A Trusted Partner in Your Coastal Legacy

As Co-Owner and Founder of Coastal Cypress, Steve has spent more than a decade shaping the company into one of coastal North Carolina’s premier custom home builders. Since establishing the business in 2012, his vision has remained clear: to build a company defined by exceptional service, enduring craftsmanship, and a genuine commitment to its clients.

True to that vision, Steve chose not to name the company after himself — a decision that reflects his belief that Coastal Cypress should live on long after him. For Steve, it was never about personal recognition, but about creating something lasting: a legacy built on integrity, community, and homes that bring people together.

What began as a small, hands-on operation has grown into a team of experts who share the same passion for excellence. Under Steve’s leadership, Coastal Cypress has refined its processes, elevated its craftsmanship, and expanded its reach — all while staying grounded in the company’s core values of connection, craft, and ingenuity.

For Steve, the greatest reward comes at the end of each project: seeing how a new home transforms a client’s life. His approach to building on the coast is both creative and practical, maximizing views and embracing the unique landscape that makes coastal living so special.

Originally from North Carolina, Steve moved to Wilmington in 1996 and has called it home ever since. As he puts it, “If you grow up in North Carolina, the goal is to make it to the coast” — and he’s been living that dream ever since.

Outside of work, you’ll find Steve on the golf course or spending time with his kids and grandkids. What he loves most about Coastal Cypress is the individuality of each team member and the shared drive for perfection that keeps the company moving forward. Looking ahead, Steve is most excited to see what’s next — continuing to push boundaries, have fun along the way, and build something lasting for the people and place he’s proud to call home.

As Co-Owner of Coastal Cypress, Graham brings more than fifteen years of construction experience and a lifelong passion for craftsmanship to every project.  Born and raised in Wilmington, he’s a fifth-generation local whose family has deep roots in building,  engineering, and real estate — making the coastal landscape more than just where he works, but part of who he is.

Graham began his career in residential construction before spending a decade in commercial work, where he refined his eye for detail and ability to manage large-scale
projects. But his passion for creating homes that feel personal and lasting eventually led
him back to custom residential building.

Long before partnering with Coastal Cypress in 2023, Graham experienced the company from the other side — as a client. The process left a lasting impression and sparked a deep respect for the team’s craftsmanship, communication, and commitment to doing things
differently. That experience inspired him to join the company he already admired, helping to elevate its mission and redefine what the custom homebuilding experience can be.

Driven to defy the typical path of homebuilding, Graham is passionate about developing unique processes and client education that make the journey as enjoyable as the finished home. His approach is rooted in transparency, collaboration, and creativity — ensuring every client feels confident, informed, and excited every step of the way.

What Graham loves most about his work is seeing a home evolve from concept to
completion — and knowing his team’s grit, talent, and attention to detail made it possible.  For him, the best projects are the ones that end with handshakes, laughter, and friendships that last long after move-in day.

Outside of work, you’ll likely find Graham spending time with his family, boating, fishing, or ,playing golf. A true Wilmington native, he takes pride in building homes that celebrate the coastal lifestyle — and in leading a team that works hard, laughs often, and never stops raising the bar.

Kelli joined the Coastal Cypress team in 2016, bringing her strong design intuition,
attention to detail, and passion for architecture to every project she touches. As an Estimating & Design Consultant, she plays a vital role in balancing creativity with practicality — ensuring that each home not only reflects the client’s vision but also comes together seamlessly from both a design and budgeting perspective.

A typical day for Kelli is a busy one — collaborating with teammates, fine-tuning plans, and coordinating with clients to keep projects moving forward. Her favorite part of the process is the design phase, where ideas begin to take shape and come to life. Seeing a vision evolve from concept to construction is what fuels her love for what she does.

Originally from the Boston area, Kelli made her way to Wilmington in 2008 when her
husband’s career brought them south. She quickly fell in love with the area’s coastal charm, small-town feel, and easy access to the ocean — a constant source of inspiration.

When she’s not immersed in design details, you’ll likely find Kelli on the tennis court or
spending time with her family and friends. For her, being part of Coastal Cypress means collaboration, creativity, and connection — having a hand in every stage of the building process and being surrounded by a team that feels like family.

