Since joining the team in 2018, Celeste has infused MCH with fresh ideas and vibrant momentum. With more than two decades of experience in marketing, sales, and public relations, she leads with purpose and personality.  As Marketing Director, Celeste runs our social media channels and website, coordinates photo shoots and editorial features, and is always finding ways to develop partnerships that showcase our brand. Her work brings authenticity, warmth, and excitement to every aspect of our marketing.

As our resident cheerleader, she celebrates every success and finds joy in telling the MCH story. She continues to grow our social media and has a knack for making our clients, followers, and the community feel connected to our homes and our team. (Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook)!

Celeste has also witnessed the company’s incredible transformation firsthand. From Marnie’s early days of hustling to win bids to becoming the go-to builder in Bethany Beach. She’s endlessly proud to play a part in that journey and of everything the team has accomplished together.

Outside of work, Celeste enjoys playing tennis, cheering on her kids at their games, working out, and spending time with her husband, Evan, and their three children.

Fun fact: In 2005, Celeste appeared on The Price is Right with Bob Barker and won the Showcase Showdown!

Sarah brings over 20 years of experience in the design+build field to us, driven by a lifelong passion for historical preservation cultivated during her upbringing overseas. With a degree in Interior Design from Kansas State University, she specializes in custom millwork and has a special interest in Color Therapy, believing that great design can impact how we feel every day.

Having collaborated closely with Marnie and our team for many years while working at Jennifer Gilmer Kitchens & Bath, Sarah joined us in 2024 as Lead Designer. Her main duty is meeting with clients to design selections, offering creative solutions, researching trends, and providing professional advice and support. In collaboration with Marnie, she oversees the creation of kitchens, pantries, bars, built-ins, and more. Her technical expertise and creativity ensure each project is executed with precision and a lot of heart. She ensures cost-effective and appropriate materials arrive on time and within budget, working closely with Marnie, the Operations Manager, and Project Managers.

Sarah’s work has been featured in publications like HOME, Traditional Home, Washingtonian, Luxe Home, Annapolis Home, and Better Homes & Gardens, and she’s picked up awards like KBDN’s “50 Innovators of the Year” and NKBA 1st Place for both Kitchen and Bath projects. She’s also served as a brand ambassador for Monogram Appliances and truly lives and breathes the world of design.

When she isn’t dreaming up new spaces, Sarah and her husband Charles are making the most of their weekends as empty nesters, out exploring with their dog Dexter.

Fun Fact: Sarah was born in Sweden and speaks Swedish. If she won the lottery, you would find her at the lake with fifty rescue dogs tending to her extensive gardens.

Meet Jeff Kirby, a seasoned professional in the construction industry with almost 30 years of experience. Jeff thrives on the challenges custom home building presents on a daily basis, relishing the opportunity to solve problems and find solutions.

Born and raised in Michigan, Jeff spent almost 25 years working in New York City. He holds a bachelor’s degree in real estate with a focus on Construction Management from NYU, as well as a certificate in Construction Management from Columbia University. With his combination of midwestern work ethic and “New York minute” sense of urgency, Jeff is a force to be reckoned with in the industry.

Having extensive experience, he has constructed a diverse range of projects, including custom homes, multi-family residential buildings, a dental college, corporate office interiors, elevators, and cooling towers for both residential and commercial buildings throughout New York City.

Jeff is responsible for overseeing all aspects of our builds, working with our team, architect, subcontractors, and our clients to ensure the design is executed flawlessly and on time. He is in constant communication with our homeowner,s and his unique background is what sets him apart.

When asked what Jeff enjoys the most about working for MCH, he appreciates our team mentality and the sense of camaraderie and teamwork that permeates the MCH culture. “There is a true ‘team’ mentality in the company’s culture. We are truly all in this together.”

Outside of work, you can find Jeff pursuing his love of fishing in the surf or in his kayak. Jeff is also a devoted family man, happily married with one daughter and two grown stepchildren.

Tim brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role as Project Manager. Starting his career with NVR in 2015, Tim has built over 250 homes, showcasing his expertise and commitment to excellence. His outstanding work has earned him the Distinguished Builder Award and the Brand Promise Award. In 2020, Tim further solidified his credentials by earning his Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Tim is known for bringing a hardworking mindset and a calm presence to every job site. He makes sure every build runs smoothly, coordinating with contractors and ensuring every deadline and standard is met. He is the kind of steady hand you want overseeing your home.

Tim says, “I’m grateful to be part of the exceptional team at Marnie Custom Homes, dedicated to building timeless homes where families will create their best memories.”

