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. Before joining Marnie Custom Homes, his stellar work at NV Homes garnered him “Master Builder Society,” “Excellence in Customer Service,” “Construction Quality,” and “Most Outstanding Performance in Production” awards, among others.

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. In his new role, Jon will continue 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 says he loves working at Marnie Custom Homes because of the people. “We are unbelievably fortunate to have the opportunity to build these amazing homes in this beautiful beach town, but the people we work with make this a dream come true. Our clients, our internal team, our extended team of contractors and suppliers, our community – everyone involved in making each build such an unbelievable success is what sets us apart.”

When’s he not working you can find this Division 1 athlete outdoors and doing anything active including surfing, swimming, cycling, hiking, and camping. He lives in Bethany with his wife Carrie and loves coaching their three young 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 construction 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 has two daughters and lives in Georgetown, DE.

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.

As a Project Manager, C.H. supervises all subcontractors, vendors, and trade partners, ensuring timely completion, cost control, organization, and health and safety compliance. He ensures each project adheres to plans, specifications, and local building codes from concept through execution. C.H. loves utilizing his experience to help the team and clients build dream homes and revitalize neighborhoods one custom home at a time.

C.H. was born and raised on the Eastern Shore and 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.

As Project Manager for Marnie Custom Homes, Matt Hammer oversees all aspects of each build, ensuring timely completion and maintaining the high standards expected of a Marnie Custom Home. With four years in the construction industry and a decade in customer service and tech, Matt thrives in his hands-on role, working closely with vendors, subcontractors and our internal team daily. What he likes most about working for MCH is getting to see the final product after months of hard work.

Originally from Ocean City, Maryland, Matt enjoys spending time at the beach, playing guitar, participating in recreational sports, and cherishing moments with his twin boys.

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. He excels at 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.

Celeste injected a dynamic and exhilarating energy into our marketing strategy upon her arrival in 2018. With over two decades of experience in marketing, sales, and PR, her devotion to spotlighting MCH is unwavering. Her passion for MCH shines through when you follow us on social media, where she continually devises fresh and captivating content that presents our homes in an engaging light. In her role, Celeste concentrates on refining our marketing strategy, crafting compelling content, driving website development, executing campaigns, and elevating overall brand awareness to foster cohesion and enhance the MCH brand.

What she enjoys most about working for MCH is showcasing the talent of the MCH team. “I have the greatest job in the world, that I can share these amazing homes and help inspire anyone from ‘the dreamer’ to a potential client.” She loves coming up with new and exciting ways to feature the MCH brand, and her energy and enthusiasm for MCH resonate with our clients.

Some of her favorite activities include playing tennis, watching her children play sports, exercising, and spending time with her three children and husband, Evan.

Sarah brings over 20 years of experience in the design/build field to Marnie Custom Homes, 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 keen interest in Color Therapy, believing that great design can positively influence our subconscious.

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 blend of technical expertise, client-focused approach, and creativity ensures each project is executed with precision and flair. 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 acclaimed work has been featured in top publications like HOME, Traditional Home, Home and Design, Washingtonian, Luxe Home, Custom Builder, Annapolis Home, Better Homes & Gardens, and Kitchen & Bath Design News. She won “50 Innovators of the Year” in 2019 with KBDN. She’s earned recognition with NKBA 1st place awards for Kitchen and Bath projects and served as a brand ambassador for Monogram Appliances.

When she’s not immersed in design, now that they are empty nesters to their 3 boys, Sarah and her husband, Charles can be found enjoying outdoor weekend activities 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 homeowners 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 Longacre brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role as Project Manager at Marnie Custom Homes. 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 hard-working mindset and positive energy to work every day. As Project Manager for Marnie Custom Homes, he is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the build, ensuring everything is completed on time and to the standard that is a Marnie Custom Home.

Tim is passionate about working with homeowners to understand their vision and turn their dreams into reality. He enjoys managing all elements of a project from start to finish, collaborating with contractors every step of the way to ensure the highest quality. 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.

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 young son taking care of their dogs, cats, horse, goats, chickens, and ducks. Matt played lacrosse at Washington College, and he also enjoys hunting and fishing.

As Office Manager, Carrie ensures our customer experience is top-notch. 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 through the construction process and beyond.

Previously, Carrie was the Executive Director at Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce for eight years before taking a hiatus from the professional world to start her family.

“It has been so nice to be back working with this amazing team and assisting in building our clients’ dream beach home.”

Carrie has always been passionate about design and loves taking an active role in the construction process. She can likely be overheard asking her husband Jon, our VP, what they should renovate next in their home.

