From Apprentice to Expert

With a carpenter father and job sites as his summer playground, Jeff’s passion for homebuilding started young—at just 14 years old. He spent school breaks, holidays, and any free moment he could find on-site, getting hands-on experience and learning from the best in the business.

After high school, Jeff joined the Carpenter’s Apprenticeship program, where he deepened his knowledge of the trades and worked full-time in carpentry. Eventually, he joined his father’s company, working his way up—from rough and finish carpentry to project management—ultimately becoming a general contractor.

One of Jeff’s most pivotal influences came from an experienced builder named Wayne Svoboda, who once told Jeff’s father that Jeff was an “Ace in a Hole.” That comment stuck. Wayne’s mentorship shaped Jeff’s mindset and work ethic, and Jeff attributes much of his success to that early encouragement.

Lessons That Built a Legacy

Now with over 30 years in the industry, Jeff has scaled quality from small remodels to multimillion-dollar custom homes. But getting there took trial, error, and a shift in perspective.

Was there a moment early in your career that shaped how you approach building or designing today?
 “Early on, when I was just starting out in my career, I was very particular about how I wanted things done. And a lot of times it was my way or the highway. But I learned very quickly that no one wanted to work for me when it was my way. I had to change my focus and rely on my trades, their skills, and their experience to do things the way they like to do it. I had to change my attitude early on, which is a big reason why I am where I am today.”

Jeff learned there are “many ways to skin a cat,” and success meant knowing when—and whom—to trust. By empowering skilled tradespeople to work their way, he freed himself to focus on the bigger picture.

Function First, Beauty Follows

For Jeff, a high-quality home starts with function and is finished with beauty.

“I’ll talk that through with my clients because function is something you do every day; aesthetics is what you look at, and sometimes aesthetics don’t work functionally. Balance is a big part of it, but I would say function trumps aesthetics 9 out of 10 times.”

Through years of experience, Jeff has developed a sharp eye for balancing form and function. His goal is always to deliver a space that not only looks stunning—but lives well, too.

 

Built to Last—And Built to Be There

When asked what advice he’d give his younger self, Jeff doesn’t hesitate:

“Don’t stress the small stuff—even the big stuff! There’s going to be challenges every day. Some are going to be larger, but they always work themselves out.”

That mindset still guides him today. Whether it’s a major issue or a minor hiccup, Jeff is always on-site, ready to solve problems in real time. And that dedication doesn’t end when the keys are handed over.

Jeff builds long-term relationships just as much as he builds homes. “Quality doesn’t clock out at move-in” isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s his promise. He stays connected to his clients and shows up when they need him, no matter how big or small they ask.

As former client Mike Koerner puts it:

“I can attest to Jeff’s commitment to his homeowners. Jeff is there and happy to help long after the build is done. Even the smallest adjustments.”

Ready to Build Your Dream Home?

If you’re looking for a builder who’s hands-on, detail-driven, and deeply committed to bringing your vision to life, Jeff is your guy.

Contact JFK Design Build today to take the first step toward your custom dream home—right where it belongs.