Originally from Ambler, PA, Tim now calls Rehoboth Beach home. He graduated from the University of Delaware in 2015 and outside of work, he is an avid traveler, having spent time exploring Asia and Europe. He loves being outdoors, whether playing sports, hiking, or relaxing on the beach.

Brian grew up in northern Delaware with craftsmanship in his DNA, as his grandfather was a master carpenter who helped build St. Jude’s Church in Lewes back in the 70s. A gifted artist from a young age, he studied Art at the University of Delaware before uncovering his true passion: construction and design. 

For nearly 20 years, he’s been building in coastal Delaware, bringing a mix of hands-on experience and management know-how to every project. Brian has run his own construction company, led teams through complex builds, and mastered everything from blueprint to completion.  He’s passionate about building science, energy efficiency, and cutting-edge technology. He continually seeks ways to improve the comfort, sustainability, and overall performance of the homes he builds.

Outside of work, he’s an outdoor enthusiast and wellness advocate who loves biking, woodworking, and time with his family.

Fun Fact: Brian shares his passion for the trades on his YouTube channel, sharing entertaining, start-to-finish project videos to inspire others to pursue careers in construction.

Matt brings a unique skill set to the Marnie Custom Homes Team.

As a graduate of Washington College with a BA in Environmental Studies, Matt went on to work for a geotechnical engineering firm. He is a trained geotechnical project manager with extensive experience evaluating subsurface conditions to provide critical information about the soil and sand our homes are built on. His unique skillset allows him to evaluate potential site limitations and anticipate construction challenges. His ability to mitigate possible site problems makes him an incredible asset to our team.

As a Project Manager, Matt manages job sites from permit application to completion and guides our clients through the many decisions required during a custom home build. As a previous subcontractor, he also understands the value of quality communication between the subcontractors, vendors, MCH, and our clients, making communication a top priority. His favorite part of the home-building process is getting to work with all the trades involved and problem-solving challenges that can arise when building a custom home.

Off the job site you can find Matt on his farm in Milton, DE, with his wife Sammie and their two young children, taking care of their dogs, cats, horse, goats, chickens, and ducks. Matt played lacrosse at Washington College, and he also enjoys hunting and fishing.

Born and raised in Frederick, Maryland, Hunter has been around construction his whole life, starting out as a kid helping his dad, a painter, before turning his passion into a full-time career. With more than 15 years of hands-on experience and the last six spent managing large-scale government projects at places like the Pentagon, the Naval Academy, and the Kennedy Center, Hunter brings a deep understanding of quality, attention to detail, and teamwork to every job.

What he loves most about construction is the problem-solving. “The creative process of finding solutions in real time, collaborating with the team, and watching months of planning turn into something tangible.” Joining Marnie Custom Homes gives him the chance to do what he loves most: build homes he can truly take pride in while sharing in the excitement of clients as their dream homes come to life.

Outside of work, Hunter enjoys fishing, hunting, traveling, and spending time with his family and dog, Boomer. He’s explored everything from the French Alps to Morocco and recently relocated to Berlin, Maryland, where he’s thrilled to trade the city skyline for ocean views.

With more than 35 years in the building world, Keith O’Grady has pretty much seen it all and fixed it all. He started out in commercial electrical work, ran his own contracting company for over a decade, and now brings that deep well of experience to Marnie Custom Homes. Around here, Keith’s the go-to guy when something unexpected comes up on a jobsite (and let’s be honest, it always does). Problem-solving is his thing, and he’s never happier than when he’s rolling up his sleeves to find the right fix.

Keith says his favorite part of working at MCH is building dream homes in the beach communities he loves. He thrives on the team’s supportive, family-like atmosphere and takes pride in turning blueprints into homes where memories are made.

Clients know they’re in good hands with Keith’s steady leadership and sharp attention to detail on every project.

When he’s not on a jobsite, Keith’s all about enjoying coastal life: kayaking, spending time at the beach, or hanging out with his family.

Married for more than 34 years, he’s a proud dad of five and a grandfather of six who keep him laughing and on his toes. As a first-generation Irish American, Keith brings heart, humor, and a strong work ethic to everything he does, making him making him someone who embodies the dedication and quality Marnie Custom Homes is known for.

Every team needs someone who sees the world a little differently. That’s Josh! He’s all heart, endless creativity, and a mind that’s always imagining what’s next. Josh actually began his career in medicine before following his love for design in 2016. We’re so glad he trusted his instincts and found his way to us! He was part of our Marnie Custom Homes family long before joining us in-house, lending his talent as an external architect on some of our favorite projects.