Fun fact: Carrie played Division I field hockey in college and was Captain in her Junior and Senior years. When she is not in the office, Carrie enjoys hanging out with her three active boys and watching them play sports and music. She has run two marathons and several Bi/Triathlons.

Carrie’s people skills and unwavering commitment to MCH make her an incredible asset to our team.

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. “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 the Purchasing & Estimating Manager in our operations division where he works with our clients to obtain selection choices for various phases of construction and purchases those materials. He meticulously analyzes construction documents and client requests to procure essential materials efficiently and within budget. This key position holds a crucial role in the successful execution of projects, ensuring that the right materials arrive promptly.

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

Passionate about home design, Alexis plays a crucial role as the Design Assistant at Marnie Custom Homes. Alexis brings a unique skill set to our team with a background in finance from the University of Delaware and experience in the Risk Management industry. Her true passion, however, has always been home design—especially coastal homes.

As our Design Assistant, Alexis assists the team in all aspects of home design. Her role involves creative brainstorming, researching trends, and providing support across the Marnie Custom Homes team. Alexis is instrumental in sourcing cost-effective and suitable materials, ensuring they arrive on time and within budget. She plays a key role in the design process for assigned projects, from ordering samples and communicating prices to clients, to researching new products, and managing showroom selections.

Joining Marnie Custom Homes is a dream come true for Alexis, who has long admired the beautiful homes we’ve built. Alexis says “I’m excited to learn the ins and outs of home building and design from some of the most talented individuals in the industry.”

Born and raised in Delaware, Alexis has always deeply loved and appreciated our coastal towns. Growing up, she spent her summers in Rehoboth, and in 2017, her family moved to Bethany full-time. There’s nowhere else she’d rather call home.

Outside of work, you can find Alexis teaching Pilates, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends at the beach with her two dogs Dewey (a Golden Doodle) and Piper (a Golden Retriever).

For over 30 years, Tammy has been a significant leader in the lighting design space. You may know her from her work as General Manager at The Light House of Lewes or her own lighting design business, Lighting by Tammy.

In 2002 Tammy achieved the designation of Certified Lighting Consultant, the highest designation offered by the American Lighting Association. This prestigious certification puts her in an exclusive group of only 182 Certified Lighting Consultants in the country and one of two in the state of Delaware.

Now, as an essential member of our design team, Tammy is passionate about helping our clients find beautiful solutions that infuse the Marnie vision into every one of our homes. She collaborates with our clients, making the exciting process of selecting materials for different construction phases feel like an enjoyable journey.

Tammy’s superpower is her ability to narrow options from an overwhelming abyss to a perfectly tailored sample collection that reflects the homeowner’s personality. She works with Marnie to make good on the promise that each home is unique and perfectly tailored to the homeowner.

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!”

Tammy is a Sussex County native and grew up in the small town of Slaughter Beach, Delaware. As a born and bred beach lover, Tammy enjoys going to the beach, swimming, reading, dancing and roller skating.

Gray Venables, our Senior Project Manager, brings extensive experience and a meticulous approach to all aspects of construction, from setting deadlines to assigning responsibilities and monitoring progress. His exceptional ability to develop strong working relationships with subcontractors, inspectors, and other stakeholders ensures our homes are built on time, within scope, and on budget.

Gray has an unwavering commitment to excellence, a growth-oriented mindset, and creative problem-solving abilities. His personal integrity and impressive leadership skills are evident in his kindness, diligence, and remarkable ability to find compromises in conflicts. Throughout his time at MCH, Gray has successfully completed some of our most challenging projects within specified budgets and schedules, maintaining an excellent level of client satisfaction. He has earned the respect of subcontractors and vendors, enabling smoother operations and collaboration. His leadership qualities shine through his resilience, trustworthiness, and ability to empower others. Recently, he won the prestigious Pro Builder’s 40 Under 40 Award, a recognition of his leadership and excellence in the construction industry.

In his role as Senior Project Manager, Gray assists the Director of Construction by managing project schedules, ensuring quality control, and coordinating subcontractor work. He reviews and analyzes plans, facilitates bidding and negotiations, and oversees all aspects of construction due diligence. Gray also focuses on implementing site-specific safety plans, maintaining key vendor relationships, and identifying improvements to enhance the customer experience. His dedication to training and supporting Project Managers ensures that Marnie Custom Homes continues to exceed industry standards and deliver exceptional custom homes.

With deep roots in Delaware, Gray’s interest in construction was sparked by his family’s large commercial construction company in Delmarva. Growing up, he worked as a lifeguard in Bethany Beach, and he’s thrilled to build in the area where he grew up. Outside of work, Gray enjoys spending time at the beach, camping, hiking, and working on DIY projects around his waterfront house in Bethel, DE, where he lives with his wife, Kara, their two young children, and two dogs.