Anah joined the Coastal Cypress team in early 2025, bringing her love for storytelling,
design, and connection to the world of custom home building. With a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Arizona State University and a deep appreciation for construction, she found her dream role — blending creativity and craftsmanship to showcase not just the homes Coastal Cypress builds, but the people who bring them to life.

As Director of Marketing, Anah’s days are spent crafting the company’s voice across every platform — from content creation and community outreach to merchandise and
educational resources for clients. Her goal is simple: to show that Coastal Cypress is more than a builder — it’s a family that truly cares about the people it serves.

Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Anah moved to Wilmington in 2024, chasing her dream of living in a coastal city that felt straight out of a romance novel — charming, timeless, and full of character. She fell in love with its slower pace, friendly community, and the little details that make it feel like home.

When she’s not at work, you’ll usually find Anah reading, spending time with her family, or exploring the coast with her dog. For her, being part of Coastal Cypress means working alongside people who inspire her every day — a team that brings creativity, dedication, and genuine care to everything they build together.

Kelsey joined the Coastal Cypress team in 2025, bringing over fifteen years of experience across commercial, residential, and graphic design. With a Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture + Design from Drexel University, her career has taken her from Philadelphia to Florida to North Carolina — each chapter deepening her understanding of how people live and connect within a space. Her curiosity for how design and construction intersect naturally grew into a passion for custom homebuilding, where creativity meets craftsmanship.

As our Interior Architectural Designer, Kelsey’s days are spent making all things design make sense — from floor plans and millwork details to finish selections and budgets. She ensures every element works together cohesively, both beautiful and functional. Her favorite part of the process is refining layouts that feel effortless to live in and seeing them evolve from paper to a home perfectly tailored to its owners.

Beyond the drafting table, Kelsey is an Allied Member of ASID, serves on the board of the Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association, and is President and Co-Founder of Cape Fear Professional Women in Building (PWB) — empowering women in the industry through mentorship and collaboration.

Originally from Texas, Kelsey found her home in Wilmington in 2017, drawn by its creative energy, small-town warmth, and — if we’re being honest — the charm of a few favorite books turned movie scenes filmed right here. When she’s not designing, you’ll likely find her on the golf course, enjoying the same focus, patience, and precision that fuel her work. For Kelsey, being part of Coastal Cypress means working with a team that values collaboration, innovation, and never settling for “the way it’s always been done.

Richard joined the Coastal Cypress team in 2024, bringing more than sixteen years of
experience in the construction industry and a deep commitment to quality craftsmanship. With a background in electrical work and a career spanning industrial, commercial, and
high-end residential projects, he’s developed a sharp eye for detail and a strong
appreciation for doing things the right way from start to finish.

As Close-Out & Warranty Manager, Richard ensures every home is finished with precision and care before the keys are handed over. His days are spent out in the field, managing punch lists, coordinating with trades, and fine-tuning details to make sure each home meets Coastal Cypress’s high standards of quality. When something needs fixing, he’s often the first to step in — a hands-on approach that reflects both his experience and dedication.

Originally from Westhampton, New York, Richard has also lived and worked in California and New Mexico before making his way to Wilmington. Drawn by the balance of opportunity, community, and coastal lifestyle, he found that Wilmington offered the perfect blend of hard work and easy living — a place where he could build both homes and roots.

When he’s not on a job site, you can usually find Richard outdoors, on the water, or working on a personal project. Whether he’s tinkering with electrical work, helping friends
with builds, or simply staying active, he’s rarely one to sit still. For Richard, being part of the Coastal Cypress family means working alongside people who take pride in their craft and genuinely care about the finished product. It’s about teamwork, respect, and creating homes that homeowners — and the team — can be proud of for years to come.

Juliet joined the Coastal Cypress team in August 2024, bringing organization, creativity, and a love for details to every project she’s part of. As Project Coordinator, no two days look the same — one morning she might be taking notes during a client walk-through, and the next, she’s running permit applications, coordinating company events, or managing special internal projects. Her favorite part of the job is the variety it brings and the many moving pieces that come together to create each home.

A graduate of UNC–Wilmington, Juliet’s roots in the area run deep. After spending several years away, she returned to the coast in 2013 to be closer to family — and to the place that’s always felt like home. She loves working for a local builder that values personal connection and craftsmanship, knowing that every home built reflects the heart of the
Wilmington community.