Now that Josh is officially on board, every build benefits from his creativity and design expertise. His superpower lies in creating stunning 3D renderings and immersive virtual reality walkthroughs that let you explore your future home before construction even begins. This innovative technology, unique to Marnie Custom Homes allows clients to “walk through” their home in real time, ensuring every finish, built-in, and detail is exactly as they envisioned. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that sets us apart, making the design process interactive, high-tech, and truly fun.

From tile layouts to ceiling designs and built-ins, Josh is right beside our clients, turning wish lists into reality. He’s constantly collaborating with our project managers, making sure what we sketch and dream actually comes to life on-site. Nothing gets past his eye for detail.

Fun fact: Outside of work, Josh designs video games and is making up for lost time at the beach. His first swim in the ocean was when he moved here to join MCH. Outside of work, you’ll usually find him cooking, biking, or hanging out with his trio of lovable pomskys.

If you need something done around the office, Carrie’s the one you want. As Office Manager, she’s the heartbeat of our day-to-day operations, making sure the wheels turn smoothly for our team and our clients. Her degree in Organizational Communication helps her streamline internal processes and facilitate the endless flow of documents, schedules, and invoices so that our clients are always in sync with the MCH team. Thanks to her, our clients always feel connected and cared for throughout the entire construction process and beyond.

Before joining MCH, Carrie spent eight years as Executive Director at the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce, then took a break from the professional world to focus on her growing family. Trust us, she knows everyone in Bethany. She’s always been passionate about design and loves being hands-on in the construction process. She can often be heard asking her husband, Jon (our VP) what project they should tackle next at home.

Carrie’s been part of the MCH journey from the start and is dedicated to the success of our team and clients. As she puts it, “At MCH, it’s all about going the extra mile, for our clients, our team, and the incredible homes we get to build together.”

Fun fact: Carrie played Division I field hockey in college and was captain both junior and senior years. She coaches girls’ field hockey at Indian River High School and helped launch Selbyville Middle School’s first-ever lacrosse program.

When she’s not in the office, you’ll usually find her cheering on her three boys at their sporting events. She’s also run two marathons and several biathlons and triathlons. Carrie’s people skills and can-do spirit make her an essential part of the MCH family.

Tim has worked in construction for most of his life, starting on the Jersey shore, where his family ran a custom home-building company. It must be destiny that he is now building custom beach homes in Bethany. He brings a wealth of knowledge to our team with over 30 years of construction experience.

After graduating from the University of Delaware with a degree in Business Administration, Tim went straight into the construction industry, launching his career as a carpenter working on custom homes. There, he found a passion for homebuilding, which led him to take a leap of faith and start his own construction company Black Dog Construction, which he owned for 14 years in Newark, DE.

In 2019, he and his wife moved to the beach, which led him to Marnie Custom Homes, where he began as a Project Manager and later as Purchasing & Estimating Manager. “Custom homes are where my heart is.  I love building things that no one has seen before, or others say cannot be done. I love watching our clients’ excitement build as their new home becomes a reality.”

Tim has transitioned into a new role as Senior Design Manager in our operations division, where he oversees the entire design process, ensuring every detail meets MCH’s standards. He guides homeowners through each phase of design, clearly communicating decisions and progress. Tim also performs quality assurance checks, reviewing deliverables and conducting on-site field walks to verify proper installation and material use.

Tim is an avid biker (especially mountain biking) and has completed over 100+ mile bike rides. Fun fact: Tim is a drummer and toured with his band around Europe in his 20s. He lives in Rehoboth with his wife, Debbie, and has two adult daughters, Camille and Abby. You can catch Tim spending time with them on the beach or somewhere on the water.

Tammy Thomas was honored with the 2025 Regal Award for Selections Coordinator of the Year by the Home Builders Association of Delaware, a well-deserved recognition for her exceptional work and dedication to the craft.

With over 30 years of experience, Tammy is a respected leader in the lighting design space. You may know her from her time as General Manager at The Light House of Lewes or through her own lighting design business, Lighting by Tammy.

In 2002, she achieved the designation of Certified Lighting Consultant, the highest certification offered by the American Lighting Association. This elite status places her among just 182 Certified Lighting Consultants in the country — and one of only two in the state of Delaware.

Now, as an essential member of our design team, Tammy brings her extensive knowledge and impeccable eye for design to every Marnie Custom Home. She works closely with clients throughout the construction process, helping them choose materials that reflect both their personality and the signature Marnie style.

Her superpower? Taking a sea of overwhelming options and narrowing them down to a curated, cohesive selection that feels just right for each homeowner. She partners with Marnie to ensure that every home we build is unique, thoughtful, and tailored to the people who will live in it.

