We laugh a lot around here," Kathy said. "That may be my favorite part about Granite Ridge Builders.
Every company has a beginning, but what truly defines a business is the people who help shape it along the way. For Granite Ridge Builders, that story started with a vision and eight dedicated team members.
Today, more than two decades later, the company has grown from a small family business into one of the region's leading home builders with over 80 employees. While much has changed over the years, the people who have been part of the journey say the heart of Granite Ridge Builders remains the same.
From Humble Beginnings
When Granite Ridge Builders was founded, the company looked very different than it does today. According to longtime team member Kathy, who has been with the company since the beginning, the early days were much smaller.
"We started with eight people and now we have 80-plus, so a lot has changed," she said. "We did a lot of things by hand and had a lot of face-to-face meetings. Technology has changed some of that."
The growth has been remarkable, but for many team members, the relationships formed during those early years are what stand out most.
Kathy worked with Tony before Granite Ridge Builders was established and has spent more than three decades working alongside him. When asked why she has stayed for so long, her answer was simple: "I love the work and the people I work with." That sentiment is echoed throughout the company.
Growing Up Granite Ridge Builders
For some, Granite Ridge Builders wasn't just a workplace, it was part of childhood. Kayla's connection to the company began long before her official start date. Growing up around the office, she spent countless hours helping wherever she could, from making copies to assembling floor plan books. She jokes that years of operating that machine probably contributed to her strong tennis forehand.
"I worked and made copies at Granite Ridge Builders when I was young," she recalled. "When they wanted to make floor plan books, there was this machine that manually cut holes for the binder. Those are my earliest memories."
But Granite Ridge Builders was more than a place to help out after school. It was where she spent time with her parents, got to know employees who would become lifelong friends, and developed a passion for the company that would eventually turn into a career.
Office trips, company golf outings, and afternoons spent waiting for meetings to wrap up became some of her favorite memories. Those experiences helped shape her understanding of what Granite Ridge Builders stood for long before she officially joined the team.
Today, many of the same people she grew up around are still part of the company. "A lot of the people that might not be related are definitely family," Kayla said. "It's awesome to see that many people have a passion for Granite Ridge Builders and are willing to make it a long-term career."
A Culture Built on People
One theme surfaced repeatedly in conversations with longtime employees: culture. Kathy's favorite aspect of Granite Ridge Builders isn't a project or a milestone, it's the people.
"We laugh a lot around here," she said. "That may be my favorite part about Granite Ridge Builders."
She also points to the company's weekly Bible study, which is open to anyone who wishes to attend.
Angie has had a front-row seat to Granite Ridge's evolution. As part of the founding family, she witnessed the company's growth long before joining the team in 2002. After owning a catering company with her husband, Josh, she decided to make the move to Granite Ridge Builders. Even then, the company felt much different than it does today.
"When I started working here 24 years ago, it was a small company and small family business," she said. "Everyone here treated each other like family even if there was no blood relation."
Adapting and Evolving
While the culture has remained consistent, Granite Ridge Builders has continued to evolve alongside homeowners and the industry itself. Over the years, the company has adapted to changing market conditions, shifting design preferences, and new ways of building homes, all while maintaining its commitment to quality and customization. That flexibility has allowed Granite Ridge Builders to continue creating homes that reflect the needs and lifestyles of today's homeowners.
The design process has seen some of the biggest changes. Jenny, a longtime design coordinator, has spent more than 20 years helping homeowners bring their visions to life and has witnessed firsthand how dramatically home design has evolved.
"Building in the last 20-plus years has changed tremendously," she said. "Social media has made the home building industry explode. Sharing ideas and seeing images of how colors and design elements go together has been a game changer."
What was once a world of safer, more traditional selections has evolved into highly personalized homes filled with character and individuality. Homeowners now arrive with inspiration from countless sources, allowing them to explore styles and ideas that weren't as accessible years ago.
To stay ahead of those trends, Granite Ridge Builders regularly attends industry events, design markets, and building shows while continuing to explore new ideas. Homes like The Monaco have become opportunities to showcase innovative designs and demonstrate what's possible when creativity and craftsmanship come together.
Giving Back Along the Way
The impact of Granite Ridge extends beyond the homes it builds. Kathy noted that many people may not realize how philanthropic the company has been throughout its history.
"Granite Ridge Builders is a pretty philanthropic company," she said. "Our leader likes to give back to the community."
One project in particular has stayed with her over the years. Granite Ridge Builders partnered with Fort Wayne Community Schools and Keller Development to build an ADA-accessible home for a young man who suffered a life-changing spinal cord injury after diving into the ocean. The home was provided free of charge. It's the kind of project that demonstrates how homebuilding can make a meaningful difference in someone's life.
Looking Ahead
As Granite Ridge Builders continues to grow, the company remains focused on innovation, education, and creating homes that reflect the dreams of the families who live in them.
Angie believes one of the company's greatest strengths has always been its commitment to learning.
"Tony has always strived to instill a certain level of education in each one of his employees," she said. "Each time I learn something new, I am reminded of the key quality that defines Granite Ridge Builders: education."
She also credits the company's willingness to innovate and explore new ideas as a driving force behind its success.
Looking toward the future, the team is excited about continuing to push the boundaries of design, customization, and architecture. Projects like The Monaco and The Breckenridge Lodge represent opportunities to introduce fresh ideas and inspire homeowners to think differently about what's possible in a home.
More than anything, the team hopes Granite Ridge Builders' legacy will be measured not only by the homes it builds, but by the people it serves. As Jenny put it, "We don't just build houses. We build quality homes that become part of the fabric of our lives."
After more than two decades of growth, innovation, and community impact, that mission continues to guide Granite Ridge Builders forward.