When she’s not at work, you’ll likely find Juliet on her back porch enjoying the view, listening to a podcast, reading, or spending time with family and friends. For her, being part of the Coastal Cypress family means something new around every corner — and the joy of working alongside people who bring passion, care, and a personal touch to everything they do.

Brandon joined the Coastal Cypress team in 2014, bringing years of hands-on experience and craftsmanship to the heart of every home he helps build. He began his career as an Assistant Superintendent for a custom home builder before working his way up to Lead Carpenter — a journey that reflects his strong work ethic and dedication to his craft.

A typical day for Brandon starts with gas station coffee (his tried-and-true favorite) before jumping into calls, emails, and time on-site. From drills to design details, he’s passionate about the tangible side of homebuilding — creating something real that turns a client’s dream into a place they can call home. For him, that’s the best part of the job.

Originally from the shores of Lake Erie in Ohio, Brandon’s path to Wilmington was anything but ordinary. After meeting his wife in Key West, the two made their way back to her hometown in Syracuse, NY, before heading south again in 2003 when Brandon discovered Cape Fear Community College’s renowned boat-building program. The coastal lifestyle, friendly people, and great weather sealed the deal.

Outside of work, you’ll find Brandon spending time with his wife and two kids — or 20 miles offshore, fishing and soaking in the peace of the open water. For him, being part of Coastal Cypress means more than just building homes; it’s about celebrating the wins, learning from challenges, and continually growing together as a team and family.

Ryan joined the Coastal Cypress team in 2023, bringing years of hands-on experience and a lifelong background in construction. He started his career on a framing crew before moving into project management, where his eye for precision and commitment to quality quickly
set him apart.

As Project Manager, Ryan oversees scheduling, coordinates trade partners, and maintains  strict deadlines — all while ensuring every detail meets Coastal Cypress’s standards for quality. His favorite part of the process is the finish line: handing over the keys to homeowners and knowing the job was done right.

Born and raised in Wilmington, Ryan takes pride in being part of the city’s continued
growth — helping shape the place he’s always called home. When he’s not on a job site, you’ll likely find him at home, spending time with his daughter and family.

For Ryan, being part of Coastal Cypress means more than just building homes; it’s about being part of a family that works together, supports one another, and takes pride in every home they create.

Sam joined the Coastal Cypress team in 2025, bringing hands-on experience and a strong work ethic to every project he’s part of. Starting his career in steel work before moving into renovations, he developed a deep appreciation for quality craftsmanship and the satisfaction of seeing a project come to life from the ground up.

As Assistant Project Manager, Sam supports the Coastal Cypress team and trade partners  throughout each build — ensuring job sites stay organized, communication stays clear, and every detail aligns with the company’s standards of excellence. His favorite part of the process is seeing the finished product come together, knowing he played a role in creating something homeowners will love for years to come.

Born and raised in Wilmington, Sam takes pride in building in the place he’s always called home. For him, there’s nothing better than putting in a hard day’s work and ending it out on the water — surfing, fishing, or simply soaking up the coastal lifestyle that inspires his work.

What Sam values most about Coastal Cypress is its family-oriented culture and strong sense of teamwork. Surrounded by people who take pride in what they do and are always eager to share their knowledge, he’s grateful to grow and learn within a company that feels like home.

Ashley joined the Coastal Cypress team in 2018 and quickly became the backbone of the operation — keeping the numbers straight and the processes smooth. With a background in accounting and a love for problem-solving, she thrives on the structure and precision her role requires. For Ashley, numbers tell the truth — and she’s dedicated to making sure every one of them adds up just right.

As Coastal Cypress’s Accountant, Ashley spends most of her day at her computer, crunching numbers, managing budgets, and ensuring every project moves forward seamlessly. But her role doesn’t stop at spreadsheets — she also coordinates inspections, handles communication with trade partners, and keeps each home on track to pass every milestone with flying colors.

Originally from Sanford, North Carolina, Ashley made her way to Wilmington in 2015 and instantly fell in love with life by the coast. Her favorite time of year is the “local’s summer,” when the beaches quiet down, the ocean feels endless, and everything slows to the perfect
pace.

Outside of work, you can usually find Ashley cheering on the Carolina Panthers or the UNC Tar Heels — often with the same enthusiasm she brings to the office. What she loves most about Coastal Cypress is the people: a team that works hard, laughs often, and feels more like family than coworkers.