Draft – Who We Are - Solstice Builders

At Solstice Builders you're more than a client; you're family.

Meet Our Team

Cliff Pender – Owner/President

Cliff has over 20 years of construction experience, beginning his career as an apprentice carpenter and quickly advancing through the ranks of skill and leadership to superintendent. In particular, he was fortunate to work with a tremendously talented New England craftsman. They built almost every facet of their houses from framing, custom millwork, siding, and flooring to built-ins and cabinets. This hands-on background coupled with a degree in Business Administration from UNC Chapel Hill gave him a great foundation to start Solstice Builders and to specialize in high-end custom homes and renovations. With a passion for building sciences and sustainable building, he has attained multiple certifications and is a strong advocate of continuing education. He is personally involved in every project and stays in constant communication with his clients.

Michelle Sims – Office Manager

Michelle has been with us almost since the beginning and is an integral part of our Management Team. She manages all customer and vendor accounts, oversees daily operations and is here to assist you when you call or come by the office with questions.

Erik Bocook – Logistics Coordinator

Erik is a licensed contractor with decades of experience building in SE North Carolina. He holds a Construction Management degree from Morehead State University and is passionate about home design and the construction industry. He works with our clients on project estimation, sales, plan creation and job scheduling.

Matt Lagas-Rivera – Development Services Coordinator

Matt holds a Management degree from UNC Wilmington and has a strong background in industrial and product design. He has worked in our team as a carpenter, and now works in the office handling POA / HOA submissions, permitting, inspections and CAMA permits and approvals.

Carolina Morales – Marketing Coordinator

Carolina is a student of business management and some day hopes to own her own winery. She is in charge of marketing and social media, and loves meeting clients and watching their projects progress.

Adam Frazier – St. James Plantation & Large Project Superintendent

Adam comes from a long line of tradesmen and has been on jobsites since his childhood. He worked in a variety of trades before bringing his strong skill set to our team. Adam enjoys being outdoors and loves building and working with people.

Mike Gulledge – New Construction, Historic Restoration, & Large Project Superintendent

Mike began his career as an independent contractor in the Charlotte area where he worked for 15 years before moving to the Southport area. He has a strong background in structural repairs and home renovations. He loves what he does and working with his clients.

John Hawksby – Bald Head Island Superintendent

John hails from Bristol, England where he developed his strong attention to detail while doing a four year apprenticeship in Industrial Pattern Making with the City and Guilds of London. He brought his skills to the US in 1990 and has been doing fine carpentry and construction ever since. He enjoys triathlon and Stand-up Paddle Boarding in his free time.

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