In her words:
“I love the environment at MCH and how everyone cares deeply and contributes to the common goal of making the beach house dream come true. They treat customers like family, and working with Marnie is inspiring! She has this positive energy that makes you want to do your best and makes you feel like you are a part of something special. I feel like I’ve won the job lottery!”

A Sussex County native, Tammy grew up in the small town of Slaughter Beach, Delaware. A true beach lover at heart, she enjoys swimming, reading, dancing, roller skating, and, of course, soaking up the sun by the shore.

Chris Tyre brings decades of hands-on experience and leadership in the building industry to his role at Marnie Custom Homes. He got his start at 16 years old, working for a builder, and from there gained expertise across nearly every corner of construction. From reviewing plans and turning them into detailed material lists to running his own successful construction company for more than 20 years. Prior to joining Marnie Custom Homes, he built his expertise with DSM Commercial and later with Garrison Homes before making the leap to join our team.

Chris thrives on the details, from coordinating trades to ensuring projects run smoothly. For our clients, he ensures that when you step into your new home, it feels like the dream you’ve always imagined, only better. What he loves most about his work is seeing dream homes come to life, and he says joining Marnie Custom Homes has been a highlight of his career, thanks to the support and collaboration of the team.

Fun Fact: outside of work, Chris has a lifelong passion for music. He’s owned and operated C.A. Tyre Entertainment for more than 36 years as a DJ. He also loves to cook, especially smoking food on his Recteq smoker at home or at his camper in Fenwick. Family is central to Chris’s life; he’s married, with a professional daughter and two stepsons.

When it comes to design, Alexis is our secret weapon. She has a way of seeing what’s next in the design world and making sure our homes are ahead of the curve. As our Design Assistant, Alexis brings a rare combo of creativity and organization, thanks to her background in finance from the University of Delaware and her experience in Risk Management. But her true passion has always been home design, and she always said she would work for us one day. Joining our team is a dream come true for Alexis as she’s admired our homes for years, and now she’s in the thick of it, collaborating, brainstorming, and bringing her creativity to every build.

She’s instrumental in creating mood boards, finding fresh design inspiration, and works hand in hand with our Lead Designer Sarah and Marnie to pull together every detail. “I love being part of the ins and outs of home building and design, working alongside some of the most talented people in the industry,” she says.

Whether she’s researching trends, sourcing new materials, or helping us find just the right look for each space, Alexis is always a few steps ahead. She’s a pro at locating high-quality, cost-effective materials and keeping everything on track, from ordering samples to managing showroom selections and communicating options to clients.

Born and raised in Delaware, Alexis has always felt at home in coastal Delaware. Summers in Rehoboth were a family tradition, and since 2017, Bethany has become her full-time escape. There’s nowhere else she’d rather be!

When she’s not busy thinking up fresh ideas with the design team, you’ll find Alexis teaching Pilates, traveling, or enjoying beach time with family, friends, and her two pups, Dewey (Golden Doodle) and Piper (Golden Retriever).

Gray Venables, our Senior Project Manager, brings years of hands-on experience and a sharp eye for detail to every stage of the construction process. From setting deadlines and coordinating subcontractors to keeping projects on track and within budget, Gray ensures that every home is built to the Marnie Custom Homes standard.

Known for his calm leadership and collaborative spirit, Gray builds strong relationships with everyone involved: clients, inspectors, vendors, and subcontractors alike. He’s a problem solver at heart, someone who approaches every challenge with creativity, integrity, and a focus on finding solutions that work for everyone. His ability to lead with fairness and empathy has earned him deep respect across the industry.

Since joining Marnie Custom Homes, Gray has managed some of our most complex builds, consistently delivering exceptional results and top-tier client satisfaction. His leadership and commitment to excellence were recently recognized with Pro Builder’s “40 Under 40” Award, honoring his impact and innovation in the homebuilding industry.

In his role, Gray supports the Director of Construction by overseeing schedules, ensuring quality control, and coordinating all subcontractor work. He’s deeply involved in reviewing plans, managing bids, and driving improvements that elevate the client experience. He’s also passionate about mentoring project managers and ensuring the entire team continues to grow and exceed expectations.

Gray has deep roots in Delaware. His family owned a large commercial construction company in Delmarva for many years, which sparked his interest in working in the construction field. He’s proud to now build custom homes in the same community where he once worked as a Bethany Beach lifeguard.

Outside of work, Gray enjoys life on the water with his wife, Kara, their three kids, and two dogs. Whether it’s beach days, camping trips, or working on his latest DIY project at their home in Bethel.

Fun fact: Gray is the middle child of seven and there are two roads in Sussex county named after his family – Venables Drive and Swain Rd.